Apple HomePod (2nd Generation, 2023) Review
The second-generation Apple HomePod looks similar to the original, but it costs $50 less and features a tweaked external design, improved audio functionality, and brand-new smart home powers to rival alternatives from Amazon and Google. While still pricey at $299, it brings a room-sensing feature that adjusts audio on the fly, seamless integration with the Apple TV 4K, and plays nice with both HomeKit and Matter smart home devices. And sonically, it delivers impressively rich bass depth for its size and can be paired with a second speaker for true stereo audio. While the second-gen HomePod isn't flawless, it's a well-designed product that earns our Editors' Choice award for Apple-first smart speakers.Simple Design Choices Available in Midnight or White, the cylindrical, 5.2-pound HomePod measures 6.6 inches by 5.6 inches (HW). The speaker has a textured wraparound grille with an intricate mesh pattern. The exterior surface has a little bit of give to it, sort of like stiff memory ...
Apple's second-generation HomePod carries over the elegant design from the original, but improves the audio and smart home experiences to better compete with speakers from Amazon and Google.
Rich bass response and clear highs; Room-sensing audio; Strong mic clarity; HomeKit and Matter support; Temperature and humidity sensors
Expensive; No user-customizable EQ; Matter setup issues in testing