In a new report done by Consumer Reports, the new Apple HomePod lacks sound quality compared to its competitors. The report, though not yet fully completed, is set to be fully released in the coming weeks.
The report directly compared Apple’s HomePod to the Google Home Max and Sonos One. According to Consumer Reports, the HomePod’s bass was too “boomy” which made the midrange sounds hazy. Comparatively, the Google Home Max and Sonos One have clearer, “less muddy” sound. This was taken directly from the report:
The HomePod will serve many music fans well, but CR testers did hear some flaws. The HomePod’s bass was a bit boomy and overemphasized. And the midrange tones were somewhat hazy, meaning that some of the nuance in vocals, guitars, and horns was lost: These elements of the music couldn’t be heard as distinctly as in more highly rated speakers. Treble sounds, like cymbals, were underemphasized. But the HomePod played reasonably loudly in a midsized room.
The bottom line? Overall the sound of the HomePod was a bit muddy compared with what the Sonos One and Google Home Max delivered.
It will be interesting to see the final report from Consumer Reports. If you’re trying to get a smart speaker to blast music for your home or apartment, it doesn’t look like the Apple HomePod is the speaker to go to. If you have one of the speakers, comment on the post and let us know what you think the speaker you have. You can also read the full report here.
