Consumer Reports: Sonos One and Google Home Max Sound Better Than Apple HomePod [Video]

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Posted February 13, 2018 at 1:58am by Shalom Levytam

Consumer Reports has published its early results for the Apple HomePod.

Their testers found that Apple's speaker delivered 'Very Good' audio performance but it wasn't the best sounding wireless speaker or even the best sounding smart speaker. Both the Sonos One and the Google Home Max also received Very Good ratings but their sound quality scores were slightly higher.

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.

Bottom line, Consumer Reports says the HomePod sounds a bit muddy compared with the Sonos One and Google Home Max.

Have you had a chance to compared the HomePod to either of these two speakers? If so, let us know if you agree in the comments!

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Homer One - February 13, 2018 at 4:19pm

Audiophiles detailed measurements and analysis or CR:s opinion. Google that out! "I am speechless. The HomePod actually sounds better than the KEF X300A. If you’re new to the Audiophile world, KEF is a very well respected and much loved speaker company. I actually deleted my very first measurements and re-checked everything because they were so good, I thought I’d made an error. Apple has managed to extract peak performance from a pint sized speaker, a feat that deserves a standing ovation. The HomePod is 100% an Audiophile grade Speaker. Hope you Enjoy The read."

Guest - February 13, 2018 at 2:14pm

I purchased the Sonos One when they went on sale a few weeks ago. I like it a lot. I was very happy with the sound, but I’m an unashamed Apple Fan and own everything Apple (except I didn’t have Apple Music) so I ordered one and activated Apple Music. The sound is very good, but not noticeably better than the One. I’m also frustrated that Siri has a lot of trouble hearing me unless I yell when playing not so loud music. I may send it back and wait for Airplay 2