Is the Bose Home Speaker 500 Dual Voltage?

For those who spend a lot of time traveling the world, dual voltage devices are both essential and familiar companions. The standard voltage in the United States is 100V, while in the United Kingdom, it’s 230V. Not all dual voltage devices carry the full range of 100-125V and 220-240V, but devices that do can be used anywhere in the world. With that said, you may be wondering if the Bose Home Speaker 500 is dual voltage so you can pack it for your next trip.

The Bose Home Speaker 500 is dual voltage, between 100-125V and 220-240V. It can be used anywhere in the world without the need for a voltage converter. With dimensions of 4.31 x 6.68 x 8.01 inches, dual voltage capability is convenient, as the Bose Home Speaker is small enough to be easily transported.

Every country globally operates on either 50Hz or 60Hz, and the Bose Home Speaker supports both. An additional benefit of dual voltage capability is the added stability such a configuration affords. In any country, regardless of their voltage standards, there’s always a bit of fluctuation. Anything from bad or faulty wiring to power surges is accommodated more easily with dual voltage. Read on to learn more about the Bose Home Speaker 500 and how it uses dual voltage.

Bose Home Speaker 500 Dual Voltage and Travel Adapters

There are 14 different plug and socket types in use across the world. If you’re traveling with your Bose 500, you’ll want a travel adapter—also known as a plug converter or power adapter. There are tons of these available, but here are a few to give you an idea:

• TESSAN Type G Travel Adapter: If you’re traveling to the UK from the US—whether on business or vacation—this adapter is all you’ll need. It also comes with two USB ports for keeping your devices charged.
• Amazon Basics 3-pack Travel Adapter Type G: Though they lack the USB charging ports, this three-for-one deal isn’t bad for $7.43. They also come in different types – Type C, E/F, H, I, L, and Worldwide.
• EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter: This is a single, brick-like device that’s essentially a plug version of a Swiss Army Knife. Universal means worldwide and covers all 14 types of adapters.
• Ceptics World Travel 7 Adapter Separate Attachment Set: If you prefer separate plugs rather than the all-in-one version, the Ceptics attachment set comes with a set of 7 and a set of 6. Ceptics also sells a universal adapter that’s similar to the EPICKA.
• Franklin Electronics World Travel Adapter 3 SKROSS: If you’re looking for a true Swiss Army version of a travel adapter, this one is made in Switzerland. It is a single device with retractable plugs.

As you can see, there is plenty of variety in travel adapters to choose from. No matter which one you need, the Bose Home Speaker 500 will work with it.

Bose Home Speaker 500 Dual Voltage and Device Compatibility

In February of 2020, Bose upgraded the firmware across all of its devices to add support for Apple Airplay 2. When it released the Bose Home Speaker 500 and the 300, Airplay 2 came along for the ride. All Apple devices are dual voltage, making the Airplay 2 addition a welcome one for Apple consumers with a Bose Home Speaker 500.

The TESSAN Type G Travel Adapter can run your Bose 500 and charge your iPhone/iPad/Mac. If you prefer Siri and enjoy Apple Music and HomeKit, this is the logical setup.

To add your Bose Home Speaker 500 to HomeKit:

1. Open the Bose Music App and connect the Bose 500.
2. Next, open the Apple Home app and select Add an Accessory.
3. You’ll see two options: Use HomeKit Setup Code and Hold iPhone Near the Accessory. At the very bottom, select I Don’t Have a Code or Cannot Scan.
4. Select Bose Home Speaker 500 when it shows up under Select an Accessory to Add to My Home.

To use Airplay 2 on your Bose 500:

1. Swipe down from the upper, right-hand corner of your iPhone/iPad.
2. You’ll see the Music Control Panel. Touch and hold it until it expands.
3. Now, select the Airplay icon followed by the Bose 500.

With macOS, hold down the Option key until the speaker icon shows up on the menu. Select Output Device followed by Bose Home Speaker 500.

With all of Apple’s devices, along with the Bose Home Speaker 500, designed for dual voltage, it’s a natural pairing to take with you wherever you go.

Final Thoughts

Of course, Apple devices aren’t the only products designed for dual voltage, and the Bose Home Speaker 500 works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant as well as Apple HomeKit. However, all iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, etc., are made by Apple, and the same cannot be said of Android phones.

Multiple manufacturers mean a variety of hardware and software, some of which may not be capable of supporting higher or lower voltage. If you own an Android device or a Windows computer, it’s best to check with your manual or the manufacturer to determine if the device is dual voltage.

Apple devices—along with Apple HomeKit—and the Bose Home Speaker 500 are the best fit for worldwide voltage compatibility.