{"id":20923,"date":"2020-12-14T12:46:28","date_gmt":"2020-12-14T20:46:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/blog\/?p=20923"},"modified":"2021-11-28T01:58:38","modified_gmt":"2021-11-28T09:58:38","slug":"homepod-mini-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/blog\/homepod-mini-review","title":{"rendered":"HomePod Mini Review: Big Sound From a Small Speaker"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When Apple first released the HomePod, it was a bit of a tough sell. At $300, the original HomePod was much more expensive than almost any other smart speaker on the market. After Apple released the HomePod Mini for only $99, it has become a more viable option. But is it worth it to get the HomePod Mini, or should you get a cheaper smart speaker instead? Here is our review of the HomePod Mini, and the best features and biggest failures you’ll get with Apple’s newest smart speaker. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mini-Review of the HomePod Mini<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There’s a lot to love about Apple’s new budget smart speaker, but it does fall short in some areas. The HomePod Mini sounds surprisingly good for its size, and it offers great features for iPhone users. However, it doesn\u2019t work with as many devices as Alexa and Google smart speakers. Plus, you\u2019ll need an Apple Music subscription to get the most out of the HomePod Mini.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Design: Good<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The HomePod Mini is surprisingly small. At just 3.3 inches tall, it\u2019s about the size of a Magic 8 Ball. Since it\u2019s so small, you can place this stylish smart speaker anywhere. It has a mesh covering that comes in two basic colors, white and space gray. However, the power cable does not detach, and it might not be long enough for your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"homepod<\/span><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Controls: Not So Great<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The top of the HomePod Mini features a smooth plastic surface that lights up when you touch it or talk to Siri. There are also three touch controls on the top of the speaker that you can use to turn the volume up or down and pause or play your music. However, it\u2019s impossible to see these buttons unless the speaker is in a bright location or it is lit up.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sound Quality: Surprisingly Good<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The HomePod Mini sounds much better than I thought it would. My music always sounds crisp and accurate, whether I am listening to smooth jazz or hard rock. But the HomePod Mini really shines when it comes to producing deep bass. You can actually feel a slight rumble when you turn the volume up, especially with songs like Bad Guy by Billie Eilish or Seven Nation Army by the White Stripes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When compared to Amazon and Google\u2019s budget speakers, the HomePod Mini sounds ten times bigger. While I never really used my Echo or Google smart speakers to listen to music, I often use the HomePod Mini to play songs when I\u2019m working at my desk. It can\u2019t compete with my bookshelf speakers, but it is much better than wearing headphones all day or listening to music from my tiny laptop speakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"homepod<\/span><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The HomePod Mini sounds so good because it was designed for playing music. It has a single four-inch downward-facing driver and two passive radiators that help boost the bass. There\u2019s also an acoustic waveguide at the bottom that pushes audio out in every direction to give you 360-degree sound. This means music always sounds great, no matter where you place it in the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n