The Apple HomePod (3rd Gen) is best suited for users deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem who prioritize audio quality and ease of use. The Samsung SmartThings Hub v3 is a better choice for users seeking broad compatibility with numerous smart home devices and ecosystems, along with robust automation features and multiple voice assistant options.
| Attribute | Apple HomePod (3rd Gen) | Samsung SmartThings Hub v3 |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Apple HomePod (3rd Gen) | Samsung SmartThings Hub v3 |
| Voice Assistant Compatibility | Siri is the primary voice assistant. Compatibility with other voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant is not confirmed. | Alexa, Google Assistant, Bixby |
| Smart Home Ecosystem Integration | Primarily integrates with Apple HomeKit. Support for Matter is expected. | SmartThings, Ring, Arlo, Philips Hue, Lutron Caseta, Ecobee, TP-Link, August, Yale, Schlage, Kwikset |
| Audio Quality | High-fidelity audio with rich, deep bass and clear high frequencies. Features include spatial audio with Dolby Atmos. It uses computational audio to adjust music in real-time based on the environment. | No built-in audio capabilities for music playback or voice commands |
| Connectivity Options | Expected to have Wi-Fi (potentially Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7) and Bluetooth. | Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz), Ethernet, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Bluetooth 4.1 (for initial setup) |
| Smart Home Device Compatibility | Compatible with HomeKit devices. Matter support would expand compatibility to numerous third-party devices. | Zigbee, Z-Wave, Cloud-to-Cloud protocols |
| Ease of Setup and Use | Setup is generally considered easy, especially for users already in the Apple ecosystem. | Easy setup with SmartThings app, Wi-Fi connectivity |
| Privacy Features and Security | Communication between the HomePod and Apple servers is encrypted, and anonymous IDs are used. Apple doesn't store audio of requests by default. | Local data processing, end-to-end encryption, compatibility with security sensors and cameras |
| Multi-room Audio Support | Yes, supports multi-room audio. | Not available |
| Smart Home Automation Capabilities | Can create smart home automation routines and scenes. It may include presence sensors to trigger routines. | Time of day, device status, location-based automations |
| Mobile App Support and Features | Controlled and managed through the Apple Home app. | Android and iOS app, device control, scene creation, room management |
| Size and Design | Rumored to have a 6-7 inch display. It will be a bit smaller than the iPad mini, around the size of two iPhones side by side. | 5" x 5" x 1.2", 0.5 pounds, white body |
| Price | Speculation exists around the price, with some analysts suggesting a base price of around $249, but with accessories, it could reach $499 or more. | Originally $99, now around $69 |