HomePod vs. Sonos Move

Have your party at home or take it outside with a smart speaker!

There are many different types of smart speakers available, both wired and wireless, and today we’ll be looking at both.

Sonos Move has been designed for people, well who move! While Apple HomePod has been created for dedicated Homekit users, and for those of us who simply want a nice and exceptional audio quality right here in our living room.

Regardless of their mobility, both smart speakers come with useful features such as voice control, auto-tuning, Apple Airplay 2, and the awesome ability to stream countless audiobooks, tracks, and podcasts with the touch of a button!

So, let’s read on to see which model suits you best.

Feel free to use our navigation system to skip down to any part you prefer.

HomePod vs. Sonos Move — Differences

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Difference #1: Audio Quality – In terms of audio quality, HomePod definitely impresses us with its array of seven horn-loaded tweeters each with its own custom amplifiers that are able to project much higher frequencies delivering perfect notes.

Additionally, its high excursion woofer will work to create soul-shaking bass that will truly make any soundtrack or movie come to life.

So it’s without a doubt that you can expect a more superior music quality when compared to Sonos Move’s single down-firing tweeter and one mid-woofer.

Difference #2: Microphone – A microphone is needed in your smart speaker in order for it to respond to your voice requests when using voice assistants such as Siri, Alexa or Google Assistant.

Once again, Apple HomePod comes out ahead with its whooping six-microphone array for far-field Siri, so your assistant will hear you from wherever you are at home and will respond to your request even when the music is blaring.

While Sonos Move includes a single far-field microphone array, which is still pretty good, though you may have trouble when trying to get a response when the music is on or if you’re not nearby.

Difference #3: Power Source – While both smart speakers can be plugged into a direct power source via a USB or AC power cable, Sonos also runs solely on battery power, which can hold up to a 10-hour charge!

Meaning you can bring your speaker out by the pool, carry it over to your friend’s party, or even take in on your camping trip, this speaker has been designed for people who are always on the go.

However, the only downside to your battery-powered Sonos is that some features won’t work when it’s not plugged in, such as the ability to control it via Sonos app.

While the HomePod requires a constant stream of power and needs to be plugged in in order to work.

Difference #4: Apple Homekit – HomePod only integrates with Apple Homekit and the Siri voice assistant, while Sonos Move comes with an in-built Alexa, as well as being compatible with Google Assistant.

Making Sonos far more flexible in terms of hands-free control and the addition of Alexa outweighs Siri since it’s more fleshed out, and comes with added skills.

That being said, having your smart speaker integrated with Homekit comes with its own benefits too as it acts as it also serves as a Homekit hub, with abilities such as to locate your iOS devices, send and listen to messages via Siri, control your HomeKit accessories, set timers, and many many more.

Difference #5: Weather & Bump proof – Since Sonos Move is designed to travel with you, it’s fairly weatherproof with its IP56 rating for protection from dust particles and liquid splashes, meaning you can easily have your speaker set up near the pool, or even in the shower!

Additionally, Sonos Move is also bump proof, meaning it can handle most minor falls and bumps, surviving the accidental knockdown during a more intense dancing session.

While HomePod is a little more fragile and should be left indoors.

Difference #6: Size & Design – In terms of size, Sonos is far heftier with its dimensions of 9.44″ x 6.29″ x 4.96″, compared to HomePod’s 6.8″ x 5.6″.

You would think it would be the other way around since Sonos Move is created to be a portable smart speaker. It does, however, come with a handle which does make lugging the smart speaker around a lot easier.

In terms of the finish, Sonos comes in a sleek black color tone with a black grille, a simple way to add a modern touch to any environment.

While HomePod offers two options, space gray & white to suit any space it’s in.


HomePod vs. Sonos Move — Comparison Chart

  Apple HomePod Sonos Move
Tweeter An array of seven
horn-loaded tweeters,
each with its own
custom amplifier.
One downward-firing
tweeter
Woofer High-excursion woofer
with a custom amplifier
One mid-woofer
integrated into
the cabinet
Microphone Six-microphone array
for far-field Siri
One Far-field
microphone array
Power AC USB & Battery
Touch Surface Yes Yes
Can be Paired Up Yes Yes
Bluetooth Yes Yes
WiFi Supports 802.11 b/g/n,
2.4 GHz, and 5GHz
Supports 802.11 b/g/n,
2.4 GHz, and 5GHz
Airplay 2 Yes Yes
Spatial Awareness Yes Auto Trueplay
Siri Yes N/A
Alexa Compatible N/A Yes
Google Assistant N/A Yes
Weatherproof No Yes/ IP Rating of 56
Apple Homekit Yes N/A
Bump Proof N/A Yes
Dimensions 6.8″ x 5.6″ 9.44″ x 6.29″ x 4.96″
Weight 5.5 lbs 6.61 lb
Finish Space Gray & White Black with Black grille

HomePod vs. Sonos Move — Things in Common

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Stereo Audio – You can easily pair up your HomePod with another HomePod, and your Sonos with a second Move, to enjoy stereo audio quality from your smart speakers that will liven up your party to the max or even set up your own home theatre for a more immersive movie experience!

Apple Airplay 2 – Both smart speakers support Apple Airplay 2, which allows you to stream various tracks, audiobooks, podcasts, and more straight from your device to the speaker, for a seamless listening experience.

HomePod, however, is even more efficient in its ability to have any track or audio transferred from your iPhone or any other iOS device directly to your HomePod by simply placing your device near the speaker!

Spatial Awareness – Both HomePod and Sonos Move have their unique way of producing the perfect sound, no matter the environment they are in.

For example, Sonos move utilizes an auto Trueplay software that enables it to create the perfect audio regardless of the room size, furniture placement or decor, so you can enjoy your favorite song without any limitations.

While HomePod in-built spatial awareness does essentially the same thing without you needing to operate any buttons or controls.

Network – Additionally, both smart speakers can connect to a 2.4GHz or 5GHz internet connection for fewer interruptions, and better performance.

Though if you feel that your network might not be up for it, you can look into a WiFi extender such as Sonos Boost for Sonos, or D-Link DAP-1650 WiFi Range Extender for HomePod.


HomePod vs. Sonos Move — Accessories

HomePod-extra

For your new HomePod smart speaker, it might not be a bad idea to check out the iDevices Switch which works by turning any ordinary device into a smart one via WFi, after which you can use hands-free control to operate them with Siri!

While for Sonos home, you can take a look at the Sonos Beam, which can make your movie nights truly magical with its ability to enhance the sound and voice quality of your favorite shows, while also providing an exceptional audio experience.

And lastly, be sure to check out the Sonos Move Charging Base to avoid your smart speaker running out of juice when you need it the most!


HomePod vs. Sonos Move — Our Thoughts

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When it comes to choosing between HomePod and Sonos Move, there are a couple of things to keep in mind.

For example, do you wish to own a speaker that will compliment your Apple ecosystem, and even act as a type of a hub? Then HomePod is for you!

While Sonos Move has been created with mobility in mind, and if you want a speaker you can quickly pack up and set up anywhere you want, as well as use Alexa and Google voice commands, then you need to look no further with Sonos.

While it’s true that HomePod comes with an unmatched audio quality like no other, it’s only suited for indoor use and needs to be plugged in, and you’ll also need an Apple device to operate your new speaker as well as an Apple ecosystem, which is good news for Apple users, but not so good for the rest of us.

Making Sonos Move the more flexible choice!

Last update on 2024-03-29 at 03:13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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