Apple HomePod mini vs Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker
Critics score the Apple HomePod mini 79 and the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker 84 out of 100, from 19 and 6 professional reviews. 5 outlets reviewed both: 2 scored the Apple HomePod mini higher and 3 scored the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker higher.
Image: AppleApple HomePod mini
Praised for: sound quality (18 of 19), design (9 of 19), ease of use (4 of 19)
Criticised for: controls and app (7 of 19), call quality (2 of 19)
The catch: Siri is limited and non-Apple music support is thin.
All 19 reviews of the Apple HomePod mini →
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Image: BoseBose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker
Praised for: sound quality (5 of 6), ease of use (3 of 6), design (3 of 6)
Criticised for: price (2 of 6)
The catch: It costs more than the Sonos Era 100 and has no room tuning.
All 6 reviews of the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker →
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Critics who reviewed both
The fairest comparison: the same reviewer, the same standards| Outlet | Apple HomePod mini | Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| TechRadar | 83est. | 90 | -7 |
| CNET | 82 | 83 | -1 |
| Trusted Reviews | 89est. | 90 | -1 |
| Engadget | 77est. | 75 | +2 |
| Tom's Guide | 83est. | 80 | +3 |
Scores converted to 0–100. Difference is the Apple HomePod mini minus the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker. Outlined tiles are estimated from the verdict. Each score links to the review.
Compare either one with another smart speaker → · All smart speakers ranked →
Common questions
Which is better, the Apple HomePod mini or the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker?
Critics rate the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker higher: 84 against 79. 5 outlets reviewed both: 2 scored the Apple HomePod mini higher and 3 scored the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker higher.
Do critics agree about the Apple HomePod mini and the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker?
The Apple HomePod mini: broad agreement, scores from 60 to 89. The Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker: broad agreement, scores from 75 to 90.