Apple HomePod Mini Review: Is it worth it? | Reviews.org

By far and away my favorite feature of the HomePod Mini (also found on the O.G. HomePod) is Intercom. It’s exactly what it sounds like – you can place multiple HomePods around in different rooms and speak to one or all of them at once. All you have to do is say, “Hey Siri, Intercom, dinner’s ready” and your message will play on every HomePod (and even iPhones and Apple Watches on the same network). You can even Intercom your home when you’re out. Simply say to your iPhone or Smart Watch, “Hey Siri, Intercom, does anyone need anything while I’m out?” Has this feature made me lazier? Heck yes. Has it also made my life easier? You bet it has.

Another benefit of having two or more HomePods is the ability to create stereo sound. By having two on different sides of the same room, you can create an immersive surround sound effect. Or, you can keep them in separate rooms, and as you’re moving from one to the other, say “Hey Siri, play this in the [insert room here]”. Unfortunately, if you’re only investing in one HomePod Mini, you’ll miss out on both these features, as well as Intercom.

Another letdown with the HomePod Mini is its limited support for third-party music services. Apple Music will work just fine, as will radio stations through TuneIn and iHeartRadio, but if you’re subscribed to Spotify, Amazon Music, or something else, Siri won’t be able to help you out. You’ll still be able to use AirPlay to stream your music from your compatible device to your HomePod Mini, but you’ll have to use that device to control it. Siri ain’t home.