Apple - HomePod (1st gen) vs Apple - HomePod (2nd gen)
Between the HomePod (1st gen) and HomePod (2nd gen), the HomePod (1st gen) comes out ahead in several specs, while the HomePod (2nd gen) wins on dolby atmos and matter / thread. Overall, the HomePod (1st gen) scores 47.8 and the HomePod (2nd gen) scores 47.8 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
These two are evenly matched on the broad strokes, with the decision sitting on which individual spec advantages weigh more for your use.
The HomePod (1st gen) doesn't pull ahead on any single popular-comparison spec — its strengths sit in the spec table groups rather than the headline advantages.
Pick the HomePod (2nd gen) if you care most about dolby atmos and matter / thread. Its strongest claims are dolby atmos, matter / thread.
Both ship with comparable output, voice assistant, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: there is no wrong answer here — match the spec advantages to how you actually use the product. The Mars Score parity tells you both are well-rounded; the differences are about trade-offs, not quality.
Why Apple - HomePod (1st gen) wins
- No decisive advantages.
Why Apple - HomePod (2nd gen) wins
- ▲Has Dolby Atmos.
- ▲Has Matter / Thread.
Spec comparison
Audio
| Spec | Apple - HomePod (1st gen) | Apple - HomePod (2nd gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Output | 60 W | 60 W |
| Stereo pairing | true | true |
| Dolby Atmosⓘ | false | truelead |
Assistant & Smart Home
| Spec | Apple - HomePod (1st gen) | Apple - HomePod (2nd gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Voice assistant | Siri | Siri |
| Matter / Thread | false | truelead |
| Zigbee hub | false | false |
Spec-level deep dives
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