HomePod 2 Review vs. Sonos Arc vs. Dolby Atmos 7.1 Theater

HomePod 2 is out and I compare Apple’s newest smart speaker to Sonos Arc, Sonos Beam, and a full Dolby Atmos 7.1 system! Full review includes music playback experience, home theater viewing, and the value of HomePod 2 vs. Sonos products.
HomePod 2 Review Playlist
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:35 Pricing HomePod 2 vs Sonos
02:54 Music Comparison HomePod 2 vs Sonos
06:37 HomePod 2 vs Dolby Atmos 7.1
08:18 HomeKit and Smart Home on HomePod
09:57 HomePod Ecosystem vs Sonos
12:31 HomePod vs Sonos Conclusion
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[@sorsiva]

Finally someone reviewed this use case properly!!! So many reviews reading off stats you already know… and this was the right speaker comparisons thanks!!

[@beardfm]

Thanks so much 🙏🏻

[@northvisor]

This is hands-down the best review of the new HomePods on KZbin. I liked the comparison to the OG and to Sonos and even 7.1 surround, with how well each handles music, movies, AirPlay, etc… Bravo!

[@beardfm]

Thanks so much! Appreciate that

[@vantagepointwithkeli]

Truth.

[@vectorstars]

Great review! I have the OG HomePod in my bedroom and two HomePod minis for my home theater system. It was lacking bass obviously with their size but i recently bought a used AirPort Express with airplay 2 compatibility and connected it to a spare powered sub I had laying around and now it sounds amazing.

[@Kampernaut]

Great review. The comparison for music playback was what I'd been waiting for. Thanks!

[@cactustweeter2890]

This is the best most comprehensive review on the new HomePod I've watched. Well done Stephen!

[@brianwhite3410]

This is a really excellent review. Thanks. Now my gripes ;) I realize it blows the budget, but when you add a couple of Sonos Ones to the Arc and Sub Gen 3, you get a whole new world that a pair of HomePods can't really touch. So your comparison is quite valid without surrounds. Again, the Sonos budget is WAY higher than a pair of HomePods, and there's no surround option, so I understand that it's not really fair. Also, as a side note, I used to lose the Sonos sub and a surround randomly until I wired the Arc, and then cleaned up (bought a better ethernet router) my networking. I also did your weather test with my OG HomePods, and they responded as quickly as your Gen 2s. I'm not defending Siri, but I've never really had a problem with it. I LOVE my HomePods for music. I use Sonos for Home Theatre. If a person only wants a soundbar, then the HomePods are an excellent choice.

[@Chazmataz0117]

We had a 1st gen Echo in our master bathroom for listening to music in the morning kzbin.infoUgkxABghAEkaIDGZfHRBH3D3rBrlraNmnC71 and while in the shower. I didn't realize how tinny and awful the sound output on the original Echo was until we replaced it with the Studio. It was a sonic upgrade far beyond what I was expecting. Just wow. I love it because it's like having speakers IN the shower. My friend likes it because the music is so loud that she can no longer hear me singing. So that's a win-win.

[@beardfm]

I enjoy mine for sure!

[@brianblair2906]

This is the comparison review I’ve been looking for. Thank you!!

[@beardfm]

You're welcome! Glad it was helpful.

[@xhardcookiex5608]

Man the best review I've seen on KZbin. It's cool that you made such a material. You answered all the questions I had. Thanks.

[@beardfm]

I appreciate that! Thanks for watching 🙏

[@julianeuburger]

The Homepod pair sounds kinda perfect for small apartments where you don't want a subwoofer on the floor and don't have that big of a room to fill but still want Atmos/spacial audio... i really wasn't thinking that these would be worth considering but damn

[@beardfm]

For that kind of setup, HomePod 2 pair *would* be ideal.

[@chrismaki8396]

I’ve now watched a couple of your reviews and really appreciate your overviews of Sonos and HomePod 2s. I have stereo pair of original HomePods playing my tv and music. I also have NAD 3028 integrated amp and book shelve speakers for vinyl. The HP1s sound great but I have been in perpetual hunt for something that might be even better. Your reviews have helped me immensely as I will put aside Sonos hunt and instead focus on HPd2s upgrade for tv and purchase a pair of KEF Metas for vinyl. Subbed and looking forward to going back through your content and eagerly awaiting new stuff too.

[@beardfm]

Thanks a lot Chris, I’m glad it been helpful 🙏🏻

[@omnoir]

Great review with practical product comparisons. I am not in the market for HomePods, but this review has me thinking about it. Subbed.

[@musicalimarc]

First, I’ve got that shirt and the other one. Secondly, I’m so happy to hear a review from someone who listens to classical music. I’ve got a small basement theater/living space where the couch will be maybe 10-12ft from where the TV will be. This is a newly finished space so nothing there yet but, I’m vacillating between sound bar / sub and a pair of homepods. Your review was so helpful so thank you for doing it.

[@beardfm]

Glad it was helpful! And good to hear from another classical music aficionado 😉

[@2easy-soultions]

Great review, as always, Stephen; thank you. You went in-depth, and that’s much appreciated.

[@beardfm]

Appreciate it!

[@eyeamwema]

I’m only 2.5 mins in and I can tell this is the best most practical review there is

[@beardfm]

Thank you!

[@gromenteal2133]

Great review. I have Sonos setup, and what I like about Sonos is the ability to expand whenever you want. I started with sonos one g2 then after few months added arc then sub, and now having a great time watching movies with family and always impress friends. Was considering HomePods but very hard to drop $600 for two speakers that can never be expanded and stuck with two speakers that will always lack against front and rear speakers.

[@beardfm]

That’s a good point. And I have enjoyed adding Sonos speakers (like the move) for various use cases around the house.

[@jasperverkroost]

I'm in the same boat. The rear speakers in a Sonos setup (even if they are only two One SL's) make an incredible difference. Also being able to allow the system to grow with you is really nice. Especially now that the new Sonos Era speakers have just been announced.

[@lackokalman]

Same here. Also, not sure if the sub is even necessary for the Sonos system if we want to compare it with the HomePod. Sounds pretty great without it as well.

[@davidegriff487]

2 sonos and a beam gen2 I think it’s the best solution if you don’t want to spend a lot of money

[@ismxil]

You just gain a new fan! This is so detail and hands down the best comparison video I have seen. Thank you so much for making my buying decision super easy. Thanks thanks!

[@beardfm]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@WillTung]

Hoping one day Apple allows for more than 2 HomePods or HomePod Minis to work together for an even better Atmos surround setup!

[@Anonyme09865]

They allow multiple stereo HomePods to work together

[@WillTung]

@@Anonyme09865 Right, but that's not technically surround. it's just duplicating the front channels.

[@Anonyme09865]

@@WillTung yep. But with Dolby atmos content you can amplify your experience

[@tobyclark7606]

Thanks for this, exactly what I was looking for, great channel

[@jaqsparadise-art936]

Great video and I really like the comparison of the HomePod with Sonos and a home theater system. Thank you for that 😀👍. Your comparison give me a better understanding of the sound of the new HomePod because I have a 5.1 home theater system and four Sonos one in my apartment.

[@swerzer]

Excellent thorough review. Very informative and helpful. Thank you for posting!

[@beardfm]

Appreciate that 🙏🏻

[@DrewFresh]

Thanks for the review. You sold me on picking up another Homepod vs. just it by itself.

[@beardfm]

Stereo pair is great!

[@Hartmaniac]

amazing review. I’ve watched probably 20+ reviews from the HomePod 2 and this is the best by a mile. tech reviews are getting lost in the technical facts and stats. I love that you just gave real life scenarios and your own opinions. I would love to see you review more things I think you have a unique perspective that is needed. The only thing I wish you would’ve touched on was basic TV watching, and maybe sports e watching with the HomePods

[@beardfm]

Appreciate the kind words 🙏🏻 and will keep those use cases in mind for the future!

[@MrTechnoandy]

Great video, actually very helpful and answered all my questions. Thank you

[@beardfm]

You’re welcome!

[@ColinRobertson_LLAP]

Great review. One part of the Sonos ecosystem you didn’t discuss (and what keeps me using their stuff) is that you can buy Sonos products to connect to your existing audio equipment, such as outdoor speakers or a turntable. They are also cross platform and offered seamless multi-room playback decades before Apple did. They also have a broad range of speakers that appeal to many budgets… which makes me wonder how the Sonos one compares to the HomePod mini or big HomePod to Sonos five… 🤔

[@beardfm]

Great point, and for many the Sonos amp is the *best* solution for things like turntables, etc. I don't have a Sonos 5 personally but would love to compare to the new HomePods.

[@JeremyJensenTheOriginal]

I have a Sonos Arc complete set up (with rear SLs and the sub), and it is incredible. But what can't be understated is how amazing their seamless pairing between rooms is. I have a Turntable connected to a Sonos 5 and Sub Mini in another room, and having my turntable instantly play to my Arc setup in another room is so good. Or having the audio from my TV playing on any other Sonos speaker in the house so I can still listen to a show while I'm walking around my house is pretty great. Basically I feel like I'm getting a comparable or better experience to what one of my relatives has at their home with an overpriced high maintenance Control4 system.

[@Azn_Bran]

Thanks man, I was looking at the Arc but knowing I can go with two HomePods instead of the Arc really helped me out. Appreciated!!

[@Sean__B]

I LOVE your channel. You are to the point, relatable and you get to the point. Thank you!!!

[@beardfm]

I appreciate that! Thanks for watching 🙏

[@tjustinjackson]

Good review. I do like the Sonos more since I get better expandability and options for voice assistants and music. I’m not a fan of Siri and use more than just Apple Music. To your point though - you would be surprised how good a stereo pair can sound with the sound separation. I tried out my ones in stereo pair beside my tv and airplayed the audio to it from Star Wars on my ATV and it did sound really good. So I bet the HomePods do sound better. I ended up getting a Arc and I’m impressed with the wide sound stage it has. It’s really easy to move my ones into the living room during the holidays to add rear surround sound too. I wonder if the HomePods will be as versatile.

[@opulencehub]

i searched for a video comparing a high end soundbar but didnt find one thank you for making this video!

[@beardfm]

Awesome, thanks for watching!

[@javianjohnson8746]

This is the type of home theater review I needed to see. Thanks!

[@beardfm]

Glad it was helpful!

[@meowmeow1733]

Hands down the best video when needing to know or thinking about if you should buy 1 or 2 HomePods. This video should have been #1 in the KZbin search.

[@beardfm]

Wow, appreciate that!

[@JeffHeon]

Thank you for getting two matching Homepods! It drives me nuts to look at a tv surrounded by unmatched Homepods in other reviews 😆

[@raenicholson5544]

Just wanted to let you know something I discovered about the bass on the HP2. The bass on the HP1 was the defining reason on my returning the HP1 (my wife said ‘we’re not keeping that). I just go my 2 x HP2 today and the bass is excellent IMHO… really present and noticeable. However if you have a smaller TV room like mine, it may be too much. BUT there is a reasonable solution. In the Home app on the IPhone (IPad) when you go into the HomePod 2 section there is an option to ‘reduce bass’ which does not eliminate the bass but significantly reduces what might be called that bass ‘thump’ which is prevalent in some music and shows. Hope this info is useful to you and your fellow viewers.

[@beardfm]

Great tip! Thanks for sharing

[@apexerman1]

I'm currently running two original HomePods and two Minis for home theater through Apple TV 4K. However, I've got the big Pods about four feet from the sides of the TV as left and right channels, one Mini mounted centrally above the TV and one Mini as a rear channel. The HomePods are paired for stereo and the Minis are individual. I raise the Mini volume above the TV to emphasize the center channel effect while the rear one is lower to provide some spatial impression. Add the Dolby Atmos mix from the HomePods and I've got this quasi-surround sound thing that works reasonably well. Of course, I should just go full 7.1 home theater, but I'm so fully immersed in the Apple universe, I can't escape! 😉

[@juanperea9565]

Just Great review. I was wondering if it was worthly to change my sonos one’s to homepod….. dilema answered.!

[@israeli30]

Great , genuine, simple and educational review !!!

[@beardfm]

I appreciate that!

[@colinhealy6865]

Great review! I have OG HomePods in bedroom and the full a7000 Sony soundbar w sun and surrounds. I swear HomePods sound better sometimes its impressive

[@vantagepointwithkeli]

Dude, you are like the only reviewer who has made a comparison on speed of response. Of course sound on both is good, but the speed on H1 is at times glacial. Gets lost sometimes, plays one thing when it clearly acknowledges I asked it to play another. Thanks dude.

[@beardfm]

Thanks for watching, and appreciate that!

[@domingosanchez3966]

Wow this was thorough. I appreciate your insight and in-depth comparison!!!

[@beardfm]

Thank you!

[@domingosanchez3966]

@@beardfm I have a Sonos Arc without the sub and I’m not planning on getting an $800 sub. You spoke about the Sonos Arc with the sub compared to the set of HomePods. How would the set of HomePods compare to the Arc without the sub? Did you give that a go?

[@russty7569]

Thanks. Im desperately looking for a video comparison for HomePod 2.0 v the Beam. U saved me. ❤️❤️❤️❤️ subbedddd

[@beardfm]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@inchristus2614]

Excellent commentary and analyses. Thanks!

[@beardfm]

Much appreciated!

[@mpatton997]

Great review sir. Nice work.

[@beardfm]

Glad it was helpful!

[@paulchernoff9886]

This is the review I’ve been looking for. I did want the comparisons to the Sonos products mentioned and I only care about a pair of speakers. And a great presentation.

[@beardfm]

Thank you!

[@fernandosilva]

Loved this video. So informative

[@beardfm]

Thanks man, means a lot!

[@boppchrn849]

Very good review. Thank you

[@MarkkG]

Great review and comparison. Definitely gonna buy those 2 homepods 🔥

[@beardfm]

Thanks!

[@AR-bj5et]

Would you recommend a stereo pair of Homepod Minis for a desktop audio setup?

[@johnchandy7101]

Good review! I think the verdict is to stick with my OG pair with its seven tweeters vs replacing them with the HomePod 2

[@d.asinDavid]

I came across this video on MacStories, excellent review. I liked the way you presented the content.

[@beardfm]

Appreciate that!

[@EverythingAAPL]

Great review thanks. I love your podcast too.

[@nrikhy27]

Good video. It’s hard to compare speakers as they use different technologies. For music normal stereo speakers a subwoofer ( 2.1 setup) and a good amp are best yesterday,today and tomorrow.For movies the Dolby atmos system is the best today.

[@SantoValentino]

Haven’t even watched the video but I’m happy someone finally compared the homepod to an avr setup!

[@rodchristiansen]

Finally someone that tested them properly and has sound advice. A pair of HomePods are a great value!

[@beardfm]

Thanks Rod!

[@mlodyme3675]

Great review! exactly what I was looking for. As far as the Siri responses between OG HP vs HP2 - my OG HomePod responded faster than your HP2, so something is definitely up with your network. OG HomePod is not that slow for sure!!!

[@Cbarnes1364]

Great review as always

[@beardfm]

I appreciate that!

[@hemabe]

Such a nice review. Thank you very much.

[@beardfm]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@victorvaldez6785]

Very good review. I also own a pair of OG HomePods, and Sonos Arc with 2 Gen 3 subwoofer and your review was on point and fair.

[@beardfm]

Appreciate that! And you paid 2 subs with 1 Arc?? Is that noticeably better?

[@eblake57]

All in on Sonos in the living room, Arc, 2 S1 & the big Sub. Drop connectivity was a pain in the ass… solved with boost device from Sonos, Arc is ethernet connected to boost device. 2 OG HomePods in the kitchen, 2 in the master bedroom & 1 in the bathroom….. quality sound is my number one priority, Sonos & HomePod have checked that box.

[@Rob87]

I forgot you had a true Atmos setup, Andrew is always talking about wireless options on th e HK podcast. But when it comes down to it nothing beats a wire 5.1.2+ setup. Great review.

[@beardfm]

True Atmos has been a longtime dream, love mine. Thanks for watching!

[@michaelbakhtiar9256]

This was the most fantastic and complete review I’ve seen! thank you! I’m curious if you’ve also tried Sony HT-A9 by comparison. I have an Apple Ecosystem and a dedicated movie room, but have yet to do any in wall/ceiling wiring work. I am def at the crossroads of investing in that work vs. doing a wireless setup. I think we all though get trapped by wishing a product would do X vs. what it actually can. Love to hear more of your thoughts and tests! Cheers

[@beardfm]

Appreciate that! I haven't tried the HT-A9, really just Sonos, HomePods, and the full 7.1 setup in my house. Thanks again for watching though 🙏

[@evandonahue]

One thing to add as someone who owns all of these products is that the Sonos Arc and Sub combo can get earth-shatteringly loud compared to the HomePods. I’ve been really impressed with my HomePods but I have an open concept living room and wish they got louder. Max volume on them is like 65% on the Sonos Arc.

[@fredro833]

💯

[@jonathanjuha2329]

Do you agree with what he says that the pair of Homepods sounds better than Arc alone? I live in an apartment and have already had issues with my neighbour downstair over noise complaints. I don’t think I can add a sub, lol, so I’m debating between a pair of homepods and the arc alone.

[@arjunt973]

@@jonathanjuha2329 same here

[@soberanisfam1323]

​@@jonathanjuha2329 yea subs are not apartmentfriendly

[@AJ-wg7fj]

I’m not sure I’d ever want to listen to earth-shatteringly loud audio, so not sure what the benefit of the capability is other than to say it can be done.

[@martoneill]

Really useful- thank you!

[@beardfm]

You're welcome!

[@CarlosFernandez-ye1lk]

Great Review on the homepods. They haven't been getting too much love lately and love to see a proper review on them. But I also think you should've included the price of an apple tv if the homepods were used as a home theater.

[@beardfm]

Thanks Carlos, and yes that's definitely an additional cost for a proper setup.

[@adalarce]

Awesome review! To clarify though, while Sonos does work with Spotify and most streaming services, Sonos Voice is currently limited and doesn’t work with Spotify. It’s pretty cool and worth trying though, extremely responsive and music focused

[@beardfm]

Ah thanks for clarifying. Appreciate it!

[@tomryan6461]

Ahhhhh Lacrimosa! Getting goosebumps just thinking about it. So atmospheric and a great speaker test! Really useful/helpful review too. Many thanks 🙂

[@beardfm]

It’s one of my favorites! Thanks for watching 🙏

[@tinyjesus8820]

Good review! I personally switched from a beam with 2 surrounds no sub to the HomePod 2's. I feel for movie watching for me it outshined. It's a combination of better lows, the clarity of voices when a lot is going on and looks of the system.

[@anthonyhernandez6230]

So you would recommend using the HomePod 2 paired for movies?

[@beardfm]

Nice! And I agree, a pair of HomePods beat out a Beam alone for movies!

[@mastergoncalo]

Cool, just wandering if you have them connected trough an Apple TV? That’s the thing that bothers me, because I’m pretty satisfied with the lg c1 Apple TV app and buying an Apple TV just to get the HomePods to work properly with the tv for movies and videogames seems too expensive…

[@3oe668]

@@beardfm un beam o un beam 2 generación?

[@macgnf9061]

@@mastergoncalo personally the apple tv is a fantastic product also, especially compared to using the tv apps. I find the tv's to be extremely slow. The apple tv is extremely fast and snappy.

[@Mrcreavalle]

I rarely comment, this was EXCELLENT. Thank you for this! Finally someone that is comparing the HomePod 2 in the correct context!

[@beardfm]

Appreciate that! Glad it was what you were looking for.

[@bodhibeats8257]

Came here because this video was mentioned in today’s ATP! Guess the t-shirt worked. 🤣😉 Great video! Subscribed!

[@beardfm]

Appreciate they mentioned it, and thanks for subscribing!

[@brighamyates]

Dude, great job on the review. I hate to say it but this was the review I think most people were looking for. The big channels MKBHD's and others only focused on Siri and not Stereo Pair which I believe apple is pushing for. Well done.

[@beardfm]

Wow, appreciate that 🙏

[@MrCodykuczenski]

Fantastic comparison, exactly what I wanted to know. One note you may want to note the price or necessity of an apple tv with the price of the homepods as this in the backrop for a lot of the movie functionality

[@beardfm]

Very true, thanks 🙏🏻

[@richburmond6761]

You are the person that can give the BEST answer on this question i keep having. Im buying an apartment soon. Should i keep my sonos arc + sub mini + ones as surround? Or should i go 5.1.4 atmos with a receiver? How much better does the 5.1.4 sound? Since you pretty much tested it all and u must know :)

[@beardfm]

I would say depends on the room size, but if it’s not too large I’d stick with the Sonia setup. You’ll still have virtual Atmos and it’s less finicky than a full receiver

[@spaghetti3408]

I would say depending on the size of your room where you’re placing HomePods plays a big factor. I have 2 in my bedroom and 2 in my living room so when I’m not using my 7.1 Sony surround system I have good sound from the tv. But I will say the HomePods in the bedroom sound better due to a lower ceiling and a smaller room. I’ve gotten that surround affect from the bedroom HomePods but not so much from the living room ones. So you’re a person with a small or medium size living room with not a lot of space or just don’t want a full system set up. HomePods are definitely a great choice.

[@Appalachian4WD]

Just found your channel. Great video! Just what I was looking for. Currently running a Onkyo receiver with in a 3.1 setup with the Sony speakers you can get at Best Buy. It sounds good, but I’ve had this for a long time and want to streamline everything with my  tv. Hope I can find a pair locally and not wait till march for them to be shipped from apple.

[@beardfm]

A new HomePod pair will definitely be an upgrade in your setup! Hope you find some!

[@Xaviertola]

12:40 great video, and great information to consider. For your home theater I was wondering what type of lighting system do you have for the back of the TV that looks awesome.

[@beardfm]

Philips Hue Gradient Light Strip + Hue Sync Box!

[@giacintorenta7579]

You also need to get an Apple TV 4K to watch movies with 2 HomePods, so the comparison should take into account this increased cost. Personally, I am happy with Sonos setup - thank you for the excellent review!

[@keymoracotton7146]

I have a first gen Apple TV and they work fine

[@killerpwned89]

Cost was a big factor and I couldn’t justify over $1,000 for sound. So I went with two HomePod Gen 2’s. Overall I think they sound great for my use case and replaced my old LG soundbar. I factor in to these just came out and will receive years of new updates.

[@beardfm]

I still love my pair of HomePod 2s, incredible value!

[@Shamoss1080]

Great review, very in-depth. Just wondering if you need to say that you'll need an Apple TV to go with the HomePods as there's no other connection method for movies unless I missing something. No HDMI input from your TV

[@beardfm]

You’re right and definitely should have mentioned.

[@adkol2300]

Very insightful! Would love a new review like this once the Era 300s are released!

[@beardfm]

Gonna try and get one out!

[@ShyuePingOng]

A big Sonos and Apple fan here. I have a Sonos Arc + Sub + two Ones surround setup and have tried the Homepods (fullsize and mini) I would say a 2x Homepod setup is still worse than a single Sonos Arc (even without the Subs and surrounds) in terms of Dolby Atmos. 2x Homepods are already at $600++, pretty close to the price of an Arc. If you go the full setup (albeit at a much higher cost), the 2x homepods are not even close. There is at the present moment no option to add surround speakers or subs to the Homepods even if you wanted to pay. I also think a lot of these reviews are overselling the "additional features" of Homepods such as Siri, Home automation etc. The Sonos comes with the ability to use *either* Google Assistant *or* Alexa. Both of these are far better than Siri in every way. Homekit is highly restrictive for the smart home (yes, I am aware of Homebridge, HomeAssistant etc.). I think the 1x Homepod or 2x Homepod might be useful as a setup in a small bedroom or apartment. If you want the full Atmos experience, the Homepods are not the way to go.

[@TechnoFreak-IN]

been using homepod 1 since launch and the biggest problem with it is that you have to put it at a very specific place in your room to get the best sound out of it if its too close you will hear the punchy bass but not the deep bass! I hate and also love the fact the its tweeters are placed in 360. To get the best sound out of it you have place it a little far from you, on a hard surface(wooden prefered) with no other object placed atleast 2 Metre from it and at atleast your waist level !

[@BrotherO4]

that is how all speakers are. there is the Triangle rule, bass trap rule, and so on. the first one is that all 3 (the 2 speakers and you) are equal distance from each other in a triangle. so for example if the speakers are 5 feet from each other than the sweet spot would be 5 feet away from the speaker in the middle.

[@Fleabites12]

Nice review, want to hear about the clear voice with the new update

[@beardfm]

Will be trying out next week when it launches!

[@juanflorez2537]

Great review!

[@MakiPavlidis]

Great review, thank you. I think you really need to be including the cost of the Apple tv in the 2x Homepod movie experience.

[@beardfm]

Appreciate that! And yes, should've mentioned that. Thanks

[@mattsynth]

For movies I prefer a full 5.1 system. I have been patiently waiting for the return of the large HomePod for music playing. My iPhone has stored over 2K lossless ripped songs from my CD collection, so the HomePod 2 is a no brainer for me. I will be getting two ASAP.

[@beardfm]

Same, my 5.1.2 for movies is still the best, but music experience on HomePod 2 is 👍🏻

[@carlossalinas6234]

Even after 2 generation upgrades of Apple TV, I’ve been having issues using Dolby Atmos between Apple TV and Sonos Beam 2….causes a loud pop followed by a restart of the Apple TV and Sonos beam. Both sonos and apple support advice was to turn off Dolby Atmos in Apple TV. 😒 Been considering a pair of HomePods 2 to replace the Sonos beam. Did you experience any delay between audio and video being that there is no wired connection between HomePods and Apple TV?

[@tomnoble27]

Very interesting review. I have a Beam Gen 1 (no sub). I found the 2x HomePods lacking in fullness, almost a little tinny / laptop speaker-like and certainly less loud. Did you not find that? Also, if you stream from an app on Apple TV that only supports PCM Stereo, the HomePods take this tinnyness to another level, and you can almost speak over their max volume. Switch to the beam and it sounded so much more “full”. Super intrigued to hear your thoughts on this! Thanks for the review 👍

[@beardfm]

The Beam sounds great, for sure, but I think HomePods offer a better bass sound. The new HomePods do have a different higher end sound than the OG…may be worth a follow up

[@ShaneCreates]

Great video Stephen!

[@beardfm]

Thanks Shane!

[@neilharman4010]

Thanks for a great video. As someone with the new HomePod and a Gen 1, can you tell us if you can put a Gen1 and Gen 2 into a Stereo pair? Used to have 2 Gen1s, but one recently died so would like to be able to create a pair again.

[@beardfm]

Unfortunately you can't. Can only Pair Gen 2 with Gen 2 or Gen 1 or Gen 1

[@Matt231193]

In regards to cost, not to forget you need Apple TV 4K as well if you’re using HomePods for TV/film

[@gwaddles]

I have the OG HomePods in a pair. They are quick. Never had the experience you demonstrated. It’s been fantastic, but before Siri got updated it was frustrating

[@beardfm]

Sometimes mine can be quicker to respond, but I also feel like iOS 16 has introduced some bugginess everywhere in the smart home

[@lenmueller9702]

Great video! Which version of Apple TV is required to run a pair of HomePod 2’s?

[@beardfm]

Any Apple TV 4K can do it!

[@MichaelGoulding]

Great video thanks! I'm coming from an old Samsung HT-E6750W surround sound (not using the rear speakers tho). Do you think HomePods around loud enough in a bigger space, say 5m viewing distance?

[@beardfm]

Thanks! Depends on how big the actual room is, but I've found their volume sufficient for many different sizes. If you're considering Sonos for home theater, here's my video breaking down all their options too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaPOk3-pgLecers

[@CarlForde]

I had issues with my HomePod minis losing connection, seeming to unpair, and other general weirdness. Then I moved one of them away from a wall where there was a metal filing cabinet on the other side. All issues gone. So if you're experiencing connectivity issues, try changing speaker locations. Could be someinhting in, or behind, the wall, causing problems.

[@beardfm]

Good point. My HomePods have been fine and Sonos sun is against drywall, but may move away a little

[@nicolodriusso]

Really nice review! Is it possible to use an homepod mini as rear speaker in an audio setup with a pair of HomePod?

[@beardfm]

Unfortunately not

[@IcarasX]

Great review! I imagine having ceiling Dolby Atmos speakers will sound more immersive no matter what, but I wonder how a HomePod set would also compare to a more budget Soundbar system with upfiring Dolby Atmos drivers?

[@beardfm]

Thanks! I think bass response is the biggest challenge with a stand-alone sound bar, like the Beam or Arc. HomePod does a good job there.

[@Cujobob]

There’s no replacement for a real theater setup. The HomePods are really more for the Sonos or Soundbar crowd as a replacement. There’s a wonderful convenience factor to just being to say “play this song” at any time without having to turn on equipment, turn off equipment, play with menus, etc. Convenience is probably one of the biggest reasons people with stereo setups don’t use them more often. Even with those small Bluetooth speakers, you still have to make sure it’s charged, turned on, and synched to your phone. This is why I usually just stick to AirPod pros instead of using my many… many speakers.

[@Ykodi01234]

Thanks! I'm not quite sure, can I have the Dolby Atmos surround effect in only 2 Homepod-2 speakers? Doesn't the effect need rear and back speakers? Are they creating only a virtual surround effect?

[@beardfm]

Apple claims two HomePod 2s can do “Dolby Atmos” virtually. Sonos Arc and Beam claim the same thing with no rear speakers. For a theater experience the Sonos sound bars do a better job faking it.

[@JakeDeGrootNY]

Thanks for the great video. Can you share links for the TV mounts you use for your Sonos Soundbars? I'm mostly interested in the Arc one. I doing a lot of shopping on Amazon trying to find one that lets the TV stay really close to the wall, puts the soundbar close enough to the TV vertically that it looks clean, and puts it far enough out from under the TV so the upwards-facing speakers don't get obstructed by the TV itself.

[@beardfm]

Here’s the one I used for the Arc! www.sonos.com/en-us/shop/sanus-tv-mount-arc

[@JakeDeGrootNY]

@@beardfm thanks! Would love to see a more in-depth video about that mount. My biggest concern is whether it pushes the TV too far out away from the wall when you add this mount to the back.

[@damfino]

Little known fact. You can add a subwoofer by using an Apple AirPort Express and a RCA to 3.5mm cable. Enable it in "Temporary Audi Output". I have mine hooked up to a Klipsch R-12SW and it sounds fantastic!

[@beardfm]

I used an AirPort Express to play audio from my Apple TV to a pair of Bose bookshelf speakers for a long time! Crazy it still works.

[@Cre8tiveLicense]

Thanks for a very complete review of HP2 vs. Sonos. Can you do a complete review of HP1 vs. HP2 in pairs as a home theater replacement?

[@beardfm]

Thank you! I may be able to summarize here honestly: HP1 has stronger bass presence but dialogue and highs lose clarity. HP2 still has good bass and explosions/action sounds great, but dialogue and highs have greater clarity.

[@Cre8tiveLicense]

@@beardfm Thanks, BT. For the difference in price, I may opt for a set of HP1s.

[@bOrtiz0826]

Now this is the video I was waiting to see.

[@beardfm]

🙏 Thank you