Speakers · Review
Google Home Speaker
A sensible upgrade for Google Home users, held back by ordinary sound and a subscription for its best features.
77
out of 100
Our verdict
Google's first new smart speaker in about six years replaces both the Nest Audio and Nest Mini, and its main upgrade is Gemini for Home, which handles natural requests better than the old Assistant. Its single 58mm driver fills a small or medium room and has more bass than the Nest Mini, but reviewers found mids slightly compressed and bass behind the Echo Dot Max and HomePod mini. Conversational Gemini Live and some smart home features require a Google Home Premium subscription after the trial. It also lacks the temperature and presence sensors found in Amazon and Apple rivals.
What's good
- Gemini is far more capable than Google Assistant
- Compact design with 360-degree sound
- Physical mic mute switch
- Thread support and Google TV Streamer pairing
What's not
- Best Gemini features need a paid subscription
- Single driver; sound trails similarly priced rivals
- No room sensors
- Hidden touch controls are hard to find
How it scores
How we rate →Specifications
- Type
- Smart speaker with Gemini for Home
- Driver
- Single 58mm full-range driver, 360-degree sound
- Smart home
- Google Home, Thread support
- Privacy
- Physical microphone mute switch
- Home theater
- Pairs with Google TV Streamer (one or two speakers)
- Colours
- Porcelain, Hazel, Berry, Jade