I had a hard time choosing a Homepod vs Soundbar for my living room setup. The problem was nothing but a specific restriction on using Apple devices with non-Apple ones. My initial vote went for none, for I decided to give a chance to both. Currently, I have a soundbar setup, but you must want to know what makes HomePod different from Soundbar.
Homepod does great in providing clarity, bass, and a 360-degree immersive sound, but it fits only with Apple TV. Whereas, the soundbar connectivity options let you on the seventh sky with various connectors on its back side. Also, the sound quality is great when using more channels.
Don’t be confused about what to choose as my comparison analysis will clear your confusion, and you will get home your best audio mate. The article describes the extracted differences between a Homepod and a soundbar regarding design, sound quality, connectivity, and pricing.
HomePod vs Soundbar – Which one to choose?
The following comparison between two audio systems leaves no stone unturned in making your choice in the right direction.
Design
A device designed from the minds of Apple manufacturers does not reflect flaws. Holding a Homepod in your hands presents the picture of a small circular speaker with touch panels installed on the top surface.
A smart speaker contains a fabric-covered body with power-packed features, such as Siri, tweeters, and speakers to let you listen to the full-room sound. Another positive point is its wire-lacking design prompts me to place it anywhere without compromising on the interior.
On the other hand, a soundbar is a rectangular-shaped bar with integrated speakers spreading over a larger space than the HomePod. It is perfectly designed to sit below the TV to enhance its audio.
However, the choice is yours to mount it on a wall or leave it on shelves above the TV. The device comes with a remote control and LCD screen so that you can control and manage the commands.
Final Verdict:
HomePod got the award of the best design from my side, as it is.
Connectivity
If your first choice is Homepod, then you suffer finding the bigger hurdles connecting it with audio sources out of Apple’s ecosystem. The circular speaker works best with streaming services, such as Apple TV, iPad, Mac, and iPhone. You can even connect more than one device within the circumference of having iOS.
However, the big question of using it with non-apple devices is yet to answer. You must have to pick an Airplay 2 adapter for the sealess connection because it does not contain an aux input.
On the contrary, the soundbar makes the connection a variety to choose from compared to Apple’s smart speaker. When you flip its backside before your eyes, you will see HDMI, AUX, optical, or even USB jacks.
Furthermore, the recent soundbars allow you to utilize Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technology for enjoying movies, music, and live streaming. They are an easy way to upgrade audio while removing audio lag and distortion.
Final Verdict:
The Soundbar features many ports to connect to other devices regardless of specifying Android or Apple.
Sound Quality
Homepod is excellent in providing quality music, vocals, and podcast listening. It is great for attaining 360-degree sound within the room. But you must not take it as a blessing in disguise as the speaker has access to a single channel and does not spread sound in all directions.
The Homepod acts more as a mono speaker with no center channel and does nothing to convey filtered conversations. You may find it the best alternative to TV’ speakers regarding its size; otherwise, it does nothing to improve audio for video content.
On the contrary, I found the soundbar to be more realistic in delivering better audio quality. When you choose high-quality soundbars having more channel, the center channel packed in a horizontal bar let you hear clear dialogs and voices.
Moreover, choosing a soundbar will privilege of tasting various audio features like Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, surround, and virtual sound for movies, games, and music. However, you have to connect an external subwoofer for mind-blowing bass which is not available when using the soundbar alone.
Final Verdict:
The soundbar contains many channels that edge out Homepod in sound quality.
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Functionality
Homepods are quick-to-access devices. You do not memorize several steps of connecting it with your Apple devices. Instead, connecting it to the power source and syncing it with the Apple ID on your iPhone will give unbeatable pairing.
The situation is different in the case of soundbars. Due to multiple connectors, you must take care of all the connector’s compatibility with the devices you want to connect. For example, most people, including me, opt for an HDMI connection because it works best in transmitting signals without audio latency.
Final Verdict:
Soundbars win the argument as the Homepod has limited functionality outside Apple devices.
Extra Features
Apart from using homePod as an efficient speaker, you can use it as an intercom. Multiple Homepods at your home give the sense of communicating with family members. But it cost you many hundreds.
On the other hand, the soundbar is only the decoration showcase sitting beneath the TV working on good audio. It has nothing to do with the voice assistant features controlling your home activities.
Final Verdict:
The Homepod is the center of attraction in your home for delivering extraordinary sounds and following your commands.
Budget
The most significant factor is the cost that makes or breaks the deal in the end. If you bring Homepod home, gather at least $299 to $599, for it may be enough for a pair of speakers. Otherwise, you can look around for the mini version for $99.
On the contrary, a decent quality soundbar is available to you at the price you think to consider a Homepod mini. Do decide yourself by comparing all the specifications and putting your finger on the specific device.
Final Verdict:
The soundbar is a pretty easy deal to crack compared to Homepod for setting up a decent audio quality.
You can also read our guide on Soundbar vs Bookshelf Speakers
Is HomePod Better Than a Soundbar?
HomePod vs Soundbar do great in their respective departments. The seamless connection and ability to deliver full-range sound from the little Homepod speaker are on the next level. Whereas, the soundbar adjusts with every device using cable and wireless connections.
Moreover, the speakers seem separated into large rectangular bars creating a wide soundstage. The only difference that hinders you from even thinking about is the Homepod’s connectivity issue. It is undoubtedly a better option for Apple users but inappropriate when crossing the circumference.
Does HomePod have Bluetooth?
Homepod operates on a wireless connection and uses Bluetooth 5.0. Still, you can only connect iOS devices and nothing else.
Can a HomePod Replace a Soundbar?
Homepod replaces soundbar in the sense that it provides powerful bass. Whereas, the soundbar depends on the external subwoofer to enhance low frequencies.
Summing Up
Every device embraces merits and demerits. The choice to bring home a Homepod or a soundbar depends on your preferences and budget. In this article, I tried covering the characteristics of HomePod vs Soundbar so that you do not feel difficulty in choosing the right one. For more informative pieces of content, head to SoundbarPro.