Short answer: the Apple HomePod Mini 2. It ranks #11 of 15 powered desktop speakers by sound quality (rated 3.3/5) at $149 and is still sold new; the Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen ranks #14 (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 Apple HomePod Mini 2 is the better-sounding 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. Watch for: 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.
Why pick the Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen: A tiny Google Assistant speaker that responds quickly, raises its volume over background noise and has a mic mute switch. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Apple HomePod Mini 2 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.
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. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen is discontinued, so it is only available used.
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.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
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.
A tiny Google Assistant speaker that responds quickly, raises its volume over background noise and has a mic mute switch.
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 Mini 2nd Gen | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.00 each Preorder | $89.99 each Discontinued |
| Ranked | #11 of 15 in Small Size Powered Desktop Speakers Estimated | #14 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 (15W, DC jack) |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (335 g) | 0.4 lbs (181 g) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes (Wi-Fi 6E) | Yes |
| 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 | 40mm driver |
| 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) | 1.7” x 3.9” x 3.9” (42 x 98 x 98 mm) (H x W x D) |
| Voice Assistants | Apple Siri | Google Assistant / Gemini for Home |
| Streaming Services | AirPlay 2, Apple Music (direct voice control); other services via AirPlay only | Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.0 |
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