Consumer Reports says HomePod doesn’t sound as good as its rivals

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HomePod Siri Speaker
HomePod packs a lot of sound in a tiny package.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

One of the most reputable tech review sites isn’t that impressed with the HomePod’s superb sound.

While most reviewers have noted the HomePod as the best sounding speaker they’ve ever listened too, Consumer Reports claims Google Home Max and Sonos One sound better.

Apple’s HomePod speaker went on sale last week after it was unveiled during WWDC 2017. The speaker comes with Siri integration to go with the 7 tweeters and subwoofer that adapt the sound to any room.

In its initial testing, Consumer Reports found that Apple’s speaker is acoustically perfect though.

“The HomePod will serve many music fans well, but CR testers did hear some flaws. The HomePod’s bass was a bit boomy and overemphasized,” wrote Consumer Reports. “And the midrange tones were somewhat hazy, meaning that some of the nuance in vocals, guitars, and horns was lost: These elements of the music couldn’t be heard as distinctly as in more highly rated speakers. Treble sounds, like cymbals, were underemphasized.”

We were mightly impressed with HomePod’s sound, but the experience is pretty subjective. Not all listeners enjoy heavy bass. Our only problem with HomePod has been Siri’s lack of smarts.

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