I had a chance to test and compare two models: Bose Solo 5 vs Samsung HW-T550 and this review should help people who are looking for a good soundbar. The Bose Solo 5 was rated 4, while the Samsung HW-T550 has a rating 4.5.
Each of the models under consideration has active amplification type. A noticeable difference is the number of channels that Solo 5 has 2.0 and HW-T550 has 2.1. The built-in subwoofer is not implemented in any of these models. Rate 5 out of 10 received the Bose Solo 5 for audio features and specs, but the Samsung HW-T550 received 6 out of 10.
Soundbars do not have AirPlay support. The units in this comparison do not support Spotify.
Both models do not have a wireless Wi-Fi interface. Soundbars from this comparison have Bluetooth support. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) is implemented only in the HW-T550. We rated the connectivity of the Solo 5 at 3 out of 10, while the HW-T550 was rated 6/10.
The manufacturer of the Solo 5 provides a device control application. Soundbars in this review are not equipped with a microphone. The models under consideration cannot become part of a multiroom system.
Dolby Atmos audio decoder support is not implemented in either the Solo 5 or HW-T550. Devices from this comparison cannot process surround sound due to lack of DTS:X. The Solo 5 was rated 4/10, while the HW-T550 received a mark of 5/10 for multichannel surround.