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HomePod mini · Black — Smart/Portable · $99
Apple

HomePod mini · Black

Smart/Portable · $99

80
/ 100
From $99
VS
HomePod (2nd gen) wins by 5
HomePod (2nd gen) — Smart/Portable · $299
Apple

HomePod (2nd gen)

Smart/Portable · $299

85
/ 100
From $299
Specdex verdict

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

In our weighted Specdex score, HomePod mini · Black lands at 80 and HomePod (2nd gen) at 85. That puts HomePod (2nd gen) ahead by 5 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick HomePod mini · Black if…

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

Pick HomePod (2nd gen) 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

Design

Tie

Compared on the design sub-score

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

Ecosystem

Tie

Compared on the ecosystem sub-score

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

Sound

HomePod (2nd gen)

Compared on the sound sub-score

HomePod (2nd gen) leads on sound (85 vs 80).

Value for money

HomePod mini · Black

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

HomePod mini · Black more score per dollar ($99 vs $299).

HomePod mini · Black 80
vs
85 HomePod (2nd gen)

Score breakdown

HomePod mini · Black
80
sound 80
features 78
design 88
ecosystem 84
HomePod (2nd gen)
85
sound 85
features 83
design 88
ecosystem 84

Specs side-by-side

HomePod mini · Black versus HomePod (2nd gen) — full spec comparison
Spec HomePod mini · Black HomePod (2nd gen)

HomePod mini · 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
  • +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: HomePod mini · Black vs HomePod (2nd gen)

Which is better, HomePod mini · Black or HomePod (2nd gen)? +

HomePod (2nd gen) scores 85 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 5. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is HomePod mini · Black worth the price? +

At $99, HomePod mini · Black delivers a Specdex score of 80 — 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 mini · 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.

Which is better for sound, HomePod mini · Black or HomePod (2nd gen)? +

HomePod (2nd gen) — leads on sound (85 vs 80). Compared on the sound sub-score.

Which is the better value, HomePod mini · Black or HomePod (2nd gen)? +

HomePod mini · Black — more score per dollar ($99 vs $299). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.