Pros
Full and rich sound
Loud volumes without distortion
Handsome design and build quality
Aluminum finish gives a nice heft
Useful screen displaying album art
EQ adjustments via Bose app
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
Smart assistant integration (Alexa and Google)
Presets for easy access to favorite playlists
Minimal and sleek appearance
Cons
Pricey compared to some other options
Group creation and management is less intuitive
Bose app can be buggy
Main Product Advantages
9 Sound Quality
The Bose Home Speaker 500 delivers full, rich sound with powerful bass, and fills the room without distortion at high volumes. It compares favorably with other premium speakers like Sonos, despite lacking a bit in stereo sound.
8 Build and Design
It boasts a sleek and handsome aluminum build that is sturdy and attractive. The design is well-appreciated, and the screen adds a unique, albeit limited, aesthetic and functional value.
8 Appearance and Display
The display is a nice visual feature that shows album art and serves as a clock. While some users find it an unnecessary addition, others appreciate the extra touch.
7 Smart Assistant Integration
The speaker supports both Google Assistant and Alexa, making it versatile for smart home control. However, some users report issues with Alexa integration and full functionality not being available.
7 Customization
Features like EQ adjustments in the Bose app (treble and bass) allow users to tailor the sound to their preferences and room acoustics, though it lacks automatic self-tuning that some competitors offer.
6 Connectivity
While it has Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and AirPlay 2 support, the lack of Chromecast and some Wi-Fi connectivity issues were noted by users, which could be a limitation depending on user needs.
6 Price
Many users consider it pricey compared to similar products. Despite the higher cost, some justify it with the quality of sound and build.
6 Portability
Though not a factor for everyone, its lack of battery power (requiring constant plugging) can be a downside for users looking for a more portable option.
5 User Experience and Software
The software and app experience can be buggy. Some users find the Bose Music app frustrating, especially for setup and group music playback. Though providing good basic functionality, it lacks refinement.
5 Setup
Initial setup and firmware updates can be time-consuming and unreliable. Connectivity issues, especially during initial setup, can be a significant pain point.
Bose Home Speaker 500: Smart Bluetooth Speaker with Alexa Voice Control Built-In, Black
The Bose Home Speaker 500 is designed to fill any room with powerful sound. Inside the speaker, two custom drivers are positioned in opposite directions to bounce sound off the walls, creating an impressively wide soundstage that surpasses other smart speakers on the market.
Voice Assistant Integration
This smart speaker comes with built-in voice assistants, including Alexa and Google Assistant. This feature allows you to access millions of songs, Internet radio stations, playlists, and more, all hands-free. Simply say the command, and your favorite music will start playing.
Superior Voice Pickup
Even when the music is playing loud, the Bose Home Speaker 500 can hear you clearly. It features a custom-designed eight-microphone array positioned just under the top for superior voice pickup, ensuring your commands are always heard.
Multiple Control Options
Controlling the Bose Home Speaker 500 is versatile and convenient. In addition to voice commands, you can start and stop the music using the top controls or manage everything through the Bose Music app. This flexibility adds to the user-friendly experience.
Connection and Compatibility
The speaker offers various connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Apple AirPlay 2 compatibility. You can play your favorite music services like Spotify, Amazon Music, or Apple Music, or stream anything directly from your phone or tablet. This extensive compatibility ensures that you can enjoy music from virtually any source.
Preset and Display Features
You can set up to six different presets for playlists, internet radio stations, and more. The color LCD display on the speaker provides you with information about what’s playing, such as the current song, station, playlist details, album art, and more. This visual feature adds another layer of interactivity and convenience.
Conclusion
The Bose Home Speaker 500 is an outstanding smart speaker that combines powerful sound with advanced features like superior voice pickup, multiple control options, and extensive compatibility with various music sources. Its wide soundstage and user-friendly design make it a top choice for anyone looking to enhance their home audio experience.
