Short answer: the Apple HomePod 2nd Gen. It ranks #5 of 29 powered desktop speakers by sound quality, rated 4.0/5, at $349. The Apple HomePod Mini ranks #10, rated 3.3/5, at $149.36, $199.64 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
What the Apple HomePod 2nd Gen does well: 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 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: A tiny Siri smart speaker that hears you even at full volume and gives decent bass for its size. Watch for: SoundGuys’ listed cons include no mute button at all, an occasionally annoying Handoff prompt, and no direct Spotify integration since Siri only launches Apple Music by voice.
Buy the Apple HomePod 2nd Gen. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $199.64 with the Apple HomePod Mini does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
A compact smart speaker with natural, spacious sound that tunes itself to the room, ideal for Apple Music and AirPlay users.
A tiny Siri smart speaker that hears you even at full volume and gives decent bass for its size.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Apple HomePod 2nd Gen | Apple HomePod Mini | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.00 each | $149.36 each |
| Ranked | #5 of 29 in Medium Size Powered Desktop Speakers | #10 of 15 in Small Size Powered Desktop Speakers |
| 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 AC adapter (USB-C) |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Weight | 5.1 lbs (2.3 kg) | 0.8 lbs (345 g) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| App | Yes (Apple Home) | Yes (Apple Home) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes (far-field array, no physical mute switch) | Yes (4 far-field mics, no mute button) |
| 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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