Does HomePod Mini 2 Have Improved Sound? Here's What Reviews Say

Apple's press release for the HomePod mini 2 last month touted "rich sound" and "advanced computational audio," but it did not explicitly mention if the second-generation model has better sound compared to the original. A few early reviews of the speaker, however, said that audio quality has in fact improved. Apple's tech specs pages for both the HomePod mini 2 and the original HomePod mini mention a "full-range driver" and "dual passive radiators for deep bass and crisp high frequencies," so the core speaker hardware is seemingly unchanged. However, the HomePod mini 2 is equipped with a much newer S10 chip that could use advanced algorithms to optimize sound in an improved manner compared to the S5 chip in the original model. CNET's Tyler Lacoma said the HomePod mini 2 has "much better sound" than the original model. From his article: Playing the same audio at the same volume on each speaker, I repeatedly switched between them while streaming Apple Lossless audio via Apple Music. The results were always the same: The new Mini 2 had significantly greater range and louder, clearer audio than the first HomePod Mini. It wasn't just noticeable: It was a big enough difference to completely change my mind about a speaker that didn't seem worth it on paper. If you want sound that can actually fill a room without losing quality, the HomePod Mini 2 is by far the preferable pick. Cult of Mac's Ed Hardy said likewise: To my ears, the second-gen version sounds noticeably better. Especially the stronger bass. I did a side-by-side comparison with HomePod mini 2 and my original model, and the new model definitely came out ahead. Another benefit of the S10 chip that Apple did not emphasize: Siri is apparently much faster for basic requests such as playing a song and smart home commands, according to The Verge's Jennifer Pattison Tuohy. However, this is based on what Apple now calls Siri Classic, as the more intelligent and personalized Siri AI will not be available on the HomePod mini 2 until a future software update, according to Apple. From her article: The Mini 2 is so much faster than the first-gen Mini, playing music in a few seconds and responding to smart home commands just as quickly. If you're fed up with standing over your HomePod waiting for it to finally do what you asked, then that alone is worth the upgrade. The new HomePod mini was released last week, with U.S. pricing set at $149. Popular StoriesNew Apple TV 4K, HomeView, and HomePod Mini: 16 Details Just LeakedSunday October 11, 2026 12:56 pm PDT by Joe RossignolJust two days before Apple's "Welcome home" experience in New York, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has leaked several details about the new products set to be unveiled, including an all-new smart home hub, a HomePod mini 2, and a new Apple TV 4K. Here is an all-in-one summary of the details shared by Gurman:Apple's home hub with a touch-enabled display will be named HomeView, seemingly confirming a ...Apple Expected to Release New Products on Next Four FridaysSunday October 18, 2026 11:01 am PDT by Joe RossignolApple likely plans to release MacBook Pro models with OLED displays, 14-inch MacBook Pro and iMac models with M6 chips, and/or an iPad mini 8 with an OLED display on Friday, November 6, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The devices are expected to be announced on Tuesday, October 27 or Wednesday, October 28. If this timeframe proves to be accurate, then Apple will be releasing new...Apple Announces $149 HomePod Mini 2 With Siri AI, 'Sound Glow', and Four-Speaker Surround SoundTuesday October 13, 2026 6:11 am PDT by Juli CloverApple today announced a new HomePod mini equipped with Siri AI, new colors, and improved audio experiences. The new HomePod mini has an S10 chip that supports advanced computational audio, and Apple says it optimizes dynamic range, loudness, and acoustic performance in real-time. A Sound Glow feature turns the HomePod mini's top into a "visual canvas" that glows and animates in sync with...