There are better-sounding and cheaper options than four HomePods for surround sound

Apple's four-HomePod surround sound setup costs at a minimum $900 with a new Apple TV 4K. These five alternatives deliver dedicated wireless rear speakers and more features for considerably less money.


Apple introduced four-speaker HomePod surround sound alongside the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K on October 13. The feature allows compatible HomePods to operate as matching front and rear pairs, with Apple TV automatically calibrating audio timing and levels based on speaker placement.

However, as we reported, the feature requires the new $299 Apple TV 4K and four compatible HomePods. Only second-generation HomePods and HomePod mini 2 models are supported, and the front and rear pairs must match.

Two full-size HomePods cost $698, while two HomePod mini 2 speakers add another $298. Combined with the required Apple TV 4K, the complete system costs $1,295 before taxes. Four HomePod minis bring the total down to $895, while four full-size HomePods push the cost to $1,695.


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