Scored using Soundbars Methodology v3.0
Soundbars Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Soundbars Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Soundbars Methodology v3.0

Bose Soundbar 500 review: 108 specs compared

Avg. price:~£300N. of audio channels:3.0Audio output power:?HDMI ARC type:ARC

Bose Soundbar 500 Review: Compare 108 technical specifications and 21 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

Bose Soundbar 500
7.5/10

Overall score

Score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

35%

6.5

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

8.2

Reviews score

10%

9.5

Sentiment score

â–²Better than 80% of soundbars
7.9

Value for money

Value for money
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the soundbar's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a soundbar with a good balance between audio quality, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

7.5

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

â–²Better than 76%
6.5

Technical score

Technical score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

25%

5.4

Audio

18%

4.7

Formats

16%

6.6

Connectivity

14%

9.2

Controls

12%

5.8

HDMI

10%

8.7

Streaming

5%

7.3

Design

â–²Better than 68%
8.2

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.6 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10

80%

8.0

Average grade

20%

8.9

Popularity

Grades by review (21)
15 reviews + 6 videos, average 7.9/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 57%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Bose Soundbar 500

Based on 15 · 6

Reviewers like the built-in voice assistant and sleek design, but agree the bass is weak without a subwoofer and formats are limited.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Bose Soundbar 500

Based on 51 owners sharing their experience in online comments

57%positive10%mixed33%negative

Owners love the sound and bass, though setup glitches and a steep price keep it from being an easy recommendation.

What owners dislike

  • App, TV, and setup connections fail6
  • Some owners say the sound is only slightly above average and not worth the price, and one found the bass weak until the separate subwoofer was added.5
  • Owners feel the soundbar is overpriced, and with the bass module and setup the total cost climbs past 700 pounds or a thousand dollars.3
  • Limited or unreliable controls3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

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Soundbars model ranking

Ranked #54 of 324 models in Soundbars (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of soundbar Bose Soundbar 500

Technical score
Technical score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

25%

5.4

Audio

18%

4.7

Formats

16%

6.6

Connectivity

14%

9.2

Controls

12%

5.8

HDMI

10%

8.7

Streaming

5%

7.3

Design

6.5
Reviews score
8.2
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the soundbar's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a soundbar with a good balance between audio quality, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

7.5

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

7.9
N. of audio channels
3
This soundbar offers 3 audio channels, more than 70.1% of soundbars and equal to 2.3% of soundbars.
Audio output power
?
Max SPL
?
Min frequency
55.8 Hz
This soundbar reaches a minimum frequency of 55.8 Hz, higher than 66.1% of soundbars and equal to 0.5% of soundbars.
Max frequency
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Dolby Atmos
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby Atmos. 30.3% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS:X
no
This soundbar does not support DTS:X. 16.7% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby TrueHD
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby TrueHD. 16.5% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS-HD Master Audio
no
This soundbar does not support DTS-HD Master Audio. 7.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby Digital Plus
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby Digital Plus. 25.3% of soundbars include this feature.
Show more
What reviewers say
N. of HDMI inputs
0
This soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs, fewer than 41.5% of soundbars and equal to 58.5% of soundbars.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 71.5% of soundbars include this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5
This soundbar has Wi-Fi 5, which is more advanced than 85.2% of soundbars and equal to 12.8% of soundbars.
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Bluetooth connectivity. 4.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Bluetooth version
4.2
This soundbar uses Bluetooth 4.2, which is less up to date than 61.8% of soundbars and equal to 24.7% of soundbars.
Show more
What reviewers say
Smartphone app
yes
This soundbar has smartphone app. 57.7% of soundbars offer this feature.
Remote control
yes
This soundbar has remote control. 17.5% of soundbars offer this feature.
Control panel
yes
This soundbar has control panel. 5.5% of soundbars offer this feature.
Voice assistant compatibility
yes
This soundbar supports voice assistant compatibility. 63.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Far-field microphones
yes
This soundbar has far-field microphones. 93.2% of soundbars offer this feature.
Show more
What reviewers say
HDMI version
eARC
This soundbar has HDMI eARC, which is more capable than 71.6% of soundbars and equal to 16.3% of soundbars.
HDMI ARC type
ARC
This soundbar has ARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, which is more advanced than what 24.7% of soundbars and the same as what 46.5% offers.
HDMI-CEC support
yes
This soundbar supports HDMI-CEC. 29.2% support HDMI-CEC.
HDMI pass-through resolution
none
This soundbar passes through none, which is lower resolution than 27.2% of soundbars and equal to 72.8% of soundbars.
HDMI pass-through frame rate
none fps
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to none fps, lower than 21.4% of soundbars and equal to 78.6% of soundbars.
Show more
AirPlay
yes
This soundbar supports AirPlay. 80.4% of soundbars include this feature.
Chromecast built-in
yes
This soundbar supports Chromecast built-in. 88.9% of soundbars include this feature.
Chromecast built-in added via firmware update.
Spotify Connect
yes
This soundbar supports Spotify Connect. 79.5% of soundbars include this feature.
TIDAL Connect
no
This soundbar does not support TIDAL Connect. 9.2% of soundbars include this feature.
Amazon Music native support
yes
This soundbar supports native Amazon Music. 87.4% support native Amazon Music.
Available via built-in Alexa.
Show more
What reviewers say
Width
800 mm
This soundbar is 800 mm wide, wider than 54% of soundbars and equal to 4.2% of soundbars.
Height
44 mm
This soundbar is 44 mm high, shorter than 100% of soundbars.
Thickness
44 mm
This soundbar is 44 mm thick, thinner than 98.9% of soundbars.
Weight
3,180 g
This soundbar weighs 3,180 g, more than 75.1% of soundbars.
Build material
plastic
This soundbar is built from plastic, which is more premium than 3% of soundbars and equal to 92.6% of soundbars.
Metal grille.
Show more
What reviewers say

Bose Soundbar 500 vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMIStreamingControlsDesign
  • Dedicated center channel
    This soundbar has center channel driver, the average soundbar does not.
  • Wi-Fi connectivity
    This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity, the average soundbar does not.
  • Built-in Chromecast
    This soundbar supports Chromecast built-in, the average soundbar does not.
    Chromecast built-in added via firmware update.
  • Automatic room calibration
    This soundbar supports automatic room calibration, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports AirPlay
    This soundbar supports AirPlay, the average soundbar does not.
  • Companion smartphone app
    This soundbar supports smartphone app, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Spotify Connect
    This soundbar supports Spotify Connect, the average soundbar does not.
  • Multiroom ecosystem support
    This soundbar supports multiroom ecosystem support, the average soundbar does not.
    Bose Music multi-room ecosystem.
  • 15.5% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.2/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.6 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10

    80%

    8.0

    Average grade

    20%

    8.9

    Popularity

    Grades by review (21)
    15 reviews + 6 videos, average 7.9/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.2 vs 7.1
  • 31.9% higher sentiment score
    9.5 vs 7.2
  • Dedicated center channel
    This soundbar has center channel driver, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports wireless rear speakers
    This soundbar is compatible with wireless rear speakers, the average soundbar is not.
  • More audio channels
    This soundbar has more audio channels than the average soundbar (3 vs 2.1). The average soundbar has 2.1 audio channels.
    3.0 vs 2.1
  • 1 more drivers
    This soundbar has more drivers than the average soundbar (5 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    5 vs 4
  • More music formats supported
    This soundbar supports more music formats than the average soundbar (AAC, ALAC, FLAC, MP3, WMA vs MP3).
    AAC, ALAC, FLAC, MP3, WMA vs MP3
  • 1 more supported Bluetooth codecs
    This soundbar supports more Bluetooth codecs than the average soundbar (2 vs 1). The average soundbar supports 1 Bluetooth codecs.
    sbc, aac
    2 vs 1
  • 3 more supported audio formats
    This soundbar supports more audio formats than the average soundbar (5 vs 2). The average soundbar supports 2 audio formats.
    5 vs 2
  • Wi-Fi connectivity
    This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity, the average soundbar does not.
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    This soundbar has more RJ45 ports than the average soundbar (1 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 RJ45 ports.
    1 vs 0
  • Built-in Chromecast
    This soundbar supports Chromecast built-in, the average soundbar does not.
    Chromecast built-in added via firmware update.
  • Supports AirPlay
    This soundbar supports AirPlay, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Spotify Connect
    This soundbar supports Spotify Connect, the average soundbar does not.
  • Multiroom ecosystem support
    This soundbar supports multiroom ecosystem support, the average soundbar does not.
    Bose Music multi-room ecosystem.
  • Native Amazon Music support
    This soundbar supports native Amazon Music, the average soundbar does not.
    Available via built-in Alexa.
  • Supports Deezer
    This soundbar supports Deezer, the average soundbar does not.
    Available via the Bose Music app.
  • Automatic room calibration
    This soundbar supports automatic room calibration, the average soundbar does not.
  • Companion smartphone app
    This soundbar supports smartphone app, the average soundbar does not.
  • App EQ customization
    This soundbar supports eQ customization (app), the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports voice assistants
    This soundbar supports voice assistant compatibility, the average soundbar does not.
  • More firmware update options
    This soundbar offers more firmware update options than the average soundbar (over-the-air, app-based, USB vs USB).
    over-the-air, app-based, USB vs USB
  • Manual audio delay adjustment
    This soundbar supports manual audio delay adjustment, the average soundbar does not.
    Adjustment available in the brand app.
  • 8 more microphones
    This soundbar has more microphones than the average soundbar (8 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 microphones.
    8 vs 0
  • Far-field microphones
    This soundbar has far-field microphones, the average soundbar does not.
  • 23 mm lower height
    This soundbar is shorter than the average soundbar (44 mm vs 67 mm). The average soundbar is 67 mm tall.
    44 mm vs 67 mm
  • 42 mm thinner design
    This soundbar is thinner than the average soundbar (44 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
    44 mm vs 86 mm
  • Less advanced HDMI ARC type
    This soundbar has ARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, while the average soundbar has eARC.
    ARC vs eARC
  • No night mode
    This soundbar does not support night mode, the average soundbar does.
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
    no (for service only)
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • No PCM / LPCM
    This soundbar does not support PCM / LPCM support, the average soundbar does.
  • 3 fewer sound modes
    This soundbar offers fewer sound modes than the average soundbar (1 vs 4). The average soundbar offers 4 sound modes.
    1 vs 4
  • No bass boost
    This soundbar does not support bass boost, the average soundbar does.
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
    no (USB port is for service only, not playback)
  • 2.73x more expensive
    Bose Soundbar 500 is more expensive than the average soundbar (£300 vs £110).
    £300 vs £110
  • 3 fewer sound modes
    This soundbar offers fewer sound modes than the average soundbar (1 vs 4). The average soundbar offers 4 sound modes.
    1 vs 4
  • No bass boost
    This soundbar does not support bass boost, the average soundbar does.
  • 3 years older release
    This soundbar is older than the average soundbar (2018 vs 2021). The average soundbar was released in 2021.
    October 2018
    2,018 vs 2,021
  • 5.8 Hz higher min frequency
    This soundbar has a higher minimum frequency than the average soundbar (55.8 Hz vs 50 Hz). The average soundbar has a minimum frequency of 50 Hz.
    55.8 Hz vs 50 Hz
  • No PCM / LPCM
    This soundbar does not support PCM / LPCM support, the average soundbar does.
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
    no (for service only)
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
    no (USB port is for service only, not playback)
  • Less up-to-date Bluetooth version
    This soundbar has a less up-to-date Bluetooth version than the average soundbar (4.2 vs 5).
    4.2 vs 5.0
  • Less advanced HDMI ARC type
    This soundbar has ARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, while the average soundbar has eARC.
    ARC vs eARC
  • No night mode
    This soundbar does not support night mode, the average soundbar does.
  • 1,180 g heavier weight
    This soundbar is heavier than the average soundbar (3,180 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    3,180 g vs 2,000 g

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Aspire Vlogging
≈ estimated
26/11/2020
Unboxing and review · one week of use · sound tests
Verdict
Bose Soundbar 500 fills the room well, though the full setup is expensive.
9.0
JimboFiveO
≈ estimated
13/06/2019
Short review · features, app and voice control overview
Verdict
Bose Soundbar 500 has strong features and sound, and the reviewer would happily buy it.
Shop video
Shop video
Not graded
Hands-on video, no verdict
Overview video
Not graded
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.2
rtings.com
✓ explicit
30/09/2019
Lab test · Slim soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Soundbar 500 is a balanced bar for voices and podcasts, but it isn't very loud and lacks sub-bass for movies.
7.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
08/02/2019
Hands-on test · Slim Alexa soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Soundbar 500 is a slim bar with clear, rich sound and Alexa built in, but deep bass needs the optional Bass Module.
6.0
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
08/09/2021
Extended test · Slim soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Soundbar 500 is a slim bar with big sound and good smart features, but an update problem can leave it without TV sound.
7.0
consumerreports.org
≈ estimated
Not Specified
Lab test · Voice-controlled soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Soundbar 500 is simple to set up and use, with Alexa or Google voice control, but its sound is boomy and compressed on loud programs.
7.0
digitaltrends.com
✓ explicit
24/08/2020
Hands-on review · Minimalist soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Soundbar 500 is a slim, well-made bar with clear, musical sound, but no subwoofer means little bass punch in big scenes.
10
heise.de
✓ explicit
01/02/2021
Hands-on test · Smart soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Soundbar 500 has balanced, room-filling sound and easy app and voice control, but it works best in larger, open living rooms.
7.6
hifi.de
✓ explicit
15/10/2021
Hands-on test · Movie-focused soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Soundbar 500 is a slim bar with clear, full film sound and easy voice control, though it's better for movies than for music.
7.6
chip.de
✓ explicit
06/04/2020
Lab test · Voice-assistant bar
Verdict
The Bose Soundbar 500 is a spacious, loud bar with HDMI and voice assistants that can grow with add-on speakers, though bass can sound tinny.
6.0
lesnumeriques.com
✓ explicit
12/02/2019
Hands-on test · Compact soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Soundbar 500 is a discreet, easy-to-set-up bar with balanced sound, but its bass lacks precision and it has no virtual surround.
7.0
clubic.com
✓ explicit
24/12/2020
Hands-on test · Multi-room soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Soundbar 500 suits TV and music fans who want simple controls, with a pleasant midrange, but its bass is limited and it can't decode DTS.
9.6
revistaonoff.es
✓ explicit
02/12/2020
Test bench · Soundbar with subwoofer
Verdict
The Bose Soundbar 500 is a slim bar that fills the room with sound, best paired with its wireless subwoofer, but it only decodes Dolby Digital.
9.0
hablandodemanzanas.com
✓ explicit
Not Dated
Hands-on test · Films and games
Verdict
The Bose Soundbar 500 is a compact bar with clear sound for games, films and music, but it lacks the 700's voice presence and surround depth.
8.0
pixeltv.it
✓ explicit
23/07/2024
Hands-on test · Expandable soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Soundbar 500 has neutral, accurate sound and a clean center channel for dialogue, but its bass is limited without the optional Bass Module 500.
9.0
liefsmarielle.nl
≈ estimated
20/03/2019
Owner review · Long-term use
Verdict
The Bose Soundbar 500 is a slim bar that sounds good for music and films, with easy Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Alexa control, after three months of use.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Bose Soundbar 500

  • Sleek and compact design: Its low profile (less than 2 inches tall) allows it to fit easily under most TVs without blocking the screen.
  • Exceptional dialogue clarity: Features dedicated center channel performance and dialogue enhancement modes that make speech very easy to understand.
  • Extensive wireless connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect for versatile streaming.
  • Built-in voice assistants: Includes Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant with a superior microphone array for reliable voice pickup even in noisy rooms.
  • ADAPTiQ room calibration: Automatically optimises the audio performance based on the specific acoustics of your room.
  • Easy setup: Users frequently report a quick and straightforward installation process via the Bose Music app.

What customers don't like about Bose Soundbar 500

  • Lack of sub-bass: On its own, the soundbar lacks deep, thumpy bass for action movies, often making a separate subwoofer purchase necessary for full immersion.
  • No Dolby Atmos or DTS support: It does not support these advanced surround sound formats, limiting its performance compared to newer rivals.
  • Compression at high volumes: The sound can become compressed or distorted when pushed to its maximum volume, especially in the bass range.
  • Limited physical ports: Lacks additional HDMI inputs, meaning it cannot serve as a hub for multiple devices.
  • App and firmware issues: Some users and reviewers have reported frustrating software bugs, including firmware update loops that can affect usability.
  • Premium price point: Often considered expensive for the performance offered when compared to competitors that include a subwoofer in the box.

Verdict

The Bose Soundbar 500 is an ultra-slim 3.0-channel speaker system measuring just 80 cm wide and 4.4 cm high, featuring a premium matte-finish top and a wraparound metal grille. It is equipped with custom drivers and QuietPort technology for clarity and reduced distortion, and includes an eight-microphone array for built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice control. Its main strengths are a well-balanced sound profile ideal for dialogue, ADAPTiQ room calibration for optimized acoustics, and versatile connectivity via HDMI ARC/eARC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Apple AirPlay 2. However, notable drawbacks include a significant lack of sub-bass for action movies without the optional Bass Module 500, a lack of support for Dolby Atmos, and a tendency for audio compression at maximum volume levels.

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