Apple HomePod review

The HomePod is Apple’s answer to the Amazon Echo, the Google Home, the Sonos One, and every other smart speaker out there with a voice assistant built-in. It’s a $349 speaker with Siri built-in - the basic idea is pretty simple. It comes in two colors, it’s covered in a spongy fabric with a touch display at the top, and it’s surprisingly heavy. The HomePod will be released February 9th.
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[@TheVerge]

A lot of people are asking about Spotify. While it’s true you can AirPlay Spotify (and other services) from your phone, you can’t ask Siri to play a song from Spotify, and you lose most of the voice controls apart from play, pause, and volume when you do that. In which case, it might as well be a Bluetooth speaker. - Nilay

[@Unbathed]

Did you try “Next track” and “Previous track?”

[@labroomes]

Hi Nilay, I just watched Jonathan Morrison's video and he was able to skip tracks and play previous tracks too. Honestly, apart from playing random songs or playlists by voice, I don't see the Spotify limitations as much of a limitation at all. - An Average Consumer

[@stephenkms]

Actually, Jonathan Morrison was able to jump tracks via Siri in Spotify on his HomePod. Check out his review at kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZ6rnaNreKyZgc0 about 4 minutes in. I think some reviewers get caught up in early assumptions and let that bias their feedback.

[@reckless1280]

Next track and previous track work as well - anything the standard set of AirPlay controls can do in any AirPlay speaker. But you can’t ask Siri to *play a song* from Spotify, which Apple’s own research (that they sent me!) shows is by far the #1 use of smart speakers.

[@roketmannn]

Yes Jonathan did mention that you can do skip tracks and play previous tracks via. airplay, but the main questions for consumers who are planning to have this around their house is "will we be able to have the music sync between multiple homepods?" My guess is that you are limited to only be able to play music out of one homepod and not have it shared across all of your homepods since you don't have access to airplay. Don't get me wrong, I would love to be corrected but I somehow doubt it. This limitation does not exist for the Sonos or Google Home, you are able to select groups and play music across your house base on your choice. I personally am a spotify user only, and I'm torn between the fact that I may need to switch to Apple Music service if I would like to use these speakers.

[@peruprofundodance]

Forget the speaker review... let`s talk about getting a home tour and review.

[@facsimiledoh9792]

Ikr

[@PKandME]

I'd it out already?

[@matthewrivers8153]

Clearly he’s renting

[@urgh113]

@@matthewrivers8153 He said on Twitter it’s his house

[@SuperSaf]

Damn Nilay, is that your house? 😲 Also good review 👍

[@dumindusameendra]

SuperSaf TV Hiya! Saw you hiding in the comments. 😂✌️

[@CatskillOne]

The Verge rents out AirBNB and other locations for each video, he said it on Twitter before.

[@CHICOZTACOS]

This guy is quite accomplished. Based on what he says in the review, it’s definitely his crib. Great review as always.

[@BaconFaceMcGee]

SuperSaf TV I know you!!

[@tomar5e115]

All that Apple money gotta go somewhere....

[@Jikul]

Stellar review Nilay, and great work from the video team. Thanks!

[@JoshxDarnxIt]

This review deserves to be watched in 4K. I wish you guys would start doing that already.

[@poke_champ]

So that's what they did with all the Mac pros that didn't sell....

[@paulting346]

lol funniest joke ever.

[@AdamWoodhouse]

ROTFL

[@BrawndoQC]

What other shape you expected multidirectional speakers to be? They are all cylinder shaped.

[@jaymaster103]

Poke Champ Savage!

[@drx1xym154]

SOKAY, the old MacPro Towers are better than my work machine, by a mile ...

[@ThatTechThough]

This is probably the most objective review! Excellent review and much better than TLD's.

[@DonnKnee]

That Tech Though I agree. His review wasn't nearly as extensive in the flaws this thing has.

[@shzammpatapon9865]

i agree, he's more like an apple fanboy

[@ThatTechThough]

Nor Azam even though Nilay is an Apple guy, I've got to hand it to him. Very honest it seems.

[@shzammpatapon9865]

That Tech Though yeah, not like tld

[@ThatTechThough]

Nor Azam I'm actually disappointed by Jonathan's review, it just didn't make enough points like this.

[@BenTroxell]

Top notch shooting and editing here as always!

[@philtespo]

BTroxTV 👀

[@UniverseGOD2525]

thanks

[@Jbiglin]

Absolutely

[@KJ911TT]

Awesome review as always Nilay! I'm a speaker nerd too, so I appreciate the comparison to the other speakers. The binaural recording and editing of this video was very well done, great job by the team!

[@barryborris]

Apart from ZReviews' sound demos, I can't believe this is the first audio product review I've seen with a binaural audio comparison. An instant game changer.

[@jacopodeangelis3033]

If you are up to speaker and headphone reviews check out Jim's review room,he is awesome

[@KJ911TT]

Clavinet Junkie is my personal favourite. kzbin.info

[@addystontuckerray2054]

As an Apple fanboy, I honestly want this because it’s compatible with Apple Music. The other smart speakers aren’t which is frustrating. Which to be fair, this is who Apple is marketing to. And honestly, the other smart functions are meh to be. I want a great speaker that I can use Apple Music with and this is it.

[@Greenmonkey552]

Why use Apple music when it isn't even supported on other devices? Why not use other services such as Spotify, Google Play Music or even Amazon Prime? Is it just the logo which makes you want to use it?

[@Cogan1]

Greenmonkey552 most likely because my phone is my main device, I won’t be playing music of other devices and if I do, I have Spotify for that as a secondary source. I agree Siri needs to be updated on it tho to make it worth the purchase

[@Greenmonkey552]

Lee Cogan OP stated that he wanted this because his other devices wont support apple music. I said why use apple music when you can use superior services that support those devices. Nobody mentioned you or your scenario.

[@addystontuckerray2054]

Greenmonkey552 because in my opinion Apple Music is better then Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Play. It’s my preferred steaming service. It’s that simple

[@addystontuckerray2054]

Greenmonkey552 and again, I want a speaker first and smart device 2nd. The fact that it’s a superior speaker then all the other smart home devices is a huge plus for me. Will I get it now? No. I’ll wait till it’s improved upon and given more features.

[@bgnyc1]

This product will be awesome in 3 years after a dozen software iterations.

[@trushshashank]

My man predicted the future. Now with ios 14 coming soon is support for other streaming services

[@TheVerge]

So, I’m curious: how much do you really care about sound quality? -Nilay

[@jmcowans]

The Verge well it does have to sound good...

[@sinom]

Not enough to buy this.

[@09mubarak]

It needs to be good. being great is a bonus, not essential. But since this device is sound focused, it's essential to be really good I guess.

[@robinbeer6317]

I have both a Google Home Mini as well as a regular one. The regular one sound really good to me but for most things I would even be ok with the Mini. So sound quality is really low on my list. But I'm happy that there now is more competition in the smart speaker market.

[@robertcalderon2227]

I think, like with all audio equipment, it needs to be 'good enough'. To me, this means being transparent enough that my focus is on the media that I'm listening to and not some aspect of the medium's (the speaker in this case) delivery of that media. It seems like Apple tried to overcompensate for Siri's inadequacies here with better than 'good enough' sound but like you say in the video, the returns are diminishing and the additional capabilities of the other home/smart speakers are far more noticeable.

[@appledadlife]

Best honest HomePod review by far!

[@purpletomato5535]

1507krazy even if you could control 3rd party music services, that would just make the HomePod even better

[@appledadlife]

1507krazy that doesn’t bother me tho...

[@exe8001]

lol i know! Siri can control spotify from the phone which is amusing. Shut all the crybabys up

[@appledadlife]

I usa apple music so that's not a big deal

[@BillAnt]

Wait, didn't Amazon and Google come out with similar boxes already? I don't really follow this stuff, being useless to me, but I'm sure it makes a great companion for older folks living alone... lol

[@djgcue]

Very informative review, saved me $349

[@princediesel1]

djgcue made me want to order one

[@crownlithemic6815]

People gonna waste all that money when you can buy a better one for less

[@ilovejesus1238]

AlexOG I think you're missing the big point here. It's _Apple_

[@TheDryChicken]

haha

[@big8pns]

ILoveJesus123 exactly very disappointing

[@chrisp7370]

I just got my HomePod yesterday. I absolutely love it! If you are having problems with the setup, make sure Home App is running in the background.

[@Aquamaui.mp4]

Duuude your house is amazing!! House tour please !! 😂🙋🏻‍♂️🙏🏼

[@Brendan0520]

It’s not his it’s an air bnb

[@Benjaminn]

No it's not. 99% of the time they are airbnbs, but they always give credit to the locations in their videos. Nilay stated in the video this was his home, hence all of his home speakers and surround sound setup.

[@VibeSensational]

daaaaaaang he makes some dough with the verge to live in that!!!!!!!!!!

[@PKandME]

It's really his house? I'm totally having the ring job...

[@cluffer56]

your home is beautiful

[@DonaldGonsalves]

Thanks for creating the eye candy video. The video editing is a feast for the eyes.

[@abbdrums]

house goals 👀

[@Brendan0520]

Ikr

[@Joolz1982]

The sound is truly brilliant I was so impressed when heard in store. In a room it is even better. Surround sound and bass is also amazing really separates vocals and instruments.

[@opedromagico]

Seems like apple always launch a new product as a beta.. it misses so much basic stuff.. cant understand why

[@Ezekielo]

Holly Crap!!!! all the limitations bugs me for such a great sounding speaker.

[@lukeclifton4392]

I want to love this device, however Apple won’t get my coin till they make the HomePod fully compatible with Spotify and improve Siri capability. I’d be interested to know what percentage of Apple users are Premium Spotify subscribers, I think Apple has their head in the sand.

[@EuthanasiA12833]

wait for the 2nd generation?!

[@Slips85]

I’m an Apple user but subscribe to KZbin Red and also comes with Google Music, I also subscribe to Amazon Prime and get free video streaming and music along with it. Then the not largely known fact that the Alexa can order add-on items without having to buy $25 worth of stuff. I would never subscribe to Apple Music being so limited. I’m sticking with my Sonos, Echo and Google Home for the additional benefits and services.

[@torokun]

I am an Apple fan but no matter how you want to spin this... it just doesn't work. You want to sell a "smart" speaker but say smart functions are secondary? Especially with such premium pricing compare to other products? You think regular users will be able to really tell that much difference and plop down that much more money instead of Echo? Siri also is seriously lacking in how it responds to voice commands. Even my kids can tell the difference. I dunno... it really feels like Apple is falling behind these days...

[@Low_pH]

James Chung agreed

[@purpletomato5535]

James Chung watch uraverageconsumers unboxing of it. He tests the speaker’s microphones and they were able to here his voice clearly, and understand him even though it was playing music with the volume at 100%

[@TheDiagnoser]

Siri is definitely not as good

[@SimonZellox]

That's because Apple is falling behind but people are still buying Apple products for whatever reason. Stop buying them and Apple will try to improve things like they did with the iPhone X and the new Mac that isn't actually terrible.

[@purpletomato5535]

Simon the iMacs weren’t ever terrible. They just weren’t adequately priced. They were $200 more than they should have been. But the $5000 baseline iMac pro is amazing for its price. Mainly because if you were to build a pc with the same parts, it would cost $200 more. And this is coming from a pc guy

[@Axis.Mundis.]

Dude. Your house is beautiful.

[@mohsenkashani5177]

I'm an audiophile too. For me, This would function as a speaker first and foremost. I'm not an apple music subscriber and I would still get the HomePod purely because every review I've read recently points out to the fact that it handles superior audio. While I'd appreciate the voice command abilities, even a little better sound quality is reason enough for me to go for it.

[@arxvphoto809]

Damn Nilay got a new crib? Nice!

[@seanc.5310]

Damn, I guess the verge pays well!

[@dn7820]

He probably got a sugar mama. His position pays roughly $40K/year.

[@NickNow]

D N impossible. He has to be making at LEAST 150k a year. The Verge is one of the biggest tech blogs

[@CHICOZTACOS]

He founded The Verge so...

[@nazhif1]

The Verge killing it with the animations

[@dbowe4415]

This is an EXCELLENT review. It gave me the unbiased and thorough perspective I needed on the HomePod. Keep up the good work, Nilay!

[@backyardflyer9914]

You guys are just killing it with your reviews. The production value and information is second to none. Great review!

[@CKTDanny]

It looks like a giant marshmallow

[@WalidTheKraken]

SDG Danny burnt marshmallow

[@cristianjim8561]

I like marshmallows

[@Backmobe]

Yes!

[@CKTDanny]

Cristian J Me too

[@jj7958]

a $300+ marshmallow. lol

[@lobstershrimp]

Can't touch Google Max.

[@eljayy91]

I don't care that it doesn't have more to display on the screen. The whole point of it for me is speaking to it from a distance. The quality of sound is whats more important to me and it absolutely smashes its competition in that area.

[@kjouleus]

I use KZbin Music and am very happy with the HomePod, and yes, you can skip/play/pause with Siri while playing via KZbin Music, it’s just a click away on the iPhone to Airplay music to the HomePod ... and it works well with my HomeKit devices. And finally... it sounds amazing! And then 2 HomePods in Stereo, whoaaaaaa!!

[@ikegold]

Apple Music is on Android too tho

[@ladedadedaschlobonmeknob7850]

Isaac Golden but is Android iOS?

[@ikegold]

Snapchat Dotcom my comment was referring to him saying Apple Music was only available on iOS platforms

[@TJHorner]

He was saying that you can only set up the HomePod on an iOS device

[@assassinjohn]

do u think any android geek boys n girls will ever install an apple app lool

[@willie629]

AsSaSsInJOHN's GAMING why do u need apple music on android btw? just download the track online

[@iPadiPhoneiPod8]

...May be a little over the top saying this, but this was hands down the best review I've ever seen of a product. Never knew you could actually be immersed in a review.. lol

[@geistreiches]

honestly apple made the right decision to go all in on just music, nobody needs an alexa replacement or competition, most of us got alexa already, I'm totally fine using the homepod just for music.. I'm really happy the sound quality is so good, it's exactly what I want

[@dylanpower1438]

U can use Spotify on the HomePod with airplay

[@Andrescxli]

Dylan Power Thank you for actually pointing that out

[@maykolee]

My cat will destroy that thing!

[@ayylmao6113]

This device is not for everyone, it's for people with an apple music subscription. i think you should be aware of the target audience of a product when you review it. for me as someone with an Apple Music subscription (Spotify isn't even supported in my country) and an audiophile, this product is pretty nice and i'm thinking about getting it or Google Max, this kills google max from what i'm seeing in sound quality though, we'll see. also Apple Music is available everywhere, on Android, and even on Windows. (you said it's limited to Apple's Echo system)

[@VrikiJ]

- When the sample Music plays = Homepod - my bed vibrates = on my Creative GigaWorks S750 7.1 700 Watt RMS from 2004

[@mix-stuff]

Wow !! Sound quality from HomePod is impressive !!!

[@David-dj5kb]

If you want really good audio with more features then this HomePod then do this 1. Buy the Edifier R1700BT - it’s 2 bookshelf speakers with Bluetooth and a remote. 2. Get an echo dot. All this costs much less then the HomePod and will provide amazing audio. But you don’t get 360 audio and it’s not as portable.

[@kevynbasilio1406]

So basically when you get that speaker instead of the homepod. You lose one of the most important features, got it.

[@unknownentity742]

Chrono Cubing the dot has audio out I think but I'm not sure. So what he means is use that as the speaker and the dot as the smart assistant.

[@SimonZellox]

Chrono Cubing, that's why he mentioned the echo dot...

[@YouwereWondering_TAW]

Actually not a bad idea, a better overall setup than Homepod if we compare pros and cons. I think the only think we are losing is a little bit of probability but on the other hand we gain access to a wide array of new functions and features of Alexa, so i think it's a fair sacrifice and the overall cost will also be lesser. I personally think that the Homepod is meant for audiophiles who are heavily invested into the Apple ecosystem. I make tech related contents with a unique style. Please do give my channel a look if you can spare some time.

[@theejoeylee]

Jbl LSR 305s. Powered studio monitors. Bout 100 each on Amazon. Then get a dot and a 10$ cord.

[@BRECCIAdesign]

A model 3D with animations? Step forward. Amazing job as usual the Verge

[@swimseven77]

Apple makes the most beautiful half-baked products.

[@Tobi-ci3ns]

Nearly all the features you mentioned are missing from the HomePod are also missing from Google Home outside the USA.

[@dogarogacog]

Tobias Cohen so imagine how restricted the Homepod will be outside the US lol

[@minhquan16]

At least I have google cast to use Spotify, tunein, iHeartRadio, google music in both Android and iOS on Google home. HomePod is so suck

[@jordanhamilton6146]

the sound comparison with beats headphones is absolutely insane to listen to it sound like I'm listening to garbage for my ears when your comparing the home pod to any of these other devices the difference is astonishing like absolutely blows me away every time the video switches back to the homepod truly incredible

[@niteshnair1246]

Superb review Nilay. Precise, intuitive and spot on. Didn't even notice it was 9 mins long.

[@Nirinsanity]

That sample track, Buffallo, is pretty epic.

[@nevonlovell5846]

I'm loving it and this vid quality tho

[@usmin1996]

Liked the way you guys showed the differences in speakers by using biannual speakers. Pretty neat way to show it.

[@brianplatz4081]

The most honest review yet. Time for Apple to open up if it wants to keep dominating.

[@thedvlogs5250]

dude it works with Spotify... check out ijustine for more and proper info

[@TheVerge]

While it’s true you can AirPlay Spotify (and other services) from your phone, you can’t ask Siri to play a song from Spotify, and you lose most of the voice controls apart from play, pause, and volume when you do that. In which case, it might as well be a Bluetooth speaker. - Nilay

[@thedvlogs5250]

but we forget how apple works right ?it never shoves all features at once, first music so once thats refined to the top level they will bring in stuff and honestly we always know apple is going to different right and if it matches what google and echo are doing the whats the point of apple anyways ? Like the standing out thing is a trade off against a few features as always. also since we are looking to connect two HomePod in the future one HomePod loses its connection when it connects to Apple TV is okay right ? the other one still works,like I said a trade off. also for a music guy like you, maybe not ultra impressive but for the normal man ? two homepods are a good stereo sound for 700$ is cool right ?

[@rileymotocross]

The D VlogS see how he says smart speaker and not Bluetooth speaker . Although it can function onAirplay, it’s not what the device is intended for and he’s not reviewing it as a airplay speaker. He’s reviewing a smart speaker and Apple will not add Spotify or else they would have done it in the past 7 years that Siri has been on iPhones. The reason for this is that they are trying to keep everything in the Apple ecosystem. Which btw has been there business practice since their inception. All in all you sound like an Apple fan boy because anyone who can Watch this should know it’s a great speaker but shitty smart device due to the limitations of Siri.

[@samurai_panda]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZ6rnaNreKyZgc0m56s You still have your voice controls like skip to next track, so what the problem?

[@drifter6870]

Best thing to do is just buy a google home mini, and plug it into a real speaker system and presto. Any speaker your like + $40 google home instantly beats this thing.

[@jvisperas]

Buy a Google Home Mini and a whole bunch of Chromecast Audios to connect to all of your speakers (both low-end and high-end around the house) for total control..

[@bobBob-oz5zc]

Jesse Abraham Yeah no it doesn’t. I have tried both and this sound more crisp and clear.

[@yedid2586]

Assuming everyone already has a thousand dollar speaker setup at home. The average person isn’t an audiophile...

[@nme6725]

Well that’s what the google whatever might be made for but this isn’t and people that like this speaker know that. They want a speaker to work with existing apple products

[@AndrewNascimento]

This is absolutely the best review I’ve ever watched. Also 100 bonus points for using the binaural audio mics. It really helps me hear the difference.

[@dippppppppp]

Watching this on my iPad Pro 10.5” HomePod speakers sound awesome 👏🔥

[@indranilmajumder]

So u have to buy a bunch of overpriced apple stuff to make this decent enough to work!...Nah fam I'm good

[@drlorenzolsmith]

Indranil Majumder what Apple stuff, besides having an iPhone? Your comment is baseless

[@DerpDerp27]

Lorenzo Smith apple music

[@drlorenzolsmith]

Derp Derp oh yeah, that totally slipped my mind lol. But in my defense Apple Music is one thing and not “a bunch of overpriced Apple stuff” and also it’s not overpriced.

[@YouwereWondering_TAW]

Well, i think we can make it work with an iPhone and an Apple music subscription so, it's basically meant for people who already have those, otherwise it's kinda stupid to actually get an iPhone to make it work. But yeah, the function it offers is very limited even if you have lots of Apple stuffs, it only matters if you have are invested into Apple ecosystem and really care about a very high sound quality, but sadly there are lots of other speakers that does it and uses a better AI assistant. I create tech based videos in a unique style. If you could spare some time kindly do try my channel out.

[@NickNow]

I like how this video gives you all the pros and cons but Jonathan Morrison’s is just all the good stuff. THANK YOU NILAY! I wanted to see if this was worth getting but it’s obviously not even done being developed

[@DokterKattenbakvulling]

This dude is the only true professional at The Verge. Probably why he has a baller home.

[@HappyPerson870]

Shouldn’t sound quality be the #1 thing? It’s Apple, why would you not expect a walled garden?

[@Rosstacular]

The flowers are wilting in the garden these days though...

[@calden74]

I hate, hate, I mean I despise iOS's walled garden concept and it's why I don't use an iPhone. I do own anb iPad Pro that I enjoy using for photo management, music creation and light video editing, etc. but as far as office work is concerned, no way. In fact if I were to use an iPad Pro for work I would loose a minimum of 15 hours of work a day. As I automate a very large portion of my daily duties with scripts working off of a clock, Crontab, iOS's complete lack of anything resembling such things simply makes it unusable for work related tasks. Though I do use a PixelBook, which is weird as it doesn't seem like something that would be good for such things. Though because it is Linux, I have manged to install everything that I need to make it into a fantastic development computer. It works so well that I stopped using my normal laptop.

[@yaseen.94]

Many good things 1. Superior audio quality compared to the speakers in this price range. 2. Environmental awareness 3. ‎Privacy but lots and lots of letdowns too. 1. Spotify/google play music not supported, but there's a workaround using airplay. 2. No multi channel playback/ audio sync. 3. ‎No Bluetooth/wifi playback. 4. To nitpick, problems with siri in terms of not being able to take calls, appointments, or differentiate between diff family members(although they maybe solved with a future update) 5. A new gen apple device is a must(min iPhone5s or iPad mini 2 or iPod 6th gen) 6. ‎Apple music is must for playing songs or you should buy individual songs from iTunes 7. Literally anybody can read your messages if they have access to the homepod in your absence P.S I don't think what use it will be for someone who doesn't own an apple device. Plus its a bit costly too

[@michaelshipman1675]

You’d think that sound from a KZbin wouldn’t trigger Hey Siri

[@AishwaryaNet]

$350 Speaker...❤

[@juan2049]

Google's speaker is $400

[@salad-salad2892]

that's the max one they also have the regular one and the mini which is just 50$

[@juan2049]

Humorous Username are you really trying to compare the Home Pod to Google Home Mini? The Home Pod is Apple answer to Google Home Max.

[@mohammedhasan7774]

juan2049 lol! 400$ Google home is worth! Homepod is crap! Sounds just good.. these gadgets is all about AI features not playing music.. this is just bonus.. there are sound speakers to learning musics

[@NyasalandFilms]

Mohammed Hasan No, the HomePod is a speaker first. Assistant second. The competitors are more focused on the assistant, while Apple with HomePod is working towards something that sounds great. Having used Google Home, Amazon Echo, and just having picked up a HomePod, I’m not all that much of a fan of voice assistants in general. The AI isn’t there yet for any of them, they’re not all too useful and I can do almost everything they do faster on my phone. There are some occasions where it is useful, but it kinda just feels like a gimmick. Some of the HomePod music features are good, that’s what I use it for almost all the time. But everything I used on my Alexa are here and working. Something I’ve found HomePod does better than any other is it’s ability to hear you from the other side of a large room without even needing for me to raise my voice.

[@KastanDay]

The match cut at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="126">2:06</a> got me like 😮😮

[@HushHype]

That UE BOOM is such an eye catching.

[@vk7918]

$385 (with sales tax) for a not so smart speaker. Not worth it, and I am a iPhone user. I got a Google home and I am super happy with it. I have a couple of discounted minis spread around and they all work great.

[@WRNPR]

WOW I'm more amazed by how honest this review felt than by how good home pod could sound... Great review!!!

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Great Video! Best HomePod review yet! I've watched all the other reviews from the big YT tech channels and yours answered every question I think people will have regarding this product. And the sound comparisons was on point!

[@supremeetnel7707]

This product is obsolete. This a pure example of apples capitalism.

[@supremeetnel7707]

Pravin Ramana No. remove the software and it’s a ...speaker. Tons of audio/speaker specific manufactures have the same or better speakers. Apple is lacking. HomePod is like a 8th grader while google & amazon are HS seniors. HomePod isn’t smart enough 🤷🏽‍♂️.

[@Low_pH]

The homepod is trash and isn't a smart speaker

[@JonBuenrostro]

I read somewhere that in the US Apple Music will be beating Spotify soon

[@nyannyan7769]

John Titor Spotify is a better deal though

[@__No___223]

Because Apple Music is better

[@jamesgreer7436]

It really needs a detachable power cord. Having a second cord for my Sonos Play 5 is very beneficial if I want to temporarily move it to another room or outdoors. This way I dont need to unplug the regular one that took 20 minutes to snake through shelves, books and small openings to finally reach the power outlet.

[@geekmeee]

As a HomePod owner, it's becoming clearer to me, Apple developed the HomePod not to compete with other 'smart speakers, but as an audio accessory tailored to increase the value of Apple Music. This makes sense if Apple is trying to increase revenue for their services. Reviews do not compare other 'smart speakers' to HomePod's 7 unique features that have never been in a speaker before: 1.) Omnidirectional Listening 2.) Automatic re-tuning to custom location. 3.) Distortion free at any sound level 4.) Woofer enhanced travel model 5.) Computer chip sound processing 6.) Lush big sound for size 7.) Accessory to increase the value of a music service. If you compare competitor contributions to speaker technology, none of the competitors are doing this. The HomePod is not for you if you already have a speaker system. Rather the HomePod is targeted to a music (subscriber) lover purchasing their first speaker. One audience is larger than the other. In short, the technology works for you, rather than you working for the technology. Again, Apple demonstrates their ability to 'Think Differently.'.

[@umair7881]

Soooooooo, this is just a speaker, nothing Smart about it

[@chobyriley417]

Umair Iqbal you just summed up this review

[@alphastormrx6428]

Siri is GARBAGE who else agrees? Disclaimer I’m not hating on Apple I like Apple but Siri is not that great

[@josedamian-puga2563]

AlphaStormRX I ask Google if she knows Siri and she says that they have a relationship they work to gather

[@roastedalmonds7154]

I personally use the JBL link 20. It sounds amazing and has the google assistant built in so you can play Spotify or other music apps. This is the best of both worlds.

[@captaindangler1675]

This was extremely helpful. I've been in the market for a device and had been looking at Sonos. I can't stand crap audio like the first generation Amazon Echo. I NEED stereo sound with highs and lows, and while I am an Apple Music subscriber, nothing irritates me more than device limitations when spending a fair chunk of change. You put it out there - No BS - and that is appreciated.

[@derekbock1177]

God damn you love spotify.

[@MrParis215]

Derek Bock Because Spotify is Life 😆

[@magnuseriksson8081]

I do..:-)

[@silent7563]

richard mcilwaine tidal

[@JesuS1836-h5i]

richard mcilwaine z

[@2Turtl3GAm1nG1]

Only iSheeps will pay $349 for this crap.

[@TheGagi82]

1 of the best reviews i ever saw,so practical and detailed. Well done man.

[@rhook88]

Apple give us 10 of this, 30 of this 45 of this, and 100 of this.....😅😅😅😅😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@wilsonmorales4828]

Another overpriced crap from Apple

[@juanpablo955]

Mr. Creeper *Cough* $300 Book *Cough*

[@bobBob-oz5zc]

Mr. Creeper Another brainless Apple hater

[@wilsonmorales4828]

bob Bob lol I guess, if you say so.

[@MrMalam1234]

bob Bob Brainless lol, he had brain that's why he could work out its worth, your braincells are dead so you need apple to tell you it's the best speaker

[@bobBob-oz5zc]

Md Mahmudul Hasan Sorry where did I say it was the best speaker?

[@Donk82]

overpriced GARBAGE

[@gurnanis]

Excellent review of the HomePod.. thanks Nilay for such a clear review of the HomePod as you clarified all my questions regarding the same. The Verge is always the go to place for all Apple News !!

[@Akhil2481]

I was looking for a review of this kind. Thanks. I’m a huge Apple fan but Siri sucks. I don’t use it anymore. Will buy HomePod to give a try for the sound.

[@mikeodriscoll982]

I want to get a HomePod for my studio apartment but knowing my luck Apple will come out with a HomePod 2 or something 😒

[@kiashmoney]

You have many speakers in your house, but no BOSE?!? Not much of a speaker nerd, my friend. Love the review.

[@popcornchicken5552]

I was more amazed at how your house looks than the HomePod review.

[@wyatttornabene4465]

Excellent production quality guys!

[@SiriusXification]

Apple making stuff that only works inside their walled garden? Never thought i'd see the day.

[@JosephJonesJRJ]

Solid review. Appreciated setting the context that you’re coming from the perspective of an enthusiast level audiophile, it really helps the viewer level set your assertions about sound quality.

[@JosephJonesJRJ]

And then, right after I posted this comment, the binaural bit played. Wow, what a great way to demonstrate. I listened in some high quality headphones, and not only could I hear a marked difference in tonal quality, but even imaging. Amazing and clever.

[@Jamie-or8iq]

It looks so much cooler than everything else though

[@saudtomtit]

Okay.. I am a HUGE apple fan and I use almost all their products. But come on, 10k likes for an audio assistant that need A LOT of system updates and other features to be added? Google assistant or Alexa are on the top so far. The configuration features are a lot and you almost can do anything with them. Again, 10k likes for the first review, with the drawbacks like reading or sending texts from others’ phone, is too much. Thanks for the comprehensive review.

[@BoilerUpWBB]

I don't have a "smart speaker" to talk to me. . .I have it to listen to music... . and it is the best. . . .the best.

[@R0CKETFOX]

Really digging the equalizer looking windows! 😄

[@The1andonlyBYack]

I’ll take two Sonos Ones and set them up as a stereo pair. There is no way this sounds better than two of those.

[@HiyasuJ]

Ain't even interested by Apple products but that videos is so beautiful *-* Good job

[@IVCA1979]

Why The verge don't use 4K for KZbin video? The frames you are shooting are beautiful!

[@JerryPena]

Best review thus far for the the Apple HomePod

[@LucasKort]

You guys just have forgotten the Harman Cortana, wich by the way, has a incredible sound.

[@lilsou]

You are wrong about multiple alarms. You can set multiple by saying using either Siri or HomeKit app to access the HomePod settings

[@tycustran]

This production value though, holy crap