Are You Planning to Buy an Apple HomePod?
Thank you for asking, but, surprisingly, I am not planning to purchase an Apple HomePod. As someone deeply immersed in the Mac/iOS ecosystem, owning two iPhones, an iPad Pro, a Mac Pro, and a MacBook Pro, I am highly invested in the Apple ecosystem. I have immense respect for Mac OS due to its longevity and reliability, with my Mac Pro still operational after a decade.
Why I Opt for Amazon Echo
The Apple HomePod sounds fantastic, but its price point seems too high for me. Recently, for less than the cost of a single HomePod, I purchased a bundle of two Amazon Echo Plus speakers and a subwoofer through Amazon. I am extremely satisfied with my purchase. Right now, I am working towards setting up a multi-room audio system, which I find quite adequate for my needs.
Alexa, the Amazon voice assistant, outperforms Siri in current versions. Amazon has been surprisingly accommodating, allowing third-party app integrations like Spotify and Apple Music. As someone who already owns a standard Echo, this has enabled a multi-device system that integrates seamlessly with my current setup. The purpose of these smart speakers isn’t just their sonic quality, but their integration and convenience.
While the HomePod does offer the best sound quality among its competitors, it’s not my primary consideration for choosing these devices. For the best sound, I revert to my high-end audio setups when needed. The Amazon Echo system, with its quality and ease of use, provides a more than sufficient alternative at a much more reasonable cost.
The Drawbacks of Apple HomePod
Apple Music subscription is a crucial feature for the HomePod, but as someone who doesn’t subscribe to it, it’s not a deal-breaker for me. On the other hand, the offering from Google or Amazon in terms of additional features and services is significantly ahead. Additionally, the pricing of the HomePod can be steep, especially if you wish to have a stereo system, which would require two of them.
The HomePod hasn’t gained significant market share, and I believe it will either be discontinued or a revised version, the HomePod II, will be released to address the present issues. Until then, I'll continue to use my existing setup with Amazon Echo.
Likely Purchase of Apple HomePod
Although I am offset by my existing technology, it's evident that the Apple HomePod is a product worth considering. For those who are looking for a high-end speaker with remarkable design and sound quality, the HomePod is undoubtedly a contender. However, it’s important to weigh the cost against the utility of additional features and compatibility issues with existing systems.
Other smart speakers in the market, like the Sonos ecosystem, also offer excellent quality and can be a great choice. Personal tastes and needs will ultimately dictate the best fit for each individual. In my case, the Amazon Echo system currently serves my needs perfectly, and unless something changes, the HomePod remains a secondary option.
If your desire lies in integrating a high-quality smart speaker and AI assistant into your home, consider the benefits of the Apple HomePod and determine if it aligns with your existing systems and budget.