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.
The Apple HomePod (2nd generation) is better than the Apple HomePod (1st generation). While both speakers have a similar design, the 2nd generation model can reproduce a more extended low-bass, so you hear more thump and rumble in the mix.
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 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's been discontinued. The Denon has a better-balanced sound profile out of the box, and it can get louder, although 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 has Siri built-in and a wider-sounding soundstage thanks to its 360-degree design.
The Apple HomePod (1st generation) and the Amazon Echo Gen 4 are both excellent speakers for voice assistants, but the Apple is more versatile overall. Out-of-the-box, the Apple has a more balanced sound profile, and it has a better soundstage. It supports Apple AirPlay, while the Amazon speaker supports Bluetooth. Also, it offers bass and treble adjustments so you can customize its sound. The Apple speaker may be harder to find in new condition since it's been discontinued.
Test Results
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