Winner
Updated October 2026
Data from the official Apple and Sonos sites.
2026 verdict
Apple HomePod (2nd gen) edges out Sonos Beam Ultra in 2026, led by rating, hub, and sensors.
Its clearest strengths are rating, hub, and sensors, and it still looks stronger on its broader overall balance. Sonos Beam Ultra can still be the right pick, but only if connectivity and integrations outweigh the wider strengths of Apple HomePod (2nd gen). That is why the final call still favors Apple HomePod (2nd gen).
Works with
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi 2.4/5 GHz
- Thread border router
- Matter bridge or controller
- Bluetooth
vs
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi 2.4/5 GHz
- Ethernet
- Bluetooth
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| Feature | Apple HomePod (2nd gen) | Sonos Beam Ultra | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5 | 4.2 | Apple HomePod (2nd gen) |
| Connectivity | 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth | 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet | Sonos Beam Ultra |
| Integrations | Apple HomeKit, Home Assistant | Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant | Sonos Beam Ultra |
| Hub | Thread Border Router, Matter Bridge | None | Apple HomePod (2nd gen) |
| Sensors | Temperature, Humidity | None | Apple HomePod (2nd gen) |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year | Tie |
| Voice Assistant | Apple Siri | Sonos Voice Control | Tie |
Winner
- + Rating: 4.5
- + Hub: Thread Border Router, Matter Bridge
- + Sensors: Temperature, Humidity
- - Connectivity: 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth vs 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet
- - Integrations: Apple HomeKit, Home Assistant vs Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant
$699.00
- + Connectivity: 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet
- + Integrations: Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant
- - Rating: 4.2 vs 4.5
- - Hub: None vs Thread Border Router, Matter Bridge
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better overall: Apple HomePod (2nd gen) or Sonos Beam Ultra?
Apple HomePod (2nd gen) has the stronger overall profile in this comparison, especially for rating, hub, and sensors.
What is the biggest difference between Apple HomePod (2nd gen) and Sonos Beam Ultra?
Rating is one of the clearest differences: Apple HomePod (2nd gen) lists 4.5, while Sonos Beam Ultra lists 4.2.
Who should buy Apple HomePod (2nd gen)?
Choose Apple HomePod (2nd gen) if your priority is rating and hub and that matters more than connectivity.
Who should buy Sonos Beam Ultra?
Choose Sonos Beam Ultra if your priority is connectivity and integrations and that matters more than rating.
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Compare all 22 Speakers side by side
You are looking at two of them. The full table lines up all Speakers in the catalog with the same specs, so you can filter by what you need and sort by price or rating.
- 22 Speakers
- 35 specs compared
- 32 filters
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