Echo Pop vs HomePod mini: Which is the best smart speaker? | Digital trends

Echo Pop and HomePod mini are completely different products. Both are smart speakers that let you listen to music or chat with a voice assistant, but that’s where the similarities end. The Echo Pop is designed as an affordable, entry-level device, while the mini HomePod comes in at $100.

But is Apples HomePod mini worth the extra cost? Or should buyers use the cheaper Eco Pop? Here’s a look at the benefits of both smart speakers to help you decide.

Price and design

The Echo Pop costs $40 and is available in four different colors (lavender blossom, charcoal, glacial white, and midnight blue). It has a circular shape with a flat front speaker, along with an LED indicator light on the top of the device. Behind the LED light is a set of buttons to help control the function. The device looks decent and its small size means you can easily find a home for it on your nightstand or small desk. Amazon likes to discount the Echo Pop, and it’s not uncommon to see it priced well below the suggested retail price.

The Apple HomePod mini costs $100 and is available in five colors (space gray, blue, yellow, white, and orange). It has a spherical shape, with a flat top that offers various indicator lights and touch controls. The build quality is stronger than the Echo Pop, which is what you’d expect for a product more than twice the price. The HomePod mini doesn’t see a price drop very often, and when it does, it’s usually just a few bucks.

Sound quality

You won’t get full-house sound from the Echo Pop, as it’s designed for small spaces like a bedroom or home office. Our Echo Pop review found that it doesn’t sound bad, but the mids and highs get dark as you turn up the volume. In other words, it’s ideal for background sound while working or cooking, rather than using it as the centerpiece of your sound system during a party. It uses a front-facing 1.95-inch speaker with lossless HD, which is enough for an adequate listening experience.

HomePod mini, on the other hand, is surprisingly good at producing clean sounds. This device has a computational audio system to optimize its performance regardless of its playback. Our HomePod mini review showed that the S5’s chip does a pretty good job of producing clear sound even with the volume turned up.

Inside, you’ll find a full-range driver and dual passive radiators that are responsible for excellent high-frequency sounds and deep, rich bass. And because it creates a 360-degree sound field, it’s better for filling the house with sound than the Echo Pop (which uses a front-firing speaker).

Smart home features and connectivity

Echo Pop works with Amazon Alexa and lets you ask the assistant questions to check the news, weather forecast or your calendar. It can also sync with other Alexa-enabled products, including smart plugs, smart locks, and smart thermostats.

It’s a similar story for the HomePod mini, although it works with Apple HomeKit instead of Alexa. HomeKit doesn’t have the same extensive product catalog as Alexa, but you’ll still find plenty of smart home gadgets that work with your HomePod mini. And with Siri, you’ll have access to a powerful intelligent assistant.

Is the HomePod mini worth its high price?

If you’re looking for a smart speaker that produces clear sound and easily fills a room, the HomePod mini is worth every penny. Not only does it look and sound great, but its S5 chip ensures you get the best possible sound from whatever content you’re listening to. And if your home uses other HomeKit-enabled products, it gets even more interesting.

The Echo Pop is a great smart speaker, but it’s simply not as good as the HomePod mini. If you just want something for your office or kitchen, definitely consider it, though remember that it won’t sound the best when turned up. But for a cheap smart speaker, it remains one of the best options.

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