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The Bose Bass Module 500 is a compact wireless subwoofer designed to pair with Bose’s smart soundbars. It’s not a general-purpose sub, so the question isn’t really “is it the best subwoofer?” but “is it the right way to add bass to my Bose soundbar?” Here’s our take.
Bose Bass Module 500
A tidy, easy wireless add-on for Bose smart soundbar owners in small to medium rooms. Not designed for use with other brands.
- Wireless pairing with compatible Bose soundbars
- Compact cabinet
- QuietPort technology
- Setup in the Bose app
If you own a compatible Bose soundbar and want more bass without running cables, the Bass Module 500 is the simplest route. It fills in the low end nicely in a small or medium room. If you want room-shaking movie bass, the larger Bass Module 700 has more output, and if you’re not tied to Bose a wired sub gives far more for the money.
- Very simple wireless setup
- Small and unobtrusive
- Clean, rattle-free bass at moderate levels
- Only works with compatible Bose products
- Limited deep-bass output
- Expensive for its size
Compatibility
The Bass Module 500 pairs wirelessly with Bose’s smart soundbars and home theater systems. It won’t connect to a TV, a receiver or another brand’s soundbar. Bose’s product lineup changes regularly, so check the current compatibility list on Bose’s website before buying.
How it performs
Owners mostly describe the 500 as “polished rather than powerful.” It adds weight and warmth to dialogue-heavy TV and music, takes pressure off the soundbar’s small drivers, and does so without the buzzing or chuffing some budget subs produce. Where it’s limited is the deepest film effects. In a room much over 250 sq ft, or if you like big action movies loud, you’ll want more.
Bass Module 500 vs 700
The Bass Module 700 is the larger option, with a bigger driver and noticeably more output, plus a glass top panel. If your room is medium-sized or bigger, or movies are the priority, it’s the better match. The 500 makes sense in smaller rooms or where space is tight. Bose has also introduced a new Lifestyle Ultra Subwoofer for its latest home theater systems; check that it’s compatible with your soundbar before ordering.
Should you get a Bose sub or a different soundbar?
If you already have a Bose soundbar you’re happy with, adding the matching sub is sensible. If you’re starting from scratch and bass matters a lot, consider a soundbar that has a standard subwoofer output, or a small AV receiver and speakers with a conventional sub. That opens up much better value options like the Klipsch R-120SW. Our guide to adding a subwoofer to a soundbar explains the options.
Setup tips
- Keep it in the front half of the room, ideally near the soundbar. See placement with a soundbar.
- Run ADAPTiQ room calibration again after adding the sub.
- Adjust bass in the Bose app rather than maxing the soundbar’s volume.