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Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) — Spatial Audio · Siri · Matter hub
Apple

Apple HomePod (2nd Gen)

Spatial Audio · Siri · Matter hub

88
/ 100
From $299
VS
Sonos Era 300 · Sunset Red — Smart/Portable · $449
Sonos

Sonos Era 300 · Sunset Red

Smart/Portable · $449

88
/ 100
From $449
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) lands at 88 and Sonos Era 300 · Sunset Red at 88. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) if…

  • ✓Best mono speaker sound at this price
  • ✓Built-in Matter hub
  • ✓Adaptive room sensing

Pick Sonos Era 300 · Sunset Red if…

  • ✓Easy multi-room with ecosystem
  • ✓App EQ on modern models
  • ✓USB-C/AUX input on some
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound

Apple HomePod (2nd Gen)

Compared on the sound sub-score

Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) leads on sound (92 vs 88).

Features

Apple HomePod (2nd Gen)

Compared on the features sub-score

Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) leads on features (88 vs 86).

Value for money

Apple HomePod (2nd Gen)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) more score per dollar ($299 vs $449).

Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) 88
vs
88 Sonos Era 300 · Sunset Red

Score breakdown

Apple HomePod (2nd Gen)
88
sound 92
features 88
ease 96
value 84
design 0
ecosystem 0
Sonos Era 300 · Sunset Red
88
sound 88
features 86
ease 0
value 0
design 88
ecosystem 84

Specs side-by-side

Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) versus Sonos Era 300 · Sunset Red — full spec comparison
Spec Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) Sonos Era 300 · Sunset Red
Drivers
4″ woofer + 5 tweeters
—
Connectivity
Wi-Fi 6, BT 5.0, Thread, Matter
—
Voice
Siri
—
Spatial
Dolby Atmos Music
—
Trueplay tuning
Auto room-sensing
—
Weight
2.3 kg
—

Apple HomePod (2nd Gen)

Pros
  • +Best mono speaker sound at this price
  • +Built-in Matter hub
  • +Adaptive room sensing
Cons
  • −Apple ecosystem only
  • −No 3.5mm input
  • −No Spotify Connect (still 2025!)

Sonos Era 300 · Sunset Red

Pros
  • +Easy multi-room with ecosystem
  • +App EQ on modern models
  • +USB-C/AUX input on some
Cons
  • −Brand ecosystem lock-in
  • −Subscription features on some
  • −Bass limits at lower sizes

FAQ: Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) vs Sonos Era 300 · Sunset Red

Which is better, Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) or Sonos Era 300 · Sunset Red? +

Both score 88 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) worth the price? +

At $299, Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in ease.

Is Sonos Era 300 · Sunset Red worth the price? +

At $449, Sonos Era 300 · Sunset Red delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.

Does Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) or Sonos Era 300 · Sunset Red last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for sound, Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) or Sonos Era 300 · Sunset Red? +

Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) — leads on sound (92 vs 88). Compared on the sound sub-score.

Which is better for features, Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) or Sonos Era 300 · Sunset Red? +

Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) — leads on features (88 vs 86). Compared on the features sub-score.