Sonos Move Vs. Apple HomePod: What Should You Buy?
Cupertino, August 13, 2020
Alexa! Hey Google!
Sonos Move
Hi Siri!
Apple HomePod
Sonos Move is the king of flexibility, with built-in battery, weather resistance and the ability to choose between Alexa and Google Assistant. However, these features are more expensive than others, and do not provide the best experience for Apple Music subscribers.
$ 399 on Amazon
Pros
Excellent sound quality
Alexa and Google on board
Portable with rechargeable battery
Supports AirPlay 2
Weather resistance IP 56
Stereo pairing with Sonos speakers
Versus
Expensive
There are no Apple Music voice commands
He doesn't accept Siri
The Apple HomePod delivers massive sound in an impossibly small size, along with Siri voice controls for music and HomeKit. However, since the HomePod is currently limited to Apple Music, it is more suitable for those who are integrated into Apple and do not intend to change things anytime soon.
$ 299 to Apple
Pros
High quality audio
Siri voice commands
Works with HomeKit accessories
Pairing a stereo with another HomePod
Supports AirPlay 2
Cheaper than Sonos Move
Versus
Still expensive
Works with Apple Music only (for now)
Limited Siri capabilities
For indoor use only, no battery
Choosing a winner in a fight with Sonos Move vs. Apple HomePod basically comes down to whether or not you want a portable speaker and which voice assistant you prefer. If you're integrated with Apple and have a subscription to Apple Music, then HomePod will provide a better overall experience with familiar Siri voice controls and amazingly good sound.
If you prefer Alexa / Google Assistant and other music services or just want a great speaker that can go anywhere, then go with Sonos Move.
Discontinuation of Sonos Move and Apple HomePod
Source: iMore
Sonos Move and HomePod are both high quality speakers with excellent sound, integrated AirPlay 2 audio and smart capabilities, but that's where the similarities end. Sonos Move is a much more flexible speaker and not just because it has an integrated rechargeable battery and weather resistance.
The Move works with a variety of popular music services, including Apple Music, and gives users the ability to choose which voice assistant to use, either Alexa or Google Assistant. Since Sonos has a lot of speakers in its line, Move can slide right next to an existing Sonos set. With its portability, it actually makes a great home theater companion. But how do these two speakers fit in on the deeper details?
Apple HomePod puts more emphasis on sound and simplicity. HomePod only works with Apple Music at the moment and Siri, which immediately limits who can and cannot use the speaker. HomePod also only works indoors, as it lacks weather resistance and doesn’t have an internal battery, so don’t expect it to withstand a dip in the pool or provide songs without a nearby outlet.
Despite its limited nature, the HomePod can be paired with an additional HomePod to create a stereo pair, and AirPlay 2 allows it to stay in sync with other compatible speakers in the house. But how do these two speakers fit in on the deeper details?
Sonos Move
Apple HomePod
size
9.44 "x 6.29" x 4.96 "
5.6 "x 5.6" x 6.8 "
Weight
4.08lbs
5.5lbs
finishes
Black and white
Black and white
Weather resistance
Yes (IP 56)
Not
Built-in battery
Yes (11 hours)
Not
amplifiers
2
7
tweeters
1
7
woofers
1
1
Wall mountable
Not
Not
wifi
Yes
Yes
Ethernet
Not
Not
Bluetooth
Yes
Yes (not for music playback)
AirPlay 2
Yes
Yes
Multi-camera audio
Da (Sonos, AirPlay 2)
Yes (AirPlay 2)
Audio output
Not
Not
Voice control
Yes (Alexa, Google)
Yes (Siri)
Intelligent home controls
Yes (Alexa, Google)
Yes (HomeKit)
As you can see, the Apple HomePod is packed in a ton of tweets and amplifiers, which leads to an unmistakable sound, much louder and more complete than its tiny profile suggests. HomePod can also handle basic voice tasks, such as alarm settings and timers, plus it can control HomeKit accessories, but is for indoor use only.
Taking advantage of this impressive sound and other features requires an Apple Music subscription, as it does not work with other services such as Spotify and requires the use of Siri, which is not exactly at the same level of capabilities compared to Alexa and Google Assistant.
Go anywhere with the Sonos movement
Source: Sonos
On the other hand, Sonos Move may not match the number of components inside the HomePod, but it's certainly no slush when it comes to audio quality. The move delivers the signed Sonos sound, which is automatically adjusted and can fill an entire room.
Sonos Move can work both indoors and outdoors, with IP56 weather resistance. Combined with the integrated battery that can keep it running for up to 11 hours, Sonos Move is a great option for parties or even camping with Bluetooth support.
Which you should buy: Sonos Move or Apple Homepod?
If you don't mind the limitations and don't plan on switching from Apple soon, then go with the HomePod, you won't be disappointed. However, if you want to change your technology and services, then you will be much better off with Move. Move can choose between voice assistants and is compatible with most major music applications, including Apple Music. So, if you end up on Apple's side, you're still covered.
Alexa! Hey Google!
Sonos Move
Flexible design, flexible controls
Sonos Move is one of the most flexible speakers around with excellent sound, an integrated battery and the option to use Alexa or Google Assistant. Although expensive, the Sonos Move is a great choice for indoor and outdoor use.
Hi Siri!
Apple HomePod
Great sound for Apple fans
The Apple HomePod offers high-quality audio and provides familiar voice controls for music and HomeKit via Siri. It may have its limitations, but if you're integrated into Apple, this is the smart speaker.
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