TO
“A stellar but pricey sequel”
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 in the category and on-device siri processing for privacy and speed. 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 enthusiasts, HomeKit automation users.
Recommended3 Expert Reviews
Price Range
$349.00
$349.00 listSpatial audio3 expert sources
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Apple HomePod (2nd Gen)
NM
Nicholas Miles · Editor-in-Chief & Methodology Owner
Smart Speakers
Expert consensus
How we score08.8/1010
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 agoEditorial 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”
Key Features
- ✓ Spatial audio
- ✓ HomeKit hub
- ✓ Thread router
- ✓ On-device Siri
Best For
Apple householdsMusic enthusiastsHomeKit automation users
What Experts Agree On
What Experts Love
- ✓ Best smart speaker sound quality in the category
- ✓ On-device Siri processing for privacy and speed
- ✓ Built-in HomeKit hub and Thread border router
- ✓ Temperature and humidity sensor built in
- ✓ Spatial audio with Dolby Atmos support
Common Criticisms
- ✗ Siri falls behind Alexa and Google Assistant for third-party services
- ✗ Apple ecosystem only — no Android or Windows integration
- ✗ $299 price is premium vs comparable speakers
- ✗ No display for visual feedback
What The Experts Say
EN
“A smarter smart speaker — best for those committed to Apple's ecosystem”
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 $349.00, 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 $349.00. 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 enthusiasts, HomeKit automation 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) ($349.00, 8.8/10) is not the right fit, the closest alternatives in Smart Speakers are Amazon Echo 4th Gen, Google Nest Hub Max, Sonos Era 100. 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 in the category and on-device siri processing for privacy and speed. The most-cited downside is siri falls behind alexa and google assistant for third-party services. Overall, 3 expert sources rate it "Recommended" with a 8.8/10 consensus score.
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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:
- 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 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.