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HomePod (2nd gen) — Smart/Portable · $299
Apple

HomePod (2nd gen)

Smart/Portable · $299

85
/ 100
From $299
VS
Bose Home Speaker 500 wins by 1
Bose Home Speaker 500 — Smart/Portable · $549
Bose

Bose Home Speaker 500

Smart/Portable · $549

86
/ 100
From $549
Specdex verdict

Bose Home Speaker 500 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, HomePod (2nd gen) lands at 85 and Bose Home Speaker 500 at 86. That puts Bose Home Speaker 500 ahead by 1 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick HomePod (2nd gen) if…

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

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

Design

Tie

Compared on the design sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Sound

Tie

Compared on the sound sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Ecosystem

Tie

Compared on the ecosystem sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

HomePod (2nd gen)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

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

HomePod (2nd gen) 85
vs
86 Bose Home Speaker 500

Score breakdown

HomePod (2nd gen)
85
sound 85
features 83
design 88
ecosystem 84
Bose Home Speaker 500
86
sound 86
features 84
design 88
ecosystem 84

Specs side-by-side

HomePod (2nd gen) versus Bose Home Speaker 500 — full spec comparison
Spec HomePod (2nd gen) Bose Home Speaker 500

HomePod (2nd gen)

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 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: HomePod (2nd gen) vs Bose Home Speaker 500

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

Bose Home Speaker 500 scores 86 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 1. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is HomePod (2nd gen) worth the price? +

At $299, HomePod (2nd gen) delivers a Specdex score of 85 — strongest in design.

Is Bose Home Speaker 500 worth the price? +

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

Does 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 the better value, HomePod (2nd gen) or Bose Home Speaker 500? +

HomePod (2nd gen) — more score per dollar ($299 vs $549). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.