The $149 HomePod mini 2 sounds slightly better and offers expanded connectivity, but neither improvement gives existing owners a compelling reason to upgrade.
Six years after the original HomePod mini arrived, Apple's second-generation speaker brings more than a faster processor. New Mac audio capabilities, four-speaker surround sound for Apple TV 4K, and upgraded wireless hardware expand what the compact speaker can do beyond playing music.
The HomePod mini 2 launched on October 30, 2026, without Siri AI, one of its most anticipated features. Until Apple delivers that update, the newer model makes a stronger case for first-time buyers and people expanding their setups than for anyone replacing a perfectly good original.
| Specification | HomePod mini (2020) | HomePod mini 2 (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $99 | $149 |
| Processor | Apple S5 | Apple S10 |
| Audio hardware | Full-range driver, two passive radiators | Full-range driver, two passive radiators |
| Computational audio | Real-time tuning | Advanced real-time tuning |
| Microphones | Four | Three |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 4 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 6 |
| Siri | Standard Siri | Standard Siri, Siri AI coming later |
| Mac audio | Standard AirPlay | Persistent connection with compatible Macs |
| Apple TV surround | Standard playback and stereo pairing | Four-speaker surround with fourth-generation Apple TV 4K |
| Stereo pairing | Two original minis | Two mini 2 speakers |
| Sound Glow | Supported with software 27.2 | Supported |
| Smart home | Apple Home hub, Thread, temperature and humidity sensors | Apple Home hub, Thread, temperature and humidity sensors |
| Ultra Wideband | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 3.3 x 3.9 inches | 3.3 x 3.9 inches |
| Weight | 0.76 pound | 0.74 pound |
| Colors | White, blue, orange, yellow, midnight | White, blue, pink, green, midnight |
The spec upgrades look great in a vacuum. It all comes down to how it works together, though, to deliver music.
Better sound, but not a dramatic improvement
The HomePod mini 2 delivered clear, balanced sound throughout our testing, with excellent room coverage and plenty of volume for everyday listening. Our initial comparison with the original HomePod mini didn't reveal much difference.
A second round of testing with lossless music brought out a modest improvement.
We listened to classical, metal, and dubstep to hear how the device handled different instruments, arrangements, and musical styles. With lossless playback enabled, the HomePod mini 2 offered slightly better instrument separation, making individual sounds easier to distinguish.
The improvement was noticeable when we listened closely, although it wasn't dramatic enough to change the overall experience. The original HomePod mini still sounds remarkably good for its size, and the newer model doesn't leave its predecessor behind.
Our speaker comparison examines how the two generations stack up, including their audio performance and connectivity.
The HomePod mini 2 also maintained consistent sound quality across the locations we tested. We could move the speaker between shelves, tables, and other convenient spots without losing the clarity or room coverage we enjoyed.
Apple continues to use a full-range driver and two passive radiators, with computational audio adjusting playback in real time. The newer S10 processor has considerably more processing power than the original S5, although both generations retain the same general speaker configuration.
The HomePod mini 2 delivered clear, balanced sound throughout our testing, with excellent room coverage and plenty of volume for everyday listening.The HomePod mini 2's improved instrument separation gives it a small but welcome advantage, particularly for listeners who pay attention to the finer details of their music. For everyone else, the original still delivers much of the same listening experience without requiring another purchase.
Familiar design with a faster processor
Anyone familiar with the original HomePod mini will recognize the second-generation model immediately. Apple has kept the rounded, mesh-covered design and illuminated touch surface, with controls for playback and volume on top.
The HomePod mini 2 measures 3.3 inches tall and 3.9 inches wide, making it easy to fit on a desk, shelf, or bedside table. Apple has refreshed the color selection with pink and green, replacing the original generation's orange and yellow options alongside blue, white, and midnight.
Inside, the S10 replaces the original S5 processor, while Wi-Fi improves from Wi-Fi 4 to Wi-Fi 6E. Bluetooth also moves from version 5.0 to Bluetooth 6, with Thread networking and Ultra Wideband support carrying over from the original.
The faster processor brings more potential benefits than just audio processing. Separate hands-on testing found that Siri responded more quickly and Handoff transferred audio faster than on the original HomePod mini.
I should rename the HomePod mini 2 to The Eye of SauronThere's also an important limitation for anyone planning to mix old and new HomePods. Apple requires two speakers of the same model and generation for stereo pairing, so an original HomePod mini can't form a stereo pair with a HomePod mini 2.
If you already own one original HomePod mini and want stereo sound, you'll need to find another first-generation model or purchase two newer speakers. You can't mix generations.
Sound Glow isn't exclusive to the new speaker
Sound Glow gives the HomePod mini 2's illuminated touch surface a more colorful appearance during music playback. The lighting draws colors from album artwork and pulses along with the music, adding a little movement to an otherwise understated design.
You won't need a new HomePod mini to enjoy the effect, though. Apple also brought Sound Glow to the original HomePod mini and second-generation HomePod through HomePod software 27.2.
The lighting is a welcome visual addition, especially if your speaker sits somewhere visible while you're listening. Since existing HomePods support the same feature, Sound Glow doesn't provide much incentive to upgrade.
Siri AI remains the biggest missing feature
Siri AI could eventually become one of the HomePod mini 2's biggest improvements, but the upgraded assistant still isn't available on the speaker as of November 4, 2026.
Apple has promised more natural conversations, broader knowledge, and better music discovery, along with requests that use personal information from supported apps. Users will eventually be able to ask Siri to find a song mentioned in a message or create a reminder using information stored elsewhere on their devices.
The expanded capabilities could make Siri more useful for everyday requests, especially when a command involves information spread across different apps. For now, HomePod mini 2 owners are still working with the existing assistant, and Apple hasn't announced a specific release date for the upgrade.
Getting the new Siri features will also involve more than updating the speaker. The home owner will need an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad running compatible software, with Siri AI enabled.
Requests involving personal context will require a paired compatible device, although other household members will be able to use some conversational and knowledge features without owning one themselves.
Siri AI has the potential to make the HomePod mini 2 more appealing, particularly for households that rely heavily on voice commands. Until Apple releases the update, though, we can't judge how accurately the assistant responds or how much its new abilities improve daily use.
We'll be re-reviewing the HomePod Mini 2 when it launches.
Four-speaker surround sound comes at a price
The HomePod mini 2 also supports a new four-speaker surround sound arrangement when paired with the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K. The system uses matching front and rear speaker pairs, automatically adjusting audio timing and levels based on their positions in the room.
You can build the setup using four HomePod mini 2 speakers or combine two minis with two second-generation full-sized HomePods. The arrangement offers another option for Apple TV owners who want something more immersive than a traditional stereo pair.
We couldn't test the four-speaker surround sound setup because we don't have a new Apple TV 4K yet. We'll take a closer look at surround sound pairing and its performance in our upcoming Apple TV 4K review.
Building a setup from scratch also requires a considerable investment. Four HomePod mini 2 speakers cost $596, and the new Apple TV 4K is priced at $299, bringing the minimum total to $895 before tax.
Our earlier surround comparison explores alternative speaker systems available for less money.
Siri AI has the potential to make the HomePod mini 2 more appealing.For someone who already owns compatible HomePods, the new arrangement could be worth exploring when the required Apple TV arrives. Anyone buying all the hardware specifically for surround sound should compare the complete system with other home theater options before spending nearly $900.
Smart home features remain familiar
The HomePod mini 2 continues to serve as an Apple Home hub, giving users a way to control compatible accessories and run automations. Thread networking and built-in temperature and humidity sensors also remain available for smart home setups.
Anyone upgrading from the original HomePod mini will already have access to those features. Apple's first-generation speaker supports the same basic smart home capabilities, so the newer model doesn't fundamentally change what you can control.
For someone starting an Apple Home setup, the HomePod mini 2 still offers a useful combination of smart speaker and home hub. Existing owners can continue using their original HomePods for most of the same tasks.
HomePod mini 2 is better for new buyers than existing owners
The HomePod mini 2 delivers good sound with excellent room coverage and enough volume for everyday listening. Our lossless comparison revealed slightly better instrument separation than the original, giving the newer speaker a modest but noticeable audio advantage.
Apple has also expanded what the speaker can do beyond playing music. Persistent Mac audio and four-speaker surround sound could make the HomePod mini 2 more useful in different parts of the home, although neither feature has been fully evaluated in our testing.
Siri AI remains another potentially significant improvement, but you shouldn't base the purchase on an assistant update that hasn't arrived.
At $149, we'd recommend the HomePod mini 2 more readily to someone buying their first HomePod or expanding an existing setup than to someone replacing a working original.
If you already own a HomePod mini and primarily use it for music, Siri commands, and Apple Home, you'll get slightly better sound and newer hardware by upgrading. The improvements are welcome, but they aren't substantial enough to justify replacing speakers that already do their jobs well.
HomePod mini 2 pros
- Clear, balanced sound
- Better instrument separation with lossless music
- Excellent room coverage
- Updated wireless connectivity and expanded audio options
- Useful Apple Home hub functionality
HomePod mini 2 cons
- Modest audio improvements over the original HomePod mini
- Siri AI isn't available at launch
- Can't create a stereo pair with the original HomePod mini
- Four-speaker surround requires expensive additional hardware
Score: 3 out of 5
The HomePod mini 2 is a product in the midst of becoming more. Siri AI may change it enough to justify a higher score, and surround sound pairing on Apple TV hardware may too.
We'll see. Like I said before, we'll re-review when Siri AI works on the model.
For now, if you have an original HomePod mini, stick with that. There's not enough justification to pay more for functionality you have right now.
Where to buy the HomePod mini 2
Apple's HomePod mini 2 retails for $149 and can be ordered at B&H Photo, Expercom, and Adorama.
