Nowadays, it’s hard to find a gadget that can’t do just about anything you could want it to do. The Apple HomePod can do a little bit of everything, from communicating with others to creating a smart home. But, with a relatively hefty price tag starting at $299, you may be wondering if the Apple HomePod is worth the investment.
Although the Apple HomePod has many beneficial features, it may not be the ideal smart speaker to purchase if users do not own one already. Because it is a relatively new product, users are still finding a few flaws with the device that have yet to be fixed.
The Apple HomePod is undoubtedly bringing advancements to in-home AI entertainment systems. However, because they’re still in the infancy stage, it may not be the best time to purchase one just yet. Despite this, some users may feel like the benefits the device offers make it worth buying now rather than later. Below, we’ll cover the pros and cons of Apple HomePods and whether they’re worth the cost.
Advantages of the Apple HomePod
It’s actually quite remarkable what the Apple HomePod can do. Even though it’s new and undetermined if this device truly outshines the rest of the in-home AI speaker systems on the market, the Apple HomePod doesn’t skimp on capabilities, especially when it comes to optimizing your house to fit any and every need you might have.
Multiple Functions
Whether you’re working in the house, just getting home, or just waking up, the Apple HomePod has been designed to make you as comfortable as possible.
The HomePod can act like the assistant you always wanted with its capabilities:
- Lighting: Don’t like walking into a dark house at the end of a long day? Set your lights to turn on as soon as you pull up to your house. On the other hand, you can also set the house to turn off the lights when you leave.
- Time and Temp: Do you tend to wake up early in the morning when it’s still freezing cold? Have the HomePod set your house to a specific temperature for when it’s time for you to wake up.
- Movement: Instead of fumbling around trying to find the light switch in a room you walk through every day, set certain rooms to have the lights turn on when motion is detected.
Compatible with Various Accessories
In all fairness, it doesn’t seem that there’s much the HomePod cannot connect to and control. Even though the possibilities are endless in terms of outfitting a true smart house, you will have to make sure you buy appliances and add-ons separately that are compatible with the HomePod.
Lights
In terms of lighting and motion sensors, these aren’t easy on the wallet but are still fairly reasonable for what they’re able to do.
The Cygnett Home Smart Wi-Fi LED bulb is recommended, as well as the Smart Motion Sensor so that you can be sure to set the lighting how you like it best. Whether that’s to set a particular mood or just turn on or off based on when you arrive and leave the house, these will fit your new HomePod nicely.
They both cost $29.95, so you may want to do one room at a time if you’re trying to save on your budget.
Thermostats
This is probably one of the more appealing accessories to add to your home. It can be timed to be a certain temperature that you prefer and is easy to adjust. It might not prevent all the fights of who turned the thermostat up or down, but that’s outside of HomePod’s jurisdiction.
One of the more highly recommended and positively reviewed smart thermostats is the Infinity System Control. It is designed for the most precise and preferred comfort levels and has an easy-to-use and intuitive interface.
It doesn’t come with an initial cost, as you’ll need to call for quotes based on the model you buy, but typical smart thermostats run in the range of $150-$250.
Security
Everyone wants to feel safe in the comfort of their own home, so having a Smart Security Kit is an easy and perfect solution to go along with your HomePod.
Abode was at the top of the list for compatible home security systems with the HomePod. This particular kit:
- Is easy to install without tools, wiring, or hiring a tech to come to your home.
- Connects via ethernet to ensure an even more reliable connection.
- Can connect to up to 160 devices.
- Has cellular backup in the event your system loses connection to the internet.
- Has a backup battery in case your power goes out.
- Has a built-in 93db siren to deter any intruders.
Although these are just a few examples of how much you can integrate your home and the Apple HomePod, they are notable additions that can make your everyday life feel a little bit easier and safer.
Disadvantages of the Apple HomePod
This new technology doesn’t come without a few hiccups. As great as the HomePod seems, it’s still a fairly new device and has been showing some flaws as a result:
- It has been known to leave damaging rings on wooden surfaces and is only compatible with iOS operating systems, making it harder for universal use.
- If you don’t have Apple Music and want to stick with Spotify, you’re going to have a hard time playing music, as the HomePod only plays from your personal library or Apple Music.
- HomePod can also only connect to a single user (Apple ID) at a time, making it difficult for someone else to use it as well.
The Apple HomePod comes in at $299, so it’s not the lowest in terms of price. However, it has massive potential to do more than just answer your fun questions and play music.
But, if you’re trying to save money for other household items, you might want to consider alternative smart speaker options.
Alternative Smart Speakers
Apple has become a front runner of incredible technology, but they’re not the first to create a device like the HomePod. Amazon and Google have also revolutionized simple household speakers into mini assistants.
Amazon Echo
The Amazon Echo is also a very diverse smart speaker with its own resumé of impressive features:
- Rich and deep sound
- Voice control for all your entertainment needs
- Compatible with all music streaming services
- Smart home capabilities
- Protected information and not sold to third parties
The Echo has been around a little longer than the HomePod and thus has worked out its own set of kinks, making it a very attractive smart speaker (especially when the new 4th gen model costs a humbling $99).
Google Nest
Another great smart speaker alternative is the Google Nest. It’s compatible with many devices and streaming services and can provide similar features to that of the Apple HomePod:
- Play music from any/all streaming services with high-end speaker quality.
- Turn your house into a smart home.
- Control your home security system.
The Google Nest has been around a bit longer than the HomePod and is a reliable smart speaker with a couple of models. The Nest Mini goes for $49, and the Nest Audio for $99.
Final Thoughts
The Apple HomePod is an impressive smart speaker that can do many things for you and your home. If you’re willing to take a $299 chance on a device that is still getting some of the bugs worked out and love and have all things Apple, then this is your next purchase.
However, if you like an array of devices and want to have a little more flexibility along with a more cost-effective choice, then another smart speaker, like the Amazon Echo or Google Nest, is going to be a better fit for you and your home.
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