In this article, we are comparing the Apple Homepod, and Sonos move smart speakers. We are making an in-depth comparison chart between Homepod and Sonos Move. You are going to see the differences and similarities between both products. This will help you to buy the perfect one matching your needs.
The durable, battery-powered smart speaker for outdoor and indoor listening
Our Verdict
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Both speakers come with great features and functions. If you are looking for a smart speaker for the apple eco-system, then the Homepod suits you. But Homepod has a downside that it needs to plug all the time. While coming to mobility, Sonos Move is better than the Homepod. It can also work with a battery, which is very handy. You can take “Sonos move” anywhere for parties.
In size, the Sonos move is more significant than Homepod. Sonos move has dimensions of 9.44″ x 6.29″ x 4.96″ and Homepod has dimensions of 6.8″ x 5.6″. By this, we can say how large it is.
While coming to portability, Homepod lacks this feature. It should continuously need the power to run where Sonos move can run on battery as well as a USB cable. Though the Sonos move is more massive than Homepod, it comes with a handle to carry with ease.
2. Audio Quality
There is no doubt that Homepod impresses you with its seven tweeters. This array of 7-horn loaded tweeters has each custom amplifier to deliver high frequency. By this, you can get perfect audio, and you can get high bass through its high excursion woofer. It will create a real-time experience of movies.
You will get superior audio than the Sonos Move where Sonos Move has single down fired tweeter and one mid-woofer.
3. Power Source
Both speakers use USB cable or AC adapter to get power from the source. But Sonos move works with the battery too. It is beneficial in portability. The battery on the Sonos Move lasts up to 10 hours of use.
But Sonos Move had a downside while using with a battery that it loses some features, that controlling the smart speaker with the Sonos app. Where Homepod needs a continuous power supply to work.
4. Microphone
A good microphone is needed to access voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant.
Here, Apple Homepod comes out ahead with its 6-microphone array for its far-field Siri. So, you can give commands to your virtual assistant, even if you are listening to loud music.
Sonos move comes with only one far-field microphone array, and you may get some problems while accessing from a far distance and with a loud sound.
5. Weather & Bump Proof
Sonos move can be used as a traveling speaker. So, it is weatherproofed with IP56 rating protection from liquid and dust. So, it can use near pools and whatnot.
Also, Sonos Move has bump proof that it can bear some drops and falls.
However, Homepod doesn’t come with these proofs. So, it is better to use indoors.
Both Homepod and Sonos move connects to the dual-band network. They support both 2.4GHz and 5GHz wi-fi frequency bands.
The fast your network, the better performance the speaker gives.
If you think your wi-fi is not good with the devices, then both offer wi-fi range extenders.
2. Stereo Audio
You can connect your Sonos Move smart speaker with another Sonos speaker for stereo sound. The same with the Homepod, connect your Homepod with another one for stereo sound.
By this, you can make your house a mini theatre. You can enjoy movies and music with the stereo sound feature.
3. Spatial Awareness
Both Homepod and Sonos Move use a unique technology to produce the sound. Wherever they are, they make a perfect sound.
Sonos move comes with auto Trueplay software that you can customize audio settings for excellent audio experience regardless of your room and furniture.
Where Homepod has in-built spatial awareness, that does the same thing in delivering the perfect sound without controlling the speaker.
4. Apple Airway 2
Both Homepod and Sonos Move supports Apple Airplay 2, which means you can play all kinds of audiobooks.
HomePod is more efficient to have any track or audio transferred from your iPhone or any other iOS device by placing the device near the Homepod.
Features & Technical Specifications Of HomePod
Brand: Apple
Dimensions: 6.8” x 5.6”
Weight: 2.5 Kg
Audio Technology:
High-excursion woofer with a custom amplifier
An array of 7 horn-loaded tweeters, each with its custom amplifier
Six-microphone array for far-field Siri
Internal low-frequency calibration microphone for automatic bass correction
Direct and ambient audio beamforming
Transparent studio-level dynamic processing
Stereo pair capable
Audio Sources:
Apple Music
iTunes music purchases
iCloud Music Library iTunes Match subscription or with an Apple Music
Beats 1 live radio
Beats 1 live episodes on demand
Apple Podcasts
Airplay other content to HomePod from Apple devices
Audio Formats: HE-AAC, AAC, protected AAC, MP3, MP3 VBR, Apple Lossless, AIFF, WAV and FLAC
Touch Surface:
Tap or hold +/– for volume up/down
Touch and hold for Siri
Tap to play/pause music or Siri
Double-tap to skip
Triple-tap to skip back
Wi-Fi: 2.4GHz & 5GHz
Electrical and Environmental Requirements:
Built-in power supply
Line voltage: 100V to 240V AC
Frequency: 50Hz to 60Hz
Operating temperature: 0° to 35° C (32° to 95° F)
Storage temperature: –4° to 113° F
Relative humidity: 5% to 90% non-condensing
Maximum storage altitude: 4,500 metres (15,000 feet)
Maximum shipping altitude: 10,500 metres (35,000 feet)
Homepod is a wireless speaker that works with both Bluetooth and wi-fi connection. Homepod supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands, which is a great feature to get a long-range with 2.4GHz band and high speeds with a 5GHz frequency band. Make sure you have an Apple smartphone or Apple music subscription to use Homepod.
It has a custom amplifier and high excursion woofer that it provides clear pitch music. It needs continuous power through an AC adapter, and it doesn’t support battery for portability. It supports Siri as voice assistance so, you can have hands free control over your Homepod.
Things We Like
You can effortlessly control the product.
Loud, crisp sound with clear treble and bass that makes just the right noise
Has a powerful, loud sound.
Even if you connect iPhone, you can still receive calls.
Well-established Siri voice assistant.
Speaker’s design is fresh. It looks so neat and can place anywhere at home or office.
Things We Don't Like
The product is expensive. You have to invest a massive amount of money in buying the product.
Built-in radio is one quality that other speakers have, unlike Homepod, that doesn’t support radio.
Not all the phone works for this speaker, only iOS phones work.
Sonos Move is a wireless speaker that works with both Bluetooth and wi-fi connection. The Move supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands, which is a great feature to get a long-range with 2.4GHz frequency band and high speeds with a 5GHz frequency band. It supports one far-field microphone array that you control your device through commands from long distance.
It has one mid-woofer that offers excellent sound, which is loud. It can power up through an AC adapter and also, it supports battery that can last up to 10 hours, which provides high portability. It supports Alexa and Google Assistant as voice assistance so you can have hands free control over your Homepod. Sonos move has weatherproof and bumps proof that you can use your device roughly. If you want to see more about Sonos Move, You should check out, Sonos vs Bose Revolve plus.
Things We Like
Loud, full sound
Reliable wireless connectivity
Seamlessly integrates with other Sonos products
Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant on board
Sounds excellent indoors or out
Things We Don't Like
Pricey
Too big and bulky to travel with
10-hour battery life is shorter than other Bluetooth speakers
FAQs
1. Can I stereo pair Sonos Move?
Yes.
2. Can we make phone calls with the help of Homepod?
Can we make phone calls with the help of Homepod? Yes, you can use it.
3. How long does the battery last in Sonos move?
It depends upon the volume and temperature of Sonos move. After a full charge, if it is not used, then the battery lasts up to 120 hours.
4. Does voice control work on Bluetooth?
No, you must connect to wi-fi for voice assistant.
Bottom Line
For choosing a smart speaker between Homepod and Sonos Move, there are some things to kee in mind. Firstly, if you are an android user and you don’t have an Apple device, then Homepod is not for you. Where Sonos move is suitable for all devices, and it has excellent portability. If you travel a lot, we recommend Sonos Move that it can function everywhere. Finally, we recommend Sonos move because not all the members are Apple users.
Andrea is a Senior Content Editor who digs into the very minuscule details to give her readers the best hands-on experience of the products. She brings her years of research and engineering experience to help us consistently create immaculate engaging content and products that hold the highest technical integrity.
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