HomePod (2nd generation)

Source

The Verge

Key Takeaways

• Hardware cost-cutting drops tweeters from seven to five and mics from six to four, resulting in audibly narrower high-frequency sparkle.
• Excessive, uncontrolled low-end resonance creates boomy mud in smaller bedrooms, with no manual multi-band EQ in iOS settings.
• Stubbornly locked inside Apple's walled garden: no standard Bluetooth streaming, handicapping Spotify and Android users.
• Cannot form a stereo pair with a 1st Gen HomePod despite identical outward aesthetics, forcing expensive complete replacements.

✅ Pros

• Gorgeous minimalist seamless mesh cabinet design
• Expansive, cinema-grade Dolby Atmos spatial soundstage
• Built-in Thread border router and Matter smart home support

❌ Cons

• Downgraded physical tweeters and microphone array count
• Bloated, boomy low frequencies drown out delicate vocals
• Lacks standard Bluetooth audio connectivity for non-Apple gear
• Artificial software block prevents stereo pairing with 1st Gen

📝 Verdict

"A cost-reduced sequel masquerading as a flagship. Boomy tuning and ecosystem handcuffs make it a hard sell."

Source

• Video: HomePod 2: A Definitive Audiophile Review
• Channel: Snazzy Labs | Type: In-depth audiophile review | Based on: YouTube transcript (fetched with youtube-transcript-api)

Key points

• He didn't think highly of the first generation: high price, no audio input or Bluetooth, reliance on Siri, and hard to repair. The 2nd generation still has these issues, but it's better than he expected.
• There are only two new features: a Thread radio (to control future Matter devices), and a temperature and humidity sensor available to HomeKit; but after every setup or move, it takes 24–48 hours of calibration before readings appear.
• As TV speakers with an Apple TV 4K, the first generation had about 120 milliseconds of AirPlay latency, while the 2nd generation's is barely noticeable; a stereo pair can use DSP to create a virtual center channel, with good dialogue performance, though deeper male voices sometimes sound muffled.
• Compared with the Sonos Five: the Sonos is cheaper, sounds better than a HomePod stereo pair, and also supports AirPlay and Siri; if you don't care about smart features, there are many better traditional speakers under $500.
• But he considers the HomePod a feat of engineering: such a compact speaker delivers this sound quality, tunes itself automatically to the room, and its 360° driver layout makes it sound the same from every direction when placed in the middle of a room. Not the best value, but not overpriced either.

✅ Pros

• Excellent sound from a compact body
• Automatic room tuning and a 360° soundstage
• Very low latency with Apple TV
• Deep Apple ecosystem integration

❌ Cons

• No audio input or Bluetooth
• The temperature and humidity sensor needs a long calibration
• Similarly priced speakers such as the Sonos Five sound better
• Dialogue is occasionally muffled

📝 Verdict

Not the best value, but very good: the HomePod (2nd generation) isn't an audiophile's first choice, but almost everyone who tries it will love it.

Source

• Video: Apple HomePod 2 Review: I'm Confused
• Channel: Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) | Type: Launch review (2023) | Based on: YouTube transcript (fetched with youtube-transcript-api)

Key points

• The original HomePod launched at $350 in 2018, sold poorly and was discontinued in 2021; the HomePod mini sold far better at $99. The 2nd generation returns looking almost identical, slightly shorter and stouter, with a new Midnight color.
• New features: Sound Recognition can notify your phone when it detects a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm; a built-in temperature and humidity sensor; a Thread radio with Matter support (the HomePod mini also gained these features through a software update).
• The biggest change is actually subtraction: tweeters go from 7 to 5, far-field microphones from 6 to 4, and the US price is $50 cheaper. He thinks it still sounds as good as the original, clear and full.
• Old problems remain: you can't set Spotify as the default music app, it only works with iPhones or AirPlay devices, it can't be used as a Bluetooth speaker, there's no audio input, there's no screen on top to show information, and Siri is still very limited.
• Conclusion: if you care a lot about the Apple ecosystem and sound quality, it's for you; everyone else can choose a HomePod mini, or better smart speakers from Google or Amazon.

✅ Pros

• Still excellent sound
• New Sound Recognition and temperature/humidity sensing
• Thread / Matter support
• Cheaper than the original

❌ Cons

• Siri is still limited
• Can't be used as a Bluetooth speaker, no audio input
• Can't set Spotify as the default
• Still expensive

📝 Verdict

A good speaker, an average smart speaker: the sound is beyond reproach, but the price and Siri's limitations make it suitable only for deeply invested Apple users.

Source

• Video: Apple HomePod 2 Review + Audio Test
• Channel: Dave2D | Type: Launch review with audio measurements | Based on: YouTube transcript (fetched with youtube-transcript-api)

Key points

• In blind tests at home he sometimes actually picked the first generation, so he switched to measuring in his studio with a calibrated microphone and REW: the 2nd generation's bass is similar to the first's, with slightly better mids and highs.
• He thinks the 2nd generation does sound slightly better, which also shows how outstanding the first generation's sound was 5 years ago.
• Design-wise, the top becomes a flatter touch panel, and the power cable is now detachable.
• Two units in a stereo pair are very immersive, but they must be the same model — you can't mix with the first generation or HomePod mini; he thinks this is right, because different frequency responses would unbalance the soundstage.
• Temperature readings are slightly higher than a standalone thermometer (possibly affected by the unit's own heat), while humidity is quite accurate; the switch to Wi-Fi 4 doesn't affect music streaming; Matter support helps for the future smart home. First-generation owners who only care about sound don't need to rush to upgrade.

✅ Pros

• Measured sound slightly better than the first generation
• An immersive stereo pair
• Detachable power cable
• Accurate humidity sensing, Matter support

❌ Cons

• Little difference from the first generation
• Temperature readings run high
• Stereo pairs can't mix different models
• A pair isn't cheap

📝 Verdict

Small but real progress: the HomePod (2nd generation) is still a great-sounding smart speaker, worth considering for new users, while first-generation owners needn't rush to switch.