A Comprehensive Review of the Bose Smart Speaker 500
Design: Aesthetic Appeal with a Modern Twist
The Bose Smart Speaker 500 boasts an elliptical shape and an anodized aluminum finish that adds an attractive touch to any space. If you prefer a more subtle look, the glossy black variant offers a sleeker appearance. The front of the speaker features a small full-color display that shows album art and can also display the time. While it may lack some of the functionality of smart displays like the Google Home Hub or Amazon Echo Show, it still offers a visually pleasing design. The well-drilled speaker grille ensures both excellent sound quality and a polished look, making it a perfect addition to your home decor.
Sound Quality: An Auditory Delight
The Bose Home Speaker 500’s sound quality justifies its higher price point. With its two specialized drivers that project sound in opposite directions, the speaker creates an immersive experience by bouncing sound off the walls and filling the room. While it’s not a true 360-degree speaker, it performs just as well. The Bose Home Speaker 500 delivers clear, crisp, and precise audio, with deep and resonant bass. Even at maximum volume, the sound quality remains impressive. The mid and treble ranges shine, providing a dynamic listening experience.
Features: A Smart Speaker with Remarkable Capabilities
The Home Speaker 500 incorporates enterprise-patented microphone technology, featuring an eight-microphone array for reliable voice recognition, even when playing music at high volumes. Its exceptional microphone sensitivity allows for easy communication with the speaker, even from a considerable distance. Currently supporting Amazon Alexa, Bose plans to update the speaker to also support Google Assistant. The Bose Music app offers seamless streaming integration with various services such as Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer, TuneIn, and SiriusXM. Additionally, the app allows users to create presets, which can be accessed and played with a single button press on the speaker.
Smart Assistant: The Best of Both Worlds
Why choose between Google Assistant and Alexa when you can have both? The Bose Home Speaker 500 allows users to activate either AI companion. While their capabilities may appear similar on the surface, there are notable differences. Google Assistant excels in general knowledge queries, while Alexa shines in shopping-related requests, conducting more comprehensive searches. Although voice control is not available, music streaming services can be accessed through other means, such as AirPlay (on iPhone) or casting (on compatible Android devices).
Price: Premium Quality Comes at a Cost
With a price tag of $599.95, the Bose Smart Speaker 500 certainly falls on the higher end of the price spectrum. However, considering Bose’s reputation for delivering explosive sound and high-end electronics, it lives up to its price. While it may not be the most budget-friendly option, it offers a premium audio experience that justifies the investment.
In Conclusion
If you’re seeking a top-tier smart speaker, the Bose Smart Speaker 500 is worth serious consideration. Its impressive audio quality, sleek design, advanced features, and compatibility with both Google Assistant and Alexa make it a standout option. However, if the price is a concern, there are alternative speakers available that offer similar quality at a more affordable price point. Explore other articles on our website for a comprehensive overview of quality speakers.
