Apple HomePod 2 Review: Is It Worth Buying?
In January 2023, Apple released the second iteration of its HomePod smart speaker, informally known as the HomePod 2. This launch came after the discontinuation of the original HomePod in 2021, which marked an abrupt end to a product that had generated a devoted following for its sound quality but had struggled in terms of market share against rivals like Amazon’s Echo and Google’s Nest Audio. With the new HomePod 2, Apple aims to recapture some of the market while addressing criticisms of the past. Here’s a deep dive into its features, performance, and overall value proposition to see if it’s worth the investment.
Design and Build
The HomePod 2 retains much of Apple’s minimalist aesthetic, featuring a sleek mesh fabric exterior available in white and midnight (a dark gray). It mirrors the original HomePod’s size and shape, making it an unobtrusive yet elegant addition to any room. The build quality is robust, and the device feels substantial without being excessively heavy, a hallmark of Apple’s commitment to high-quality materials and finish.
Sound Quality
Continuing its legacy, the HomePod 2 offers excellent sound quality that rivals and sometimes surpasses other speakers in its price range. Apple has further refined its audio technology, incorporating a custom-engineered high-excursion woofer, a powerful motor that drives the diaphragm a remarkable 20 mm, and an array of five tweeters around the base for a clearer, more immersive soundfield. The sound is enriched by Apple’s computational audio, which analyzes and optimizes the music to fit the acoustics of the room. This feature, known as Spatial Audio, works particularly well for genres like classical and jazz.
Smart Features
Underneath its sophisticated exterior, the HomePod 2 is powered by the S7 chip, enabling what Apple calls "advanced computational audio" for real-time tuning. The integration with Siri is smoother than ever, allowing seamless interactions and a wide range of voice commands, from sending messages and setting reminders to controlling various smart home devices within the Apple ecosystem, like lights and thermostats through HomeKit.
Moreover, Apple has improved Siri’s ability to recognize individual voices, providing a more personalized response based on user profiles. Privacy is also a crucial emphasis, with Apple promising that all audio processing is done on the device itself, ensuring that personal data does not leave the premises without encryption.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The HomePod 2 supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and Thread — an emerging standard seen in smart home devices. It’s deeply integrated with Apple’s ecosystem, meaning it works effortlessly with iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices. It also serves as a hub for HomeKit, Apple’s smart home platform, allowing for more granular control of compatible devices and automations.
Unfortunately, like its predecessor, the HomePod 2’s capabilities are significantly limited for users who are not fully immersed in the Apple ecosystem. There’s no built-in support for third-party music services at the launch beyond voice control for Pandora and Deezer; users primarily relying on Spotify or other services might find this a substantial drawback.
Price and Value
Priced at $299, the HomePod 2 sits in the higher spectrum of the smart speaker market. While not the most accessible price point, the quality of the materials, sound performance, and integration within Apple’s environment justify the expenditure for those who are already within the Apple ecosystem and prioritize audio quality and privacy.
Conclusion: Is It Worth Buying?
For Apple enthusiasts and those who value superior sound with smart features, the HomePod 2 is undoubtedly a worthwhile investment. It offers marked improvements over its predecessor, particularly in terms of audio and user interaction. However, for users who are not deeply embedded in Apple’s ecosystem or who primarily use music services outside of Apple Music, the appeal might be limited. As always, the decision to invest in new technology should align with personal requirements, existing tech infrastructure, and budget considerations.