When comparing Apple HomePod vs Amazon Echo Dot, the Slant community recommends Apple HomePod for most people. In the question“What are the best smart speakers?” Apple HomePod is ranked 1st while Amazon Echo Dot is ranked 6th. The most important reason people chose Apple HomePod is:
If you put two HomePods in the room, they will automatically synchronize and create an immersive sound. You could also get more and place them across the whole house. They will communicate through AirPlay 2 and let you listen to your music all around your home.
Specs
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Pros
Pro You can easily combine several HomePods into a setup
If you put two HomePods in the room, they will automatically synchronize and create an immersive sound. You could also get more and place them across the whole house. They will communicate through AirPlay 2 and let you listen to your music all around your home.
Pro The sound quality will be great in any room
You can put the speaker in a large or a small room, in the corner or right in the center, the sound quality will be amazing nevertheless. The HomePod analyzes the layout of the room and adjusts the playback automatically to give you a great listening experience.
Pro The voice recognition works very well
Siri recognizes commands that you give from across the room, with music blasting at top volumes.
Pro It can suggest music based on your preferences
You can teach the HomePod about the music you like and don't like, and it will try to give you recommendations. You can just say “Hey Siri, I like this song,” or "Hey Siri, play something different."
Pro It can do a wide variety of tasks
You can give the speaker commands to control your lights, the thermostat, the AC, etc. You can also ask Siri about the weather, traffic, news, and much more.
Pro Great option for people who want to try out smart speakers
The Echo Dot is a great option if you're still unsure if you'll have any use for a smart speaker. It has a lot of the same functions as other Amazon smart speakers but it comes at a fraction of the price.
Pro It doesn't take up much space
The Dot is smaller than the average smart speaker, and there shouldn't be any problem with finding a place for it.
Pro You can connect it to another speaker
You can upgrade the sound by connecting an external speaker (or headphones) via the 3.5 mm jack.
Cons
Con It's very expensive
Most popular smart speakers from Google and Amazon cost under $200, while the HomePod is considerably more expensive.
Con It has to be plugged in at all times
The HomePod doesn't have a battery, it needs to be plugged into a power outlet to work.
Con It has a hard time picking up commands from a distance
If the distance between you and the speaker is more than 20 feet, you should speak louder to make sure that Alexa understands you correctly.
Con You can't switch between the external speaker and the Echo Dot
If you plug in an external speaker, it will be used by default, with no possibility to switch between the two.
Con The sound output is underwhelming in a large room
The Dot is a comparatively small device, it doesn't have as much power as bigger speakers. It can handle playing some background music in a quiet setting, but it's not the best choice for a party.
Con It relies on a power outlet
The Echo Dot has to be plugged into a power outlet to work.