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There seems to be pretty widely varying user experiences with HomePods. Some very bad, some very good. Not sure why, maybe it’s all in the way they are used. I don’t use my HomePods for real-time video/audio, so I don’t run into the lag frustrations. Although I believe I tested Apple TV FaceTime app once and I don’t recall much lag, but maybe I just didn’t notice. In any case, high fidelity wireless audio seems to always have to have lag, so that’s something I just accept as a trade off due to technological limitations for now.

For all my uses, my OG HomePods have been pretty much perfect—those being stereo pair for music and Apple TV, smart home control, info queries, adding reminders, etc. I think I’ve had issues but they’ve been so infrequent and minor that I really can’t remember what they were, other than Siri misunderstanding me sometimes. But that’s pretty rare too because now I know Siri’s limitations.

It’s interesting because while some people are aggravated by their HomePods, my HomePods are one of my favorite Apple products, maybe tied with Apple TV for my favorite as far as how much enjoyment they bring me vs. how little frustration. Most of my other Apple products are more just for utility rather than enjoyment, and I have more frustrations with them. But to be fair it’s because they have to do a lot more. My HomePods have less responsibility, and for me they’re really good at them. I was really bummed when the HomePod looked like it was going to be discontinued, and super happy when it was brought back. I’ll definitely replace my OGs when they finally die, but so far there are no signs of that nor of Apple dropping support.
 
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I started this thread back in February, and now we’re in August. I’ve got no regrets.

The Sonos app has improved a lot since then, and I’ve managed to grab some great deals through second-hand and sale items.

The biggest downside for me is the Era 100’s microphones. They often fail to pick up commands, and my wife now falls out with Alexa just as much as she did with Siri.

I still think the original HomePods have the edge when it comes to fuller bass. But after adding Sub Minis to two of my Era 100 stereo pairs, the sound is genuinely impressive for speakers their size.

I’ve also added a Sonos Port, connected to my Yamaha RX-V1900 amp and B&W 683 home theatre setup. That blows the Era 100s away, which is no surprise given the hardware. But it gives me Sonos integration and easy streaming without sacrificing quality.

As for the HomePods, I wouldn’t go back. The sound was great when they worked, but the constant software issues, random disconnections, and reliance on Apple’s ecosystem made the experience frustrating. AirPlay was unreliable, there was no Bluetooth or line-in, and using them with a MacBook was a laggy mess. Even stereo pairing would break for no reason.

The HomePods had potential, but they were held back by Apple’s closed approach. Unless that changes, they will always feel limited.

No regrets. I’m much happier with my Sonos setup now.
 
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I just bought one after throwing out a cheap Alexa device. Alexa does not work better, IMHO. Yes, more device compatability, but matter devices expose more functionality and reliability.

I absolutely hate how Alexa simplifies some devices and does not do two way communication. For example, my mini split with wifi will get out of sync with Alexa comands to turn it on and off. So i can be gone and think I turn it off with the app, but it actually turns it on, wasting energy while out of town. Doesn’t match the remote features at all.
 
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