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Are you an Apple enthusiast looking to elevate your audio experience? Choosing between the HomePod and the HomePod Mini can be a tough call. Both smart speakers offer seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, but they cater to different needs and budgets.
This comparison dives deep into the features, sound quality, and overall value of each speaker. We’ll explore the differences in size, price, and capabilities to help you decide which device is the perfect fit for your home.
Get ready to discover which Apple speaker, the HomePod or the HomePod Mini, will best deliver your music, podcasts, and smart home control needs. Let’s find out which one deserves a spot in your living space!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | HomePod | HomePod mini |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Larger | Smaller |
| Height | 6.8 inches | 3.3 inches |
| Width | 5.6 inches | 3.9 inches |
| Weight | 5.5 pounds | 0.76 pounds |
| Drivers | High-excursion woofer, array of 7 tweeters | Full-range driver |
| Processing | S7 chip | S5 chip |
| Spatial Audio | Yes | Yes |
| Microphones | 6 | 3 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, Thread |
| AirPlay 2 | Yes | Yes |
| HomeKit Support | Yes | Yes |
| Colors | White, Midnight | White, Space Gray, Yellow, Orange, Blue |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Sound Quality
- Homepod: Features a powerful array of speakers, including a high-excursion woofer and a beamforming tweeter array, delivering rich, immersive sound with deep bass and clear highs. It excels in larger rooms and offers a more balanced sound profile. However, it is more expensive.
- Homepod Mini: While smaller, it still provides surprisingly good sound quality for its size, utilizing a full-range driver and a passive radiator for bass. It’s best suited for smaller rooms or as part of a multi-room setup, but may lack the depth and power of the larger HomePod. It is also more affordable.
- Winner: homepod
Size and Design
- Homepod: Larger and cylindrical, the HomePod has a more substantial presence. It’s designed to be a centerpiece, with a fabric mesh exterior. Its size makes it less discreet.
- Homepod Mini: Compact and spherical, the HomePod mini is designed to blend in. It’s ideal for placing on shelves, desks, or nightstands. Its small size makes it very versatile.
- Winner: homepod mini
Price
- Homepod: Higher price point reflects its superior audio components and performance.
- Homepod Mini: Significantly more affordable, making it accessible to a wider audience.
- Winner: homepod mini
Smart Home Integration
- Homepod: Functions seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem, controlling HomeKit devices, and offering Siri integration for voice commands.
- Homepod Mini: Like the HomePod, it provides full HomeKit and Siri support, controlling smart home devices and responding to voice commands.
- Winner: Tie
Microphones
- Homepod: Equipped with a six-microphone array for excellent far-field voice recognition, ensuring Siri can hear you even from a distance or in noisy environments.
- Homepod Mini: Has four microphones, which still provide good voice recognition, but may be slightly less effective in picking up commands from a distance compared to the HomePod.
- Winner: homepod
Processing Power
- Homepod: Features an Apple S7 chip, allowing for advanced audio processing and computational audio capabilities.
- Homepod Mini: Utilizes an Apple S5 chip, still providing excellent performance and efficient operation.
- Winner: homepod
Multi-Room Audio
- Homepod: Supports multi-room audio when paired with other HomePods or AirPlay 2 compatible speakers, allowing for synchronized music playback throughout your home.
- Homepod Mini: Fully supports multi-room audio, working seamlessly with other HomePod minis or HomePods and AirPlay 2 devices.
- Winner: Tie
Connectivity
- Homepod: Supports Wi-Fi (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connectivity.
- Homepod Mini: Supports Wi-Fi (802.11n) and Bluetooth 5.0, as well as a Thread radio for improved smart home device communication.
- Winner: homepod mini
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Audio Quality | HomePod |
| Size and Portability | HomePod mini |
| Value | HomePod mini |
| Smart Home Features | Tie |
| Design | Tie |
| Connectivity | HomePod mini |
What They Have in Common:
- Siri Integration: Both HomePod and HomePod mini offer full Siri integration, allowing you to control your music, smart home devices, and get information with voice commands.
- Airplay 2: Both speakers support AirPlay 2, enabling you to stream audio from your Apple devices and create multi-room audio setups.
- Smart Home Control: Both devices function as a Home Hub, allowing you to control HomeKit-enabled accessories, automate scenes, and manage your smart home ecosystem.
- Stereo Pairing: You can pair two HomePods or two HomePod minis together for stereo sound, enhancing the audio experience.
- Apple Music Support: Both speakers seamlessly integrate with Apple Music, providing easy access to your music library and curated playlists.
- Privacy Features: Both HomePod models are designed with privacy in mind, with features like on-device processing and the ability to delete your Siri history.
Homepod Vs Homepod Mini Buying Guide
Sound Quality and Performance
The HomePod boasts superior audio fidelity, offering a richer and more immersive listening experience. Its larger size allows for a more powerful woofer and a wider array of tweeters, resulting in deeper bass, clearer highs, and a more balanced soundstage. The HomePod excels in filling larger rooms with sound, delivering a more impactful performance. The HomePod Mini, while impressive for its size, delivers a more focused and slightly less dynamic sound. It’s ideal for smaller spaces where a powerful sound isn’t the primary requirement.
Size, Design, and Portability
The HomePod is significantly larger, featuring a cylindrical design covered in a mesh fabric. This design lends itself to a more stationary placement, and its size makes it less portable. The HomePod Mini, with its compact spherical design, is highly portable and can easily be moved from room to room. Its smaller footprint allows it to fit seamlessly into any space. The HomePod Mini is a better choice if portability and space-saving design are top priorities. Both devices share a minimalist aesthetic that integrates well into modern homes.
Smart Home Integration
Both the HomePod and HomePod Mini function as hubs for your smart home devices, using Siri to control lights, thermostats, and other compatible accessories. They both offer the same level of smart home integration, but the HomePod’s superior processing power might give it a slight edge in responsiveness. Both devices are compatible with Apple’s HomeKit platform, allowing you to create scenes and automations. The key difference lies in the audio quality and the size of the room you’re controlling.
Price and Value
The HomePod is priced higher than the HomePod Mini, reflecting its superior audio capabilities and larger size. The HomePod Mini offers excellent value for its price, providing a solid audio experience and full smart home functionality at a more accessible cost. Consider your budget and your audio needs when deciding. If you are on a budget or don’t need audiophile quality sound, the HomePod Mini is a great deal. However, if audio quality is paramount, the HomePod is worth the investment.
Connectivity and Features
Both devices offer Wi-Fi connectivity and support AirPlay 2 for streaming audio from Apple devices. The HomePod boasts an array of seven tweeters and a high-excursion woofer, allowing for spatial audio and immersive sound. The HomePod Mini has a single full-range driver and two passive radiators. Both include Siri integration for voice control. The HomePod Mini offers a unique Intercom feature for communication between Apple devices. The HomePod also offers more advanced features like room sensing and automatic tuning to optimize sound.
Use Cases and Best Fit
The HomePod is best suited for music enthusiasts and those looking to fill larger rooms with high-quality sound. It’s ideal for living rooms, home theaters, or spaces where audio quality is a primary concern. The HomePod Mini is perfect for smaller spaces, such as bedrooms, kitchens, or offices. It’s also a great option for those who want to create a multi-room audio setup without breaking the bank. Consider your typical listening habits and the size of your space when making your decision.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy HomePod If…
- You prioritize superior audio quality with richer bass and more detailed sound.
- You have a larger space and want a speaker that can fill the room with sound.
- You want the best possible audio experience from a smart speaker.
- You value the premium design and build quality of the HomePod.
Buy HomePod mini If…
- You’re looking for a more affordable smart speaker option.
- You want a compact speaker that can fit easily in any room.
- You want to create a multi-room audio system without breaking the bank.
- You are looking for a speaker that also acts as a smart home hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the HomePod and HomePod Mini?
The primary difference lies in audio quality and size. The HomePod delivers a richer, more powerful sound with deeper bass and clearer highs, suitable for larger rooms. The HomePod Mini is smaller, more affordable, and ideal for smaller spaces, offering a good balance of sound and features in a compact design.
Can I use the HomePod with Android devices?
While the HomePod and HomePod Mini are primarily designed to work with Apple devices, you can stream music from Android devices using AirPlay. However, some advanced features, such as hands-free Siri, are limited to Apple users. You may need to use a third-party app.
Does the HomePod have a built-in battery?
No, both the HomePod and HomePod Mini require a constant power connection. They are designed to be plugged into a wall outlet. Therefore, they are not portable in the sense that they can be used without a power source.
Can I use the HomePod as a speakerphone?
Yes, both the HomePod and HomePod Mini can be used as speakerphones for phone calls when connected to an iPhone. You can answer and make calls using Siri voice commands. The HomePod’s microphones are particularly good at picking up your voice.
Do the HomePod and HomePod Mini support multi-room audio?
Yes, both HomePod models support multi-room audio via AirPlay 2. You can group multiple HomePods (or HomePod Minis) together to play music simultaneously throughout your home. This feature allows for a seamless audio experience.
How do I set up the HomePod and HomePod Mini?
Setting up both devices is relatively easy. Simply plug in the HomePod or HomePod Mini, and your iPhone or iPad will automatically detect it. Follow the on-screen prompts to connect to your Wi-Fi network and sign in with your Apple ID. Siri will then be ready to use.
Can I use the HomePod to control my TV?
Yes, you can use the HomePod and HomePod Mini with Apple TV. You can control playback, adjust the volume, and even ask Siri to play specific shows or movies. You can also use the HomePod as the audio output for your Apple TV, providing improved sound quality.
Final Verdict
Both the HomePod and HomePod Mini are excellent smart speakers, each with its own strengths. The HomePod excels in audio quality, making it ideal for audiophiles and larger spaces. The HomePod Mini offers a more affordable and portable option, perfect for smaller rooms and budget-conscious consumers. The right choice depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Winner: HomePod