The original Apple HomePod was a device that always garnered attention for its sound quality. But it seems that wasn't enough for the company itself to find it worthwhile to continue producing it. Hence, it has been discontinued, and now some are wondering what alternatives are available on the market that offer great sound quality and smart features. Well, we're going to tell you about them.
Goodbye HomePod
If we're talking about Apple's HomePod , the original model released in 2018, it's clear that the best way to describe it is as a product with great audio quality but many limitations . Furthermore, even the current mini model follows suit, although certain aspects, such as the price, have been improved.
The HomePod for the sound quality it offered (it continues to offer because until the end of stock it will continue to be sold) was a good purchase. The problem is that then the user experience and the limitations when using it with other services or even as a system speaker weighed on those who did not enjoy the full ecosystem of Apple products and services.
For starters, the HomePod and HomePod mini as of today can only be used with Apple Music independently. If you want to enjoy Apple Music, you have to send the audio signal through AirPlay, because not even the conventional Bluetooth option of other similar speakers offers it despite having said connectivity.
Nor is it a device that allows you to connect an external sound system through an input signal, such as any user's own Mac. And if it is done through AirPlay, the lag that exists when playing a video and listening to the sound through it makes it a very bad idea.
Therefore, it could be said that it is a device, that they are devices with great sound to enjoy for now (until they launch a new version of the system that allows the use of services such as Spotify or Amazon Music) from Apple Music and a Siri that although it doesn't work badly, it may not be as versatile as Alexa and its integrations.
Looking for an alternative to the original HomePod
For whatever reason, because it has been discontinued or due to these limitations, if you find yourself looking for an alternative to the original HomePod that also offers great sound quality and even the possibility of using a voice assistant, you We are going to show you our favorite options today.
Of course, the logical next step to replace the HomePod is the HomePod mini . The new speaker, introduced in late 2020, would be the first choice for users who want an Apple product to replace a discontinued product.
The only thing to know is that while the mini model has improved with the use of certain technologies and is much cheaper, costing only 99 euros , it remains just as limited . That is, for now, only Apple Music can be used with this speaker to stream music without relying on any other device to send it.
In case you want to do it, it will be through AirPlay again, because it does not offer the option of sending via Bluetooth either. And you won't be able to use it as a system speaker either due to lag. Perhaps when playing content via Apple TV+ or YouTube you can, because the video and audio can be synchronized, but if your idea is to take advantage of it for tasks such as video or audio editing in applications such as Final Cut, etc., forget it .
The only good thing is that as a sound system and despite its size they sound very good. So much so that by buying two HomePod mini you can set up a stereo system that is connected to an Apple TV or to enjoy high-quality sound at home with your music, podcasts, etc., favorites are very interesting and you would still have money left over for what you it would cost the HomePod.
However, if you want something more in terms of versatility and you are not a closed user of the Apple ecosystem, these options seem like a better idea.
Sonos One
Sonos as a brand is well known in the world of audio and for years it has also offered a series of very versatile options. Thanks to the Sonos app you can configure a wide variety of music services via streaming and also options that, together with the rest of the brand's products or with several of this model, allow you to create a very interesting multiroom or stereo system.
The model we're talking about is the Sonos One , a speaker with a very attractive design, available in two colors (black and white), and with very high audio quality. It's a product well worth considering, even though it's not one of the most advanced or highest-performing and most expensive models in the manufacturer's catalog. But sometimes price isn't everything, and the performance this model delivers for its price leaves virtually no one who chooses it unsatisfied.
Also, as an extra and interesting fact, you have options to use both Google Assistant and Alexa. And if for some reason you want to add other speakers for multiroom, etc., but that do not involve the same investment, you can opt for cheaper models from Sonos or the IKEA Symfonisk range that is created in collaboration with the brand and integrates with the app. .
See offer on AmazonAmazon Echo Studio
Amazon smart speakers are the first choice of many users for several reasons. First of all there is Alexa, Amazon's assistant and platform offers a great user experience, integrates perfectly with a multitude of devices and most importantly: there is a speaker for each type of user according to their needs and the price they are willing to spend.
However, anyone looking for all that plus superior sound quality has only one option: the Amazon Echo Studio . While the Amazon Echo certainly sounds great for its €99 price tag, the Studio model is a step ahead, and that's noticeable when it comes to listening to audio with much more depth and nuance.
So if Siri doesn't convince you, if you want a device compatible with multiple streaming services, consider buying it because it's well worth it.
See offer on AmazonBose HomeSpeaker 300
Like Sonos, Bose is another of the great brands in terms of sound and has been proving it for years. In addition, it is one of those companies with a very particular sound that if you have already been able to try other products such as headphones, you will love it.
In this case, the Bose Home Speaker 300 is a type of smart speaker that integrates with both Alexa and Google Assistant, but its best feature is the sound quality. It offers a very well-defined and balanced experience when playing all types of music. It's true that its price may be a bit higher than the other models mentioned, but it's not a purchase you'll regret.
Also available in two colors, white and black, it can also be combined with other products from the company to create more complex sound systems, such as multiroom or simply enjoy a stereo combination.
See offer on AmazonSony SRS-RA5000
Finally, and also the most expensive option of all, there's the Sony SRS-RA500 . Our experience with this speaker is brief, so it's difficult to assess whether paying around 500 euros is worthwhile compared to the other options, but it's Sony's latest release, offering surround sound, voice assistant support, and a unique design.
Of course, beyond all this, the truth is that the sound quality attracts a lot of attention. It is true that we have yet to test it further, in everyday situations and in a more controlled environment, but the first contact left good impressions and that is why if you are looking for a substitute with great sound quality for the HomePod, this should be present yes or yes
See offer on Amazon