If you’ve been thinking about getting an Apple HomePod (2nd generation), now’s the time to act — it’s on sale right now. Verizon for $175. That’s a significant $125 discount (42 percent off) and one of the best deals we’ve seen on a smart speaker to date. In addition, Verizon is currently offering a contract HomePod MiniIt lets you get a pair for $150, or 25 percent off.
The latest Apple HomePod speaker is on sale for one of the best prices we’ve seen to date.
With clearer and richer sound than Amazon and Google’s offerings, the second-generation HomePod scored a solid 84 points in our test. review last year. However, it’s really only aimed at top-performing Apple users iPhonesApple TV and other devices of the company, as well as services such as Apple Music.
As a smart home device, it fits The issue and Thread is on top of Apple’s own HomeKit protocol, so you can use it to control a wide variety of security cameras, thermostats, outlets, and other smart home accessories. It also has built-in temperature and humidity sensors, and its built-in microphones work well for picking out your voice through the noise.
Speakers like the Sonos Five and Sonos Era 300 cost more but offer slightly better sound, while the Sonos Era 100 is normally a slightly better value (Google Assistant and Amazon Echo users should look elsewhere). Additionally, there’s no Bluetooth audio, and Siri isn’t the most capable assistant for $175, but the second-generation HomePod is a good deal if you’ve been eyeing one.
If you don’t need HomePod’s sound quality, HomePod Mini Also on sale on Verizon with a “buy one, get one half off” deal (basically two for $150). This will get you a stereo pair or allow you to keep several bedrooms. While it offers superior sound quality to the Echo Dot and Google Home Mini, it comes with almost all the same smart home features.
Watch it @EngadgetDeals Twitter and Subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying tips.