WH
“The HomePod is back and it sounds better than ever — best-in-class for Apple users”
Is the Apple HomePod 2nd Gen worth it?
The Apple HomePod 2nd Gen ($321.59) is recommended with a 8.8/10 consensus score across 11 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.
Recommended11 Expert Reviews
Price Range
Check Price on Amazon →$321.59
Verified 35d ago
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Apple HomePod 2nd Gen
NM
Nicholas Miles · Editor-in-Chief & Methodology Owner
Smart Speakers
SHE ScoreAbove Average
SmartHomeExplorer proprietary rating
6.7/10
11 expert sources
Compatibility Breadth5/10
Setup Ease5.9/10
Reliability7/10
Value Rating8.8/10
Future-Proofing7/10
The Apple HomePod 2nd Gen earns a SHE Score of 6.7/10, driven by strong value (8.8/10) with room to improve in compatibility breadth (5/10). Based on 11 expert sources and SmartHomeExplorer compatibility analysis.
How we calculate the SHE Score →Expert Consensus: 8.8/10 across 11 sources
Updated 1 week ago“The HomePod is back and it sounds better than ever — best-in-class for Apple users”
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
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What The Experts Say
TO
“A stellar but pricey sequel”
EN
“A smarter smart speaker — best for those committed to Apple's ecosystem”
Ready to buy the Apple HomePod 2nd Gen?
Check Price on Amazon$321.59 · 11 expert sources · 8.8/10 consensus
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See how the Apple HomePod 2nd Gen ranks against the full field in our Smart Speakers buying guides.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple HomePod 2nd Gen worth it?
The Apple HomePod 2nd Gen earns a 8.8/10 consensus score across 11 expert sources and is rated "Recommended". At $321.59, it is best for Apple households. What Hi-Fi notes: "The HomePod is back and it sounds better than ever — best-in-class for Apple users"
How much does the Apple HomePod 2nd Gen cost?
The Apple HomePod 2nd Gen is priced at $321.59. With a 8.8/10 score from 11 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 11 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. Check the compatibility notes above for any hub dependencies or setup requirements before you buy.
What are the best alternatives to the Apple HomePod 2nd Gen?
If the Apple HomePod 2nd Gen ($321.59, 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, 11 expert sources rate it "Recommended" with a 8.8/10 consensus score.
Sources & Methodology
This review aggregates 3 independent expert reviews into a single consensus score. See how we build consensus scores and the SHE Score methodology.
Expert review sources cited on this page:
- What Hi-Fi
- Tom's Guide
- Engadget
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 11 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.