El Apple HomePod, the original, is a device that has always attracted attention for its sound quality. But it seems that it has not been enough for the company itself to see it as interesting to continue it. Hence it has been discontinued and now some wonder what alternatives are there on the market that offer great sound quality and smart features. Well, we're going to tell you.
Goodbye HomePod
If we talk about Apple HomePod, from the original model presented in 2018, it is clear that the best way to define it is as a product with great audio quality and many limitations. What's more, even the current mini model is on track, although certain aspects such as price have mainly been improved there.
The HomePod for the sound quality it offered (it continues to offer because until the end of stock it will continue to be sold) was a good purchase. The problem is that then the user experience and the limitations when using it with other services or even as a system speaker weighed on those who did not enjoy the full ecosystem of Apple products and services.
For starters, the HomePod and HomePod mini as of today can only be used with Apple Music independently. If you want to enjoy Apple Music, you have to send the audio signal through AirPlay, because not even the conventional Bluetooth option of other similar speakers offers it despite having said connectivity.
Nor is it a device that allows you to connect an external sound system through an input signal, such as any user's own Mac. And if it is done through AirPlay, the lag that exists when playing a video and listening to the sound through it makes it a very bad idea.
Therefore, it could be said that it is a device, that they are devices with great sound to enjoy for now (until they launch a new version of the system that allows the use of services such as Spotify or Amazon Music) from Apple Music and a Siri that although it doesn't work badly, it may not be as versatile as Alexa and its integrations.
Looking for an alternative to the original HomePod
For whatever reason, because it has been discontinued or due to these limitations, if you find yourself looking for an alternative to the original HomePod that also offers great sound quality and even the possibility of using a voice assistant, you We are going to show you our favorite options today.
of course before the logical choice to replace the HomePod is the HomePod mini. The new speaker presented at the end of 2020 would be the first option for all those users who want an Apple product to replace another company product that is no longer going to be manufactured.
The only thing is that you should know that although the mini model has improved with the use of certain technologies and is much cheaper, it only costs 99 eurosAlso still just as limited. In other words, only Apple Music can be used for now with this speaker when listening to music via streaming and without depending on any other device that sends it to it.
In case you want to do it, it will be through AirPlay again, because it does not offer the option of sending via Bluetooth either. And you won't be able to use it as a system speaker either due to lag. Perhaps when playing content via Apple TV+ or YouTube you can, because the video and audio can be synchronized, but if your idea is to take advantage of it for tasks such as video or audio editing in applications such as Final Cut, etc., forget it .
The only good thing is that as a sound system and despite its size they sound very good. So much so that by buying two HomePod mini you can set up a stereo system that is connected to an Apple TV or to enjoy high-quality sound at home with your music, podcasts, etc., favorites are very interesting and you would still have money left over for what you it would cost the HomePod.
However, if you want something more in terms of versatility and you are not a closed user of the Apple ecosystem, these options seem like a better idea.
Sonos One
Sonos as a brand is well known in the world of audio and for years it has also offered a series of very versatile options. Thanks to the Sonos app you can configure a wide variety of music services via streaming and also options that, together with the rest of the brand's products or with several of this model, allow you to create a very interesting multiroom or stereo system.
The model we are talking about is the Sonos One, a speaker with a very attractive design, available in two colors (black and white) and very high audio quality. It is a product to take into account and that is not one of the most advanced or with the highest performance and price in the manufacturer's catalog. But sometimes the price is not everything and the performance that this model gives for what it costs leaves practically no one who bets on it unsatisfied.
Also, as an extra and interesting fact, you have options to use both Google Assistant and Alexa. And if for some reason you want to add other speakers for multiroom, etc., but that do not involve the same investment, you can opt for cheaper models from Sonos or the IKEA Symfonisk range that is created in collaboration with the brand and integrates with the app. .
See offer on AmazonAmazon Echo Studio
Amazon smart speakers are the first choice of many users for several reasons. First of all there is Alexa, Amazon's assistant and platform offers a great user experience, integrates perfectly with a multitude of devices and most importantly: there is a speaker for each type of user according to their needs and the price they are willing to spend.
However, whoever is looking for all that and also sound quality only has one option: Amazon Echo Studio. Because it is true that the Amazon Echo also sounds very good for its price of 99 euros, but the Studio model is one step ahead and it shows when it comes to listening to audio with much more body and nuances.
So if Siri doesn't convince you, if you want a device compatible with multiple streaming services value your purchase because it is well worth it.
See offer on AmazonBose HomeSpeaker 300
Like Sonos, Bose is another of the great brands in terms of sound and has been proving it for years. In addition, it is one of those companies with a very particular sound that if you have already been able to try other products such as headphones, you will love it.
In this case the Bose HomeSpeaker 300 they are a type of smart speaker that integrates with both Alexa and Google Assistant, but best of all is the sound quality. It offers a very well defined and balanced experience in the reproduction of all types of music. It is true that its price may be a little higher than the rest of the proposed models, but it is not a purchase that you are going to regret.
Also available in two colours, black and white, it can also be combined with other products from the house to have somewhat more complex sound systems, such as multi-room or just enjoy a stereo combination.
See offer on AmazonSony SRS-RA5000
Finally, and also the alternative with the highest price of all, is the Sony SRS-RA500. The experience with this speaker is brief, so it is difficult to assess to what extent paying around 500 euros is worth it compared to the rest of the options, but it is the most recent launched by Sony, it offers surround sound, support for assistants of voice and a unique design.
Of course, beyond all this, the truth is that the sound quality attracts a lot of attention. It is true that we have yet to test it further, in everyday situations and in a more controlled environment, but the first contact left good impressions and that is why if you are looking for a substitute with great sound quality for the HomePod, this should be present yes or yes
See offer on Amazon