Watch: HomePod Mini Reviews, Sound Quality Tests, and Unboxing Videos - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Watch: HomePod Mini Reviews, Sound Quality Tests, and Unboxing Videos

by

Apple's embargo has lifted on reviews for the HomePod mini ahead of the speaker launching on Monday. In addition to our in-depth HomePod mini reviews roundup, we've gathered a collection of unboxing videos and sound quality tests below.

homepod mini event shot
As its name implies, the HomePod mini is a smaller version of the standard HomePod, standing just 3.3 inches tall. However, despite its more compact, spherical design, Apple says the HomePod mini still delivers "amazing sound" using "computational audio." The speaker is equipped with the same S5 chip as the Apple Watch Series 5, allowing the speaker to optimize loudness, adjust the dynamic range, and more.

Like the standard HomePod, the HomePod mini offers HomeKit smart home capabilities, handing off of audio from an iPhone, multi-user detection, ambient sounds, and compatibility with Apple's new Intercom feature for sending voice messages — from one HomePod to another, or to an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, or vehicle with CarPlay.

Videos









HomePod mini is priced at $99 in the United States. Pre-orders began Friday, November 6, with the first deliveries to customers and in-store availability set to begin Monday, November 16. In addition to the United States, launch day countries include Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Spain, and the UK.

Related Roundup: HomePod mini
Buyer's Guide: HomePod Mini (Don't Buy)
Related Forum: HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto Technology

Popular Stories

HomePod 2 and Mini feature 1

Apple Releases HomePod Software 26.5

Monday May 11, 2026 9:59 am PDT by
Alongside iOS 26.5, iPadOS 26.5, and macOS Tahoe 26.5, Apple has released new HomePod 26.5 software for the HomePod and the HomePod mini. The update comes a little over a month after Apple released HomePod Software 26.4. According to Apple's release notes, HomePod Software 26.5 includes performance and stability improvements. ‌HomePod‌‌‌‌‌‌‌ software is installed...
Read Full Article • 28 comments
iOS 26

iOS 26.5 Features: Everything New in iOS 26.5

Monday May 11, 2026 5:09 pm PDT by
Apple released iOS 26.5 after a few months of beta testing, and while it doesn't have the Siri features we were hoping for since those are being held until iOS 27, there are a handful of useful changes worth knowing about. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. End-to-End Encryption for RCS Support for end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messages between iPhone and...
Read Full Article • 66 comments
Dynamic Island iPhone 18 Pro Feature

11 Reasons to Wait for the iPhone 18 Pro

Monday May 11, 2026 9:01 am PDT by
We're only four months out from the launch of Apple's premium next-generation smartphone lineup, and while we're not expecting a sea change in terms of functionality, there are still several enhancements rumored to be coming to the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. One thing worth noting is that Apple is reportedly planning a major change to its iPhone release cycle this year, adopting a...
Read Full Article • 40 comments

Top Rated Comments

M
magbarn
72 months ago
I may be in the minority, but I definitely miss the well written reviews of yesteryear than youtube videos yearning for clicks and subscriptions?
Score: 31 Votes (Like | Disagree)
P
profets
72 months ago
Amazing, the $99 HomePod mini includes the 20W USB-C charger in the box, but the $129 MagSafe duo charger (which is essentially just 2 induction chargers in a portable design) doesn't. Wtf.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
tymeframe Avatar
tymeframe
72 months ago

Yay, a mini homepod! Can't wait to take this camping, or to the Beach or for the BBQ!....oh wait. Tethered.
It's in the name of the thing man.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
L
lah
72 months ago

My issue is with Amazon and their business model there being one that benefits from serving ads for junk you can buy in their store. I have had Alexa suggest many times things I can buy from the store many times after asking for the news, etc.
yup. I'd rather not have amazon harvest all my voice information. Siri will do just fine.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
S
SirAnthonyHopkins
72 months ago

HomePod Mini seems to be good enough for what it is , but for $150 you can get Echo Studio , which sounds fantastic IMHO
so if I go for a HomePod mini I get to keep my privacy AND my $50?
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
averagenerd81 Avatar
averagenerd81
72 months ago

HomePod Mini seems to be good enough for what it is , but for $150 you can get Echo Studio , which sounds fantastic IMHO
My issue is with Amazon and their business model there being one that benefits from serving ads for junk you can buy in their store. I have had Alexa suggest many times things I can buy from the store many times after asking for the news, etc.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments