Paying $59.95 Extra Just to Mount Apple’s $299 HomeView Would Be Bad Enough, but There’s a Second Catch Hiding Inside the Device

Apple’s new HomeView smart home hub starts at $299, but choosing the wall-mounted version comes with a hidden expense.

You’ll pay extra for the mounting hardware and get fewer speakers than the tabletop model, which costs the same.

The difference matters because Apple sells both versions at the same price, even though the wall-mounted HomeView lacks some of the audio hardware built into the speaker base model.

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Wall-mounted HomeView costs at least $358.95

Apple doesn’t include mounting hardware with the $299 wall-mounted HomeView. Instead, buyers must purchase a compatible mount separately, with three options available.

The cheapest is a $59.95 USB-C wall connector from Schneider Home, designed for self-installation. It also requires a USB-C power adapter rated at 20W or higher, which isn’t included.

The $79.95 AC Wired mount hides the power cable inside the wall for a cleaner appearance. Apple recommends professional installation and is working with ADT to offer that service.

There’s also a $129.95 Power over Ethernet mount for homes with compatible wiring, although that option isn’t available yet.

With the cheapest mounting accessory, the wall-mounted HomeView costs at least $358.95 before tax, and potentially more if you need a power adapter or professional installation.

Apple offers a no-mount purchase option for customers who want to use third-party hardware, but compatible alternatives aren’t currently available.

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You’re also giving up better speakers

Both HomeView models include two full-range drivers built into the display, but the tabletop version adds a down-firing woofer and two force-canceling passive radiators for improved bass response.

The wall-mounted model lacks those components, relying instead on computational audio tuned for its placement against a wall.

Color choices are more limited, too. The wall-mounted HomeView comes in silver and space gray, while the speaker base version is also available in starlight and rose pink.

For buyers who care about audio quality, the tabletop HomeView offers more speaker hardware for less money.

The wall-mounted version costs extra to install, with the main advantage of a cleaner setup that doesn’t take up counter or table space.

Both versions are available for preorder now and launch November 13.