The Apple HomePod (1st generation) is a wired smart speaker that's been discontinued and replaced by the Apple HomePod (2nd generation). It has a stylish design that's ideal for home use, with built-in Siri for hands-free control. Link it with other HomePods if you want to spread audio to other rooms in your house, or check out the Apple HomePod mini if you want a smaller version of this device.
Our Verdict
The Apple HomePod 1 is decent for music. It offers an even sound profile out of the box, meaning that voices and lead instruments are reproduced with clarity and detail. It's suitable for listening to lots of different genres, with plenty of low-bass to bring out the rumble in EDM and hip-hop. However, there aren't any sound customization tools on hand, so you don't have any ability to switch up its performance.
- Decently balanced sound profile.
- Great 360-degree soundstage.
- No EQ.
- Doesn't get very loud, with compression artifacts at max volume.
The Apple HomePod 1 isn't designed for watching movies, but if you want to listen to videos streamed on your phone, it can get the job done. You can connect your devices over Wi-Fi and Apple AirPlay, and its low latency means that the audio you hear is in sync with the video you see. Dialogue is clear, too, and there's some rumble in the bass for action-packed scenes, too.
- Decently balanced sound profile.
- Great 360-degree soundstage.
- No EQ.
- Doesn't get very loud, with compression artifacts at max volume.
The Apple HomePod 1 is fair for podcasts. Since dialogue is reproduced clearly, you can easily follow along with your favorite shows. Plus, it gets loud enough for an average-sized room, meaning you can hear every detail. It's not portable, but if you pair it with other compatible speakers, you can mirror your show to other rooms in your home.
- Decently balanced sound profile.
- Great 360-degree soundstage.
- No EQ.
- Doesn't get very loud, with compression artifacts at max volume.
The Apple HomePod 1 is excellent for voice assistant support. Built-in Siri provides hands-free control, meaning you can control the speaker with your voice right from the comfort of your couch. It can also hear your commands if you're further away or if you're in a noisier environment. Plus, you can mute the speaker when you don't want it to hear you.
- Decently balanced sound profile.
- Excellent Siri voice assistant distance performance.
- Great 360-degree soundstage.
- No EQ.
- Doesn't get very loud, with compression artifacts at max volume.
You can only use the Apple HomePod 1 wired, and it isn't suitable for outdoor use.
Changelog
- Updated Feb 28, 2023: Added a market comparison for the Apple HomePod (2nd generation) to the Frequency Response Accuracy box.
- Updated Feb 15, 2023: Minor updates to the text for clarity; no changes in test results.
- Updated Oct 18, 2022: Changed the 'Microphone Mute' test result from 'No' to 'Yes' in the 'Voice Assistant' box after retesting the speaker. Also added information about dismissing an alarm in the 'Controls' box.
- Updated Oct 13, 2022: Changed 'Call Answer/End' test result from 'No' to 'Yes (Tactile)' in the 'Controls' box after retesting the speaker. Minor adjustments to text for consistency.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Apple HomePod (1st generation) speaker comes in two color variants: Space Gray and White. These variants are only different in look, and we expect the white variant to perform similarly to our space gray model.
If you come across another variant of this speaker, please let us know in the discussions, and we'll update our review.
Popular Speaker Comparisons
The Apple HomePod first generation speaker has Apple's Siri built-in like the Apple HomePod mini, though it's a bit bigger. It has a mic with excellent far-field performance, meaning you can command Siri with your voice from another room. It also has a 360-degree sound, ensuring clear sound from any angle. However, its functionality is limited to Apple devices, so Android users are out of luck. It's also not very portable since it has a wired design. Its sound profile lacks low bass, and it doesn't get very loud.
See also our recommendations for the best smart speakers, the best home speakers, and the best speakers for iPhone.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Apple HomePod (1st generation) or the Bose SoundLink Revolve. The Apple is better for music, videos, and voice assistant. Its sound profile is a bit more neutral and has a deeper, more extended low-bass and a better soundstage. Also, it comes with built-in Siri capabilities. However, the Apple speaker isn't meant to be used outdoors, unlike the Bose. It's also been discontinued and may be more difficult to find in new condition. That said, the Bose is more portable, is better built, and is rated for water, dust, and impact resistance.
The Apple HomePod (1st generation) is a better speaker than the Apple HomePod mini. The HomePod has a more neutral sound profile and gets louder, too. Also, its built-in Siri has a better ambient noise performance, so it does a better job understanding your voice in noisy settings. The HomePod mini has a smaller, more lightweight design that some listeners may prefer. It's also easier to find on the market since the Apple HomePod has been discontinued.
The Apple HomePod (1st generation) is a better smart speaker than the Amazon Echo Studio (1st generation). The Apple has Siri built-in, better controls, a more neutral sound profile, and a wider soundstage. It also has low latency on Apple AirPlay. However, it's been discontinued and may be harder to find in new condition. That said, the Amazon is a Bluetooth speaker with Alexa built-in. It has bass and treble sliders, meaning you can tweak its sound profile. It also gets louder with minimal compression.
The Denon Home 350 is a more versatile speaker than the Apple HomePod (1st generation) and is easier to find in new condition since the Apple speaker has been discontinued. The Denon has a better-balanced sound profile out of the box and can get louder, though with a bit more compression. It also has bass and treble sliders to adjust its sound, it supports Bluetooth, and comes with Alexa built in. It also has lower Apple AirPlay latency. However, the Apple speaker has Siri built in and a wider-sounding soundstage thanks to its 360-degree design.
Test Results
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