Apple HomePod Mini (2020)

Computational audio optimizes the experience ; Clean sounding highs and mids ; Compact size makes it discrete ; It's the most affordable HomeKit home hub

Siri lacks the advanced intelligence of her peers ; Short power cord

“The HomePod mini is exactly what Apple needs to be a relevant player in the smart speaker world”

Small, convenient, and so easy (for Apple users). Siri can hear and understand you, even while you’re sitting outside your house. Surprising, fun features keep popping up (for Apple users). Pretty loud, with heavy bass.

Clarity is disappointing. Only a smart buy for people who own other Apple products and subscribe to Apple services. Competitors are smarter and cheaper.

Only an Apple person who is soaking in Apple products truly understands the spark of surprise and joy from small discoveries, like starting my daughter's meditation app on her iPod touch, putting it on my bedside table, and then realizing that it...

Compact design ; Accessibly priced compared to big HomePod ; Good sound for its size ; Siri is fast

Still hugely dependent on Apple devices and services ; Doesn’t sound as good as similarly priced competitors ; Volume controls on top are fiddly ; Siri is still behind Google Assistant and Alexa in features and capabilities

Photography by Dan Seifert / The Verge

Impressive audio quality for its size ; Easy setup ; Works as a Thread border router for Matter ; “Intercom” feature lets you broadcast messages to family members ; Temperature and humidity sensor was recently added, along with sound recognition for...

No physical mic mute control ; Intercom doesn’t support two-way calls ; Supports third-party music services, but only a few are on board ; We’ve heard better-sounding smart speakers in the Mini’s price range ; Still pricey

A series of post-launch updates has turned the smaller HomePod into a much more capable smart speaker. Even with its lofty price tag, the HomePod mini is a worth investment, particularly for Apple users.

Can distinguish different people's voices Good sound quality for its size Intercom feature Can AirPlay from any Apple device Microphone reliably hears wake phrase

Need to have an iPhone or iPad to operate No mute button Hand off prompting can be annoying No direct Spotify integration

The Apple HomePod mini is an excellent entry-level smart speaker. Anyone comfortable with an iPhone should have no problem setting up and controlling it. Spotify streaming isn’t yet perfect with the HomePod, but this is unsurprising given how Apple...

+ Sounds really good and loud despite the small footprint ; + A good gateway to Apple HomeKit-supported smart home system ; + Intercom feature is pretty handy ; + Does a good job at finding songs ; + Easy to issue voice commands, good accuracy ; + No...

- Could use improvements for Wi-Fi reception ; - Apple Home app feels rather limited ; - Using it for calls feel awkward / annoying due to notable delay ; - Touch controls are prone to fingerprint smudges ; - Non-detachable USB-C cable

The Apple HomePod mini is quite the bang for buck when it comes to smart speakers. Ideally, you wouldn't want to just get one as you'd be able to make full use of it if you have at least two, and it will be made even better if your home is Apple...

Incredibly compact design ; Versatile color options ; Top-mounted touch screen ; Built-in Siri ; Minimal compression even at maximum volume ; Low latency on Apple AirPlay

Doesn't get very loud ; Lacks Bluetooth streaming and other connectivity alternatives ; No dedicated control app ; Non-removable power cable ; Pricey

It's needless to say that if you are invested in the Apple ecosystem, the HomePod mini is a great purchase due to its compact size and affordable price. Although it doesn't lag far behind the Amazon Echo dot or Google Nest mini, it still offers...

Sound quality

The Apple HomePod Mini is a very good entry-level speaker, and anyone who uses an iPhone or iPad will have no issues setting up and controlling it. Third-party streaming applications aren’t totally streamlined with it, but this isn’t surprising given...