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Bose Home Speaker 500 · Black — Smart/Portable · $549
Bose

Bose Home Speaker 500 · Black

Smart/Portable · $549

86
/ 100
From $549
VS
Bose SoundLink Max — Smart/Portable · $399
Bose

Bose SoundLink Max

Smart/Portable · $399

86
/ 100
From $399
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, Bose Home Speaker 500 · Black lands at 86 and Bose SoundLink Max at 86. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick Bose Home Speaker 500 · Black if…

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

Pick Bose SoundLink Max if…

  • ✓Easy multi-room with ecosystem
  • ✓App EQ on modern models
  • ✓USB-C/AUX input on some
Bose Home Speaker 500 · Black 86
vs
86 Bose SoundLink Max

Score breakdown

Bose Home Speaker 500 · Black
86
sound 86
features 84
design 88
ecosystem 84
Bose SoundLink Max
86
sound 86
features 84
design 88
ecosystem 84

Specs side-by-side

Bose Home Speaker 500 · Black versus Bose SoundLink Max — full spec comparison
Spec Bose Home Speaker 500 · Black Bose SoundLink Max

Bose Home Speaker 500 · Black

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

Bose SoundLink Max

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: Bose Home Speaker 500 · Black vs Bose SoundLink Max

Which is better, Bose Home Speaker 500 · Black or Bose SoundLink Max? +

Both score 86 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Bose Home Speaker 500 · Black worth the price? +

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

Is Bose SoundLink Max worth the price? +

At $399, Bose SoundLink Max delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in design.

Does Bose Home Speaker 500 · Black or Bose SoundLink Max 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.