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HomePod mini · Sunset Red — Smart/Portable · $99
Apple

HomePod mini · Sunset Red

Smart/Portable · $99

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

HomePod (2nd gen) · Olive

Smart/Portable · $299

85
/ 100
From $299
Specdex verdict

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

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

Pick HomePod mini · Sunset Red if…

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

Pick HomePod (2nd gen) · Olive 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) · Olive

Compared on the sound sub-score

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

Value for money

HomePod mini · Sunset Red

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

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

HomePod mini · Sunset Red 80
vs
85 HomePod (2nd gen) · Olive

Score breakdown

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

Specs side-by-side

HomePod mini · Sunset Red versus HomePod (2nd gen) · Olive — full spec comparison
Spec HomePod mini · Sunset Red HomePod (2nd gen) · Olive

HomePod mini · 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

HomePod (2nd gen) · Olive

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 · Sunset Red vs HomePod (2nd gen) · Olive

Which is better, HomePod mini · Sunset Red or HomePod (2nd gen) · Olive? +

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

Is HomePod mini · Sunset Red worth the price? +

At $99, HomePod mini · Sunset Red delivers a Specdex score of 80 — strongest in design.

Is HomePod (2nd gen) · Olive worth the price? +

At $299, HomePod (2nd gen) · Olive delivers a Specdex score of 85 — strongest in design.

Does HomePod mini · Sunset Red or HomePod (2nd gen) · Olive 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 · Sunset Red or HomePod (2nd gen) · Olive? +

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

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

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