Apple HomePod mini Review 2026: iPhone households that already use the Apple Home app and want a small Matter and Thread hub.
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Our verdict
Apple sells the HomePod mini for $129 (as of 2026-10-02). Apple Support states that HomePod mini automatically becomes a home hub when set up, that a home hub is needed for the best Matter experience, and that HomePod mini is a Thread-enabled home hub for Thread-based Matter accessories. Apple's tech specs list the S5 chip, a full-range driver with dual passive radiators, four microphones, temperature and humidity sensors, an Ultra Wideband chip, Thread, 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0, and show it was introduced in 2020. Those radios trail the Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 on the Google Home Speaker, there is no Zigbee radio, and setup needs an iPhone or iPad. HomePod is covered by Apple's one-year limited warranty. This rating comes from Apple's documentation, not hands-on testing.
Score breakdown
- Performance (30%)6.0/10
- Value (25%)6.0/10
- Reliability (20%)7.0/10
- Ease of Use (15%)6.0/10
- Support (10%)7.0/10
Scored per our review methodology.
Who it's for
Best for: iPhone households that already use the Apple Home app and want a small Matter and Thread hub..
Pricing
$129 (as of 2026-10-02)
| Plan | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| HomePod mini | $129 (as of 2026-10-02) | Apple Store list price; Blue, Yellow, Midnight, White and Orange. |
What the evidence says
- HomePod mini is $129 (as of 2026-10-02) in five colours. (Apple Store, Buy HomePod mini (official))
- Apple S5 chip; acts as a hub for HomeKit and Matter-enabled accessories; temperature and humidity sensing. (Apple, HomePod mini (official))
- Introduced 2020; 802.11n Wi-Fi; Bluetooth 5.0; Thread; temperature and humidity sensors; requires iPhone or iPad. (Apple Support, HomePod mini Tech Specs (official))
- HomePod mini automatically becomes a home hub; Thread-enabled Matter accessories need a Thread-enabled hub such as HomePod mini. (Apple Support, Set up a home hub (official))
- Thread-enabled home hubs include HomePod mini; supported Matter accessory types listed. (Apple Support, Pair and manage Matter accessories (official))
- HomePod is covered by Apple's one-year limited warranty in the US. (Apple Legal, US limited warranty (official))
Pros & cons
Pros
- Automatically becomes a home hub for HomeKit and Matter accessories when set up, and is a Thread-enabled hub, per Apple Support
- Built-in temperature and humidity sensors and an Ultra Wideband chip, per Apple's tech specs
- Apple S5 chip for computational audio, with a full-range driver and dual passive radiators, per Apple
Cons & red flags
- Introduced in 2020, with older radios than rivals: 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0, per Apple's tech specs
- Setup requires an iPhone or iPad, per Apple's system requirements, so Android households cannot use it
- At $129 (as of 2026-10-02) it costs more than the Echo Dot Max and Google Home Speaker ($99.99 each) and has no Zigbee radio
How it compares
Apple HomePod mini scores 6.3/10 in our smart home evaluation. See where it lands in the full ranking: Best Smart Speakers of 2026.
- Amazon Echo Dot Max review — 7.8/10, alexa households that want an affordable speaker that also acts as a zigbee, matter and thread hub.
- Google Home Speaker review — 7.7/10, google home users, or mixed iphone and android households, who want a matter hub and thread border router at a low price.
Frequently asked questions
Does HomePod mini support Matter?
Yes. Apple Support says HomePod mini automatically becomes a home hub and lists it as a Thread-enabled home hub for Matter and Thread-based accessories in the Apple Home app.
Can I use it with Android?
No. Apple's system requirements call for an iPhone or iPad running the latest iOS or iPadOS.
What warranty does it have?
Apple's US limited warranty for iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and HomePod runs one year from the original retail purchase. AppleCare+ is sold separately.
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