The second-generation HomePod is Apple’s first room-filling smart speaker and still one of the few that takes acoustic room modelling seriously. On setup, Spatial Audio calibration listens to the room and adjusts EQ, stereo width, and high-frequency dispersion to optimise for where the speaker is placed — near a wall, in a corner, on an open shelf — delivering consistently strong results regardless of placement.
A 4-inch high-excursion woofer and five tweeter array produces output at a volume-per-size ratio that outperforms similarly sized competitors. At normal listening volumes the low end is full and impactful without the muddiness that budget speakers exhibit. Stereo pairing with a second HomePod creates a genuine stereo image that fills living rooms and kitchens.
Siri handles timer and smart home commands reliably, and intercom messaging to other HomePod and Apple devices in the home is one of the more under-appreciated household conveniences. Thread mesh networking makes it a home hub for Matter-compatible smart home devices without needing a separate hub. Sound Recognition alerts you to smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors even when you’re in another room.
| Woofer | 4-inch high-excursion, woven mesh cover |
|---|---|
| Tweeters | 5-array, beamforming, inward-facing |
| Chip | Apple S9 — spatial audio calibration + processing |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, Thread (Matter hub), Ultra Wideband |
| Smart Home | HomeKit hub, Matter compatible, Thread border router |
| Siri | On-device voice recognition, no cloud round-trip for local requests |
| Dimensions | 6.6 × 3.94 in (height × diameter) |
| Weight | 5.29 lbs (2.4 kg) |
| Power | AC adapter (non-removable), no battery |
| In the box | HomePod, USB-C power cable, 20W USB-C power adapter |
Elan Musk –
Paired two for a stereo setup in my living room. The room calibration adjusts the sound noticeably when you move one to a different position — you can hear it adapt within 30 seconds of placement. Deep bass output for the cabinet size is impressive. Siri accuracy has improved considerably but still falls short of Alexa for home automation commands.