MAJORITY Bowfell Bluetooth Sound Bar Review: The Ultimate Budget Audio Upgrade?

We’ve all been there. You’re settled in for a movie night, the action is building, and a character delivers a crucial line of dialogue… which sounds like it was mumbled through a pillow. You grab the remote, crank up the volume, only to be deafened by the next explosion. This frustrating dance between inaudible whispers and jarringly loud effects is the sad reality of modern flat-screen TVs. In their race to become ever thinner, manufacturers have sacrificed audio quality, leaving us with tinny, rear-facing speakers that simply can’t deliver the rich, clear sound that content creators intended. For years, the solution was a complex, expensive home theatre system. But what if you just want to hear the news clearly in the kitchen, or add some punch to your gaming setup without taking up half the desk? This is the exact problem the MAJORITY Bowfell Bluetooth Sound Bar aims to solve: providing a simple, compact, and astonishingly affordable audio lift.

What to Consider Before Buying a Compact Soundbar

A compact soundbar is more than just a speaker; it’s a key solution for reclaiming audio clarity in spaces where a full surround-sound system is impractical or unnecessary. It’s designed to elevate the listening experience for everything from dialogue-heavy dramas to explosive video games, transforming a flat, lifeless soundscape into something more engaging and immersive. The primary benefit lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. By housing multiple speakers in a single, slender unit, it provides a focused, forward-facing audio source that instantly surpasses the capabilities of any built-in TV or monitor speakers, all without the clutter of satellite speakers and tangled wires. It’s the audio equivalent of putting on a pair of glasses for the first time and realising what you’ve been missing.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing audio challenges in a specific environment. This includes owners of small-to-medium-sized TVs (think 32″ to 43″) in bedrooms, kitchens, or caravans, where the built-in sound is particularly poor. It’s also a perfect match for PC gamers and home office workers who want a significant audio upgrade for their desktop monitor without resorting to bulky speakers. However, a compact soundbar might not be suitable for those who are true audiophiles seeking high-fidelity music reproduction or home cinema enthusiasts craving room-shaking bass and true Dolby Atmos surround sound. For those users, a multi-speaker system with a dedicated subwoofer or premium, larger soundbars would be a more appropriate investment.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Measure the area where you plan to place the soundbar. Will it sit in front of your TV without blocking the screen or IR sensor? Does it fit neatly under your computer monitor? The Bowfell’s sub-40cm length is a major selling point, making it exceptionally versatile for tight spaces where larger soundbars simply wouldn’t work.
• Connectivity & Performance: How will you connect it? An optical connection generally provides the best quality from a TV, while Bluetooth is great for streaming from a phone. Check your source device’s outputs (Optical, RCA, AUX) and ensure the soundbar supports them. In terms of performance, a 2.0 stereo configuration like the Bowfell’s is designed for clarity and a decent stereo image, but don’t expect the deep low-end rumble a 2.1 system with a subwoofer provides.
• Build Quality & Aesthetics: While performance is key, the device will be a visible part of your setup. Look for a solid build that doesn’t feel overly cheap. Many users have noted that the MAJORITY Bowfell Bluetooth Sound Bar has a surprising heft and a more premium look than its price suggests, featuring a combination of a metal grille and a plastic chassis.
• Ease of Use & Control: A good soundbar should be plug-and-play. Look for an included remote control for easy adjustments from the sofa or desk. Features like different EQ modes (for movies, music, etc.) can be useful, but simplicity is often best. The Bowfell includes a straightforward remote and multiple EQ presets, making daily operation a breeze.

Keeping these factors in mind, the MAJORITY Bowfell Bluetooth Sound Bar stands out in several areas, particularly for its balance of compact size, versatile connectivity, and value. You can explore its detailed specifications and current offers here.

While the MAJORITY Bowfell Bluetooth Sound Bar is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing the Bowfell: First Impressions and Key Features

Our initial experience with the MAJORITY Bowfell Bluetooth Sound Bar began with the packaging, which we found to be refreshingly practical. The sturdy, economically sized box suggests a focus on product protection over flashy marketing, a principle we appreciate. Inside, the soundbar is held securely in robust internal packaging. Lifting it out, the first thing we noticed was its surprising weight. At just over 800 grams, it has a density and solidity that belies its budget price point. It feels substantial, not hollow or flimsy.

The unit itself is sleek and understated. A matte black metal grille covers the front-facing drivers, while the top and back feature a glossy black plastic finish—be warned, this part is a magnet for fingerprints. A single, multi-colour LED on the right-hand side indicates the power status and selected input. Included in the box is a well-rounded set of accessories: a power cable, a 3.5mm AUX cable, an RCA cable, a user manual, and a compact remote control (with batteries included). The one notable omission, as many users have pointed out, is an optical cable. While not a deal-breaker, it’s something to be aware of if you plan to use that connection, as you’ll need to purchase one separately.

A Deep Dive into the MAJORITY Bowfell’s Real-World Performance

A spec sheet can only tell you so much. To truly understand a product, you have to live with it. We put the MAJORITY Bowfell Bluetooth Sound Bar through its paces for over a week, using it in various scenarios: connected to a 32-inch bedroom TV, as a primary speaker for a PC gaming monitor, and as a Bluetooth speaker for streaming music from a smartphone. Our findings reveal a device that consistently over-delivers on its humble promises, though it’s crucial to approach it with the right expectations.

Setup and Connectivity: A Masterclass in Versatility

One of the Bowfell’s most impressive attributes is its sheer versatility. Getting it up and running is an absolute breeze. For our PC setup, we initially used the included 3.5mm AUX cable, plugging it directly into our monitor’s headphone jack. The process took less than 60 seconds, and the improvement over the monitor’s built-in speakers was immediate and dramatic. We then switched to an optical connection for our television, which required a separately purchased cable. As one user astutely noted, it’s critical to go into your TV’s audio settings and change the digital output to “PCM”. This is standard practice for 2.0 channel soundbars and prevents any buzzing or compatibility issues. Once set, the connection was flawless and stable.

The Bluetooth functionality was equally straightforward. We put the soundbar into pairing mode by pressing the corresponding button on the remote, and it appeared on our smartphone’s Bluetooth list within seconds. The connection remained stable within a small room, making it perfect for quickly playing a podcast or a Spotify playlist. We also tested the RCA connection, which worked perfectly with an older games console. Having Optical, RCA, AUX, USB, and Bluetooth in a device this small and affordable is genuinely remarkable. It ensures that no matter what you’re connecting—a new TV, an old DVD player, a gaming monitor, or a projector—the Bowfell is ready to go. This level of flexibility is its secret weapon, making it a reliable audio hub for almost any situation.

Audio Quality: Defining “Value for Sound”

Let’s be clear from the outset: the MAJORITY Bowfell Bluetooth Sound Bar will not compete with a £500 Sonos or a high-end Bose system. It is not designed to do so. Its mission is to be exponentially better than your TV’s speakers, and in this, it succeeds brilliantly. The 50-watt, 2.0 stereo speaker system delivers a sound profile focused on clarity and presence. We tested it with several films known for their dynamic range. In quiet, dialogue-driven scenes, voices were brought to the forefront—they were crisp, clear, and easy to understand without needing to ride the volume controls. This alone is a huge quality-of-life improvement for daily TV watching.

When the action ramps up, the Bowfell provides a surprisingly wide soundstage for its size. Sound effects in games and movies have a satisfying punch and directionality that was completely absent from the TV’s native audio. As many users confirm, the bass is present and adds a welcome layer of warmth, but it is not a system for bass-heads. You’ll hear the low-end frequencies, but you won’t *feel* them in your chest. This is a physical limitation of its compact, subwoofer-less design. We found the sound to be nicely balanced, echoing one reviewer’s experience who described it as “tight base” and “a good sound” for the price. The remote offers several EQ presets (like Music, Movies, etc., which seem to map to Rock, Jazz, and Flat on some remotes). We found ourselves agreeing with the consensus: the “Flat” setting provided the most natural and balanced sound across all types of content. Pushed to its maximum volume, it can comfortably fill a small or medium-sized room without significant distortion, although some have questioned if it’s a “true” 50W. For our bedroom and office tests, it was more than loud enough.

Design, Build, and Daily Usability

The physical design of the Bowfell is perhaps its most defining feature. At just under 39cm wide, it is one of the most compact soundbars on the market. This is a game-changer for those with limited space. It slid perfectly under a 27-inch gaming monitor without obstructing the view and sat discreetly in front of a 32-inch TV on a small stand. We can see why it’s so popular for secondary setups, caravans, and desks. This isn’t just a small soundbar; it’s a problem-solver for spatially challenged environments. The build quality, as mentioned, feels sturdy and well-assembled, giving a sense of durability that inspires confidence.

In day-to-day use, the Bowfell is wonderfully unobtrusive. The included remote control is the primary method of interaction. While some users correctly point out that it feels lightweight and a bit cheap, it is perfectly functional. It gives you full control over power, volume, input selection, and EQ settings. The bright status LED is the only minor annoyance we encountered. In a dark room, the blue (Bluetooth) or white (Optical) light can be distracting. However, we took a cue from one clever user and applied a tiny piece of black electrical tape over it, which solved the problem instantly without affecting functionality. The unit’s simple, button-less design (bar a few side controls) and straightforward remote make it an incredibly user-friendly device for people of all technical abilities.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across thousands of reviews, a clear and consistent picture emerges of the MAJORITY Bowfell Bluetooth Sound Bar. The overwhelming sentiment is one of pleasant surprise at the sheer value on offer. One user, who bought it for a PS5 setup, called it a “no-brainer,” praising its premium look and clear, balanced sound as a “big improvement” over their gaming monitor’s speakers. Another found it to be the perfect solution for their caravan TV, whose speakers were woefully inadequate, stating it “sorts that out” perfectly.

This praise is often framed by realistic expectations. A reviewer who wanted to improve speech clarity for movies on a 32″ TV noted that the Bowfell “achieves those objectives well,” highlighting that they “did not want a home cinema.” This is the key to appreciating this product.

Criticisms are equally consistent and, frankly, fair. The most common point is the lack of deep, thumping bass. One user bluntly states, “This speaker is not 2.1, it does not have a bass speaker,” which is an accurate technical observation. Others mention the cheap feel of the remote control and the fact that an optical cable isn’t included. These critiques are not deal-breakers but important context; they are the reasonable trade-offs made to achieve such an accessible price point.

How Does the MAJORITY Bowfell Compare to the Competition?

While the Bowfell excels in its niche, it’s important to understand the alternatives. Depending on your specific needs and budget, other products might be a better fit.

1. Saiyin 40W Small Soundbar Bluetooth

The Saiyin 40W soundbar is a direct and formidable competitor to the MAJORITY Bowfell Bluetooth Sound Bar. It operates in the exact same space: a compact, budget-friendly soundbar designed for TVs, PCs, and projectors. With a similar power rating and form factor, its primary distinction is the inclusion of Bluetooth 5.3, which could potentially offer a slightly more stable and efficient wireless connection than the Bowfell’s. For users who prioritize a rock-solid Bluetooth link for music streaming, the Saiyin might have a slight edge. However, the choice between these two will likely come down to current pricing, aesthetic preference, and brand loyalty, as they offer a very similar core proposition.

2. Razer Leviathan V2 X PC Gaming Soundbar

The Razer Leviathan V2 X represents a step up in price and a shift in focus specifically towards PC gaming. While also a compact soundbar designed to fit under a monitor, it caters to a different user. Its key features include power and audio delivery via a single USB Type-C cable, which simplifies desktop cable management significantly. It also boasts Razer’s gaming-centric design and brand cachet. This is the ideal alternative for a dedicated PC gamer who values a streamlined setup, a gamer aesthetic, and is willing to pay a premium for the Razer ecosystem. The Bowfell remains the more versatile, multi-purpose option with its wider range of traditional audio inputs.

3. Polk Audio Monitor XT90 Height Speaker

This product is in a completely different category and serves to highlight what the Bowfell is not. The Polk Audio Monitor XT90s are not standalone soundbars; they are a pair of Dolby Atmos-certified “height speakers.” Their sole purpose is to be added to an existing, multi-channel surround sound system to create immersive, three-dimensional audio by bouncing sound off the ceiling. A home cinema enthusiast who already owns a compatible AV receiver and speaker package would purchase these to upgrade to Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. This is for the serious audio hobbyist, whereas the Bowfell is the perfect all-in-one, plug-and-play solution for someone just starting their audio improvement journey.

Final Verdict: Is the MAJORITY Bowfell Bluetooth Sound Bar Right for You?

After extensive testing, our conclusion is clear: the MAJORITY Bowfell Bluetooth Sound Bar is a triumph of value-focused engineering. It is not trying to be the most powerful, feature-rich, or high-fidelity soundbar on the market. Instead, it aims to solve one very common problem—terrible built-in speaker quality—in the most simple, affordable, and effective way possible. And it succeeds on all fronts.

We wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone with a smaller TV, a PC monitor, or a secondary setup like a caravan or kitchen who is tired of muddy dialogue and flat sound. For a minimal investment, you get a transformative audio upgrade that is easy to install and packed with connectivity options. It’s the definitive “starter soundbar” and a product that massively over-delivers for its price. If you understand its purpose and limitations—namely, that it’s built for clarity, not for room-shaking bass—you will be absolutely delighted.

If you’ve decided the MAJORITY Bowfell Bluetooth Sound Bar is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.