Apple - HomePod (1st gen) vs Sonos - Symfonisk Bookshelf (Gen 2)
Where they actually differ
The most decisive specs, ranked by how much they matter — before the full spec table.
| Spec | Apple - HomePod (1st gen) | Sonos - Symfonisk Bookshelf (Gen 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Output | 60 W | 0 W |
Between the HomePod (1st gen) and Symfonisk Bookshelf (Gen 2), the HomePod (1st gen) comes out ahead in output, while the Symfonisk Bookshelf (Gen 2) wins on several specs. Overall, the HomePod (1st gen) scores 42.7 and the Symfonisk Bookshelf (Gen 2) scores 35 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The HomePod (1st gen) edges ahead on the Mars Score (42.7 vs 35), but the 7.7-point gap is small enough that the right pick comes down to which spec advantages matter to you.
Pick the HomePod (1st gen) if you care most about output. The biggest gaps in its favor are output. The single most decisive one: Output: 60 W vs 0 W.
The Symfonisk Bookshelf (Gen 2) similarly does not carry a headline advantage on the popular specs — look at the full table for category-specific deltas.
Both ship with comparable dolby atmos, matter / thread, so those specs do not separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the HomePod (1st gen) is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Which should you buy: Apple - HomePod (1st gen) or Sonos - Symfonisk Bookshelf (Gen 2)?
Apple - HomePod (1st gen) leads the current Mars Score by 7.7 points.The more useful decision is the trade-off behind that result: compare output against the way you will actually use the product.
Choose Apple - HomePod (1st gen) if…
Apple - HomePod (1st gen) has the measurable edge on output w.
Choose Sonos - Symfonisk Bookshelf (Gen 2) if…
Sonos - Symfonisk Bookshelf (Gen 2) does not lead a decisive measured field here, so choose it for price, ecosystem, design, or availability when those matter more to you.
This is a structured comparison of the published catalog values. It is not a claim of identical real-world performance across every workload; use the linked spec drill-downs and methodology page to inspect the inputs.
Why Apple - HomePod (1st gen) wins
- ▲Output: 60 W vs 0 W.
Why Sonos - Symfonisk Bookshelf (Gen 2) wins
- No decisive advantages.
Spec comparison
Audio
| Spec | Apple - HomePod (1st gen) | Sonos - Symfonisk Bookshelf (Gen 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Output | 60 Wlead | 0 W |
| Stereo pairingⓘ | true | true |
| Dolby Atmosⓘ | false | false |
Assistant & Smart Home
| Spec | Apple - HomePod (1st gen) | Sonos - Symfonisk Bookshelf (Gen 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Voice assistant | Siri | Alexa |
| Matter / Thread | false | false |
| Zigbee hub | false | false |