However the second generation HomePods are not as loud as before, and the bass is a bit lighter too. And you get the impressively easy setup and control you'd expect from Apple.Ĭompared to the first generation there's better clarity around the upper mids, which really benefits classical and acoustic music, and the Dolby Atmos performance is excellent. It’s cheaper than what you get from the hardcore hi-fi brands (such as the Naim Mu-so Qb 2), and with a more full sound than the Sonos One can deliver. These are very impressive smart speakers, and if you're Apple Music users in all-Apple homes, the HomePod 2 is perhaps the best-value speaker out there. However, as Apple Music and AirPlay devices they're great.

If you're more of a Spotify, TIDAL, Amazon or Deezer user, though, you should look elsewhere: the HomePods really, really want you to use Apple Music and don't have auxiliary ports or Bluetooth connections.

The big HomePod is back, and if you're tied into the Apple ecosystem it's pretty great.

Best speakers for mac mini 2021