Consumer Reports Disagrees That The HomePod Sound Better Than Google Home Max And Sonos One

Many of reviewers says that HomePod sounds incredible, it even better than the $999 KEF X300A Digital Hi-Fi Speakers. However, Consumer Reports has conducted some early audio testing of the HomePod, while the full evaluation isn't yet finished, they beileved that the $400 Google Home Max and the $200 Sonos One sound better than Apple's new $349 smart speaker.

In the test, HomePod received a "Very Good" sound quality rating, while Sonos One and the Google Home Max were both received higher overall sound quality scores. During the time, Consumer Reports' testers found a few issues from the smart speaker, and it's conducted in a dedicated listening room

Consumer Reports pointed out the major issue they found is the the bass was "boomy and overemphasized," the midrange tones were "somewhat hazy," and the treble sounds were "underemphasized." Overall, it is reported the HomePod's sound to be "a bit muddy" when played next to the Sonos One and the Google Home Max.

Outside of the smart speaker market, it reads that all three of these smart speakers “fall significantly short” of its highest-rated wireless speakers, like the Edifier S1000DB, priced at $350, received an “Excellent” rating in testing.

The HomePod will serve many music fans well, but CR testers did hear some flaws. The HomePod's bass was a bit boomy and overemphasized. And the midrange tones were somewhat hazy, meaning that some of the nuance in vocals, guitars, and horns was lost: These elements of the music couldn't be heard as distinctly as in more highly rated speakers. Treble sounds, like cymbals, were underemphasized. But the HomePod played reasonably loudly in a midsized room.

Keep in mind that HomePod has been highly praised both by the HomePod owners and by majority media sites that tested the device ahead of its release. Plus these sort of audio rankings is that sound, this can be subjective change to people. What's your thoughts on this? Do you agree with them?

Via MacRumors And 9to5Mac, Image Credit