Home LivingSmart HomeApple’s best smart speaker is £50 off; there’s a catch but it’s a little oneThe second generation HomePods are available with nearly 20% off – directly from AppleWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Home LivingSmart HomeApple’s best smart speaker is £50 off; there’s a catch but it’s a little oneThe second generation HomePods are available with nearly 20% off – directly from AppleWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
The second generation HomePods are available with nearly 20% off – directly from Apple
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Apple)
(Image credit: Apple)
Apple’sHomePod (2nd gen)is without a doubt Apple’s best-sounding speaker. It’s also the most expensive, with a UK price tag of £299. Apple doesn’t tend to discount HomePods, even for events such as Black Friday, so any sign of a discount is very good news for prospective purchasers. And right now you can get the 2nd Gen HomePod in either Black or Whitefor a relatively titchy £249– a saving of £50.
Should I buy a refurbished HomePod?
If you’re all-in on Apple and serious about sound, yes. I have two of the first generation, which I bought second hand, and they’ve been absolutely solid and consistently brilliant. The newer generation sounds even better, and if you can stretch to it I’d definitely recommend investing in two rather than just one. That makes for a great home cinema setup with theApple TV+ 4K as well as a great stereo music system. As we said in our review, “Without spending a lot more money, you won’t get a better all-purpose smart speaker than the HomePod.” It’s considerably louder and more full sounding than theHomePod mini.
As for Apple Refurbs, I’ve literally bought dozens of devices that way – the first refurb I bought from Apple was a snow iBook G4 back in around 2005, and I’ve bought all kinds of refurbs since. Apple charges a little more for its refurbished items but I’ve found it’s worth paying for guaranteed Apple parts (where required to refurbish the item) and Apple’s usual high standards of quality control.
There are other cheaper HomePods out there, but make sure you’re looking at the same thing: a lot of the refurbs on the likes of eBay are first generation models, which are perfectly decent speakers but of course aren’t worth as much money as the newer ones.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
TOPICSapple
TOPICS
The ultimate full-body gym workout for beginners, according to a fitness expertWant to hit the gym to build strength and muscle, but don’t know where to start? This workout can help
Want to hit the gym to build strength and muscle, but don’t know where to start? This workout can help
Amazon upgrades Kindle Colorsoft already – new model addresses customer complaintsAmazon’s full-colour e-reader fixes a problem that was plaguing its display
Amazon’s full-colour e-reader fixes a problem that was plaguing its display
Apple should focus on this video doorbell feature if it wants to beat Ring at its gameWhat I want to see from Apple’s rumoured video doorbell
What I want to see from Apple’s rumoured video doorbell
Apple’s smart home security system is on its way, says expertApple’s reportedly getting serious about the smart home
Apple’s reportedly getting serious about the smart home
Apple’s new home hub could be the smart home kit you’ve been dreaming ofMore details on Apple’s wall-mounted smart home hub are emerging – think a more home-focused iPad mini
More details on Apple’s wall-mounted smart home hub are emerging – think a more home-focused iPad mini
Apple’s smart home “wall tablet” could surprise everyone next springThe robotic iPad is still some time away, but a simpler, square hub could launch as soon as March 2025
The robotic iPad is still some time away, but a simpler, square hub could launch as soon as March 2025
iOS 18’s Home Hub controls add the Apple TV upgrade I’ve wanted for yearsiOS 18 finally lets Apple Home users choose their preferred Home Hub
iOS 18 finally lets Apple Home users choose their preferred Home Hub
Apple homeOS could launch at WWDC 2024 to take the fight to AmazonA new smart home operating system incoming?
A new smart home operating system incoming?
Yale smart locks have fingerprint access and Apple HomeKeys support… but there’s a catchYale launches two new smart locks with better security and easier access
Yale launches two new smart locks with better security and easier access
