Between the Home Speaker 500 and HomePod (1st gen), the Home Speaker 500 comes out ahead in several specs, while the HomePod (1st gen) wins on output. Overall, the Home Speaker 500 scores 35 and the HomePod (1st gen) scores 47.8 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The HomePod (1st gen) is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 12.8 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.
The Home Speaker 500 doesn't pull ahead on any single popular-comparison spec — its strengths sit in the spec table groups rather than the headline advantages.
Pick the HomePod (1st gen) if you care most about output. Its strongest claims are output.
Both ship with comparable dolby atmos, matter / thread, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the HomePod (1st gen) is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Why Bose - Home Speaker 500 wins
- No decisive advantages.
Why Apple - HomePod (1st gen) wins
- ▲Output: 60 W vs 0 W.
Spec comparison
Audio
| Spec | Bose - Home Speaker 500 | Apple - HomePod (1st gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Output | 0 W | 60 Wlead |
| Stereo pairing | true | true |
| Dolby Atmosⓘ | false | false |
Assistant & Smart Home
| Spec | Bose - Home Speaker 500 | Apple - HomePod (1st gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Voice assistant | Alexa,Google Assistant | Siri |
| Matter / Thread | false | false |
| Zigbee hub | false | false |
Spec-level deep dives
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