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
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.
Why I recommend the Sonos Era 100 to most people this holiday season
The Sonos Era 100 is a highly recommended smart speaker with a full, booming sound and crystal-clear vocals. It has a sleek design and intuitive touch controls. The speaker supports Bluetooth connectivity and voice control, but not Google Assistant. It has a USB-C port for audio sources and ethernet connection. The Era 100 delivers impressive sound quality, filling medium-to-large-sized rooms. It is a powerful speaker that maintains sound quality at full volume and has deep bass without rattling. Compared to other smart speakers in the same price range, the Sonos Era 100 stands out with its outstanding sound.
Sonos Era 100 review: the new default smart speaker
The Sonos Era 100 is an upgraded version of the Sonos One, offering improved sound quality, stereo playback, and added features like Bluetooth and line-in support. It no longer supports Google Assistant, but still works with Amazon Alexa and Sonos Voice Control. The speaker has a sleek design and includes repairability improvements. The top controls have been redesigned for easier use, and there is a toggle switch to disable the microphones for privacy. The Era 100 supports Bluetooth audio playback and line-in connections via a USB-C dongle. The sound quality is impressive, with clear and detailed audio. Trueplay tuning is available for both iOS and Android users. The speaker also supports hands-free voice commands with Alexa or Sonos Voice Control. Overall, the Era 100 is a significant upgrade over the Sonos One, offering better sound and added functionality.
Sonos Era 100 review: Puts HomePod on notice
The Sonos Era 100 is a versatile speaker that offers dynamic sound and robust features at a lower price than the HomePod. It has an attractive design and supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a line-in connection. The Era 100 outperforms the HomePod in terms of sound quality and offers more features. It can be used as a stereo pair for an enhanced listening experience. Overall, the Era 100 is a competitive option against the HomePod and delivers excellent value for its price.
Sonos Era 100 Review: The New Smart Speaker Standard
The Sonos Era 100 is a compact all-in-one speaker that excels in sound quality. It offers integrations with various music streaming services and voice assistants. The speaker has a sleek design, a volume slider, and a play-pause button for easy control. Setup is simple, and it has excellent microphones for voice controls. The Era 100 features larger woofers and angled tweeters for stereo sound. It also has a faster processor for future software updates. Sonos aims to keep its products relevant for a long time.
Sonos Era 100 Review: The Best Smart Speaker Gets Even Better
The Sonos Era 100 is a smart speaker that improves upon the Sonos One with the addition of Bluetooth and stereo sound. It offers excellent sound quality and a robust ecosystem. However, it is slightly more expensive and lacks Google Assistant. The Era 100 outperforms the Sonos One in terms of sound quality, with a more open and engaging sound. It also has the option to self-calibrate using built-in microphones. The addition of Bluetooth and a USB-C port adds flexibility and connectivity options. Overall, the Sonos Era 100 is a great smart speaker and a worthy upgrade from the Sonos One.
Sonos Era 100 review
The Sonos Era 100 is a souped-up version of the Sonos One, offering stereo sound and Bluetooth streaming. It has a refreshed design with a more oval shape and a wraparound grille. The speaker delivers detailed stereo separation and deeper bass with its two angled tweeters and larger woofer. It supports Bluetooth 5.0 and 24-bit audio streaming. The Sonos control app allows for easy integration of music sources and features Sonos's own voice control and Amazon's Alexa. The Era 100 also features Trueplay room calibration tuning and can be linked with another Era 100 for stereo pairing. The sound quality is impressive, with a powerful and spacious delivery. However, it lacks the natural warmth of human voices compared to the Apple HomePod 2. Overall, the Sonos Era 100 offers versatility and a feature-rich wireless speaker experience.
+ 9
Feature | Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) | Sonos Era 100 |
---|---|---|
Mic Count | 4 | 1 |
Volume | 3387.552 cm³ | 2839.2 cm³ |
Drivers Count | 6 | - |
Bluetooth Version | 5 | 5 |
Width | 142 mm | 130 mm |
Stereo Pairing | Yes | Yes |
Compatibility with Voice Assistants | Siri only | Alexa, Sonos Voice (No Google Assistant) |
Airplay | Yes | Yes |
Chromecast | No | No |
Spotify Connect | No | Yes |
Matter Support | Yes | No |
Mute Function | Yes | Yes |
Multiple Voice Recognition | Yes | No |
Security Features | None | None |
Stereo Speaker | No | Yes |
Subwoofer | Yes | No |
Dolby Atmos | Yes | No |
Neodymium Magnet | Yes | No |
Aux Input | No | Yes |
Detachable Cable | Yes | Yes |
Warranty Time | 1 year | 1 year |
WiFi Standards | WiFi 4 | WiFi 6, WiFi 5, WiFi 4 |
Height | 168 mm | 182 mm |
Thickness | 142 mm | 120 mm |
Weight | 2300 g | 2020 g |
The Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) is praised for its excellent audio quality, especially with Dolby Atmos, and its seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, including Siri and Airplay. However, it is limited by compatibility with only Apple devices and services like Apple Music, lacking flexibility with non-Apple streaming services and devices.
The Sonos Era 100, on the other hand, offers great sound quality with robust features including Bluetooth connectivity and Spotify Connect. It supports multiple Wi-Fi standards and has a stereo speaker setup, providing versatility in connectivity and audio performance. It stands out for its compatibility with Amazon Alexa and its ability to be integrated into a multiroom sound system using Sonos's technology. However, it does not support Google Assistant.
Apple Ecosystem Users: The Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) is ideal for users who are already heavily invested in Apple's ecosystem. It works best with Apple devices and services and is recommended for those looking for a smart speaker that integrates seamlessly with other Apple products.
Versatility and Multiroom Setup: The Sonos Era 100 is a better fit for users seeking flexibility with various streaming services and voice assistants. It is also ideal for those looking to integrate their speaker into a multiroom audio setup.
Audio Quality for Mixed Usage: Both speakers provide excellent sound quality, but the Sonos Era 100 offers more versatility with its input options and compatibility, making it suitable for a wider range of users and environments.
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