Enjoy your favorite songs in a whole new way with a smart speaker!
Smart Speakers have changed the way we enjoy audio with their effective design and innovative features.
You have the handy ability to use voice assistants such as Google or Alexa to change stations, pick out your favorite tracks, and more, without needing to press any buttons or even leave the couch!
Additionally, smart speakers can be easily integrated with multiple devices, allowing you to create the perfect sound system for your home.
Today, we’ll be looking at Bose Home Speaker 500 vs. SoundTouch 20 and what you can expect from these models. So whether you prefer the idea of Apple Airplay 2 compatibility and built-in Alexa with Bose Home Speaker 500, or simply to extend your SoundTouch family with SoundTouch 20.
Both smart speakers have something to offer, so let’s see which one suits you best.
Feel free to use our navigation system to skip down to any part you prefer.
Bose Home Speaker 500 vs. SoundTouch 20 — Differences
Difference #1: Display – In terms of display quality Bose Home certainly comes out ahead with it’s clear and vibrant LCD screen that displays the tracks being played as well as the time.
While SoundTouch 20 provides a more simple, black and white OLED display that isn’t as aesthetic as Bose 500.
Difference #2: Adjustable Bass & Treble – Having the ability to adjust the bass and treble of your smart speaker allows you to decide how much bass you want to experience in your chosen audio!
Luckily, you can do so with Bose 500, while SoundTouch doesn’t come with this feature available.
Difference #3: Remote – You can operate your SoundTouch smart speaker using the on-device buttons, or by using a physical remote to switch your device on or off, change tracks, and more, from the comfort of your couch.
Unfortunately, while Bose 500 also includes on-device touch controls, it doesn’t come with a physical remote.
Yet you can use your voice to control it, which brings us to the next difference..
Difference #4: Built-In Alexa – While both smart speakers are compatible with Alexa, Bose Home Speaker 500 actually comes with this handy assistant already built-in, so you won’t have to shell out for an Alexa-enabled device such as Echo or Echo Show 8.
It’s also worth keeping in mind that some features won’t be available, such as Alexa drop-in announcements or calling.
Having Alexa in your home is a handy tool, as you can use voice commands to operate your lights, cameras, and of course operate your smart speaker without even having to lift a finger!
Additionally, since Bose 500 offers superior 360° Sound as well as an eight microphone array, you can expect your smart speaker to hear you and respond to your requests from even further away.
Difference #5: Apple Airplay 2 – For Apple users out there, you’ll be glad to know that Bose Home Speaker 500 is Apple Airplay 2 compatible, so you can easily stream your favorite tracks, podcasts, soundtracks and more, directly from your iOS device to your speaker.
Difference #6: Ethernet Port – If you like the idea of connecting your smart speaker directly to the router for a more stable connection, you can do so with SoundTouch 20. As it includes an Ethernet port for a reliable network connection and fewer interruptions.
Unfortunately, Bose Home Speaker 500 doesn’t come with an Ethernet port.
Difference #7: App – Bose Home Speaker 500 is compatible with the new and updated Bose Music App, which allows you to easily browse and control your favorite music from one or many Bose smart products.
The Bose app also makes it easy to set your playlists of preferred stations and presets, which you can access from the app with a single tap, or from the soundbar remote.
While SoundTouch 20 integrates with the SoundTouch App.
Similarly to Bose Music, you have the ability to set presets and browse from a wide range of streaming partners such as Spotify, Audible, Deezer to name a few, in order to find the perfect audiobook or your favorite podcast.
Difference #8: Size & Design – SoundTouch 20 comes at slightly larger dimensions of 7.4” x 12.4” x 4.1” vs. Bose Home Speakers 6.7” x 4.3” x 8”.
Although, when it comes to color, both SoundTouch 20 and Bose Home Speaker 500 offer two color options to choose from, black and white, allowing you to choose the right tone to fit the decor of the room.
Difference #9: Price – While SoundTouch 20 is the slightly cheaper model, the difference isn’t too vast.
Especially if you consider the fact that Bose Home Speaker 500 comes with a built-in Alexa giving it a more competitive edge.
Bose Home Speaker 500 vs. SoundTouch 20 — Comparison Chart
| Bose Home Speaker 500 | SoundTouch 20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Stereo Output | Yes | Yes |
| Power | AC | AC |
| Display | LCD | OLED |
| 360° Sound + 8 Microphone Array | Yes | N/A |
| Adjustable Bass & Treble | Yes | N/A |
| Drivers/Speakers | 2 | 2 |
| Auto Line-In | Yes | Yes |
| Six Preset Buttons | Yes | Yes |
| Connects to TV | Via AUX Cord | Via AUX Cord |
| Has its Own Remote | N/A | Yes |
| In-Built Alexa | Yes | No |
| Compatible With Alexa | Yes | Yes |
| Google Assistant | Yes | Via line-in port |
| Network | 802.11 b/g/n, 2.4 and 5Ghz | 802.11 b/g/n, 2.4 and 5Ghz |
| Airplay 2 | Yes | N/A |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Ethernet Port | N/A | Yes |
| On Device Control | Touch | Button |
| App Control | Bose Music | SoundTouch |
| Dimensions | 6.7” x 4.3” x 8” | 7.4” x 12.4” x 4.1” |
| Finish | White/Black | White/Black |
Bose Home Speaker 500 vs. SoundTouch 20 — Things in Common
Stereo Output – Both smart speakers come with two custom drivers that will produce an impressive stereo output, filling the whole room with high-quality audio that will enhance any movie night, party or solo listening session every time!
Network – Bose Home Speaker 500 and SoundTouch 20 connect to a 2.4 and 5Ghz network, which will allow you to set up and operate your speaker with ease.
However, if you’re worried your internet might not be up for it, you also have the option to use an Ethernet cable with SoundTouch, or opt for a WiFi extender such as D-Link DAP-1650, for Home Speaker 500.
Additionally, both models also support a Bluetooth connection as well which can come in handy during the setup process.
AUX Cord – Have an unforgettable movie night with your loved ones when you connect your smart speaker directly to your TV using an AUX cord.
This allows you to t enjoy your favorite shows, music videos, movies, and more in a whole new way.
Add More Speakers – You have the ability to further extend your family of speakers and build an impressive sound system with both models.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that SoundTouch won’t be compatible with the Bose Home Speaker series, and vice versa.
Google Assistant – If you already own a Google Home, you can also take advantage of using Google voice assistant with both smart speakers.
For example, you can ask Google to change the song, or even put on the news, right from the comfort of your couch!
Bose Home Speaker 500 vs. SoundTouch 20 — Accessories
Now that we have gone over both Bose and SoundTouch smart speaker, let’s check out some of the accessories they can offer.
Extend your Bose Home Speaker collection with a Portable Speaker. It also has Alexa built-in and the best part about it is that you can take it anywhere with you! The sound might not be as impressive as from the 500 speaker, but it’s weather-resistant and can definitely make outdoor activities more fun.
Also, for the audiophiles out there, you might like the idea of T8S Tonematch Mixer.
This handy device allows you to take control of your music by offering studio-quality EO dynamics and effects.
If you have already fallen in love with the idea of having an in-built Alexa with your Bose Smart Speaker 500, you should also check out the . Which cleverly turns any dumb device into a smart one, which you can then operate using simple voice commands!
When it comes to SoundTouch 20, we highly recommend this rotatable wall mount to get the best sound from your new speaker.
Bose Home Speaker 500 vs. SoundTouch 20 — Our Thoughts
In the end, when it comes down to choosing between Bose Home speaker and the slightly cheaper SoundTouch 20, it really depends on what you’re looking for.
In terms of audio quality, both models are exceptional with the added perk of adjustable bass and treble with Bose 500. Both smart speakers come with two custom drivers and can produce a powerful stereo sound.
However, Bose Smart Speaker also has the added benefit of an in-built Alexa, LCD display quality, and Apple Airplay 2 which makes it a superior speaker when comparing the two.
SoundTouch 20 still remains a good option if you already have SoundTouch speakers in your home, and are looking to expand the family.
Last update on 2024-04-24 at 16:04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
