Between the Home Speaker 500 and Nest Audio, the Home Speaker 500 comes out ahead in several specs, while the Nest Audio wins on matter / thread and output. Overall, the Home Speaker 500 scores 35 and the Nest Audio scores 50.6 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The Nest Audio is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 15.6 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 Nest Audio if you care most about matter / thread and output. Its strongest claims are matter / thread, output.
Both ship with comparable dolby atmos, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the Nest Audio 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 Google - Nest Audio wins
- ▲Has Matter / Thread.
- ▲Output: 75 W vs 0 W.
Spec comparison
Audio
| Spec | Bose - Home Speaker 500 | Google - Nest Audio |
|---|---|---|
| Output | 0 W | 75 Wlead |
| Stereo pairing | true | true |
| Dolby Atmosⓘ | false | false |
Assistant & Smart Home
| Spec | Bose - Home Speaker 500 | Google - Nest Audio |
|---|---|---|
| Voice assistant | Alexa,Google Assistant | Google Assistant |
| Matter / Thread | false | truelead |
| Zigbee hub | false | false |
Spec-level deep dives
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