Apple HomePod (2017)

Stunning sound quality ; Clever spatial awareness ; Handsome looks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sounds great ; Hardware design ; HomeKit support

No radio ; Made a mark on our worktop ; Only works with Apple Music ; Siri sounds horrid

For now, it's just a speaker that sounds great, that isn't very smart.

Similar, great design ; Sound quality terrific ; Handoff is simply brilliant ; Deep integration with OS

Still rather expensive ; Rivals are plentiful ; Siri not as natural as other assistants ; No native Spotify support

The second-gen HomePod is an all-round improvement and once again sounds brilliant. But Siri still lags behind and rivals are plentiful.

– Impressive sound, unimposing design and surprisingly good value

– Siri, lack of audio input and an awkward power cable

When it comes to size and audio, Apple HomePod is the best pound-for-pound smart speaker. The design of the HomePod is gorgeous too. However, the price will be a sticking point for most – far surpassing many smart audio rivals.