A premium conference speakerphone with superb clarity, noise suppression, and scalability for larger meeting spaces.
Anker, a well-known brand celebrated for its high-quality electronic accessories such as chargers, power banks, and cables, has been steadily expanding its product lineup with the introduction of AnkerWork. Known for their commitment to innovation, performance, and reliability, Anker has built a reputation as a trusted name in the tech accessory market.
With the launch of AnkerWork, the company is stepping into the professional communication and collaboration space, offering conferencing devices, microphones, webcams, and video conferencing solutions. This expansion is a strategic move to leverage Anker’s expertise in connectivity and power technology, aiming to provide seamless, high-performance solutions for remote work and modern business communication.
The AnkerWork PowerConf SR500 is a professional-grade Bluetooth and USB speakerphone designed to deliver clear, uninterrupted conference calls. It offers 360-degree audio pickup, multiple microphones, and advanced noise reduction to ensure communication stays sharp in any environment. With its compact yet sturdy design, easy connectivity, and professional-grade build quality, it is a solid choice for remote teams, boardrooms, and hybrid work setups.
Key Features
- Picks up voices clearly from up to 16 ft (about 5 m) away.
- Uses VoiceRadar 2.0 AI to isolate voices and block background noise.
- Can daisy-chain up to 5 units via Power-over-Ethernet for larger rooms.
- Delivers high-fidelity sound with a 10 W speaker and 80 Hz–20 kHz range.
- Features eight 48 kHz Knowles microphones for professional-level clarity.
- Includes a Kensington lock slot for anti-theft security.
- Has an LED light bar to indicate call, mute, and volume status.
- Supports PoE and clean cable routing for a neat, professional setup.
- Works with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and other major conferencing apps.
- Allows firmware updates and customization through the AnkerWork app.
Unboxing and Setup
Inside the box, you will find the SR500 unit itself wrapped in protective plastic. Included are a power cable, Ethernet cable, USB-C to USB-C cable, an Anker-branded USB-C to USB-A adapter, and a quick-start booklet.
First impressions are that the SR500 feels solid and premium, with a well-balanced mix of metal and high-quality plastic. It is heavier than it looks, which gives it a reassuringly sturdy feel.
Setup was simple and plug-and-play with both Zoom and Microsoft Teams. The only extra step I needed was to select the SR500 as my microphone input in Microsoft Teams, which took just a couple of clicks. Once recognized by the computer, the LED control panel lights up. Pressing the mute button turns it red, making it obvious you are muted. Adjusting the volume fills the light bar to show how close you are to maximum volume.
Due to my work’s software restrictions, I was not able to install the AnkerWork app to check the firmware or customize the settings. However, the SR500 works perfectly without any software installation, which is a big plus for anyone in a similar locked-down IT environment.
Overall Use
In my line of work outside of writing, I am on a lot of computer-based calls using Webex, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom, sometimes multiple times a day. Often, I have several people in the same room speaking at once, and this is where the SR500 really shines.
With multiple microphones placed on all sides, it picks up voices no matter where someone is seated. If you have multiple SR500 units, they can be daisy-chained via Ethernet to fully cover a large meeting space with both sound and microphones.
I first tested it during my 30-minute weekly Microsoft Teams meeting. I asked attendees how I sounded, and the feedback was unanimous: better than usual, and clearer than other participants. No matter where I was in our 505-square-foot meeting room, I had no trouble being heard.
The dedicated mute button is a nice touch, with the red light leaving no doubt that you are muted. The volume light bar is equally intuitive, and I like how it pulses in sync with your voice while speaking, giving you visual confirmation that your voice is being picked up.
Pricing
The AnkerWork PowerConf SR500 is available on AnkerWork’s official website for $359.99 or Amazon.
Conclusion
The AnkerWork PowerConf SR500 is a well-built, professional-grade conference speakerphone that delivers on its promise of clear, reliable communication. With strong voice pickup, excellent noise suppression, and the ability to scale up by daisy-chaining units, it’s an excellent fit for medium to large meeting spaces. The LED light bar and intuitive controls make it easy to use, and its plug-and-play compatibility means you can be up and running in minutes.
That said, the SR500’s reliance on multiple cables makes it more of a semi-permanent installation, which can limit flexibility if you need to move it between rooms. The premium price also means it’s best suited for offices and teams that will truly benefit from its capabilities.
If you need a dependable, high-quality audio solution for conference calls and don’t mind a more fixed setup, the SR500 is a strong contender that should serve you well for years.
For more information, visit ankerwork.com
