Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) vs …
Every speakers worth comparing against the Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) — side-by-side specs, benchmarks, and the full Specdex verdict on each pairing.
Step-up options (higher score)
Close matchups (within 3 points)
Cheaper alternatives
Budget alternatives (≤70% of price)
Cross-brand rivals (Apple vs the field)
The closest non-Apple matchups by Specdex score — the ecosystem-crossing comparisons spec sites usually skip.
Other Apple options
Frequently asked
What's better than the Apple HomePod (2nd Gen)? +
Higher-scoring speakers include KEF LS50 Wireless II, KEF LS50 Wireless II · Olive, KEF LSX II. Each scores above the Apple HomePod (2nd Gen)'s 88/100 on the Specdex weighted rubric.
What's a cheaper alternative to the Apple HomePod (2nd Gen)? +
Cheaper alternatives in the same category include Sonos Era 100, Sonos Era 100 · Olive, JBL Charge 5 — ranked by Specdex score among options priced below the Apple HomePod (2nd Gen)'s $299 MSRP.
What's the closest competitor to the Apple HomePod (2nd Gen)? +
The closest matchups (within 3 Specdex points) are Sonos Era 300, Bang & Olufsen Beosound A5, Sonos Era 300 · Olive. These are the head-to-head rivals where sub-score differences matter most.
What are the non-Apple alternatives to the Apple HomePod (2nd Gen)? +
The closest non-Apple rivals by Specdex score are Bose Home Speaker 500, Bose SoundLink Max, JBL Xtreme 3. Cross-brand pairings compare on the same weighted rubric, so ecosystem differences show up in the sub-scores rather than hiding behind marketing tiers.