Apple HomePod mini: Features, Buying Options, and Alternatives

The Apple HomePod mini was introduced in 2020, but it still remains a relevant and popular choice in 2025. What makes it special — and what alternatives are worth considering this year? Let’s dive into the article and find out.

About Apple HomePod mini

The speaker features a spherical shape with subtly beveled top and bottom edges. While its form factor differs from the original HomePod, the materials and overall design language remain consistent and instantly recognizable.

Designed with sustainability in mind, the HomePod mini uses 99% recycled rare earth elements, including 100% recycled neodymium in the speaker magnet. The seamless mesh fabric is made from over 90% recycled plastic, and all wood fiber in the packaging comes from responsibly managed forests or recycled sources.

A backlit touch-sensitive surface on the top allows for intuitive control and interaction with Siri. The HomePod mini is also ENERGY STAR® certified, underscoring its energy efficiency.

In terms of dimensions, the HomePod mini stands at 84.3 mm (3.3 inches) tall and 97.9 mm (3.9 inches) wide, with a weight of 345 grams (0.76 pounds). For comparison, the original HomePod weighs 2.5 kg (5.5 pounds), making the mini version significantly more compact and lightweight.

The Apple HomePod mini is available in five colors:

• Blue
• Yellow
• Midnight
• White
• Orange

Characteristics

• Full-range driver
• Dual force-cancelling passive radiators
• Stereo pair capable
• Multiroom audio
• Siri
• Intelligent assistant
• Voice recognition
• Smart home hub
• Sound Recognition
• Temperature and humidity sensor
• Private and secure

Usage Specifications

• Line voltage: 100V to 240V AC for 20W power adapter
• Frequency: 50Hz to 60Hz

What can the speaker do?

The HomePod mini is more than just a speaker — it’s your smart home assistant. Here’s what it can do:

• Recognizes up to 6 different voices and personalized responses
• Plays music based on each user's listening habits
• Adds songs or podcasts to playlists
• Shows your listening history
• Works as an alarm clock
• Controls smart home devices via Siri
• Lets you create reminders, notes, and calendar events
• Siri can identify songs, just like Shazam, simply ask “Hey Siri, what song is this?”

Alternative speaker options

The Apple HomePod mini costs $99 — and yes, it’s not just about the brand, it’s genuinely a great device. But what are some good alternatives at a lower price?

Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) – $49 (now $34.99 with discount)

• Best sound yet for an Echo Dot: clearer vocals, deeper bass
• Supports Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, Bluetooth
• Alexa voice assistant: weather, alarms, jokes, Q&A
• Smart home control: lights, fans via motion/temperature sensors
• Privacy controls: mic off button, data protection
• Device pairing: multi-room music, Fire TV sound system, Wi-Fi extender with eero

 

Google Nest Mini (2nd Gen) – $67.59

• Compact Bluetooth speaker with strong sound
• Global language support (English, Spanish, French, Portuguese)
• Universal power adapter – works internationally
• Easy wall mounting or placement on shelves/counters
• Powered via corded electric adapter
• Recommended for indoor use only

Xiaomi Mi Smart Speaker – $60

• Built-in Google Assistant and Chromecast
• Spotify Connect support
• IR blaster: voice control for non-smart devices
• Balanced 360° sound field with rich audio
• Pair two for stereo sound
• Multi-speaker sync for whole-home audio
• Dual mics for far-field voice commands
• Detachable power cable, Bluetooth 5.0, dual-band Wi-Fi

How to order the Apple HomePod mini from the USA

The Apple HomePod mini isn’t available in all regions, but you can easily purchase it from the U.S. using Qwintry. 

 

Here’s how it works:

• Sign in to your Qwintry account
• Shop at American stores like Apple, Best Buy, or Walmart
• Use your Qwintry address at checkout
• Once your item arrives at our U.S. warehouse, we’ll reliably ship it to your country

Enjoy premium Apple sound in your home — even if it’s not officially sold in your region.

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