Apple HomePod 2 Review | Don't buy one. Buy two!

[@Caleb_Denison]

Hey everyone! Thanks for watching. Hard to rate this speaker given such a specific use case. Also, couple of clarifications: Sorry if I didn’t make this clean in the video, but any TV audio can be routed through an Apple TV to the HomePods via ARC or eARC. TV streaming apps, game console, cable box, Blu-ray player, you name it. Virtually no latency - not enough to notice, I still have to measure. Also, still testing volume control using various TVs, will update soon.

[@RichardGetzPhotography]

You can only connect two HomePods, correct? If you had to, would you connect a center or base also?

[@moicoweegee]

I was about to ask! Thank you for the clarification. One question though ... If I connect my LG 4K blue-ray player through eARC cable to apple tv (and therefore with the new homepods) will I get dolby Atmos from a dolby Atmos (ofcourse) blue-ray movie? There is no need for any amplifier or other equipment?

[@lycanhd]

Less speakers, less mics and is shorter.

[@SaifDia]

Please let us know after you measure!

[@Nilzonius]

Sorry for asking for a clarification, but how do I get the sound from my Xbox series x to a pair of homepods?

[@rubenfuentesjr.4367]

Apple needs to update the HomePod mini to be surroundsound speakers.

[@arun_gaming1426]

that would be so sick !!

[@rickysekhon5706]

That would be unbeatable with ease of use🥰

[@leehawkins616]

That may be good for a childs bedroom, but the HomePod Mini is only an 'OK' speaker. Frankly I find it less workable too, as if the softward isn't as good in the Mini, even though it may well be identical to the big Homepod. Having had the HP Original set up for TB I know what I would be missing if I used the Min. Like Dolby Atmost, some of the bass, maybe even other things you get on the big HomePod. But it's a used case issue. Kids bedroom would be find for a Mini. Main TV in the living room or theatre room, the big ones are so much better.

[@MorbidGod391]

You can have two HomePod Mini’s and create a surround sound. I can’t confirm yet but I’d believe your be able to get SS 5.1 from the Apple TV 4K. But it can’t do Atmos because it can’t determine where it is like the bigger HomePods can. And I highly doubt Apple will add that into the cheaper HomePod Mini next gen (whatever they call them).

[@TheModernrenaissance]

I literally searched for a video like this 20 minutes after it was posted. Perfect timing and saved me from continuing down the rabbit hole of sound bars!

[@markwilson2699]

Thanks! I love my HomePod (1st Gen) pair for excellent stereo sound. And now I ordered a pair of (2nd Gen) HomePods to listen as is or use together to make a ‘quad stereo sound’ with Apple Music. Hope it works. Will let you know.

[@fkknight1]

I understand that you can’t pair the Gen 1 with the Gen 2. Better check that.

[@markwilson2699]

@@fkknight1 hi, thanks for your response. My thinking was having two separate pairs of HomePods (stereo pair of Gen 1 & a stereo pair of Gen 2 speakers) which can play separately Apple Music through them. But…. next Monday 2/6/23 when I receive my Gen 2 HomePod speaker pair, I’m going to set up across the room from my Gen 1 HomePod speaker pair, and stream Apple Music through both pairs at same time, which will work (called Apple about this and they said yes 👍), and it should fill the room up with ‘a quad sound’, not true surround, but a fake surround sound. I will update next week to reveal how well this sounds.

[@markwilson2699]

I received and hooked up my new HomePod (2nd Gen) pair and once dialed in with the Apple stereo pairing, they sounded great 👍 Then while they played Apple Music, I added my HomePod (1st Gen) stereo pair to also play and yes!! the sound was perfect with all four playing around me. I’m happy it turned out as I had hoped. Each stereo pair volume can be adjusted from the app or on top of each paired HomePod.

[@patrikjonsson1145]

Thank you!

[@chrissummers2420]

I have a pair of HomePods for my tv and love them. They work flawlessly with an Apple TV 4K and never lose connection. I’m no audiophile but I love watching movies and tv with my HomePods. I use to have a sound bar but the HomePods out perform it by a wide margin.

[@DefiedFaith]

Do they only work with Apple TV? What about Blu-ray players and gaming consoles?

[@TrevorEditor]

@@DefiedFaith They work with other devices as long you have an Apple TV 4k 2nd gen and up and an HDMI ARC port on your tv. Plug in the Apple TV into that ARC port on your TV and go into settings to enable the function.

[@hamartime17]

@@DefiedFaithyes I use it for my Xbox and PS5

[@hito157]

Apple: " We sell smart speakers" Caleb: " Nah, you sell TV speakers!" Great review.

[@peat381low8]

yes. Just about sums it up. Got 2 of them on the release date at the Apple Store. Never looked back. Movies, 🎥music 🎵and using Siri for alarms and other things is amazing.

[@we8463]

It would be so great if they could release a software update that allows you to make it in a surround sound system! It would be interesting to have 5 or 9 HomePods all around!

[@WheeledHamster]

Some one who buys 5 or 9 of these for $299 each must be be pretty god damn stupid, maybe that's why.

[@MrChadder007]

^This

[@Katkayz]

They would be dope , I wonder why apple haven’t made a sound bar with a sub woofer. Then you could add 4 home pods .

[@je-fq7ve]

It is doable. Makita has a $150 18v cordless speaker that can pair up to 10 speakers.

[@deecee6615]

soundbar with built in Apple tv

[@mendodsoregonbackroads6632]

It is an entry level home audio speaker with Smart capability. That’s nice that most people are fine with sound that is “good enough” the HomePod Mini is available for them. The mini sounds OK, I have one and seldom use it, the Home Pods get used all day almost everyday. The new and OG HomePods are for people that want room filling sound without paying thousands. This fits the price point of Sony and Sonos speakers.

[@InfamousHp]

YOU LITERALLY ANSWERED EVERYTHING I WAS THINKING! Ever since the announcement I was questioning getting 2 of these vs the Vizio ATMOS sound bar for the living room

[@victuringan1429]

What did you get?

[@InfamousHp]

@@victuringan1429 I just bought 2 new HomePods. They sound as advertised in the video, especially given my open floor plan living room.

[@georgekaradimos5596]

Are your referring to the Vizio Elevate Atmos Soundbar ?

[@InfamousHp]

@@georgekaradimos5596 yeah, the M-Series elevate but I settled for the HomePods. I wanted the sound bar months ago but they were always sold out. So availability coupled with this review made me get the HomePods.

[@eckofame]

The Vizio is 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@robertop.6053]

Thanks! Hi Caleb, as always, a nice review! I would love to buy the Klipsch sevens or nines, but, for now, I need a temporary solution for a smaller apartment/ Studio (PRICES in Dubai)...I am torn between: - Klipsch Fives (US$ 600) - Pair of Homepod 2 (US$ 980) - Bose 900 (US$ 1000, without subwoofer) and - Samsung Q990B (US$ 950)...not really a fan of the overall esthetic/ design and rear speaker system. So, considering that I will be using it 70% for Music and 30% for Movies..which one is the best buy, in your opinion? THANKS! ( I am an Iphone, Mac user, but stream music also from Spotify and KZbin, Tidal, etc)

[@davdidit6]

Maybe a dumb question, or I missed it but what if you have a separate blu ray player or a game console, how would that work? Thanks!

[@RobertSmelser]

The HomePods only connect wirelessly via the AppleTV, so things plugged into your other HDMI inputs won’t be able to connect to them. That’s the primary deal breaker for me.

[@davdidit6]

@@RobertSmelser not sure where I heard/saw this but (I could be wrong) but if you use EArc to connect the Apple TV, then everything runs through the tv, hdmi to Apple TV, wirelessly to the Homepods. Hopefully someone can confirm or disprove that. I wish I could remember where I saw it. I have other systems for pure music. As for home theater, I just want ineligibility more than anything. I am a guarded fan of Apple products, so having everything work together would be nice. I know using Chfi I could build a cheaper system but just like the HomePods because of size and looks. Wait and see I guess.

[@davdidit6]

And I just read Caleb’s comment confirming what I thought.

[@RobertSmelser]

@@davdidit6 Wow. That’s pretty cool.

[@AlexPlatin]

Theoretically, if Apple enabled up to 4 HomePods to be connected in the future and really went for it to create a true spatial audio room sound, do you think this could rival or even surpass the sound quality generated from the Sony HT-A9 system? While watching this video I kept thinking of the similarities here!

[@Chapter7Certified]

I was close to buying the Sony system but if Apple enabled this feature I'd buy four without hesitation

[@wmosleycr7]

@@Chapter7Certified $1329 vs $1999. and If Apple Makes a 7-9in sub for $500-750. It's a no brainer to get the HomePod HT System.

[@RobertK1993]

No

[@RobertK1993]

@@Chapter7Certified Sony HT-A9 still better has High Resolution Audio

[@ryanturner9114]

@@Chapter7Certified trust me, the Sony sub makes a good difference and apple would have to have a sub. Plus eARC.

[@spearmintaltoid]

Review aside… Gotta give DT/Caleb their flowers for how far these videos have come. Been watching since 2018. Congratulations.

[@lukerider756]

Love mine as a pair. One side note with “one” more piece of Apple hardware, an old AirPort Express, you can add a powered subwoofer to the mix and now, altogether it’s amazing.

[@joeschmoe5608]

You’ve opened my eyes to something I’ve never thought of, I’ve had my LG C8 for years and have just recently been thinking of a sound bar when I upgrade to an LG C2, although I don’t have an Apple TV 4K, I’m pretty invested in the Apple ecosystem so this would be really great

[@urswuergler3969]

There are plenty of options. For a real cinematic experience I would certainly opt for a Sonos setup - one can start with two ONE gen2 devices and later extend the system to sound bar + subwoofer + two rear speakers (= ONE loudspeakers) - all wirelessly (incl. the connection to a Apple TV box). It's nice that Apple supports Dolby Atmos but don't hold your breath - it's still a stereo setup with some surround capability. The competition also supports Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple Airplay, Spotify, Tidal etc. - I am in an Apple-oriented home but I still want some flexibility.

[@hiortintexasracing]

I agree with this. I got two for the purpose of actually downsizing my equipment footprint for a move and I’m very pleased. As mentioned the deep bass of a subwoofer can be missed, but not by much. I also noted that the ATV will play the audio out to the pair as well as over the HDMI at the same time, so you COULD have a sub connected to your amp as well.

[@jimmyzbike]

Apple knows how to advertise. Their ad made me start looking for reviews. Thanks for the great video

[@eastman40]

For music, clearity, accessibility and loudness purposes, isn't the Sonos Ray Beam Gen 2 better!

[@ryanbotha7256]

finding this video in August 2024.I just got hold of a homepod original in mint condition for like $82 (ZAR 1,500). This review makes me want to get 2 homepod 2's now. Thank you for such a thoughtful review. Subscribed.

[@samarycastro]

THIS is the review I’ve been looking for!👏 Thanks for the in-depth review. Much appreciated!

[@rustychain9518]

This is the only reason I would get a HomePod…thank you for the review, I’ll be picking up a pair of these.

[@VitiateTheImmortal]

I already love my homepod mini stereo pair as tv speakers lol I’ll probably love the full sized homepods when I get my hands on them

[@hasibackar]

2 homepod in front n 2 minis in the rear...and an add-on subwoofer from apple for extra bass would be a game changer 🤘🤩

[@gregsmamma]

I have been looking at reviews all day and been solely wanting to hear thoughts on Spatial Audio. Thank you!

[@Tony-rj2bm]

Hi Digital Trends, I have been watching you very recently, we’ll since 2019, and because of your awesome reviews I bought my first Oled Tv back in 2020 (LG CX) and absolutely love it. I have also purchased the same TV stand (the BDI Corridor 8179) and I absolutely love it as well, to be honest it’s my favorite piece of It all. Finally I have had 2 HomePods (2018) for the past two years, and I just sold them a week ago when I heard the new ones got announced and have them preordered for pick up this Thursday. So as I watch this review I realized we have the exact same living room tv set up, (I just copied you lol) and since you finally tested the stereo paired Homepods you can now enjoy them as daily drivers too. Great minds think alike I guess ;), but seriously thank you for your reviews, my favorite honest reviewer out there with great taste. Keep ‘em coming! The 🐐.

[@Y-J65]

I purchased these as a pair and they sound phenomenal for a something so tiny. The arc feature is a game changer with the HomePods being able to play everything through them. Apple need to make a sound bar or allow multiple HomePods to be paired for this to be a complete system.

[@pauljohnfox]

I felt that price relative to performance the HomePod Mini was a way more impressive product. I didn’t know about how to use ARC until recently but now that I do that does change things a little. The next issue is the size and form factor. It’s hard to place them cleanly with a 65” screen. That’s a LOT of space between the speakers and they’re so tall they can’t sit in front without blocking the screen (even on “sound bar,” configuration).

[@futuretek115]

I’d love to see how this stacks up against a Sonos arc. Also is there a way to add a subwoofer in the mix?

[@brighamyates]

Agree. We need a new sound bar and I would be interested In these.

[@jasheeky]

Beam gen2 + sub mini vs 2 HomePod gen2?

[@AbandonedSaint]

I had a Ray and a Sub Mini. Sold em for two HomePod (Gen2’s) and never looked back.

[@ChristopherFonseka]

So very tempted to upgrade my Gen 1 Beam to a pair of HomePods

[@Memo-GT]

Could you use your tv as center speaker ?

[@josephkim007]

Thank you for actually going to detail of how they sound. Thank you for also comparing them to sound bars. :)

[@broncsyanks]

Ty for video. Can you use the HomePods with a soundbar at same time? Ty in advancce

[@ivnflo-Carfax]

4:14 in what way is it more capable than the previous? The original has been doing atmos as a pair for a long time now.

[@jasonblair4057]

I have been using a pair of HomePod 1 in the bedroom as my sound system for tv and music. Yes I do have Apple TV 4K so I can enjoy the spacial audio and Atmos. I got them used and they have been great for me.

[@coralreef909]

Amazing technology for sure.

[@TheJoaolyraaraujo]

Viewing in this way as a soundbar replacement make it senses to buy it. I just think if it priced for 250 would sell a lot more. And they could make it the profit difference by selling numbers. Also made the Siri more ubiquitous.

[@a_handle_that_is_not_taken]

How would you compare a pair of these HomePods to Samsung Q990B?

[@plsrhall6290]

Still using Gen1 for my home theater. Works great for my house.

[@steverobinson2389]

Can you connect HomePods using Firestick with the App TV app?

[@dsquareddan]

After just watching MKBHD & Dave2D reviews, your review is the only one that actually talks about sound quality experience in a proper way. MKBHD I usually love, but his review wasn’t good at all. Dave2D at least tried to do a frequency response and touched on stereo pair, but the review felt rushed and didn’t really have them setup in a good way.

[@synoykkassey1277]

Hi! I am one of the few who would like to change my current home theater to stereo homepod. My setup is sonos beam 2 and 2 ikea symfonisk bookshelf speaker but the bass is really lacking and im not happy with performance. Yes I could buy a sub but there is no place to put it. Is it possible to use the homepod as the default speakers connected with Apple tv but using my TVs operating system? I have a Sony x90h android.

[@aberdeenmeadows]

For me, that is what I am doing. Simpler, to me is better. The cool thing is if you ever get tired of them as home theater, you can always move them to another room. I am 100% doing this. I just got rid of my soundbar to get two HomePod Minis and then I am going to get two HomePods and take the minis and put them in diifferent rooms. Yes, you can use the Apple HomePods to be default speakers for your Apple TV What's cool, is in my Apple TV setup, I can use the TV Speakers AND the HomePod speakers.

[@synoykkassey1277]

@Lee Rutter I mean, can I use my Sony Android tv OS when connected to Apple TV? Will the stereo homepod work that way? How does the homepod mini sounds when watching Netflix?

[@fantasytky28]

@@aberdeenmeadows geez ...read people comment please. Who care if you using apple tv? He literally asked about android TV and here we have people giving no value add on opinion

[@theelysium]

I use my HomePod thermostat daily. Thermostat is used with the Home app and other automation features.

[@Zanza007]

I’m most interested in knowing if having the sonos setup with a beam, mini sub, and two sonos one rear speakers, is straight up better. My impression was true Atmos needed to have multiple speakers but if the HomePods are good enough then maybe it makes sense. The expandability of sonos is what makes it so appealing and in Apple home you can just talk to a HomePod mini and get the voice assistant. I know the sonos will end up being more but not sure how extreme the difference is?

[@guinnessharvey4476]

The equivalent Sonos is better sonically

[@urswuergler3969]

I use Sonos ARC, sub and two ONEs - I like the experience more than sitting in a modern movie theater. The flexibility (built-in mic, support for plenty of streams such as Spotify, Tidal and assistants such as Amazon Alexa, Google and plenty of radio stations is great). A decisive part is the initial measurement (performed using an iPhone): it may take two minutes but Sonos is well-known for getting the most out of your hearing room.

[@watchcommander2012]

Great video I was going to get the complete soundbar package but I’m now going to get two of these v2 HomePods to go with the Apple 4K TV. It would be great if a future software update would allow you to add HomePod minis into the mix having two of those behind you would give it another dimension again.

[@bradmeyer13]

Was just thinking about this while watching and 100% I almost think it would be stupid not to do that haha

[@robertallen8841]

My son uses that setup with his xbox and 2 minis. It’s awesome for game play. We use 2 minis in the den and our bedroom. It’s a great solution and can be done a little at a time.

[@enoque4694]

The moment I saw they could be paired I was counting on you to review it! How do they stand up compared to the Sony at-A9?

[@bugbytes6500]

^ This! and maybe Kef LSX II (do a pair of HomePods + Apple TV deliver more than half the value, at around half the price?)

[@The.JZA.]

I have a Bose Soundtouch 300 and Acoustimass 300 subwoofer but I have had a lot of issues with them. The subwoofer died at 2.5 years old and I had it fixed and the soundbar is now dying a slow death at 4.5 years. I managed to get Bose to agree to fix it for free (in progress) but I have lost faith in Bose and their products so when I saw these new HomePods I was intrigued. Do you think the HomePod pair will outperform the Soundtouch 300 with Acoustimass 300 subwoofer?

[@brightmanfan]

The mainproblem I have with using HomePods Gen 1 or 2 is volume, can't get enough volume a lot of times, I end up switching over to my AVR/Speaker system.

[@raenicholson5544]

Great review. I especially like the fact that you tend to quantify most of your remarks… tends to add a sense of balance and perspective to your reviews. Keep up the good work!

[@frugalfilmmakers]

I have been 2 of the original full size HomePods with my Apple TV for years. Magical! I was using Bluetooth sound bars before as we use a projector and a blank wall for our TV. All the AV equipment(DVD,Laserdisc,HDDVD players) are by the projector and wiring speakers was a no go. The problem with Bluetooth is that is drops out now and then and has to be re-paired. There were times we had to move the sound bar to repair it. With Wifi and HomePods, problem gone. Having our Apple TV control everything is great. One volume control. With eARC the DVD automatically plays and then goes back to the Apple TV screen. Simple.

[@carlossalinas6234]

Any audio delay issues since there is no wired connection between HomePod and Apple TV.

[@kenheraty1612]

at 8:10 I'm not understanding what needs apple tv? stereo homePods ...

[@KuyaArbee]

LOVE THE HOMEPOD 2 setup as a pair for 3rd gen APPLE TV 4K! LOVE that you can just say Hey Siri, turn on TV or turn off TV! sure you have the remote but you no longer need to use it to do EVERY single command! LOVE The homepod 2 spacious audio! its amazingly and astonishingly clear the sound is !

[@carlosdeleon6472]

Speaking from someone who is in the Apple eco system, I really enjoyed the the first gen speaker I enjoyed the sound and how seamlessly it transfers music from device to device . My older Ones will go in my room and purchase the new one for the living room.

[@tonyward9554]

Thank You ! The best review I have listened to so far and there have been a few. I do not understand why Apple has limited the HomePod2 to a “stereo pair”. Why not at least 4 HomePod2 ? Hopefully one could have the sound coming from all around you. I have a pair of the original HomePods on one TV and a SONOS Arc system on another. Most of the time we are happy with the HomePods. The SONOS Arc, sub-woofer and surrounds are clearly better but cost considerably more. They are in a room setup for movie watching but often just easier to stay in the one room. The HomePods take up limited space for everyday use . Totally agree with your comment buy two not one.😊

[@tonkem]

I have an older Sonos playbar that drops connection every so often, but I also have sonos sub with it. How would just a playbar with sonos sub compare to the dual HomePods? I am about to have to purchase another playbar/arc from sonos, since i have invested in the subwoofers as well. Any comments on if the HomePods together would be better than an ARC and a full size Sonos Sub? Thanks for your help.

[@tonyward9554]

@@tonkem Hi Tonkem : I have done no scientific testing. I did try the SONOS Arc alone and was impressed by its capability. From my ears perspective it sounds better than two HomePods. It is a much bigger piece of equipment and has more speakers so not surprising. It also costs considerably more! I upgraded the SONOS Arc with a Sub to enhance the base response and added two SL Ones as rear speakers. I considered buying two SONOS Play 5 Generation 2 as side speakers but was put off by the cost. I was trying to get better surround sound. SONOS is rumored to be developing a replacement for the SONOS SL including an upfiring ATMOS speaker. Perhaps they will do this for the side channels as well. The dealer recommended I buy a second Sub as one tends to notice the “bangs in movies” seem to come from the same place. The extension of the original ARC has improved the surround sound but at a considerable cost and mor kit in the room. My pair of HomePods are not as good but are remarkably good for the price I paid. I just wish Apple would allow 4+ HomePods 2 to be connected together for truly immersive sound. Personally I prefer my two HomePods to my two SONOS SL’s. Suspect the price difference is not significant. Annoying when people expect the HomePod Mini to be as good as the HomePod 2. I understand that most people have budget limitations. I think a pair of HomePod 2’s is better than buying one and is a great alternative to a Soundbar.

[@serg9176]

Is there a signal delay from Apple TV?

[@JO_Artificial]

Well if you have a satellite provider, how do you connect to these speakers, doesn't the apple TV have HDMI inputs.

[@thomassong8327]

how do i connect this two Homepods with two subwoofers

[@zakking859]

I have two HomePod gen 1. Is it worth it to upgrade?

[@DarkEnv2]

I’ve been using a stereo set of OG HomePods with my tv for a while now and love it.

[@DGYtown]

Is it enough bass ?

[@dylanowens7902]

@@DGYtown I think so, but that would also depend on how big your room is

[@BTGOldShow]

Bought 2... Started off great the first 2 days everything sounded great... Then i had issues with them connecting to my Apple TV 4k and my iPhone. Had to completely reset both Homepods to get them back on track. Hoping this is a one time thing.

[@Kratos41277]

I wonder how they would compare to a pair of Amazon Echo Studios?

[@Chapter7Certified]

I love spatial audio but only trust it to an extent. I'd buy immediately if you could pair 4 for surround sound

[@billnaranjo8747]

What about the use and simplicity of working with Apple 4K?

[@emmanuelcoleman9986]

So do the work with regular tv viewing also how does it work with PlayStation or Xbox consoles

[@peterlazarov4875]

I have a pair of the old HomePods for my entertainment room and can 100% agree with everything said here. I can add only one thing. They have ARC support which is super useful when switching from the Apple TV to my cable box where I can use the HomePods as well..

[@PatrickAdia]

Thanks for the info, Peter! I was wondering how you would get them to work with Cable but you answered that question for me. 😊

[@SaifDia]

Any delay issues? Would be a concern for me when gaming. Thanks!

[@peterlazarov4875]

@@SaifDia No audio delay when the ARC functionality is enabled. The only thing that is not perfect for me is when you have your cable/console on and you want to change the audio level you should use the Apple TV remote. By default this functionality is off. You should enable it in the Apple TV settings first to work.

[@SaifDia]

@@peterlazarov4875 thank you! I know it was an issue on the minis which is why I refrained from buying them for my desktop setup. That’s weird; with eARC and the regular tv remote volume should work. This will definitely be an issue if my parents visit hahaha

[@peterlazarov4875]

@@SaifDia There may be a solutions I haven't researched it.

[@JoeyRiz]

The HomePod mini DOES have a thread radio… I know it does cause I use it lol. That’s a bit of a miss there

[@anthonywall1228]

Sticking with the mini’s. You can’t beat the sound for the price. I have one in every room.

[@gustavopolanco6925]

How can you even connect this to a TV?

[@MaZEEZaM]

Could my PC connect to this via Bluetooth as a general quality mono speaker?

[@driv3rde883]

Buz you can't get them to play the sound from the tv, only the sound from the Apple TV, right?

[@techsamurai11]

How close are they to the Sony HT-A9 with the obvious limitation of 2 vs 4 speakers?

[@Dino860]

Does the center channel get lost?

[@kellyjohnson6292]

Hmm I have 2 of the original. I wonder how they compare to those. Does the quality suffer because of fewer tweeters?

[@Esignn]

To bad the voice syncing with the TV through eArc isn’t great for the cable channels.

[@mindblockandroid]

Would have loved to see how it stacked up to a stereo pair of amazon echo studios, heck, maybe even with an echo sub

[@lycanhd]

For the price difference and a better voice assistant? Echo Studios 💯%

[@glennkettler8955]

Is this close to the same with the home pod mini?

[@grahampearce2405]

Was about to mention Sonos beam....then you did. I bought one, well impressed, perfect one box solution to upgrade my TV audio.

[@fr3ddy1461]

Deciding between this or VIZIO elevate sound bar

[@udobenliedivana]

What about just one HomePod for a small apartment? I’m thinking of replacing my soundbar sometime soon and I’m torn between HomePod and Sonos Beam.

[@grant9047]

can you connect them to the home pod mini?

[@stopthefomo]

Apple needs to (1) copy Sony HT-A9 and (2) add a 10" subwoofer option with (3) up to 4 subwoofers to complete the set

[@Katkayz]

Agreed apple need to make sound bar or sound system

[@ZackCrain]

What if you were to mount this on a pole in the middle of a room upsidedown so it's filling the entire room

[@dcama85]

Do they only play content from the Apple TV? Nothing connected to the TV externally? (ie: gaming console or Blu-ray)

[@Stefan-hf6xb]

I just wish you could connect it to other devices with the tv. I can’t use it for my Xbox since it’s not through my Apple TV. Until then it can’t replace my sound bar

[@usstwe]

so for home theatre .. I would expect it to work with the TV not only Apple TV.. am I missing something?

[@usstwe]

and even if not for home media.. If I have a Mac can I use it as my Mac Speakers without having to to keep connecticting it to Airplay. and they just work as Mac Speakers?

[@balbasmusic]

Can I use with gaming consoles? (Ps5, Xbox, pc)

[@JoogSZN]

Yes. You have to connect an Apple TV 4K to the hdmi/arc connection and enable the HomePod to be the default speakers for the tv. Pretty much like a soundbar

[@balbasmusic]

@@JoogSZN thanks!

[@thombthumb3032]

I just set up my new Homepod pair and connected to my 65" LG C2... WoW! I watched Intersellar and the "low bass" is insanely good. They vibrated the footrest and coffee table in front of my couch. No way should you "buy just one". Buy the pair and figure out how to pay for the extra later. BTW- My Sonos Play 5 and paired Play 1 group is still amazing for audio but dedicated Homepods for TV audio gives me more options for delivering Sonos Group audio throughout the house now.

[@rossmiller48]

If I put one on each side of my chair, will they sound great at low volume?

[@georgekaradimos5596]

How would you compare the home theater surround sound experience compared to the Vizio Elevate Dolby Atmos Soundbar?

[@shlomi10c]

Really wish you could compare this with Sonos Arc

[@SoundMarsh]

would you prefer the homepod pair over sony a5000 soundbar??

[@marcoskirsch]

Can a pair of HomePods be effectively used as a general replacement for a soundbar? I don’t mean when watching video on an Apple TV. But as a sound output for your cable box, Xbox, etc. Specifically, even if it’s possible at all… does it work well or is there too much latency?

[@coachdny1]

How does two Apple HomePods 2 compare to a Sonos Beam gen2 ?

[@SaifDia]

Any lag issues, especially when using it on another input? Gaming on a console, for example

[@TechnoFreak-IN]

you cant connect them to consoles, only apple devices!

[@SaifDia]

@@TechnoFreak-IN as in when you set it through the eARC…

[@SpaceScam]

No lag in my experience with the OG HomePods! I will say that when this feature was in beta I would run into the HomePods clicking and making odd noises, but that issue doesn’t happen anymore. And it usually only happened with extended play. To fix it, all that was needed was restarting the HomePods, Apple TV, or the console. Doesn’t happen to my series x anymore, but it does happen to my ps5 after a few hours, but it might be the audio settings I’ve selected not being compatible.

[@blueaoki1]

This review is just what i was looking for. My use case is mostly as TV speakers and I allready have the new Apple TV 4 K. Great to see a review where the focus is on the sound and not the “smart”

[@pajehh]

How does it compare with the Sony HT A9?

[@ajithsimon]

Will this stereo pair can replace HT-A9? in terms of ATMOS effect?

[@WillTung]

Were you able to compare the two HomePod (2023) setup with two of the OG ones by any chance?

[@shijersey8336]

What price range of soundbar do you think Apple's home pod 2nd Gen is equivalent to? TY

[@apuz13]

I have two HomePod mini’s and just ordered a regular HomePod. I plan on using all three with my Apple TV as a home theater. I am going to put the two mini’s behind me and the regular under my TV. Do you think that will sound good or just put all three under the TV?