HomePod Alternatives

[AppleRobert]

I am not concerned with Apple integregation, strictly one on one for sound quality at a similar price.

Also, I know HomePod is not Bluetooth but are there any single BT speakers that are stereo?

 

[tbayrgs]

I am not concerned with Apple integregation, strictly one on one for sound quality at a similar price.

Also, I know HomePod is not Bluetooth but are there any single BT speakers that are stereo?

Edifier make pretty good speakers. This set is powered with optical input, has Bluetooth. Add a Chromecast audio/Google Home mini or Alexa Dot and you have a stereo pair with better smart assistant integration for less than the HomePod. Hell, Edifier have another decent set that’s half as expensive.

 

[BlueGoldAce]

I enjoy my HomePod, for what it is.

It will be hard match, with a single speaker, for an equivalent price.

But, I tested a pair of Sonos 1s, before returning them. The HomePod has better bass, and its sound travels better around the room/house. Also, the sound adaptation of the HomePod is very nice to have.

While falling a bit shirt on base, the Sonos 1’s paired in stereo mode sound incredible. The separation really makes the music shine. The True Tone function really helps too, though it has to be performed everytime you move one or more of the speakers.

Alone, I’d say the Sonos ones still sound amazing, though not as good as the HomePod.

If you want HomePod quality, the Sonos Play 5 sounds great, but cost a bit more.

 

[steve knight]

yes for the price it is hard to beat. my wife took the homepod back and go this guy https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N5G8USQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
beoplay m5 though it is almost twice the price. the bass is incredible for the size and the mid range is much better then the homepod. seems to fill the room better. the software sucks but once iti s setup you don't need it much unless you want to change the location or the eq. if we did not have the sonos 1 pair the homepod would be better. though I doubt it will do real stereo. but we have a pair of sonos 1's in the kitchen we have floor standing speakers in the living room powered by a sonos amp and a pair of 5's in the bedroom with a sub. so it was a bit late for the homepod to replace them.

 

[Klyster]

I was reading that the homepod doesn't win blind tests.
The homepod seems to win non-blind tests.
Sounds a little confirmation bias going on in these tests, that's no surprise.
I'd go with the speaker that sounds best.
As for recommending a single stereo bluetooth speaker, I have no idea sorry.

 

[AustinIllini]

Sonos is so reliable and they update their software on all of their devices (They have yet to have a speaker NOT get updated). They're expensive, but I recommend buying them aftermarket. Most of my speakers were bought used and they're great.

 

[steve knight]

Sonos is so reliable and they update their software on all of their devices (They have yet to have a speaker NOT get updated). They're expensive, but I recommend buying them aftermarket. Most of my speakers were bought used and they're great.

yes they have been good speakers. my wife's only complaint is she could use airplay so she can stream her shows and stuff from netflix. so she tried the home pod. but it just did not work for her and got the B&0 speaker.

 

[AppleRobert]

Edifier make pretty good speakers. This set is powered with optical input, has Bluetooth. Add a Chromecast audio/Google Home mini or Alexa Dot and you have a stereo pair with better smart assistant integration for less than the HomePod. Hell, Edifier have another decent set that’s half as expensive.

This might actually be what I go with or at least a pair from this company. No risk as I could always return them.

Winner winner, chicken dinner. Thanks.