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Is the Apple HomePod 2nd Gen worth it?

The Apple HomePod 2nd Gen is recommended with a 8.8/10 consensus score across 3 expert reviews. Experts highlight best smart speaker sound quality and homekit/thread hub. What Hi-Fi says: "The HomePod is back and it sounds better than ever — best-in-class for Apple use..." Best for: Apple households, Music lovers, HomeKit users.

Apple HomePod 2nd Gen — Recommended per expert consensus
Recommended3 Expert Reviews
Price Range
$349
$349 listHigh-fidelity audio3 expert sources
Check price →

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Apple HomePod 2nd Gen

NM
Nicholas Miles · Editor-in-Chief & Methodology Owner

Smart Speakers

Expert consensus

How we score
08.8/1010

3 expert sources · 2 quoted

2 quoted sources with published scores

  • Tom's Guide 8/10
  • What Hi-Fi 10/10

Expert Consensus across 3 sources

Updated 1 week ago

Editorial consensus score: SmartHomeExplorer's synthesis of the 3 published expert reviews listed on this page. Not a user rating.

“The HomePod is back and it sounds better than ever — best-in-class for Apple users”
— What Hi-Fi10/10

Key Features

  • ✓ High-fidelity audio
  • ✓ HomeKit hub
  • ✓ Thread border router
  • ✓ Siri

Best For

Apple householdsMusic loversHomeKit users

What Experts Agree On

What Experts Love

  • ✓ Best smart speaker sound quality
  • ✓ HomeKit/Thread hub
  • ✓ Spatial audio
  • ✓ Temperature/humidity sensor

Common Criticisms

  • ✗ Siri lags behind Alexa/Google
  • ✗ Only works with Apple ecosystem
  • ✗ No display

What The Experts Say

TO
“A stellar but pricey sequel”
Tom's Guide8/10
EN
“A smarter smart speaker — best for those committed to Apple's ecosystem”
Engadget

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple HomePod 2nd Gen worth it?

The Apple HomePod 2nd Gen earns a 8.8/10 consensus score across 3 expert sources and is rated "Recommended". At $349, it is best for Apple households. What Hi-Fi is among the named sources behind that consensus.

How much does the Apple HomePod 2nd Gen cost?

The Apple HomePod 2nd Gen is priced at $349. With a 8.8/10 score from 3 expert reviews and a "Recommended" rating, that price represents strong value relative to the ~7.5/10 average for Smart Speakers products. Prices shift often, so check the live figure before buying.

Who is the Apple HomePod 2nd Gen best for?

The Apple HomePod 2nd Gen is best for Apple households, Music lovers, HomeKit users. Experts rate it "Recommended" with a 8.8/10 consensus across 3 sources.

How does the Apple HomePod 2nd Gen compare to other Smart Speakers options?

Among the Smart Speakers products we have aggregated, the Apple HomePod 2nd Gen ranks above average with a 8.8/10 score. Tom's Guide adds: "A stellar but pricey sequel"

What smart home systems does the Apple HomePod 2nd Gen work with?

The Apple HomePod 2nd Gen works with Apple HomeKit.

What are the best alternatives to the Apple HomePod 2nd Gen?

If the Apple HomePod 2nd Gen ($349, 8.8/10) is not the right fit, the closest alternatives in Smart Speakers are Amazon Echo 4th Gen, Google Nest Hub Max. Compare them on price, ecosystem support, and expert consensus to find your match.

What are the pros and cons of the Apple HomePod 2nd Gen?

The main strengths of the Apple HomePod 2nd Gen are best smart speaker sound quality and homekit/thread hub. The most-cited downside is siri lags behind alexa/google. Overall, 3 expert sources rate it "Recommended" with a 8.8/10 consensus score.

Decided on the Apple HomePod 2nd Gen?

$349 listHigh-fidelity audio3 expert sources
Check price →

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Sources & Methodology

This review aggregates 3 independent expert reviews into a single consensus score. See how we build consensus scores.

Expert review sources cited on this page:

Affiliate disclosure: SmartHomeExplorer.com participates in the Amazon Associates program. We earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.This consensus review is based on 3 independent expert reviews — we did not test this product ourselves. Always verify current prices and availability before purchasing.

Independence notice: Smart Home Explorer is an independent publication. Apple and other product names, logos, and brands referenced on this page are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. This review is not sponsored by, affiliated with, or endorsed by Apple or any other manufacturer named in this article.