Short answer: the JBL Authentics 500. It ranks #5 of 10 powered desktop speakers by sound quality, rated 4.1/5, at $449.95. The Apple HomePod Mini ranks #10, rated 3.3/5, at $149.36, $300.59 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The case for 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.
The case for the JBL Authentics 500: A large smart speaker with a built in subwoofer, virtual Dolby Atmos, Wi-Fi streaming and both Alexa and Google Assistant. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Apple HomePod Mini lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Apple HomePod Mini lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Apple HomePod Mini. Watch for: Bass is specified only to 40Hz at -6dB, so deep-bass reach is limited for a cabinet this size.
Buy the JBL Authentics 500. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $300.59 saving on the Apple HomePod Mini is not enough to make up the difference.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
A tiny Siri smart speaker that hears you even at full volume and gives decent bass for its size.
A large smart speaker with a built in subwoofer, virtual Dolby Atmos, Wi-Fi streaming and both Alexa and Google Assistant.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Apple HomePod Mini | JBL Authentics 500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.36 each | $449.95 each |
| Ranked | #10 of 15 in Small Size Powered Desktop Speakers | #5 of 10 in Large Size Powered Desktop Speakers |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | No Battery | No Battery |
| IP Rating | None | None |
| Party Mode | Yes (AirPlay 2 multi-room) | Yes (Wi-Fi multi-room) |
| Power Input | External AC adapter (USB-C) | 100 - 240V AC, ~ 50/60Hz |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (345 g) | 17.2 lbs (7.8 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, 2.4GHz/5GHz) |
| App | Yes (Apple Home) | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes (4 far-field mics, no mute button) | - |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| TWS | Yes (stereo pairing via Home app) | - |
| Drivers | Full-range driver + dual passive bass radiators | 6.5” (down-firing subwoofer), 3x 2.75” midranges, 3x 1” (25mm aluminum dome) tweeters |
| Inputs | Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2 | USB-C (USB playback, US only) |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Dimensions | 3.3” x 3.9” (84.3 x 97.9 mm) (H x diameter) | 17.6” x 9.4” x 10.1” (447 x 240 x 255.7 mm) |
| Voice Assistants | Apple Siri | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) |
| Streaming Services | AirPlay 2, Apple Music (direct voice control); other services via AirPlay only | AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Alexa MRM |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.3 |
| Dolby Atmos | - | Yes (virtual) |
| Ethernet | - | Yes |
| Frequency Response | - | 40Hz - 20kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Configuration | - | 3.1 channel |
| Amplifier Power | - | 270W (Max @ THD 1%) |
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