HomePod mini is the best smart-home hub we own

We bought our first HomePod mini as a kitchen speaker. Three years later there is one in nearly every room, and music is not the main reason.

Thread changed everything

HomePod mini is a Thread border router. Thread devices form a mesh network that is fast and reliable, and battery-powered sensors last far longer than on Wi-Fi. With a couple of HomePods and an Apple TV, our motion sensors respond instantly.

Matter makes it open

With Matter, we can add devices from many brands without separate hubs. It is not perfect — some features still need the manufacturer’s app — but setup now takes seconds.

And it is a good speaker

Small but full-sounding, with a stereo pair making a great desk setup. Intercom between rooms is unexpectedly useful with kids.

Our advice: before buying any proprietary hub, see whether a HomePod mini or Apple TV already does the job.