There is no doubt that the Amazon Echo “smart” speakers are among the most popular on the market (with their Echo Show displays) and they offer one of the most refined user experiences thanks to the Alexa voice assistant. And SKILLSwhich further expand its functions and possibilities.
Jeff Bezos’ company has launched a new device that joins other members of the “smart” speaker family, the Echo Pop. This proposal, which is one of the cheapest in the Amazon catalogstands out for its design and good value for money.
Although its price is significantly lower than the HomePod mini, It’s hard not to compare them as they are both fighting for the same piece of the pie.: to be the “intelligent and economical” speaker of the house. We compare them to know their characteristics, their differences and their prices.
Includes HomePod mini speaker and Amazon Echo Pop
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FEATURES |
HOMEPOD MINI |
AMAZON ECHO POP |
|---|---|---|
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DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS |
8.43 cm high x 9.79 cm wide and 345 grams in weight |
9.9 x 8.3 x 9.1 cm and 196 grams in weight |
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SOUND TECHNOLOGY |
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sound sources |
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controls |
tactile
|
Buttons
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connectivity |
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Others |
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Price |
109 dollars |
$54.99 |
Introducing the Echo Pop | Bluetooth smart speaker with Alexa for powerful, compact sound | Anthracite
APPLE HomePod mini (2021), Smart Speaker, Siri, 360º, Bluetooth®, WiFi, HomeKit, Home Automation, Space Gray
- sound technology: Apple does not specify the power available to the HomePod mini, only that it incorporates a broadband transducer and two passive radiators; What the sound is emitted in 360º and the audio of the computer adjusts it in real time. It also incorporates four microphones to interact with Siri remotely and that it is possible to pair it with other AirPlay speakers to play a stereo pair (with another HomePod) and multizone sound. The Echo Pop comes with a 1.95-inch speaker whose power is not specified either, that its sound is lossless high definition, it offers surround sound and incorporates microphones to interact with Alexa .
- sound sources: The HomePod mini, although compatible with third-party music streaming services, makes the most of Apple Music and the Apple ecosystem, since you can also send content from your iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple TV via AirPlay. The Echo Pop also benefits from Amazon services, but from the Alexa app it is possible to configure the default music streaming service and on Spotify, Apple Music or Deezer. It can also be treated as a “normal” speaker if Bluetooth is enabled on it.
- controls: HomePod mini has on the top of a touchpad that responds to gestures users, who can interact by touch. The Echo Pop incorporates three physical buttons to increase or decrease the volume and mute the microphones. Both speakers can be controlled with Siri or Alexa, which is the most comm on way to do it remotely.
- connectivity: The Echo Pop connects to the Internet via 2.4 or 5 GHz Wi-Fi, integrates Bluetooth LE, functions as a Matter controller and also serves as a connection point if we have an Eero mesh WiFi system at home. The HomePod mini connects to the internet via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, has Bluetooth 5.0, an ultra-wideband chip for nearby devices, and Thread support.
- Others: One of the coolest things about the Echo Pop is that it works like a wifi network extender when you have an eero mesh system at home, spanning up to one thousand square feet (about 90 square meters).
- Price: the Amazon Echo Pop is available at 54.99 dollars and the HomePod mini costs 109 dollars.
Echo Pop VS HomePod mini, which “smart” speaker to buy?
The HomePod mini and Amazon Echo Pop are two of the most affordable “smart” speakers on the market. They are aimed at a fairly defined audience– Those looking for an affordable option because they don’t need to have the best sound quality or be packed with features, or looking to try out what a device with these features is all about for the first time.
Although they are similar, there are important differences between them which can help users choose one or the other. The first and most important is that the HomePod mini is intended for use in a home with more Apple products. At least an iPhone or iPad. Indeed, the Home application is necessary to configure it and control its parameters. So if you don’t have one, it came out because it couldn’t be used and the Echo Pop would be the right choice.
Without an iPhone or iPad, the HomePod mini isn’t an option because it couldn’t be set up
The Echo Pop is set up with the Alexa app, which is available on Android, iOS and Fire devices, so it doesn’t matter if you prefer the Apple ecosystem or another brand with those operating systems. SO the dilemma is if you have an iPhone and there are doubts between choosing the HomePod mini or the Echo Pop.
Apple’s proposal is the one that best integrates with the company’s services. This means that if you use Apple Music and you’re familiar with AirPlay, even if you have an Apple TV to use as a speaker next to another to form a stereo pair, the HomePod mini is a great option that’s going to get plenty of juice.
If, on the other hand, you prefer another service like Spotify (or Apple Music, but the HomePod mini doesn’t quite convince you), you don’t have Apple TV and the voice assistant Siri lacks functions (remember that Siri has evolved very little, at least in Spanish, and its competitors are more versatile), the Amazon Echo Pop deserves some attention:
- Alexa is one of the best voice assistants, and its SKILLS expand the possibilities with new functions.
- It’s possible set another default music streaming service like Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer or Apple Music. Apple claims that its HomePod mini is also compatible with third-party services, but the operation is not as smooth/comfortable.
- Echo speakers can be used as speakers for Fire TV Stick/Cube media centers.
Sound quality is also important. After all, they are speakers. You shouldn’t expect anything exceptional from them, but the HomePod mini streams in 360º and has been well received. The Echo Pop’s speaker is front-facing, so it doesn’t provide the same effect, but the sound isn’t bad for it.
And the price. The HomePod mini costs twice as much as the Amazon Echo Pop. If you opt for both because there are no compatibility issues, that can be a deal breaker. Of course, the Echo Pop is very good value for money, and it is expected that in a few months its price will drop at times, as is customary with the rest of Amazon products. The HomePod mini isn’t usually available at a discount, and if there is one, it’s very small.
APPLE HomePod mini (2021), Smart Speaker, Siri, 360º, Bluetooth®, WiFi, HomeKit, Home Automation, Space Gray
Introducing the Echo Pop | Bluetooth smart speaker with Alexa for powerful, compact sound | Anthracite
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