Short answer: the Apple HomePod Mini, if you are buying new. The Google Nest Audio measures as well as it (#9 vs #10 of 15 powered desktop speakers, 3.3/5 vs 3.3/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Apple HomePod Mini is still sold new at $149.36. The Google Nest Audio’s replacement, the Google Home Speaker, is rated 3.0/5 at $99.99.
What the Apple HomePod Mini does well: A tiny Siri smart speaker that hears you even at full volume and gives decent bass for its size. The catch: SoundGuys’ listed cons include no mute button at all, an occasionally annoying Handoff prompt, and no direct Spotify integration since Siri only launches Apple Music by voice.
What the Google Nest Audio does well: 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 lacks. The catch: Each unit is mono; a genuine left-right stereo pair means buying two and pairing them over Wi-Fi.
Buy the Apple HomePod Mini if you want one new; the Google Nest Audio is discontinued, so only look for it used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
A tiny Siri smart speaker that hears you even at full volume and gives decent bass for its size.
An affordable Google Assistant speaker with Chromecast casting and respectable bass from one small box.
Prices on this page were last checked November 5, 2026 at 10:30 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
| Apple HomePod Mini | Google Nest Audio | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.36 each | $99.99 each Discontinued |
| Ranked | #10 of 15 in Small Size Powered Desktop Speakers | #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 AC adapter (USB-C) | External AC adapter (30W, 24V, DC jack) |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (345 g) | 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes (802.11 b/g/n/ac, 2.4GHz/5GHz) |
| App | Yes (Apple Home) | Yes (Google Home) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes (4 far-field mics, no mute button) | 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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