Apple HomePod 2 Review - 6 Months Later

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Is the HomePod 2 (2023) worth it after 6 Months? We'll take you through why we don't recommend it for everyone, how fast Siri is at controlling your smart home and the new stuff Apple changed with the design of the HomePod. Most importantly, we'll dive into how it sounds compared to the competition from Google and Amazon as well as Sonos, specifically the Sonos 300, another speaker capable of playing Dolby Atmos Music tracks.
We'll also cover new features coming to the HomePod gen 2 like Siri Support for AirPlay on HomePod, we go through when it's worth getting two HomePods for stereo pair as well as how the HomePods sound when stereo paired along with an Apple TV.
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🕰️Timestamps:
0:00 - Siri and Smart Home Controls
1:12 - Text Messages, Phone Calls, Multi-user
2:05 - AirPlay and Handoff feature
2:50 - HomePod design changes
4:17 - Sound quality
5:12 - HomePod vs. Sonos Era 300
6:17 - Homepod's odd sound and no EQ
7:15 - HomePod vs. Sonos Era 100
7:34 - Should you get 2 HomePods?
9:10 - Two HomePods paired with Apple TV
10:49 - HomePods for music listening?
11:17 - Music service availability
12:01 - Spotify and RU-vid Music on HomePod
13:20 - Reccomendation
📜 Disclosures 📃
Any music used is licensed from artlist.io
The HomePod, HomePod Mini, Sonos Era 100 and Sonos Era 300 were purchased by 6 Months Later. Sonos, while heavily featured, and featured favorably, did not sponsor this video. 6 Months Later has no relationship with Apple or Sonos.
Any Amazon links we provide in our descriptions are in conjunction with our Amazon partnership. The channel receives a small percentage of revenue from any sales generated by viewers clicking the links.
#apple
#homepod
#airplay
#sonos

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1 июн 2024

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Комментарии : 92

@arondyte318 9 месяцев назад

I bought a stereo pair last April alongside the new Apple TV 4K and it’s been absolutely amazing and nearly flawless. It actually made me appreciate Final Fantasy 16’s epic soundtrack a whole lot more.

@sony2254 9 месяцев назад

What.. I have stereo homepods paired with apple tv, and I hate it.. After 50% volume there’s nothing to hear, like noise, can’t even make out what song is playing.. I have soundcore X600 instead and it sounds amazing, all my friends and families said the same..

@aaronkoch77 7 месяцев назад

Yes, this video review seems to be an advertisement for Sonos

@clinteastwood8222 6 месяцев назад

Not sure if software updates have had an impact as I’ve just paired a HomePod pair to Apple TV and found it sounds great. I haven’t got the space for a proper surround sound system but the HomePod pair is a great option as an alternative

@Mardoxx7 4 месяца назад

What a waste of money lmaooo

@KuyaArbee 5 месяцев назад

STEREO PAIR and with continuous updates it's making it better and better :) I love my homepod 2 and glad it pairs seamless with the APPLE TV with no issues and the ENHANCED DIALOGUE is a game changer!

@jonathanjuha2329 9 месяцев назад

I actually think the 2 HomePods is a good buy. In my case, I wanted a system that could handle my music listening and tv watching while also being a smart home hub. A pair of HomePods is the only system that does a great job at all three. I’m sure a Sonos home theatre system will sound better - but it will also cost more and won’t be able to handle smart things (let alone integrate with your iPhone the same way). Finally, I leave in an apartment so buying a sub was never really an option - already have issues with downstairs neighbours due to sound complaints.

@6806goats1 9 месяцев назад

I do like the removable cord, temp and humidity add-ons but not enough to replace my Gen 1 HomePods. App updates have been helping.

@sdell88 9 месяцев назад

Major issue for me is that HomePods appear as speakers when using your iPhone on a call. When you try to switch to speaker call you have to select among all of the HopePods to choose your iPhone speaker as you walk around. Annoying experience. A fix was to switch iPhone settings to speaker preference however that interferes if you use Bluetooth AirPods

@nthused 9 месяцев назад

I like the simplicity. I use an AppleTV and have a single small HomePod in my office to hear sound from the TV. Sounds much better and works without hassle.

@Ykodi01234 9 месяцев назад

Thanks I own 2 HomePods 2nd gen connected to Apple TV and the spatial audio effect is amazing. Did you mean that 1 unit of era300 produce a better sound? Because as far as I know, 2 units of era300 do not support spatial audio when positioned in front.

@swimmerbc 9 месяцев назад

Love your videos! My favorite new channel I've discovered this year!

@6MonthsLater 9 месяцев назад

Wow, thank you!

@BSerrell4 5 месяцев назад

Can I use the HomePod 2 without wifi or internet? Such as a speaker for music or audiobooks when camping?

@neelabraham9819 9 месяцев назад

My HomePod stereo pair sounds amazing with music and Atmos TV content. This video looks very biased towards Sonos than a review. Stereo HomePods are the way to go.

@ryany6776 7 месяцев назад

I've been having so many troubles connecting to my 1st generation HomePod and HomePod Minis. Do you think buying the new one will fix the problem?

@anaymakan6989 5 месяцев назад

I’ve already got a 2021 Apple TV, I’m not sure whether to get a Sonos Era 300 or 2x HomePods. Personally leaning on the 2 HomePods because they can integrate as TV speakers with the Apple TV and will provide a wider soundstage. Budget around £400

@samuelrodriguez6707 9 месяцев назад

Love this review, but on the speed of the “turn off the lights” function….I felt for the google assistant, the timer was already almost a 1 sec while when it was the home pods turn, the timer started at zero right after the last word was spoken. Not saying it was intentional, just something I observed. Great content by the way.

@JosePereira-cc1ju 18 дней назад

To me HomePods are one of the best speakers evermade its hard to find this small size that go down to 20hz Bass is awesome room correction is awesome voice command .. very underrated.. (MUST HAVE)

@santionthebeach8471 9 месяцев назад

Would like to know the difference between the 1st gen

@MikaTarkela 8 месяцев назад

Does Spotify's EQ change the sound if you are using the HomePod?

@dreodurana687 5 месяцев назад

Planning to get a pair

@beekaye1496 8 месяцев назад

Home pod 1st gen has worked for me and thinking about upgrading to the home pod 2. The sonos era 300 is superb but costing double than the home pods

@undertruth2183 9 месяцев назад

Thanks Josh! I agree with most of your points in the review but I’d recommend people getting HomePod Stereo with Apple TV for home theater setup if they have a budget below $600 and wanna a minimalism experience. Personally I have tested the HomePod Stereo against a Sonos Beam Gen 2 and the HomePods are better overall; even after adding two surrounds to Sonos I still feel HomePods are competitive in some ways. Just my 2 cents here

@jeffhardy3x 9 месяцев назад

**My Experience with HomePod Gen 2*. I will try to be brief as I can. I'm all about Apple Eco System. I got 2 for a stereo pair. AMAZING! I got it as a home theater setup and was well pleased. I upgraded from no "home theater" setup, and i love the minimalism. After a few days of the HomePods not telling me what the humidity was in my living room and just saying it was still calibrating Apple had me swap them for new ones. As of now my new left one is all good and very responsive to my phone and apple tv remote. The right HomePod does not respond to my apple tv remote. When I hit mute it doesn't mute, and when I turn the volume up or down it doesn't do it. Walked through many hard reset's with apple, the whole red spin and wait for 3 beeps thing. Finally, took it to apple and going to be swapping this right one for a new one. Thoroughly disappointed with how many times I've had to contact support and go to the store, but I'm a sucker for Apple so here I am trying to get things situated. Hope this helps or if anyone has encountered the same let me know!

@rfichokeofdestiny 8 месяцев назад

Apple’s core products like the iPhone and MacBook seem to get a lot of polish and attention to quality and consistency. HomeKit, Apple TV, and Siri don’t. I don’t know if the teams responsible for them just don’t have good leadership or if Apple just doesn’t care to prioritize them because they don’t bring in enough revenue. But it’s a real problem given that one of Apple’s biggest selling points is an integrated ecosystem. I’ve become very skeptical of buying anything they make that isn’t a laptop or mobile device.

@brewsnoop 8 месяцев назад

Same exact experience for me…I have spent more money and wasted more time trying to get these things to work. They are essentially two big paper weights now.

@morells09 8 месяцев назад

Ya I don’t really understand the hate on using the HomePods as a stereo pair with Apple TV especially when you consider that you can use them via ARC now for other devices other than just the Apple TV and that they now have a dialogue enhancement feature with tvOS 17. They sound amazing in our bedroom where mounting a soundbar wasn’t really an option for us but having low-latency HomePods next to our bed was!

@The.JZA. 7 месяцев назад

I bought the Bose Soundbar 300 and the accompanying subwoofer, Acoustimass 300, and within 2-3 years the subwoofer completely stopped working. Bose wanted me to pay to have it repaired along with shipping and I wouldnt have it. I fought and fought and eventually got them to agree to repair it for free and now 2 years later the soundbar is dying. The wifi and bluetooth are unreliable and sometimes it wont even play sound at all until power cycled. My advice, don't buy Bose unless you have tonnes of money and dont mind replacing your sound equipment within 5 years. Any advice on brands that are reliable for 10+ years?

@jeffreyhemingway9578 6 месяцев назад

Had the original HomePod since day one however it has now died , rip homepod 1. The question is what to buy as a replacement?

@chrisrules8403 9 месяцев назад

Interesting video. I feel like it is down to your opinion, I’ve read and watched numerous other reviews who rave about the HomePod’s sound quality and pit it near the top if not the top of Smart Speakers from sound quality

@jeffhardy3x 8 месяцев назад

Personally the sound was amazing for my living room in my one bedroom apartment. BUT it was SO buggy I got a refund.

@kevinmc560 7 месяцев назад

The Echo it’s truly amazing! But I’m still thinking if I should buy the home pod 2, bc of my Apple Ecosystem

@rdboston7866 8 месяцев назад

Just hooked my up today. Volume has to be 3/4 of the way up.

@mesha76 9 месяцев назад

And did you try the HomePod while playing video game ? The fact that they are wireless mean that it could have a delay between what you see on the screen and what you here right ? For exemple when I play some Apple Arcade game the Apple TV don’t bother to exit the audio output in my first gen HomePod he go straight to the Tv speaker. Do the HomePod 2 do the same or do they display the sound output ?

@arondyte318 9 месяцев назад

I’ve played alot games from my HomePods as default speakers through Apple TV 4K eARC for my PS5, XSX and Switch. I didn’t really notice any delay in any of my games including FF16, Genshin, World War Z etc.

@mesha76 9 месяцев назад

@@arondyte318 thanks for the feedback !

@heelbeavans01 7 месяцев назад

I have a apple tv 4 k with 2 homepod 2nd gen and 2 homepod mins in my living room! I have the same set up in my bed room! No need for sound bars here!

@gNoj8956 9 месяцев назад

Just recently (wasn’t the case at first), Ive been having connection issues with a pair when using with Apple TV. Cuts out specially when youtube adds are playing.. so annoying

@jeffhardy3x 9 месяцев назад

Hope you read my comment I just left to share in your grieve. Curious, are you close to your internet router and have high speeds? I noticed my 300 Mbps internet speed would not cut it, so I had to upgrade to 500 Mbps to have the experience more flawless.

@jeffhardy3x 8 месяцев назад

Update… I returned them and got a refund

@flappospammo 4 месяца назад

Think I'll get these to replace my Sonos Beam which is a pain to use , mainly due to the awful app. Got several mini's and they're pretty impressive too tbh

@kevinblah6877 5 месяцев назад

I have a 4 HomePod speaker setup. 2 HomePod 2’s paired in living room and then paired 2 HomePod minis and labeled them “Living Room Rear”. And when you tap the power button on the remote once a menu appears that will let you select audio menu. From there I checkmark both pairs of HomePods (2 and minis) Andjust the core volume I want them to be separate from each other then back out of that menu. TIP - set the minis volume a little higher to better match the larger HomePods. From there the regular volume control adjusts like normal for both sets. Then boom I have 4 speakers booming Apple Music in my living room space. Be sure to reverse the left and right rear speakers though to match the front speakers so the left and right audio matches. Of course, this isn’t true surround sound from Apple, but it is the best option to fill a room with music or movie audio until Apple gives us an update to allow 4 speakers for a real surround sound experience. One more thing to note is when you select to add on the rear speakers it is just temporary until you turn off the Apple TV after you turn off the TV and turn it back on you will have to re-select the additional speakers again. Not a big deal though, as it’s pretty easy to do, and only takes secaonds. I wish somebody would take this set up and put it in a video as nobody is showing the set up in a video.

@ROG956 3 месяца назад

You should. Im sure you would receive a quite a few views

@asan1050 9 месяцев назад

Josh Teder ! Thanks Much!

@lol_dope 9 месяцев назад

I thin that if you wanna spend the money Apple should make it posible to ad 3 mini’s for the. Center and surround

@thomastevis8655 9 месяцев назад

Awesome videos sorry I’m late

@alyxstyle1765 8 месяцев назад

I would love to use it for audio and mic for when I FaceTime.

@alvaromartin2963 9 месяцев назад

Thank you so much for these amazing, thoughtful and honest reviews. This channel is an absolute marvel PS: I was thinking about buying a pair of HomePods as TV speakers, thank you for warning me hahaha

@thomastevis8655 9 месяцев назад

Awesome videos sorry I’m soo late

@liamsz 9 месяцев назад

I was really wondering if I should get a stereo pair for my ATV Or get a soundbar I would get a soundbar but AirPlay is fairly important to me, is there any AirPlay compatible soundbar that you would , Josh? Also I intend to use it to play music across the house as well, would the HomePods be better for that?

@6MonthsLater 9 месяцев назад

Most decent soundbars or receivers nowadays are AirPlay compatible so I don’t think that’ll be an issue. I don’t actually have a sound bar right now, but if I was in the market for one, Sonos would probably be the first ones I looked at, and then any other highly ranked ones in the $600-$1000 range. The only thing I don’t like about soundbars is they’re kind of an all in one solution, personally, I would prefer getting a receiver and buying my own speakers. - Josh

@italiancapo7 9 месяцев назад

Sound bar with a subwoofer 🔊

@SDM09Tiny 3 месяца назад

I’ll say the ease of use for me with the “physical controls” on the HomePod itself could not have been better. It uses the same inputs as apples in-line remote for their headphones since they switched to the skinny white volume rocker. I can’t tell you when that was but it’s been ages. One center press for play/pause, hold for Siri, double:triple press for forward and back respectively.

@jetsonjoe 5 месяцев назад

no contest...apple HomePod is amazing...a pair is ultimate. yes watching tv is one activity...but seriously who only watches tv? listening to music is a big activity and the Apple Home Pods are truly amazing for approaching a high fidelity feeling and sound without the huge amount of other room speakers. Many live in smaller apartments these days and cannot afford nor want all those additional speakers....these when paired are first rate astoundingly great sound.

@DbeeSapphire 7 месяцев назад

In the settings > Music, there is an EQ host of audio settings.

@josemanuellastra2488 6 месяцев назад

In the HomeKit app or in the iPhone’s setting app?

@DbeeSapphire 6 месяцев назад

@@josemanuellastra2488 iPhone’s general settings/music

@DbeeSapphire 6 месяцев назад

@@josemanuellastra2488 Sorry. It’s iPhone settings/ music. Not general

@roby99 9 месяцев назад

it definitely need a charging base and a handle like the Sonos move

@enriquevalle5594 9 месяцев назад

My biggest problem recently with the pair as stereo with my apple tv 4k has been the volume control, it does t work well anymore, it seems like it only controls one and not the other, it doesn’t matter how many times I’ve reset them or unpair them it doesn’t help at all, I’ve been on with customer service at apple and nothing, can’t seem to get help to fix it, and I know I’m not the only one, there are forums related to that specific issue, I thought apple was a great company but this is a major drawback for me

@jeffhardy3x 8 месяцев назад

Same here. I fought for a refund and got it thankfully! After multiple swaps. I really loved the audio but ridiculously buggy.

@tlewis4522 8 месяцев назад

Exactly!!

@brewsnoop 8 месяцев назад

Same here, I swapped out my perfectly working Bose soundbar for two Gen 2 HomePods and have had nothing but problems. The volume thing is so frustrating but it pales in comparison to sitting down to finally watch that movie you’ve been dying to see only to have them work for about 10 minutes before one cuts out and then the second one. So frustrating!

@ronpreece3429 20 дней назад

For this price, it should come with a mounting bracket that keeps it up off the furniture and reduces vibration. Pretty cheap of them not to include it.

@josemanuellastra2488 6 месяцев назад

So do the Sonos Era speakers sound better than the HomePods? In general, Sonos has too many connection issues due to software instability, according to many reports from users in the Sonos community that I’ve seen, and my experience with the Sonos Roam,, Music cutting out randomly, skipping songs and stuttering, it isn’t Wifi interference, the typical Sonos tech support statement. A great speaker also needs to work stable and entirely errors free in terms of connectivity and software, and, by the way, no, I don’t have a HomePod, I’m not against Sonos nor any other brand but that’s the reality

@nerdynephew 9 месяцев назад

My Siri is way faster than yours. I do have all of my devices bridged through home assistant though. Siri for home controls on the phone is also a lot faster than the watch.

@sebastiaocosta4449 9 месяцев назад

i have a pair of homepod mini and i’m very happy although they don’t have dolby atmos and spatial audio they sound fantastic

@rdboston7866 6 месяцев назад

I’m getting rid of my HomePods as the main speakers for my Apple TV. Going to replace with Bose 900

@meowmeow1733 9 месяцев назад

I agree about the harsh sound. I hate to say it (because I spent so much money on them)....the Harmon Kardon studio oynx 1 sounds better then it. And that's around a 10 year old speaker.

@DougWolfe 6 месяцев назад

Hi Josh. I had purchased some 2nd gen HomePod minis and was about to take them in for refund so I can buy some actual 2nd gen HomePods. You've provided a wealth of information on them, and for that I thank you. Edit: So I returned the 2 HomePods and bought a Sonos Arc soundbar. The difference is pretty cool. Didn’t realize the HomePods sound was pretty much on par with the native LG C2 speakers. The Sonos Arc is a definite step up, for around the same cost as the 2 HomePods.

@Brockthedog315 9 месяцев назад

I have a stereo pair of the OG’s. Better bass than the new version. I disagree with your og was a mess assessment. Also got them when they were 199 each. Thanks for the humor.

@Anonyme09865 9 месяцев назад

Same got the OGs and the second gen. The OGs got better bass and balance overall. The second gen push too much the highs as it has to compensate for the lack of 2 tweeters making it harsh sounding

@bnhli7190 7 месяцев назад

Sonos this, Sonos that. Dude at least try to sound just a little bit unbiased smh.

@vetruejacobs3501 5 месяцев назад

THIS IS ONE OF THE WORST SPEAKERS EVER TO ME, I THOUGHT THESE WOULD BE SOME AWESOME SPEAKERS, after all I do love 🍎 products I have phones iPads watches desk top & air pods love these all, but these speakers have hardly no volume and have to be reset OFTEN, and It will stop playing your music and just randomly play whatever it wants to, well I didn’t buy this speaker for it to play what it wants to hear, and I have two of them thinking that would have been better {NOPE} still suck,Thank you for telling the truth very much appreciated!! 💜FINDINGJEHOVAH💚

@MaxWalkin 9 месяцев назад

I’m going to summarize for you guys: it’s not worth it

@goaty58 5 месяцев назад

really !

@dallasmiles4921 8 месяцев назад

"Siri is pretty great" said LITERALLY NOBODY EVER

@GangityBirdity 9 месяцев назад

🗿

@coy9898 9 месяцев назад

This product was an opportunity for Apple to make the HomePod step up to other smart Speakers but are complacent. In 2023 no screen and downgraded speakers for this price? I’ll pass again. Although in their defence they have been busy making a AR Headset 98 percent of people can’t afford

@dansgeld 2 месяца назад

its terrible, always cuts out. i don't use it anymore

@rdboston7866 6 месяцев назад

Setting them up in the living room they suck. Not the main speakers system. Moved them to the bedroom and they sound better. Sonos Arc and Era 100 in the living room. Nothing will ever out do them.

@giovannisolano1299 8 месяцев назад

Funny, I just returned all 4 that I purchased because they 1: didn’t sound great 2: kept disconnecting 3: Siri could never hear me 4: I was told I needed to invest more money to extend my WiFi 5: I couldn’t install a subwoofer… I bought Sonos ERA 100s and paired with a mini sub and I couldn’t be happier. I hate to say it, but Apple is losing its appeal on me..

@Clubber_Lang_ 3 месяца назад

Ana Madd Minox munoenda kunyika yevamwe kunoita mamenial jobs, missing home and being nobodys there. Come back and be big in Mbare makutanga pamberi neZanu, if you are a patriot why not live in your country.

@soberanisfam1323 9 месяцев назад

Too bad siri is dumb af and no Bluetooth which means only ios devices.

@ceesparxxx 9 месяцев назад

Do you honestly believe the words "Apple" and "worth it" belong in the same sentence? I mean, I guess so if the sentence is: "Apple's newest product isnt worth it." 🤣

@anonymous587698 7 месяцев назад

I remember my experience with Razer wireless speakers... Nothing could possibly be that bad. The amount of noize they produced, whenever battery was below 99%, was mindboggling. I could not hear my gaming rig's fan noize at all, - Razer would dominate it all with its white noize over anything and everything. lets hope Apple isn't like this chineese trash-brend company that sells snakeoil.

@slob5041 9 месяцев назад

HomePod is kind of ugly and it’s hard to put a finger on it

@seangrazette2378 6 месяцев назад

This is arguably the worst Apple product I’ve purchase since 1992. At this point, for Apple to produce such an annoyingly useless product is beyond comprehension. If someone knows how to stop it from playing random iTunes songs at the slightest touch, get it to work with my Spotify, get rid of the awful audio delay, get it to act as a room microphone for speech-to-text dictation, zoom conferencing etc., get it to have basic bluetooth-speaker functionality outside of Airplay, AppleTV… please let me know.

@BK-bv2id 18 дней назад

Stay clear this shit garbage is a waste of money and i regret it i got 4 and i am sooo not impressed siri is dumb and slow.. it gets dirty and dusty and hard to clean it is a stupid machine on all levels

@halifaxvideos Месяц назад

Home pods are crap. The software sucks. I've had my homepods start playing loud rock in the middle of the night without any provocation. Apple has heard from me dozens of times, and offered me earbuds as compensation. I appreciated the offer but the earbuds don't stay in my ear. I'm sick of Apple. I'd never by anything from them again.