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CNET’s comparison found the $150 HomePod Mini 2 sounded louder and clearer than the original Mini and responded faster to Siri requests. The new model costs $20 more, while its promised advanced Siri AI features had not yet rolled out in the reviewer’s tests.
Apple’s $150 HomePod Mini 2 is now on sale, and a CNET hands-on comparison found it sounded louder and clearer than the original Mini while answering Siri requests faster. The new speaker costs $20 more than the older model, but the advanced Siri AI features cited as a major reason to upgrade were not yet working on the device in the reviewer’s tests.
CNET compared the two Minis side by side using lossless Apple Music tracks, switching between speakers at different positions in the room. The reviewer reported that the Mini 2 sounded noticeably louder and clearer. CNET said Apple’s published descriptions of the speakers’ drivers and tweeters were unchanged, so the source of the listening difference was not established; the reviewer suggested computational audio or unlisted hardware changes could be involved.
The two models are otherwise close in size, weight and design, with color options among the visible differences. The Mini 2 adds an Apple S10 chip, replacing the original’s S5, and a Sound Glow option that illuminates while music plays. The reviewer said Siri replies felt very fast, but that observation is separate from the advanced AI functions that had not yet arrived on the speaker.
The larger second-generation HomePod, which CNET said was selling for around $349, outperformed both Minis in the reviewer’s music comparison, with stronger bass and range. The Mini 2 supports AirPlay streaming from services including Spotify, while some services can be integrated as a dedicated music source. In Apple Home, speakers can control supported lights, locks, sensors and plugs, but CNET cautioned that Apple’s smart-home device compatibility is narrower than that of competitors such as Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Samsung SmartThings.
The $20 Upgrade Trade-Off
For owners of the original Mini, the comparison points to a real-world audio improvement, but not a major redesign. The $20 price difference buys the newer chip and the reviewer’s reported sound and response-speed gains. Whether that justifies replacing a working speaker will depend on how much a buyer values those changes—and on whether the promised Siri features become available.
The new model also creates a distinction within Apple’s speaker range: CNET reported that the advanced Siri AI capabilities are intended for the Mini 2, not other HomePods. Buyers choosing a speaker for smart-home control should also check compatibility for individual devices, since support for Apple Home is not universal. Those seeking the strongest music performance may prefer the larger HomePod, but its roughly $349 price is substantially higher.
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How the HomePod Line Compares
The original HomePod Mini remains on sale, with CNET listing a starting price of $130; the Mini 2 is priced at $150. The newer speaker keeps much of the original’s design and stated acoustic hardware while adding the S10 processor and Sound Glow. That makes the comparison less about a new form factor and more about listening performance, processing and future software features.
Apple’s standard second-generation HomePod sits above both Minis in price and size. CNET included it to compare the range, reporting that it delivered fuller bass and a more powerful range in the same listening rotation. The comparison was based on the reviewer’s tests rather than a published lab measurement, and the report did not give numerical sound-level results.
“The HomePod Mini 2 sounded both remarkably louder and clearer than the previous Mini.”
— CNET reviewer Tyler Lacoma
Siri Rollout and Sound Differences
The review does not establish when advanced Siri AI features will reach the Mini 2 or which functions will require a paid iCloud subscription. CNET said some features may cost extra while others may be free, but did not provide a complete feature-by-feature availability or pricing breakdown.
The listening comparison found a clear difference to the reviewer, but Apple’s stated driver and tweeter descriptions were unchanged and no measured loudness or clarity data was reported. It remains unclear whether the perceived improvement comes from the S10 chip’s computational audio, other hardware changes or another factor. The full cost comparison may also vary: CNET listed the older Mini as starting at $130, rather than specifying one fixed price for all retailers.
Watch for Siri Feature Availability
Apple’s next relevant milestone is the rollout of the advanced Siri capabilities discussed for the Mini 2. CNET said the reviewer would continue testing for their availability, but the report did not give a release date. Buyers considering an upgrade can compare the speakers’ sound in their own listening environment and confirm the current price and Apple Home support of their smart-home devices before purchasing.
Key Questions
How much does the HomePod Mini 2 cost?
CNET listed the HomePod Mini 2 at $150, $20 above the original Mini’s listed starting price of $130. Prices can vary by retailer.
Does the HomePod Mini 2 sound better than the original?
In CNET’s side-by-side listening test, the Mini 2 sounded louder and clearer. The report did not include measured sound-level data or confirm what caused the difference.
Are the new Siri AI features available on the Mini 2?
They were not available in the reviewer’s tests. CNET reported that the Mini 2 is expected to receive advanced Siri AI features, but did not give a rollout date.
Should I choose the Mini 2 or the larger HomePod?
CNET found the second-generation HomePod delivered stronger bass and a more powerful range, but said it was selling for around $349. The Mini 2 costs less and was reported to outperform the original Mini in listening tests.
Can the HomePod Mini 2 control smart-home devices?
It can control devices added to Apple Home, including supported lights, locks, sensors and plugs. Check that each product supports Apple Home, HomeKit or Siri; compatibility is not universal.
Source: cnet.com
