Comparison: HomePod vs HomePod mini

The HomePod mini is finally official. So how does it compare to its larger sibling, the HomePod?

We’ve put together a quick breakdown of the specs for both smart speakers with Apple’s logo. Obviously there are some key differences, including the size, weight, and other elements. But if you wanted a quick way to see a comparison between the two before you make a purchase, take a gander below.

The HomePod and HomePod mini compared

Colors

HomePod

  • Space Gray
  • White

HomePod mini

  • White
  • Space Gray

Size & weight

HomePod

  • 6.8 inches high (172 mm)
  • 5.6 inches wide (142 mm)
  • 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg)

HomePod mini

  • 3.3 inches high (84.3 mm)
  • 3.9 inches wide (97.9 mm)
  • 0.76 pound (345 grams)

Audio technology

HomePod

  • Stereo pair capable
  • High-excursion woofer with custom amplifier
  • Multiroom audio with AirPlay 2
  • Array of seven horn-loaded tweeters, each with custom amplifier
  • Computational audio for real-time tuning
  • Six-microphone array for far-field Siri
  • Direct and ambient audio beamforming
  • Internal low-frequency calibration microphone for automatic bass correction

HomePod mini

  • Full-range driver and dual passive radiators for deep base and crisp high frequencies
  • Stereo pair capable
  • Custom acoustic waveguide for 360-degree sound
  • Multiroom audio with AirPlay 2
  • Accoustically transparent fabric
  • Four-microphone design for far-field Siri
  • Computational audio for real-time tuning

Audio sources

HomePod and HomePod mini

  • Apple Music
  • AirPlay content from other devices like iPhone, iPad, and Mac
  • iTunes music purchases
  • News briefings
  • Apple Podcasts
  • iCloud Music Library with Apple Music or iTunes Match subscription
  • Radio stations from TuneIn, Radio.com, and iHeartRadio
  • Third-party music services like Spotify and Pandora
  • Apple Music Radio or episodes on demand

Touch controls

HomePod and HomePod mini

  • Tap to play or pause media playback
  • Double-tap to skip
  • Triple-tap to skip back
  • Tap or hold + or – to adjust volume up or down
  • Touch and hold for Siri

Accessibility

HomePod and HomePod mini

  • Touch Accommodations
  • Intercom transcriptions
  • VoiceOver
  • Siri
  • Home app and HomeKit

Wireless

HomePod

  • 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MIMO
  • Direct guest access
  • Bluetooth 5.0

HomePod mini

  • 802.11n Wi-Fi
  • Direct guest access
  • Bluetooth 5.0
  • Ultra Wideband chip for device proximity
  • Thread

System requirements

HomePod

  • HomePod with the latest software installed
  • 802.11 Wi-Fi internet access
  • iPhone SE, iPhone 6s or later, or iPod touch (7th generation) with the latest iOS; or iPad Pro, iPad (5th generation or later), iPad Air 2 or later, or iPad mini 4 or later with the latest iPadOS

HomePod mini

  • HomePod mini with latest software installed
  • 802.11n Wi-Fi internet access
  • iPhone SE, iPhone 6s or later, or iPod touch (7th generation) with the latest iOS; or iPad Pro, iPad (5th generation or later), iPad Air 2 or later, or iPad mini 4 or later with the latest iPadOS

In the box

HomePod

  • HomePod
  • Documentation

HomePod mini

  • HomePod mini
  • 20W power adapter
  • Documentation

Compatbility

HomePod

  • iPhone
    • iPhone 12 Pro Max
    • iPhone 12 Pro
    • iPhone 12
    • iPhone 12 mini
    • iPhone 11 Pro Max
    • iPhone 11 Pro
    • iPhone 11
    • iPhone XS Max
    • iPhone XS
    • iPhone XR
    • iPhone X
    • iPhone 8 Plus
    • iPhone 8
    • iPhone 7 Plus
    • iPhone 7
    • iPhone 6s Plus
    • iPhone 6s
    • iPhone SE (2nd generation)
    • iPhone SE (1st generation)
  • iPad
    • 12.9-inch iPad Pro
    • 11-inch iPad Pro
    • 10.5-inch iPad Pro
    • 9.7-inch iPad Pro
    • iPad (8th generation)
    • iPad (7th generation)
    • iPad (6th generation)
    • iPad (5th generation)
    • iPad Air (4th generation)
    • iPad Air (3rd generation)
    • iPad Air 2
    • iPad mini (5th generation)
    • iPad mini 4
  • iPod touch
    • iPod touch (7th-generation)

HomePod mini

  • iPhone
    • Phone 12 Pro Max
    • iPhone 12 Pro
    • iPhone 12
    • iPhone 12 mini
    • iPhone 11 Pro Max
    • iPhone 11 Pro
    • iPhone 11
    • iPhone XS Max
    • iPhone XS
    • iPhone XR
    • iPhone X
    • iPhone 8 Plus
    • iPhone 8
    • iPhone 7 Plus
    • iPhone 7
    • iPhone 6s Plus
    • iPhone 6s
    • iPhone SE (2nd generation)
    • iPhone SE (1st generation)
  • iPad
    • 12.9-inch iPad Pro
    • 11-inch iPad Pro
    • 10.5-inch iPad Pro
    • 9.7-inch iPad Pro
    • iPad (8th generation)
    • iPad (7th generation)
    • iPad (6th generation)
    • iPad (5th generation)
    • iPad Air (4th generation)
    • iPad Air (3rd generation)
    • iPad Air 2
    • iPad mini (5th generation)
    • iPad mini 4
  • iPod touch
    • iPod touch (7th-generation)

Do you plan on picking up a HomePod mini?