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HomePod (2nd gen) · Black — Smart/Portable · $299
Apple

HomePod (2nd gen) · Black

Smart/Portable · $299

85
/ 100
From $299
VS
HomePod (2nd gen) · Black wins by 1
JBL Flip 6 — Portable · IP67 · 12 h battery
JBL

JBL Flip 6

Portable · IP67 · 12 h battery

84
/ 100
From $129
Specdex verdict

HomePod (2nd gen) · Black takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, HomePod (2nd gen) · Black lands at 85 and JBL Flip 6 at 84. That puts HomePod (2nd gen) · Black ahead by 1 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick HomePod (2nd gen) · Black if…

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

Pick JBL Flip 6 if…

  • ✓Rugged IP67 build
  • ✓Punchy bass for size
  • ✓PartyBoost chaining
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Winner by scenario

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

Design

Tie

Compared on the design sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Sound

HomePod (2nd gen) · Black

Compared on the sound sub-score

HomePod (2nd gen) · Black leads on sound (85 vs 82).

Features

HomePod (2nd gen) · Black

Compared on the features sub-score

HomePod (2nd gen) · Black leads on features (83 vs 80).

Value for money

JBL Flip 6

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

JBL Flip 6 more score per dollar ($129 vs $299).

HomePod (2nd gen) · Black 85
vs
84 JBL Flip 6

Score breakdown

HomePod (2nd gen) · Black
85
sound 85
features 83
design 88
ecosystem 84
JBL Flip 6
84
sound 82
features 80
design 88
ecosystem 78

Specs side-by-side

HomePod (2nd gen) · Black versus JBL Flip 6 — full spec comparison
Spec HomePod (2nd gen) · Black JBL Flip 6
Drivers
—
Woofer + tweeter
Battery
—
12 h
Water rating
—
IP67
Connectivity
—
BT 5.1

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

JBL Flip 6

Pros
  • +Rugged IP67 build
  • +Punchy bass for size
  • +PartyBoost chaining
Cons
  • −No app EQ
  • −Mono (not stereo)
  • −Aging design

FAQ: HomePod (2nd gen) · Black vs JBL Flip 6

Which is better, HomePod (2nd gen) · Black or JBL Flip 6? +

HomePod (2nd gen) · Black scores 85 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 1. 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 JBL Flip 6 worth the price? +

At $129, JBL Flip 6 delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in design.

Does HomePod (2nd gen) · Black or JBL Flip 6 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, HomePod (2nd gen) · Black or JBL Flip 6? +

HomePod (2nd gen) · Black — leads on sound (85 vs 82). Compared on the sound sub-score.

Which is better for features, HomePod (2nd gen) · Black or JBL Flip 6? +

HomePod (2nd gen) · Black — leads on features (83 vs 80). Compared on the features sub-score.