34 Cons of HomePod 2 (Review 2024)

Being a fan of technology I was super excited when Apple revealed the HomePod 2. However, upon examining all its features and functions I’ve noticed concerns that potential buyers should consider.

While the HomePod 2 has its positives it’s essential to weigh them against the negatives before making a decision. Lets delve into aspects of the HomePod 2 that could impact user experience ranging from hardware issues, to software and usability challenges.

If after reading all these cons, you still want to buy the product, congratulations! You’re making a well-informed decision, and you won’t regret your purchase!

Expensive, for a Single Speaker

Priced at $300 each the HomePod 2 comes with a price tag making it quite an investment. Putting together a system with it could cost you around $5000. This might not be affordable for everyone especially considering there are options in the market that offer sound quality at lower prices.

Not Very Appealing on Its Own

In todays world people tend to prefer speakers that’re small budget friendly and provide sound quality for everyday use. Many potential buyers of the HomePod 2 might feel that it falls short when used by itself. Its high cost makes it challenging to sell as a device especially when there are plenty of affordable alternatives that offer similar functions.

Reduction in Components

One noticeable change in the HomePod 2 is its reduction in components. Compared to its predecessor this version now has five tweeters of seven and four speakers of six. This decrease could potentially affect the quality. Limit the devices ability to accurately understand voice commands.

Tough Competition

The HomePod faces competition from speakers like the Google Home Max and Amazon Echo Studio. These alternatives not come at prices but also offer additional features that appeal to a broader audience. Standing out in such a market proves to be quite a challenge, for the HomePod.

Issues, with Integrating TV Audio

There are challenges involved in linking TV audio to the HomePod. Setting this up necessitates an Apple TV 4K, which can increase both the expense and complexity for users trying to connect their television sound to the device. Many people might view this requirement and additional cost as a deal breaker especially when considering that other sound systems provide connections to TVs.

Limited Compatibility and Service Options

The HomePod 2 comes with limitations on compatibility and available services since it only works with a music streaming platforms. This restriction could present obstacles for individuals without an Apple Music subscription pushing them towards speakers that offer a range of service options instead.

High Setup Cost for TV Audio

The cost of setting up the HomePod 2 for TV audio is quite high at $600 per pair exceeding the price of soundbars like the Sonos Beam that offer advanced features at a lower price point. This pricing aspect might discourage budget individuals who are looking for ways to improve their TV audio without breaking the bank.

Limited EQ Customization Options

In contrast with its competitors the HomePod lacks options, for EQ customization, which means users cannot adjust the sound according to their preferences—a feature that may disappoint audiophiles who are used to tuning speaker settings.

TV Dialogue Clarity Comparison

Moreover when it comes to improving the clarity of TV dialogue a specialized center speaker, in a 5.1 surround sound system usually surpasses the performance of HomePods. As a result individuals looking for an home theater experience may find that HomePods are not the best option, for enhancing TV audio.

Market Entry

For example the Sonos system supports a range of music genres. Offers notch sound quality. There are also hints that Sonos may be releasing speakers soon potentially challenging the design of the HomePod directly. With more competitors entering the market it could become tougher for the HomePod to maintain its position.

Simplified Hardware Specs

When we look at Wi Fi capabilities Wi Fi 5 or 6 are more advanced compared to Wi Fi 4 used in HomePod 2. Additionally this version comes with microphones and tweeters, than its predecessor. These changes might affect performance and user satisfaction levels possibly making it less appealing to tech enthusiasts who love cutting edge devices.

Persistent Wood Staining Issue

A recurring problem from the HomePod continues with its successor; leaving marks on surfaces. While it may seem like an issue this indicates a lack of attention from Apple towards details and user experience.

Incompatibility with Original HomePod for Stereo Pairing

The HomePod 2 isn’t compatible, for stereo pairing with the HomePod, which has disappointed some users who can’t set up a sound system without buying extra units.

Mid-Focused Audio Output

The HomePod 2 is capable of producing sound within a room. Its bass quality might not match up to that of speaker setups. When cranked up the lower frequencies tend to take a seat leading to an output that leans more, towards the midrange and might not meet the expectations of users looking for strong bass.

Setup and Connectivity Issues

Some users have faced issues when trying to set up and connect the HomePod 2 encountering problems, like missing setup prompts and audio playback glitches. Troubleshooting settings and syncing with Apple TV may be needed to tackle these connectivity challenges leading to frustration for those hoping for a setup process.

Minimal Changes in Design

Despite being an updated version the HomePod 2 sticks to a design to its predecessor with changes in its appearance. While some users appreciate its simple design others might be underwhelmed by the lack of design updates if they were considering an upgrade.

Issues During Setup

Setting up the HomePod 2 can pose challenges for users with some finding it among the setup processes they’ve encountered with an Apple device. This can be disappointing given Apples reputation for user interfaces and straightforward setup procedures.

Limitations of Siri

Siris capabilities are perceived as advanced compared to assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. While Siri performs well with requests it struggles when faced with complex commands. This limitation reduces the HomePods effectiveness, as a home assistant device.

Price Considerations

The cost of purchasing two HomePod 2 units presents a challenge for individuals interested in creating a robust sound setup. At $600, for a pair it may give buyers pause particularly when there are budget friendly options available in the market.

Issues with Temperature and Humidity Sensors

The temperature and humidity sensors accuracy could be affected by the speakers warmth potentially impacting the performance of home automation systems that rely on them.

Sound Quality Compromises

The reduction of tweeters from seven to five and microphones from six to four might have an impact on quality and voice recognition, which could be a concern for audio enthusiasts.

Exclusive Siri Features

With Siri as its assistant the HomePod 2 falls short compared to other assistants when it comes to answering queries. This limitation limits its capabilities as a speaker for users accustomed to versatile assistants.

Limitations in Spatial Audio

Having one or two speakers doesn’t significantly enhance audio performance on the HomePod 2 making it less attractive, for those seeking an immersive audio experience.

Price, versus Value Perception

While some may view the HomePod 2 as pricey there are those who argue that it delivers quality considering its size compared to other smart speakers. Adjusting the price to $249 could have potentially boosted its sales by making it more competitive within the market.

Concerns Regarding Staining

Despite efforts to minimize surface staining with the updated base design users have reported issues with the HomePod. Those who experienced this problem with the model may be hesitant to invest in the version especially if they own furniture susceptible to staining.

Shortcomings of Smart Speakers

In comparison to competitors like Google Assistant Siri still lacks functionalities. The absence of a jack inability to set Spotify as the default music platform and lack of Bluetooth compatibility all contribute to limiting the HomePods effectiveness as a speaker.

Inadequate Screen Features

The absence of displays such as timers on the touch screen of HomePod 2 reduces its practicality, as a home device. This drawback is particularly notable given that rival products offer screens with capabilities.

Downgraded Wi-Fi

The previous HomePod used Wi Fi 5. The new version now relies on the 802.11n standard. This change could potentially slow down some networks making them less appealing, to those looking for connections.

Fingerprint Issues

The fingerprint scanner on the HomePod 2 is problematic as it easily collects fingerprints on its surface and the controls are not as user friendly compared to speakers like Sonos. These issues might impact user experience negatively for those who value ease of use.

Lack of Equalizer (EQ) Feature

Apples decision not to offer an equalizer (EQ) feature with the HomePod limits users control over adjustments. This lack of customization options may be a downside for music enthusiasts.

Limited Compatibility with Music Services

One significant limitation is the HomePods compatibility with Apple Music and iTunes services. While improvements have been made users still need an iPhone or iPad connected to Siri via Wi Fi to access music from platforms like Spotify and YouTube Music. This restriction may deter individuals who prefer music services from considering this device.

Temperature Sensor Issues

There have been reported problems, with the temperature sensor of the HomePod 2.
The device sometimes gives readings because it tends to get warm which could affect how reliable smart home technology is.

Reduced Hardware Specifications

The latest HomePod version has microphones and tweeters, than the model potentially impacting the quality of sound and speech recognition both essential for a smooth smart home setup.

Siris Sluggish Performance

Compared to assistants Siri tends to lag behind causing difficulties for those who frequently use voice commands. Issues with compatibility arise when trying to mix stereo pairs with HomePod versions causing inconvenience for users, with models.

In Summary

In summary, the HomePod 2 has its pros and cons that potential buyers should consider. While it boasts some features, its high price and limited functionality as a smart device may give some pause. The competition from brands like Sonos and Amazon further complicates its value proposition. Although it excels in sound quality for its size, the numerous issues and premium cost might deter consumers from purchasing it.

Ultimately, whether the HomePod 2 is the right choice for you depends on your preferences and how much importance you place on being part of the Apple ecosystem.

However, if after reading all these cons, you still want to buy the product, congratulations! You’re making a well-informed decision, and you won’t regret your purchase.

Reference:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvqZCMGjh3s&pp=ygUQSG9tZVBvZCAyIHJldmlldw%3D%3D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4cKDOA-nD0&pp=ygUQSG9tZVBvZCAyIHJldmlldw%3D%3D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPZgE0Kf-7E&pp=ygUQSG9tZVBvZCAyIHJldmlldw%3D%3D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPZ11P6ojpE&pp=ygUQSG9tZVBvZCAyIHJldmlldw%3D%3D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMqQ_e390rA&pp=ygUQSG9tZVBvZCAyIHJldmlldw%3D%3D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgLqVGB0rhE&pp=ygUQSG9tZVBvZCAyIHJldmlldw%3D%3D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46LlS-W9w2s&pp=ygUQSG9tZVBvZCAyIHJldmlldw%3D%3D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_Vhn95IW58&pp=ygUQSG9tZVBvZCAyIHJldmlldw%3D%3D