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Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) — Spatial Audio · Siri · Matter hub
Apple

Apple HomePod (2nd Gen)

Spatial Audio · Siri · Matter hub

88
/ 100
From $299
VS
Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) wins by 2
Bose Home Speaker 500 — Smart/Portable · $549
Bose

Bose Home Speaker 500

Smart/Portable · $549

86
/ 100
From $549
Specdex verdict

Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) lands at 88 and Bose Home Speaker 500 at 86. That puts Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) if…

  • ✓Best mono speaker sound at this price
  • ✓Built-in Matter hub
  • ✓Adaptive room sensing

Pick Bose Home Speaker 500 if…

  • ✓Easy multi-room with ecosystem
  • ✓App EQ on modern models
  • ✓USB-C/AUX input on some
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound

Apple HomePod (2nd Gen)

Compared on the sound sub-score

Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) leads on sound (92 vs 86).

Features

Apple HomePod (2nd Gen)

Compared on the features sub-score

Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) leads on features (88 vs 84).

Value for money

Apple HomePod (2nd Gen)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) more score per dollar ($299 vs $549).

Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) 88
vs
86 Bose Home Speaker 500

Score breakdown

Apple HomePod (2nd Gen)
88
sound 92
features 88
ease 96
value 84
design 0
ecosystem 0
Bose Home Speaker 500
86
sound 86
features 84
ease 0
value 0
design 88
ecosystem 84

Specs side-by-side

Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) versus Bose Home Speaker 500 — full spec comparison
Spec Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) Bose Home Speaker 500
Drivers
4″ woofer + 5 tweeters
—
Connectivity
Wi-Fi 6, BT 5.0, Thread, Matter
—
Voice
Siri
—
Spatial
Dolby Atmos Music
—
Trueplay tuning
Auto room-sensing
—
Weight
2.3 kg
—

Apple HomePod (2nd Gen)

Pros
  • +Best mono speaker sound at this price
  • +Built-in Matter hub
  • +Adaptive room sensing
Cons
  • −Apple ecosystem only
  • −No 3.5mm input
  • −No Spotify Connect (still 2025!)

Bose Home Speaker 500

Pros
  • +Easy multi-room with ecosystem
  • +App EQ on modern models
  • +USB-C/AUX input on some
Cons
  • −Brand ecosystem lock-in
  • −Subscription features on some
  • −Bass limits at lower sizes

FAQ: Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) vs Bose Home Speaker 500

Which is better, Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) or Bose Home Speaker 500? +

Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) worth the price? +

At $299, Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in ease.

Is Bose Home Speaker 500 worth the price? +

At $549, Bose Home Speaker 500 delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in design.

Does Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) or Bose Home Speaker 500 last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for sound, Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) or Bose Home Speaker 500? +

Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) — leads on sound (92 vs 86). Compared on the sound sub-score.

Which is better for features, Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) or Bose Home Speaker 500? +

Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) — leads on features (88 vs 84). Compared on the features sub-score.