(Putting a one star unless there is a solution to my problem)
I bought this on Thanksgiving and it was my biggest purchase of the year, its my first ever Bose speaker. Install was easy, i know quite a few people mentioned its difficult to install, but I have to say unless you are from stone age (which means you are not efficient with your smart phone) the installation process is just as simple as setting up some random online account. In terms of the sound quality, I have to say I was hoping for more. I hoped the sound was more surrounded giving that its Bose. I can feel the sound comes from a single source in front of you, and its a just a clearer, louder version of the TV sound. It doesn't make you feel like you are immersed into whats playing in your TV. I think its still very very far away from the experience of a good set of 5.1 sound system or in a cinema. But its probably one of the best TV soundbar out there.
Now, as for the 1 star. I had it for 1.5 days, a total use time of less than 5 hours, before it decided to go into perpetual updating mode. There is nothing I could do, it doesn't respond to any command it just got stuck at something while updating the software, not even responding to the factor reset command via the remote control. And there is no button on the soundbar. Very disappointing.... my first Bose speaker and it just died. Caused me more trouble than enjoyment so far.
Update 1:
Contacted Bose and they agreed to do an exchange. Since I had a trip in two weeks they said they would send out a new one to me and once I got it just send the faulty one back, because otherwise the exchange process would usually take three to four weeks before I can get a new one. I waited for almost two weeks and no new sound bar came. I called Bose and they said nothing was indeed sent to me!!! They said I will have to send the faulty one back before they could do anything. What!? I asked at least 3 times to confirmed a new one was being sent to me in the first call. The sloppiness is laughable. I know you don't know what the other service support person said, but thats very irresponsible for a company selling luxury electronics. No record, just making things up.
I gave up on them and I left for the trip. I came back on 12/30 and decided to send Amazon a message to see what they could do. Within 5 mins, they said they would send one out. I got it the very next day!!! On New Years Eve!!! Thats amazing! I would have given Amazon 5 stars if there is a choice.
Update 2:
This new sound bar hasn't gone into perpetual updating mode yet, thank god! But two cons I noticed using it:
1) It doesn't really hear you say "Alexa" when its playing music. I had to shout really loud even the other Alexa in the other room responded. I was just about 6 foot away from it, although the sound may have been blocked by the TV. But in general, we have to raise our voice to talk to Alexa when the sound bar is playing music even we are standing next to it. And I have a feeling this Alexa doesn't understand as well as the other Alexa thats on an Echo.
2) This sound bar Alexa doesn't have all the functions as the normal Echo Alexa. Things like "remind me in 15 mins" or "set a timer" the Bose sound bar Alexa said she couldn't do it. Shame because I use it very often.
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From the manufacturer
Bose Soundbar 500
Movie night. Every night.
Lately, you might find yourself spending more time streaming shows or movies. So, let’s turn your everyday living room into a home theater. The Bose Soundbar 500 provides immersive sound and has Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant built in.
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Watch TV, hands free.
In addition to your smart soundbar, Bose Voice4Video expands your Alexa control to your TV and cable or satellite box. One simple voice command lets you start watching instantly.
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A Few Icebreakers...
Alexa, play Sam Fisher. Alexa, volume up. Alexa, turn on the TV.
Alexa, watch NFL network. Alexa, what's the weather? Alexa, set a timer for 5 minutes
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Take control of your listening experience.
The Bose Music app personalizes your experience, and keeps all your music in one place. Jump between stations, playlists, and services, set up presets, and more.
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Quiet for the. Loud for you.
Bose SimpleSync groups your Bose Soundbar 500 or 700 to your Bose Headphones 700. With independent volume controls, one of you can sleep as the other continues watching – guilt-free.
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Music. Any way you want it.
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Apple AirPlay 2 compatibility allow you to easily connect.
Want to kick it up a notch? Add more.
For those who want more room-rocking sound, add the Bose Bass Module 500. Pair it with the Bose Surround Speakers to be in the center of the action. And with the optional Bose Soundbar Universal Remote, control your entire entertainment system.
Meet the Family: They’re even better all together.
The Soundbar 500 is part of the new family of Bose smart speakers, which includes the Bose Home Speaker 300, the Bose Home Speaker 500, the Bose Portable Home Speaker, and the Bose Soundbar 700. Because nothing makes a home feel homier than every room filled with astonishing Bose sound.
Bose Soundbar Comparison
 Bose Soundbar 500 |  Bose Soundbar 700 |  Bose Solo 5 |  Bose Soundtouch 300 | |
|
Performance
| Classic Bose sound | Loud, low, more spacious | Clear, balanced sound | Crisp, deep sound |
|
Size
| 31.5” x 1.75” x 4” | 38.5” x 2.25” x 4.25” | 21.6” x 2.6” x 3.4” | 38.5” x 2.25” x 4.25” |
|
Design
| Matte-finish top | Premium glass top | Quality materials | Premium glass top |
|
Microphone system
| Custom 8-mic array | Custom 8-mic array | — | — |
|
Multiroom
| Other Bose smart speakers | Other Bose smart speakers | — | Other Soundtouch speakers |
|
Modularity
| Bass, surround sound | Bass, surround sound | — | Bass, surround sound |
|
Remote
| Included | Universal remote | Included | Included |
|
Built-in Alexa
| ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
|
Bluetooth
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
|
HDMI-ARC connectivity
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
|
Audio input
| Optical | Optical | Optical and coaxial | Optical |
|
App control
| Bose Music app | Bose Music app | — | Soundtouch app |
Videos
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Compare with similar items
 | Bose 767520-1100 SoundTouch 300 Soundbar, works with Alexa,Black | Bose TV Speaker - Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity, Black, Includes Remote Control | Bose Solo 5 TV Soundbar Sound System with Universal Remote Control, Black | Bose Smart Soundbar 300 with Bass Module 500 for Soundbar, Black | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Customer Rating | (627) | (1042) | (6926) | (17569) | (8) |
| Price | $499.99 | $619.99 | $199.00 | $159.00 | $758.00 |
| Sold By | Smart Supply | Smart Supply | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Adorama |
| Color | Black | Black | Black | Black | — |
| Item Dimensions | 4 x 31.5 x 1.75 inches | 4.25 x 38.5 x 2.25 inches | 4.02 x 23.38 x 2.21 inches | 3.4 x 21.5 x 2.8 inches | 15 x 13.2 x 13 inches |
| Item Weight | 7.00 lbs | 12.60 lbs | 0.01 ounces | 3.70 lbs | 25.70 lbs |
| Speaker Type | Surround | Soundbar | Soundbar | Soundbar | Satellite, Soundbar |
Customer reviews
I needed a compact soundbar with minimal height to fit in about 2.5" of vertical space. The television is mounted on a brick wall over a mantelpiece, and I did not want to mount it any higher on the wall. We have a few Sonos products, but none of their soundbars would fit. The Bose 500 is only about 1.7" high and fit perfectly. It is unobtrusive and practically disappears. The sound is much better than that from the Sony TV speaker. I had difficulty with dialogue, in particular, and found that the Bose makes a big difference in the clarity of the spoken (or whispered) word. We did not get the subwoofer but would consider adding it. The Bose remote works fine but I don't use it much; easier to use the remote from our cable/internet provider. The Alexa app also works adequately but is quirky; you can't say "Alexa, turn down the volume," but instead must say "Alexa, turn down the Bose soundbar volume." There may be bigger soundbars that produce a more encompassing sound, but if you need a compact soundbar that is still sonically excellent and will fit in a small space, the Bose may be just the thing.
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Top reviews from other countries
Amazon Customer
Great
Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on January 2, 2019Style: SoundbarColor: BlackVerified Purchase
william krochak
Do your research before you buy!
Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on December 16, 2018Style: SoundbarColor: BlackVerified Purchase
Iván González
Buen audio y calidad en acabados, nada amigable el sistema de conectividad con Alexa
Reviewed in Mexico 🇲🇽 on June 17, 2019Style: SoundbarColor: BlackVerified Purchase
PEPE
Calidad total de audio
Reviewed in Mexico 🇲🇽 on February 19, 2020Style: SoundbarColor: BlackVerified Purchase
Jissokay
Excelente audio
Reviewed in Mexico 🇲🇽 on January 5, 2019Style: SoundbarColor: BlackVerified Purchase
