Bose Home Speaker 500
Score: 80/100
Sonos Move Gen 1
Score: 74/100Rankings
The Bose Home Speaker 500 provides a premium stationary design with a wide stereo soundstage and low-latency Bluetooth for synchronized playback. Its lack of portability and limited multi-device Bluetooth support constrain usage scenarios. Perfect for users wanting high-quality indoor audio with voice assistants.
The Sonos Move (Gen 1) is a portable indoor/outdoor smart speaker delivering high-fidelity, room-filling sound with strong bass and an IP56-rated, weather-resistant design. Its substantial 3 kg weight, bass compression at maximum volume, and a non-weather-proof charging base limit true portability. It is best suited for homeowners who want premium Sonos multi-room audio on patios or large indoor spaces.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
| ↓ lower better | 57 msbest | — |
| ↓ lower better | 88 msbest | — |
| ↓ lower better | 25 Wbest | — |
63.5 mmbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 2,110 gbest | 3,000 g |
8best | — | |
1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest | |
203 mm | 240 mmbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Connectivity(1) | ||
Wi‑Fi Standard | 802.11 b/g/n/ac | 802.11ac |
Audio(1) | ||
Speaker Configuration | 2 drivers | 2-way |
Build & Design(4) | ||
Weight (g) | 2110 g | 3000 g |
Height (mm) | 203 mm | 240 mm |
Width (mm) | 170 mm | 125-160 mm |
Depth (mm) | 109 mm | 126-160 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Bose Home Speaker 500 for its exceptionally wide stereo soundstage, high maximum SPL, and premium build quality, noting it outperforms smaller Bose models for stationary use. However, they point out audio compression at full volume, the lack of portability due to AC-only power, and the absence of multi-device Bluetooth or wired outputs as notable drawbacks.
Everyday users love the immersive, room-filling sound and the sleek, modern look that fits into their décor, as well as the reliable voice assistants and straightforward app setup. Common complaints focus on the speaker's immobility, occasional bass distortion at high levels, and the missing ability to pair multiple devices or use wired connections.
Professional reviewers commend the Move for its accurate, room-filling sound, strong bass extension, and solid IP56 durability, awarding high scores for sound quality and portability. They also highlight seamless Sonos ecosystem integration and versatile connectivity, while noting drawbacks such as bass compression at full volume, limited EQ depth, and the speaker's substantial 3 kg weight that hampers true portability.
Everyday users praise the Move's powerful bass, long battery life, easy setup, and weather-resistant build, especially for stationary outdoor use like patios and yards. Common criticisms focus on the heavy weight, an uncomfortable handle, and the non-weather-proof charging base, with several users mentioning bass compression when cranked to maximum volume.
