Both the full-size HomePod and HomePod Mini are powerful smart speakers that let you summon audio sources—music, podcasts, the news, the weather, and general information—using voice commands to Siri. Both devices also serve as a HomeKit hub, which lets you access HomeKit devices when you aren’t home (and lets them send you alerts if something is up) and also controls any Automations you may turn on—like telling the lights to go on at sunset or shades to raise at down. The Mini is the better deal, as it has the same smart capabilities as the full size one, at less than half the price, but is small enough to sit on a counter, bookshelf, desk, or bedside table.
