Google Home and Apple HomePod both are smart speakers that assist you in many things. Apple HomePod was released after the release of Google Home, but they are very much closer in their age. If you want to pick the smart speaker out of HomePod and Google Home, well, that depends on the way you plan to use it. Both these speakers assist you in the same kinds of things such as setting timers, answering questions, controlling smart home devices, streaming music, etc. But the tools they use and the ways they do them can be different. In this article, we are comparing the key features of Google Home and Apple HomePod. You can decide which smart speaker fits you the best after reading this article.
01) Intelligent Assistant
Google Home
- Google Assistant is a powerful and flexible tool that draws information from Google’s vast database. So it is very good at answering questions. It supports third-party apps/ actions as well.
- Google Home doesn’t support secondary calendars. If you have more than one device nearly, they can all respond to the “OK Google” launch phrase, and that is confusing.
Apple HomePod
- “Hey, Siri” gives the correct device respond when prompted.
- When comparing with the Google Assistant, Siri is more limited in accessing information and performing tasks.
- You can add third-party apps or skills on HomePod because Apple doesn’t allow you to do so.
02) Streaming Music
Google Home
- Is compatible with Google Play Music and YouTube Music, which are not compatible with most of the other smart speakers.
- It as the built-in support for iHeartRadio, Spotify, and others.
- It doesn’t support Apple Music.
Apple HomePod
- Supports for Apple Music.
- Can stream other music services using AirPlay.
- Apart from Apple Music, deficiency to support other music services.
03) Sound Quality
Google Home
- It supports for multi-room audio so that all the Google Home devices in your house play the same audio.
- Has a lower-quality sound than the HomePod.
Apple HomePod
- Many different tests have verified that HomePod has the best sound quality among all the other smart speakers. Whether the audio volume is high or not, Siri can very well hear you so that you don’t have to shout.
- There is no stereo-pair, multi-room, or audio support right now.
04) Smart Home
Google Home
- Can control major smart home devices like Philips Hue light bulbs and Nest Thermostat.
- Google Home natively supports Chromecast.
- When comparing with the Amazon Echo, compatible devices are fewer.
Apple HomePod
- Can control major smart home devices such as Nest and Hue lights, using Apple’s HomeKit standard.
- When comparing to Amazon Echo, the compatible devices are fewer.
05) Messaging and Calling
Google Home
- Can make calls directly from the Google Home.
- It doesn’t support text messaging.
Apple HomePod
- Sir assists you to read text messages and to send them.
- It supports multiple texting apps, such as Apple Messages and WeChat.
- You can’t make calls directly with Apple HomePod. Instead, you can transfer called which were started on iPhone to HomePod.
06) Form Factor and Use in the House
Google Home
- Is available in three different sizes for different rooms and uses. The Original Home is 6” tall, and the cylinder is available in different colors. Home Mini is like a small lump of pizza dough. Home Max looks like the Sonos PLAY or a larger Bluetooth speaker, has 3 colors.
Apple HomePod
- Available in two colors; black and white.
- Has an attractive styling.
- Super-quality materials and construction.
- It has one size, shape, and style.
- Available in limited colors. (as mentioned in the first point)
07) Multiple Users
Google Home
- Supports multiple users, up to 6 users, and separately recognizes their voices.
- Can respond with personalized content, like playlists and calendars.
- However, it can’t delete, edit or cancel events by the voice.
Apple HomePod
- You can add Reminders, Notes, and other content to the HomePod.
- It doesn’t support multi-users.
- It only works for the original owner of the iPhone that used to set up to the device.
08) Apple/Google Ecosystem Integration
Google Home
- Deeply integrated with Google services and devices, like Chromecast.
- It doesn’t have any connections to Apple services.
Apple HomePod
- Deeply integrated with Apple services such as Apple Music, iMessage, and iCloud.
- There is no connection to Google services.
Google Home vs. Apple HomePod – What is Better?
In the comparison of Google Home vs. Apple HomePod, the Google Home stands out thanks to its advanced features, third-party app support, and multi-user support. Most of all, the Google Assistant is a lot smarter than the assistance of Siri, and that is a significant advantage of the Google Home. If you primarily want to use a smart speaker for music and other audio playback, Apple HomePod is a great device. But if you are looking for a smart speaker that is able to adapt to many different functions or activities, Google Home is the best pick.