Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) vs Marshall Uxbridge Voice with Alexa
SOURCE ARTICLES
HomePod (2nd-gen) review: The song remains the same
www.macworld.com
The 2nd-gen HomePod has a beautiful design and great audio quality. It has a detachable power cable and the bass is less dominant compared to the previous model. However, Siri is unreliable and frustrating to use, and the speaker can be picky about suboptimal Wi-Fi. Overall, it's a good choice for Apple ecosystem users with strong Wi-Fi and patience.
Apple’s new HomePod plays it safe
www.theverge.com
The second-generation Apple HomePod is a reworked version of the original, with some new sensors and improved smart home capabilities. It still offers great sound quality, but at a higher price compared to other smart speakers. The new HomePod is similar in design to the original, with a few minor changes. It includes temperature and humidity sensors, as well as an all-new system sensor for enhanced audio adjustments. The HomePod's audio performance remains impressive, with powerful bass and clear vocals. It works best when paired with another HomePod for a stereo experience. Siri has improved as a smart home assistant, but still lags behind competitors in terms of general knowledge. The HomePod can also serve as a smart home hub and has support for the new Matter standard. Overall, the new HomePod is a solid choice for Apple users who prioritize sound quality and integration with the Apple ecosystem.
Apple HomePod 2 Review
www.ign.com
The Apple HomePod 2nd Generation is an improved version of the discontinued HomePod. It has a similar design but with a smaller touchscreen and permanent volume buttons. The speaker layout has been redesigned with a woofer and five tweeters, and it also includes temperature and humidity sensors. The audio quality is impressive, with powerful bass and sound that fills the room. The HomePod 2 can create a stereo pair with another unit and can be used as the audio center for a home theater setup with an Apple TV. However, the full functionality of the HomePod 2 is expensive and limited to Apple devices and Apple Music.
Review: Hands-On With The 2nd Gen Apple HomePod
The second generation Apple HomePod is a smart speaker that offers high-fidelity sound and integrates well with the Apple ecosystem. It features a 360-degree sound effect with five tweeters and a powerful 4-inch woofer for satisfying bass. The speaker supports Siri voice control and Apple Music integration. It also has spatial audio capabilities and can be used for multi-room audio. However, it lacks Bluetooth, physical inputs, and a battery. Overall, the HomePod is a stylish and affordable option for Apple users looking for a smart speaker with great sound quality.
Apple HomePod 2 review
The Apple HomePod 2nd Generation, or HomePod 2, is an upgraded version of the original HomePod. It looks similar to its predecessor but offers enhancements, especially in sound quality. Priced at £299 / $299 / AU$479, it is more expensive than some alternatives but comparable to other high-quality speakers. The design remains largely unchanged, with a slightly smaller touch panel on top. The new HomePod features a woofer and five tweeters, as well as sensors and microphones for real-time performance adjustments. It supports Siri, stereo pairing, and Spatial Audio. The HomePod 2 is best suited for dedicated Apple users and Apple Music subscribers. It has impressive sound quality, with clear vocals, balanced tonal balance, and powerful bass. It also supports Dolby Atmos and can be used as part of a home cinema system. Overall, the HomePod 2 is a top choice for Apple users looking for a high-quality wireless speaker.
Apple HomePod (2023) Review: An Apple-Centric Experience with Quality Sound
Apple HomePod (2023) Review Summary
The Apple HomePod (2023) offers excellent sound quality and a compact size. It integrates well with Apple devices and services. However, it is costly and not as loud as its rivals. It requires an iOS device to set up and cannot set Spotify as the default music service. The new HomePod features upgraded speakers, spatial audio, and temperature and humidity sensors. It supports Apple's HomeKit and the new Matter standard. Overall, the HomePod is a good option for Apple users, but there are more affordable alternatives for non-Apple users.
Marshall Uxbridge Voice Smart Speaker Review: vintage smarts
The Marshall Uxbridge Voice smart speaker has a vintage amp aesthetic and offers a choice between Alexa and Google Assistant. However, its sound quality is not impressive compared to other speakers in its price range. The design may not appeal to everyone, and it is smaller than most smart speakers. If you prioritize sound quality and versatility, the Bose Home Speaker 300 is a better option.
Buy Marshall Uxbridge Alexa Voice Bluetooth Smart Speaker
The Marshall Uxbridge Alexa Voice Bluetooth Smart Speaker is a Wi-Fi enabled speaker that can connect to your home network. It has top panel controls for volume, bass, treble, play/pause/skip, mute/unmute, and Bluetooth pairing. The speaker features a dual microphone array with noise cancellation for voice interaction with Amazon Alexa. It also allows you to customize the sound on the speaker and in the app. The Bluetooth range is 10m/30ft and it supports Airplay 2, Spotify Connect, and Bluetooth 4.2.
Marshall Uxbridge Voice with Alexa Review
The Marshall Uxbridge Voice with Alexa is a compact wireless speaker that delivers big sound. It has a stylish design and offers plenty of connectivity options. The speaker is easy to set up and works well with Alexa, allowing for voice control and integration with smart home systems. The sound quality is energetic and powerful, but lacks nuance and balance. Overall, it is a fun and appealing alternative to Amazon's Echo speakers, especially for those in the Alexa ecosystem. However, there are better-sounding alternatives available if sound quality is a priority.
Marshall Uxbridge Voice review
The Marshall Uxbridge Voice is a small, retro-style speaker with Amazon Alexa integration. It has a premium look and feel, but the matte black plastic doesn't feel as high-quality as it looks. The speaker has hard controls on the top surface and supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. It is AirPlay 2-compatible and has Spotify Connect built-in. The sound quality is decent, but lacks bass and can distort at higher volumes. Overall, the Uxbridge Voice falls short on audio quality and features compared to other multi-room speakers in its price range.
Marshall Uxbridge Voice review
The Marshall Uxbridge Voice is a wireless speaker with built-in Alexa voice assistance. It falls short in terms of audio quality compared to the Sonos One, but it reaches impressive volumes. The design is attractive, resembling a mini guitar amp. It is not portable and must be plugged in at all times. The speaker supports Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect. The smart features work well, allowing for hands-free control of music playback and smart home devices. Overall, the Uxbridge Voice is not the best in terms of sound quality, but its design and smart capabilities make it appealing for casual listening.
Marshall Uxbridge Voice Review
The Marshall Uxbridge Voice is a compact and stylish smart speaker with good audio performance. It has rich bass and crisp highs, with adjustable bass and treble controls. The speaker supports hands-free Alexa voice control and has a companion app for firmware updates and EQ adjustments. The Uxbridge Voice also supports AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Bluetooth playback. While it may not get very loud, it delivers a solid listening experience for its size. Overall, it is a respectable speaker with hands-free Alexa control in a stylish package.
Marshall Uxbridge Voice review
The Marshall Uxbridge Voice is a compact smart speaker with Amazon Alexa built-in. It has a classic amp design and offers good sound quality. The speaker is easy to use and has basic EQ adjustments. It requires the Amazon Alexa app for setup and can be grouped with other compatible speakers. The speaker connects via Wi-Fi and has good microphone performance. It does not have a battery and needs to be plugged in at all times. The sound quality is impressive for its size, with clear vocals and balanced highs. Overall, the Marshall Uxbridge Voice is a good choice for those in the Amazon Alexa ecosystem who prioritize sound quality.
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AI COMPARISON
Comparison Table
| Feature | Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) | Marshall Uxbridge Voice with Alexa |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | 3387.552 cm³ | 2644.992 cm³ |
| Mic Count | 4 | 2 |
| Drivers Count | 6 | N/A |
| Bluetooth Version | 5 | 4.2 |
| Stereo Pairing | Yes | No |
| Compatibility with Voice Assistants | Siri | Alexa |
| Airplay | Yes | Yes |
| Spotify Connect | No | Yes |
| Matter Support | Yes | No |
| Security Features | None | None |
| Subwoofer | Yes | Yes |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes | No |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
| Weight | 2300 g | 1390 g |
| Touch Screen | No | No |
| Price | £299 / $299 / AU$479 | Varies, generally lower |
Summary of Reviews
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Audio Quality: The Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) is recognized for its excellent sound quality, with powerful bass and clear vocals. It supports Dolby Atmos, providing a richer audio experience, but it has a bass-heavy sound that might not suit all preferences. On the other hand, the Marshall Uxbridge Voice has a vintage aesthetic and delivers loud sound for its size, but it lacks depth and richness in audio quality, with notable distortions at high volumes.
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Design and Build: The HomePod has a consistent aesthetic with Apple’s design language, offering a detachable cable and a touchscreen interface for controls. The Uxbridge features a retro design reminiscent of Marshall's guitar amps, with hard controls for volume, bass, and treble, but it lacks the premium feel and finish of the HomePod.
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Smart Features and Compatibility: The HomePod offers deeper integration within the Apple ecosystem, supporting only Siri and lacking compatibility with other voice assistants or Android devices. It also supports Matter, allowing for broader smart home control. The Uxbridge supports Alexa, making it more versatile in voice assistant compatibility, and offers connectivity options like AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect. However, its smart features are not as refined or responsive as those in the HomePod.
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User Experience: Both speakers are praised for easy setup and integration with their respective ecosystems. The HomePod excels in its seamless integration with other Apple products, making it ideal for users who own Apple devices. The Uxbridge, while stylish and functional, falls short in sound quality but may appeal to users who prioritize style and the use of Alexa.
Recommendations for Buyers
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Apple Users: The Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) is the best choice for users who are already invested in the Apple ecosystem and prefer Siri as their voice assistant. It offers superior sound quality and smart home integration, although it comes at a higher price point.
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Style and Alexa Users: The Marshall Uxbridge Voice is suitable for users who value unique design and are looking for Alexa compatibility. It is also a more budget-friendly option compared to the HomePod, suitable for casual listening and basic smart speaker functions.
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