Apple Home (Apple TV or HomePod): reviews and verdict

Speaker or TV box from Apple (United States). Everything published about it in one place: journalist tests, YouTube reviews, specs and who it suits.

Updated November 2026

Works without internetMostly local
Built-in radiosThread, Matter, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Price bandUnder €100
SetupPlug & play
Journalist tests (2025–2026)No outright win

Strengths

  • Privacy and on-device processing are core design goals
  • Thread border router built in
  • No extra app if everyone uses an iPhone

Keep in mind

  • Works best when the whole household is on Apple
  • Simpler automations than dedicated hubs
Apple Home (Apple TV or HomePod) vs Google Home (Nest)Apple Home (Apple TV or HomePod) vs Amazon Echo Hub (Alexa)Apple Home (Apple TV or HomePod) vs Aqara Hub M3Switch from Apple Home (Apple TV or HomePod)Switch to Apple Home (Apple TV or HomePod)Apple brand profileOfficial website ↗

What journalists say

All journalist reviews →

None of the 2025–2026 tests in our list covers Apple Home (Apple TV or HomePod) yet.

YouTube reviews

All YouTube reviews →

No videos from large channels in our list yet.

Strengths, price band and setup are our own editorial assessment, the same data the Hub Advisor and Compare use. Check the maker’s spec sheet for your exact model.