Short answer: the Amazon Echo Dot Max. It ranks #5 of 14 powered desktop speakers by sound quality (rated 3.5/5) at $119.99 and is still sold new; the Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen ranks #13 (rated 2.9/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen’s replacement, the Google Home Speaker, is rated 3.0/5 at $99.99.
The Amazon Echo Dot Max is the better-sounding choice. A compact Alexa smart speaker with a 2.5-inch woofer and dedicated tweeter, an excellent far-field microphone and a balanced midrange for clear voices. The tradeoff: Engadget’s main complaint was that it is a real step down from the discontinued Amazon Echo (4th Gen) it effectively replaces at the same price: that older speaker paired a 3-inch woofer with dual 0.8-inch tweeters, against the Dot Max’s single 2.5-inch woofer and one tweeter, and frequencies felt smushed together without a clean bass-to-treble separation.
The case for the Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen: Digital Trends’ review found it responds quickly, automatically raises music and response volume over background noise, and is built from recycled plastic. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Amazon Echo Dot Max lacks. The catch: Digital Trends’ main complaint was that maximum volume could be louder, and RTINGS’ independent review agrees, naming it their one real weakness.
Buy the Amazon Echo Dot Max. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen is discontinued.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
A compact Alexa smart speaker with a 2.5-inch woofer and dedicated tweeter, an excellent far-field microphone and a balanced midrange for clear voices.
Amazon $119.99 eBay
Digital Trends’ review found it responds quickly, automatically raises music and response volume over background noise, and is built from recycled plastic.
Amazon $109.00 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Amazon Echo Dot Max | Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $119.99 each | $109.00 each Discontinued |
| Ranked | #5 of 14 in Small Size Powered Desktop Speakers | #13 of 14 in Small Size Powered Desktop Speakers |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Battery Life | No Battery | No Battery |
| IP Rating | None | None |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wi-Fi multi-room, Alexa Home Theater) | Yes (Wi-Fi multi-room, Chromecast built-in) |
| Power Input | External AC adapter | External AC adapter (15W, DC jack) |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| App | Yes (Alexa) | Yes (Google Home) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes (far-field, mic mute) | Yes (3 far-field mics, hardware mute switch) |
| EQ | No | Yes (Bass/Treble, via Google Home app) |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| TWS | Yes (Wi-Fi stereo pairing via Alexa app) | Yes (Wi-Fi stereo pairing via Google Home app) |
| Drivers | 2.5in woofer, 1x tweeter | 40mm driver |
| Inputs | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Chromecast |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 3.9” x 4.4” x 4.9” (99 x 112 x 124 mm) | 1.7” x 3.9” x 3.9” (42 x 98 x 98 mm) (H x W x D) |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa / Alexa+ | Google Assistant / Gemini for Home |
| Streaming Services | Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, iHeartRadio, SiriusXM, TuneIn | Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect |
| Weight | - | 0.4 lbs (181 g) |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.0 |
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