For context I am a big Apple fan and not coming here just to hate. I’m also fairly embedded in the ecosystem with an Apple TV, AirPods, Mac, iPhone, etc.
I bought the HomePods per a recommendation from a friend and ever since I’ve regretted not just buying a sound bar instead. My list of grievances:
- I’d expect plug in speakers at the size, price, and needing to get plugged into be louder and have more bass.
- Nonstop connectivity issues that aren’t user friendly. Sometimes there’s a lag in connecting, sometimes I need to plug it out and plug it back in, sometime I want to connect to just my HomePods and not my Apple TV, and sometimes I want to be able to disconnect easily. Yes most of these things are doable but none of them are easy.
- Even with an Apple TV I can’t play things like my Xbox audio through the HomePods because of no eArc and an older tv
- This one isn’t technically Apple’s fault but serious lag with Spotify. Skipping songs or fast forwarding ads on podcasts is a pain
I honestly expected a lot more from Apple given the emphasis on quality and that I was paying a premium on these speakers. Had I known all of these friction points I would’ve opted for a Sony soundbar instead
I doubt it’s an unpopular option in this sub.
Apple is quality in a very specific way, the kind of way that refuses to play nice with non-Apple products. As for connectivity issues between Apple products, that more of a Apple puts their fingers in their ears and shouts can’t hear you can’t hear you doesn’t count if I can’t hear you nah nah nah nah nah
For smart phone purposes Apple is great. For home audio purposes Apple is so far off my radar it’s not even an option being considered and rejected, it’s just not an option