Short answer: the Apple HomePod 2nd Gen. It ranks #5 of 28 powered desktop speakers by sound quality, rated 4.0/5, at $349. The Apple HomePod Mini 2 ranks #11, rated 3.3/5, at $149, $200 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
Why pick the Apple HomePod 2nd Gen: A compact smart speaker with natural, spacious sound that tunes itself to the room, ideal for Apple Music and AirPlay users. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Apple HomePod Mini 2 lacks. The catch: What Hi-Fi’s own comparison found the pricier Sonos Era 300 has more power, punch and detail, and Siri cannot launch Spotify, Tidal or other non-Apple services directly, only Apple Music by voice; everything else has to be sent over AirPlay from a phone.
Why pick the Apple HomePod Mini 2: Apple’s second generation HomePod mini keeps the compact acoustic design of the Apple HomePod Mini, a full-range driver with dual passive radiators and a waveguide for 360 degree sound, and adds a newer chip for real-time computational tuning. Watch for: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared directly with measured speakers; the rating is estimated from its measured predecessor.
Pre-order: the Apple HomePod Mini 2 is available for pre-order and expected to ship Friday, October 30, 2026.
Buy the Apple HomePod 2nd Gen. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $200 you would save on the Apple HomePod Mini 2 does not close the gap.
About the ratings: the Apple HomePod Mini 2’s rating is estimated from measured siblings and predecessors rather than its own measurements, with a likely range of 3.1 to 3.5, so this verdict could change once it is measured.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
A compact smart speaker with natural, spacious sound that tunes itself to the room, ideal for Apple Music and AirPlay users.
Apple’s second generation HomePod mini keeps the compact acoustic design of the Apple HomePod Mini, a full-range driver with dual passive radiators and a waveguide for 360 degree sound, and adds a newer chip for real-time computational tuning.
Prices on this page were last checked October 26, 2026 at 12:00 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Apple HomePod 2nd Gen | Apple HomePod Mini 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.00 each | $149.00 each Preorder |
| Ranked | #5 of 28 in Medium Size Powered Desktop Speakers | #11 of 15 in Small Size Powered Desktop Speakers Estimated |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Battery Life | No Battery | No Battery |
| IP Rating | None | None |
| Party Mode | Yes (AirPlay 2 multi-room) | Yes (AirPlay 2 multi-room) |
| Power Input | External AC adapter (detachable cable) | External 20W USB-C power adapter |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Weight | 5.1 lbs (2.3 kg) | 0.7 lbs (335 g) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes (Wi-Fi 6E) |
| App | Yes (Apple Home) | Yes (Apple Home) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes (far-field array, no physical mute switch) | Yes (3 far-field mics) |
| EQ | Yes (Reduce Bass toggle + automatic room correction) | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| TWS | Yes (stereo pairing via Home app) | Yes (stereo pairing via Home app) |
| Drivers | 4in high-excursion woofer, 5x horn-loaded tweeters | Full-range driver + dual passive bass radiators |
| Inputs | Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2 | Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2 |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Dimensions | 6.7” x 5.6” x 5.6” (170 x 142 x 142 mm) | 3.3” x 3.9” (84.3 x 97.9 mm) (H x diameter) |
| Voice Assistants | Apple Siri | Apple Siri |
| Streaming Services | AirPlay 2, Apple Music (direct voice control); other services via AirPlay only | AirPlay 2, Apple Music (direct voice control); other services via AirPlay only |
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