Wifi for HomePod

Wi-Fi is required to set up HomePod. Once set up you can enable AirPlay connection for everyone which may allow ad-hoc playback from a device with no Internet requirement, but Siri requires internet. HomePod works best with an internet connection. An Apple Music subscription allows access to more content, and native playback of your own cloud library without needing to depend on other devices. It is not a Bluetooth speaker.

System Requirements

• HomePod with the latest software version
• iPhone SE (2nd generation or later) or iPhone 8 or later with the latest version of iOS; or iPad Pro, iPad (5th generation or later), iPad Air (3rd generation or later) or iPad mini (5th generation or later) with the latest version of iPadOS
• 802.11 Wi‑Fi internet access

tt2

HomePod can be used without an Apple Music subscription, but then you're limited to using AirPlay from your computer or device. An Apple Music subscription gives you access to the whole Apple Music catalog on demand.

tt2

second that a bluetooth speaker may be more useful for you, but apart from acting as an airplay speaker, it also support play radio from tuneIn and siri stuff like homekit and the likes

also plays music you purchased from itunes store even without a subscription

A regular Bluetooth speaker may better suit your needs.

tt2

I only have HomePods, so nothing to compare with.

Yes, ad-hoc playback should be possible, but a Wi-Fi connection will be required in order to set up the HomePod.

tt2