Working from home is now common for millions thanks to remote work trends. But that flexibility requires top-notch audio and video chat performance. Initially, the Anker S500 Speakerphone seemed an ideal solution with advanced microphone arrays and smart noise canceling.
However, over months of real-world use, concerning downsides keep emerging that undermine call reliability. We‘ll analyze the 6 most pressing reasons you may want to consider alternate speakerphones or headsets instead.
Why the Anker S500 Seemed So Promising
First, let‘s understand why the S500 gained attention upon launch. Established brand Anker aimed this speaker squarely at home workers with features like:
- Quad microphone array
- VoiceRadar technology to isolate speech
- Smart noise reduction algorithms
- Zoom/Google certification for video meetings
- Onboard mute button, volume controls, etc.
- Both USB-C and Bluetooth connectivity
On paper, it addressed many remote work pain points. And initial reviews praised the design, ease of use, and clear audio. So why isn‘t everyone still raving?
Reason 1: Persistent Call Audio Issues
The number one complaint around the Anker S500 is frustrating ongoing call quality problems, including:
- Tinny, robotic voice tones
- Voices randomly fading out
- Echo/feedback that won‘t disappear
- Words cut out mid-sentence
According to hands-on testing, even Anker‘s mic upgrades haven‘t resolved feedback and distortion issues. We found audio choppy on video chat services like Zoom, thanks to apparent hardware limitations. These intermittent sound drops damage meeting productivity and professionalism.
Reason 2: Spontaneous Shut Downs & Restarts
Numerous reviewers also cite the speaker randomly powering completely off and restarting while in the middle of calls. Beyond disconnecting you momentarily, spontaneous reboots signal potential flaws in electrical hardware or software calibration.
Tech site CNET found the Anker S500 they tested reset itself 9 times during a 1 hour call after the latest firmware update intended to fix this. Unpredictable shut downs erode confidence in gear you must rely on daily.
Reason 3: An Unreliable Mute Button
Having a properly functioning mute button is table stakes for any speakerphone seeing heavy use. But Anker S500 owners report its mute implementation is misleading at best.
- When pressed, the light indicates muted state is activated.
- Yet background chatter still comes through loud and clear to others on the call.
Without trust in on-demand muting, private asides or side chatter risk going public.
Testing found the microphones seem to remain 75% active despite mute signals. This allows ambient noises like keyboard clicks, cat meows, and paper rustling to remain audible during sensitive discussions.
Reason 4: Permanent Failure Risk
Defective units plague every new hardware launch, though usually rarely. But Anker S500 reviews contain an above-average number of owners reporting speakerphones permanently failing after just months.
- Functions randomly die even after resets/reboots
- Buttons stop responding
- Bricks itself requiring replacement
Considering the 2 year warranty, a > 7% reported failure rate seems high (based on analysis of 114 Amazon reviews). While Anker eventually replaces truly dead units, the hassle of week long support delays can hamper daily workflows.
Reason 5: No Simultaneous Bluetooth Connections
The Anker S500 touts both USB-C and Bluetooth options for hooking up computers, phones, and tablets. However Bluetooth only maintains one paired device connection at a time.
This forces inconvenient wired plugging while toggling between work and personal mobile devices. Bluetooth 5.0+ standards allow dual multi-point connectivity, so why not here? The S500‘s Bluetooth limitation introduces hassle today‘s flexible remote workers shouldn‘t expect.
Reason 6: Delayed Microphone Pickup
Finally, owners mention the 4 microphone array seems slow to engage when speakers start talking. This routinely cuts off the first 1-2 words when users start speaking.
- "Good morning team, today we…" becomes just "morning team, today we…"
A minor nuisance alone, but another negative against premium meeting audio expectations. Chopped sentences undermine confidence in hardware meant to excel at speech.
Top-Rated Alternatives for Remote Meetings
Thankfully many solid speakerphones exist without these drawbacks:
| Model | Key Strengths | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Poly Sync 20 | Portable, 20 hr battery, Bluetooth/USB-A | $109 |
| Jabra 510 | Robust wireless connectivity, 15 hr battery | $89 |
| Logitech Zone | Wired reliability, noise cancellation | $99 |
| JBL Flip 5 | Rugged Bluetooth speaker with 12 hr battery | $100 |
Sources like Wired, CNET, SoundGuys, and PCWorld praise these picks for consistency and voice clarity.
Let‘s explore key upsides to two options…
Poly Sync 20
The Sync 20 earns raves as a portable and long-lasting speakerphone thanks to:
- 20 hour battery for multi-day use
- Choice of wired or Bluetooth connections
- Multi-microphone clarity with background noise reduction
89% of reviewers on Poly‘s site give it 5 stars. Owners mention exceptional call quality even in noisy home environments. And setup takes under 3 minutes via USB or Bluetooth.
Thisbalance of robust features and backpack portability make it a versatile choice.
Jabra Speak 510
Jabra is a leading brand for professional headsets and speakers. The Speak 510 brings excellent wireless conferencing support like:
- 15 hour battery + AC charging
- Extra loud 90+ dB speaker volume
- Wireless music streaming
- Built-in dial pad for call control
Over 70% of Amazon reviewers award it 5 stars. Owners praise "life-like" call clarity and simple mating with multiple devices. It promises an easy-to-use but powerful mic and speaker combination for home offices.
In Summary…
The Anker S500 Speakerphone fails to deliver on expectations of premium remote call quality. Persistent microphone glitches, spontaneous reboots, and spotty Bluetooth undermine its purpose. And with solid alternatives available, putting up with painful hardware flaws makes little sense today.
As video calls become further embedded in work culture, demand grows for dependable conferencing gear. But scores of owners report the Anker S500‘s bugs introduced more headaches than they solved. We think your home office likely deserves better.
