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HomePod mini — Smart/Portable · $99
Apple

HomePod mini

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 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 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

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

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

HomePod mini 80
vs
85 HomePod (2nd gen)

Score breakdown

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

HomePod mini

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 vs HomePod (2nd gen)

Which is better, HomePod mini 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 worth the price? +

At $99, HomePod mini 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 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 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 or HomePod (2nd gen)? +

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