TESTED: Apple HomePod vs. Google Home Max - a PC Guy's Perspective
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Check out the NEW Cablemod PRO ModMesh cables on Newegg at geni.us Is HomePod better than Google Home Max? How good does it sound? How about compared to Alexa or Sonos? Answers inside! Buy Smart Speakers on Amazon: geni.us Discuss on the forum: linustechtips.com Our Affiliates, Referral Programs, and Sponsors: linustechtips.com Linus Tech Tips merchandise at designbyhumans.com Linus Tech Tips posters at crowdmade.com Our production gear: geni.us Twitter - twitter.com Facebook - @LinusTech Instagram - @linustech Twitch - twitch.tv Intro Screen Music Credit: Title: Laszlo - Supernova Video Link: youtube.com iTunes Download Link: itunes.apple.com Artist Link: soundcloud.com Outro Screen Music Credit: Approaching Nirvana - Sugar High youtube.com Sound effects provided by freesfx.co.uk
The video opens with Linus and team comparing the Apple HomePod to the Google Home Max, noting that Apple’s entry into the smart speaker market arrives after competitors have shipped millions of units. They set up expectations for a multi-faceted review, emphasizing design, acoustic performance, and the intelligence of each device. Early on they highlight the HomePod’s premium build with a 3D mesh fabric and capacitive glass top, contrasted with the larger physical footprint of the Google Home Max. The discussion then dives into the hardware specifics of the HomePod, including its four inch subwoofer, six microphones, seven horn-loaded tweeters, and how the system uses balanced mode radiators and automatic room calibration to optimize sound. The host explains how room mapping and automatic bass correction work for both devices, framing the real-world listening experience in terms of distortion control and perceived scale. Throughout, the video blends measured audio analysis with subjective impressions of how the devices feel and operate in everyday use, setting the stage for a deeper comparison of sound, intelligence, and ecosystem lock-in.
Topics · technology · audio · consumer electronics · reviews · smart home
Questions answered
- What are the key acoustic differences between the HomePod and Google Home Max?
- The HomePod delivers pronounced mids and highs with a compact, room-calibrated footprint that emphasizes clarity, while the Google Home Max provides a wider sound stage with deeper bass thanks to dual high excursion subwoofers, delivering higher overall loudness before distortion sets in.
- Can you use Apple Music and other services with voice control on the HomePod?
- Yes, the HomePod supports Apple Music with voice control, but for other services like Spotify, control is limited to on-device buttons rather than voice commands.