Bose 732522-5110 vs Dell AC511M
The Bose 732522-5110 and the Dell AC511M are both 2.0-channel soundbars, but the similarity ends there. The Bose retails for $199 and delivers 36 W through Bluetooth, optical, and aux inputs, sized for a living-room TV shelf. The Dell AC511M runs $33.99, draws its 2 W of power entirely from a USB port, and is compact enough to clip beneath a computer monitor. These two products are aimed at completely different rooms and use cases, so the real question is not which sounds better in absolute terms, but which one belongs in your setup. With over 18,000 ratings and a 4.5-star average, the Bose has a deep track record; the Dell sits at 4.2 stars across 3,000 reviews, solid for a desktop accessory at its price.
Quick winner
The Bose 732522-5110 is the clear pick for TV and home theater use; the Dell AC511M wins only for office desks where USB power and small size matter more than audio performance.
Key differences, measured
- The Dell AC511M is 83% cheaper ($33.99 vs $199.00).
- The Bose 732522-5110 is 34 W higher (36 W vs 2 W).
- The Bose 732522-5110 is 2.7 lb heavier (3.7 lb vs 1.0 lb).
- Amazon buyers rate the Bose 732522-5110 0.3 stars higher across 21,200 combined reviews.
Side-by-side specs
| Spec | Bose 732522-5110 Soundbar | Dell AC511M Soundbar |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.00 | $33.99 |
| Rating | ||
| Channels | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| Power | 36 W | 2 W |
| Speaker type | Soundbar | Soundbar |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Optical, Aux | Usb |
| Mounting | Tabletop Mount | Plug Mount,Bar Mount |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Dimensions | 3.4 X 21.5 X 2.8 In | 1.5 X 15.9 X 1.9 In |
| Weight | 3.7 lb | 1.0 lb |
The two contenders
Bose 732522-5110 Soundbar
The Bose 732522-5110 is a dedicated living-room soundbar measuring 21.5 inches wide and weighing 3.7 lb, sized to sit in front of most midsize TVs. It puts out 36 W and connects via Bluetooth, optical, or 3.5 mm aux, giving it flexibility with TVs, set-top boxes, and mobile devices. The 2.0-channel configuration keeps setup simple with no subwoofer to place or wire. At $199 it is not a bargain-bin buy, but its 4.5-star rating from more than 18,200 reviewers reflects consistent satisfaction at this price. Mounting is tabletop, so you set it on a shelf and it is ready to go.
Buy this if: Buy the Bose 732522-5110 if you want a living-room or bedroom soundbar to pair with a TV and you value Bluetooth for streaming directly from a phone or tablet. It also makes sense for anyone who wants a reputable brand with a large review base and flexible input options including optical.
Check price on AmazonDell AC511M Soundbar
The Dell AC511M is a USB-powered desktop soundbar that draws its 2 W of power directly from the host computer, so no wall adapter is needed. It measures just 15.9 inches wide and weighs 1 lb, clipping to the bottom of compatible Dell monitors or standing on a desk. Connectivity is USB only, which means it works with any PC but cannot connect to a TV without an adapter. At $33.99 it is one of the most affordable soundbars available, and its 4.2-star rating across 3,000 reviews shows it delivers on its narrow promise: clear voice audio and basic stereo sound for a workspace.
Buy this if: Buy the Dell AC511M if you need a compact audio upgrade for a computer desk and want to avoid running an extra power cable. It is the right fit for office workers or students who mostly use their PC for calls, video, and casual music and need something that disappears under a monitor.
Check price on AmazonFrequently asked questions
Can the Dell AC511M be used with a TV instead of a computer?
The Dell AC511M connects via USB only, so it requires a USB audio source. Most TVs do not output audio over USB, which makes this connection impractical for typical TV setups. If you need a soundbar for a TV, the Bose 732522-5110 with its optical and aux inputs is a much better fit.
Does the Bose 732522-5110 come with a subwoofer?
No, the 732522-5110 is a 2.0-channel soundbar with no included subwoofer. It handles its own low-end within the bar itself. If you need deeper bass, Bose sells compatible wireless bass modules separately, though those add cost.
Which soundbar has more user feedback to rely on?
The Bose 732522-5110 has by far the larger review sample, with over 18,200 ratings averaging 4.5 stars. The Dell AC511M has around 3,000 ratings at 4.2 stars. Both are trustworthy signals, but the Bose data gives a more complete picture of long-term satisfaction across diverse users.
Is the price difference between these two worth it?
It depends entirely on the use case. The Bose costs roughly six times more than the Dell, but it delivers 18 times the output power and supports wireless Bluetooth playback, making it appropriate for a living room. If you only need desktop audio for a PC, paying the extra $165 for the Bose would be wasted, since the Dell does that job cleanly at $34. Match the tool to the task.