It’s a better-than-average simulation of Dolby Digital or Dolby Atmos. Better than tv speakers or a sound bar. But the proper configuration has the two speakers positioned 6-8’ in front of you near the TV. The sound won’t magically wrap around your head and appear to “surround” you.

You also need an Apple TV and decent wifi. It’s a completely wireless sound system (wifi, not bluetooth) so it can be temperamental if you have weak signal, interference, etc.

It’s pretty amazing. I’ve had 5.1 systems in the past and HomePods mimic better surround sound sometimes. My wife and I can’t hear each other taking next to each other.

Sound quality is pretty good for what it is but can be finicky with the wifi connection.

Can anyone comment as to the sound quality of using stereo HomePod Minis as compared to a cheap (~ $150) sound bar? I already have two HomePod Minis and was thinking of outputting all audio through them