Apple
HomePod (2nd gen) · Black
Smart/Portable · $299
85
/ 100
From $299
VS
Apple
HomePod (2nd gen)
Apple S7 · Dolby Atmos · Siri
85
/ 100
From $299
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, HomePod (2nd gen) · Black lands at 85 and HomePod (2nd gen) at 85. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick HomePod (2nd gen) · Black if…
- ✓Easy multi-room with ecosystem
- ✓App EQ on modern models
- ✓USB-C/AUX input on some
Pick HomePod (2nd gen) if…
- ✓Room-sensing spatial audio
- ✓Best-in-class room-correction
- ✓Works as Apple TV speaker
HomePod (2nd gen) · Black 85
vs 85 HomePod (2nd gen)
Score breakdown
HomePod (2nd gen) · Black
85 sound 85
features 83
design 88
ecosystem 84
HomePod (2nd gen)
85 sound 88
features 82
design 90
ecosystem 90
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | HomePod (2nd gen) · Black | HomePod (2nd gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers | — | 4″ woofer + 5 tweeters |
| Connectivity | — | Wi-Fi 5, Thread, BT 5.0 |
| Voice | — | Siri |
HomePod (2nd gen) · Black
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
HomePod (2nd gen)
Pros
- +Room-sensing spatial audio
- +Best-in-class room-correction
- +Works as Apple TV speaker
Cons
- −Apple ecosystem only
- −Siri trails assistants
- −No line-in
FAQ: HomePod (2nd gen) · Black vs HomePod (2nd gen)
Which is better, HomePod (2nd gen) · Black or HomePod (2nd gen)? +
Both score 85 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is HomePod (2nd gen) · Black worth the price? +
At $299, HomePod (2nd gen) · Black delivers a Specdex score of 85 — strongest in design.
Is HomePod (2nd gen) worth the price? +
At $299, HomePod (2nd gen) delivers a Specdex score of 85 — strongest in design.
Does HomePod (2nd gen) · Black or HomePod (2nd gen) 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.