Apple HomePod (2017)

Stunning sound quality ; Clever spatial awareness ; Handsome looks

Siri isn't that smart ; Frustrating software ; Restricted to Apple users

Excellent, nuanced sound ; Great design ; Easy HomeKit setup and control ; Streaming support via AirPlay

No built-in support for Spotify, Pandora, or other apps ; Requires iOS device running iOS 11.2.5 to set up ; No Bluetooth or Aux jack for non-iOS devices

While the Apple HomePod is an outstanding speaker, it is made for a very specific audience and excludes many potential users. Until the HomePod offers support for multiple streaming apps and has more third-party app and feature integration, its...

Seriously excellent sound ; Siri responds quickly to commands ; Subtle design ; AirPlay streaming works well

Siri is limited compared to its rivals ; Can't identify multiple users ; No Bluetooth streaming or audio inputs ; Limited third-party support (for now)

Chris is Engadget's senior mobile editor and moonlights as a professional moment ruiner. His early years were spent taking apart Sega consoles and writing awful fan fiction. That passion for electronics and words would eventually lead him to covering...

Natural, solid and energetic sound ; Spacious and three-dimensional, particularly with Atmos ; Brilliantly well made

Still only suitable for dedicated Apple users ; No Siri control for Spotify, Tidal etc ; Some rivals have a more direct sound

The new HomePod is a great-sounding smart speaker made even better – it’s an irresistible choice if you’re an Apple user

Excellent clarity and detail ; Rich, well-balanced soundstage ; A pair with Atmos is mind-blowing ; Fast to respond

No Bluetooth or aux-in ; Siri just isn't that useful ; Less bass impact than original

The HomePod 2 offers clear, detailed and well-balanced sound from an impressively compact package – but it requires you to run an extremely Apple-heavy household, due to its lack of Bluetooth. The new Matter smart home support and temperature/humidity...

Amazing sound quality Siri voice accuracy is high Attractive, understated design

Siri is limited No Bluetooth streaming Apple Music subscription needed for a worthwhile experience

With the Apple HomePod, we're really reviewing two things at once: a premium speaker and a smart home hub. In the former category, the HomePod is excellent, with amazing sound and incredibly intuitive set-up. But in the latter Siri is only middling in...

Compact, solid and stylish ; Automatically gets the best out of its position and your music ; Siri and Apple Music works well ; Weighty, authoritative sound

Over-reliance on voice control ; Mid-range a little muddled ; Too Apple-centric

The best-sounding, most music-oriented smart speaker currently available

Powerful audio performance with rich, full bass. Measurement mic adjusts audio according to your room's acoustics. Visually pleasing design.

No Bluetooth streaming. No aux input. No voice control for non-Apple music services. Siri is behind the competition. Leaves rings on some wooden surfaces.

The HomePod is a sonic success. Purists may thumb their noses at the DSP and overall inability to disable the room-adapting technology in favor of an unadulterated signal, but we can at least confirm that, while the audio performance may be steeped in...