Background Bronchiolitis is a leading cause of infant hospitalization, linked to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and rhinovirus (RV). Guidelines lack specific viral testing for bronchiolitis management. To establish effective management strategies, it is crucial to assess whether specific respiratory virus types are correlated with distinct examination features. Methods Through a systematic search of three databases, 21 studies were qualitatively analyzed, with 18 used for meta-analysis. Various outcomes like wheezing on auscultation, fever, atopic traits, and infection severity were evaluated. Results RSV-positive bronchiolitis was associated with a higher need for oxygen supplementation (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.04–3.02) in 5 studies, while RV-positive bronchiolitis was more frequently linked to personal history of eczema (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.41–0.88) in 6 studies. No significant differences were observed in the other outcomes examined. Conclusions Bronchiolitis caused by RSV or RV presents with similar clinical features. Despite the associations between RSV-positive bronchiolitis and need for oxygen supplementation, and RV-positive bronchiolitis and a history of eczema, our study shows that viral etiology of bronchiolitis cannot be determined solely based on clinical presentation. Tailored management strategies, informed by accurate viral testing, seem crucial in clinical practice for enhancing patient outcomes in severe bronchiolitis.