Short answer: the Apple HomePod Mini 2, if you are buying new. The Google Nest Audio measures as well as it (#9 vs #11 of 15 powered desktop speakers, 3.3/5 vs 3.3/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Apple HomePod Mini 2 is still sold new at $149. The Google Nest Audio’s replacement, the Google Home Speaker, is rated 3.0/5 at $99.99.
What the Apple HomePod Mini 2 does well: Apple’s second generation HomePod mini keeps the compact acoustic design of the Apple HomePod Mini, a full-range driver with dual passive radiators and a waveguide for 360 degree sound, and adds a newer chip for real-time computational tuning. The tradeoff: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared directly with measured speakers; the rating is estimated from its measured predecessor.
The case for the Google Nest Audio: An affordable Google Assistant speaker with Chromecast casting and respectable bass from one small box. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Apple HomePod Mini 2 lacks. Watch for: Each unit is mono; a genuine left-right stereo pair means buying two and pairing them over Wi-Fi.
Pre-order: the Apple HomePod Mini 2 is available for pre-order and expected to ship Friday, October 30, 2026.
Buy the Apple HomePod Mini 2 new; the Google Nest Audio is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
About the ratings: the Apple HomePod Mini 2’s rating is estimated from measured siblings and predecessors rather than its own measurements, with a likely range of 3.1 to 3.5, so this verdict could change once it is measured.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Apple’s second generation HomePod mini keeps the compact acoustic design of the Apple HomePod Mini, a full-range driver with dual passive radiators and a waveguide for 360 degree sound, and adds a newer chip for real-time computational tuning.
An affordable Google Assistant speaker with Chromecast casting and respectable bass from one small box.
Prices on this page were last checked October 26, 2026 at 12:00 AM 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
| Apple HomePod Mini 2 | Google Nest Audio | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.00 each Preorder | $99.99 each Discontinued |
| Ranked | #11 of 15 in Small Size Powered Desktop Speakers Estimated | #9 of 15 in Small Size Powered Desktop Speakers |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Battery Life | No Battery | No Battery |
| IP Rating | None | None |
| Party Mode | Yes (AirPlay 2 multi-room) | Yes (Wi-Fi multi-room, Chromecast built-in) |
| Power Input | External 20W USB-C power adapter | External AC adapter (30W, 24V, DC jack) |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (335 g) | 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes (Wi-Fi 6E) | Yes (802.11 b/g/n/ac, 2.4GHz/5GHz) |
| App | Yes (Apple Home) | Yes (Google Home) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes (3 far-field mics) | Yes (3 far-field mics, hardware mute switch) |
| EQ | No | Yes (Bass/Treble, via Google Home app) |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| TWS | Yes (stereo pairing via Home app) | Yes (Wi-Fi stereo pairing via Google Home app) |
| Drivers | Full-range driver + dual passive bass radiators | 75mm woofer, 19mm tweeter |
| Inputs | Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2 | 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 | No | Yes |
| Dimensions | 3.3” x 3.9” (84.3 x 97.9 mm) (H x diameter) | 6.9” x 4.9” x 3.1” (175 x 124 x 78 mm) (H x W x D) |
| Voice Assistants | Apple Siri | Google Assistant |
| Streaming Services | AirPlay 2, Apple Music (direct voice control); other services via AirPlay only | Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, AAC |
| Amplifier Power | - | 30W (2x Class D) |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.0 |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 60.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review via spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 44.3Hz (derived, log-interpolated between ASR’s spinorama -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 1.71 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 4.06 |
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