Short answer: the Apple HomePod Mini. It ranks #10 of 15 powered desktop speakers by sound quality (rated 3.3/5) at $149.36 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 is the better-sounding option. A tiny Siri smart speaker that hears you even at full volume and gives decent bass for its size. Watch for: 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.
The case for 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 lacks. Watch for: Digital Trends’ main complaint was that maximum volume could be louder, and RTINGS’ independent review agrees, naming it their one real weakness.
Buy the Apple HomePod Mini. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen is discontinued, so it is only available 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.
A tiny Google Assistant speaker that responds quickly, raises its volume over background noise and has a mic mute switch.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Apple HomePod Mini | Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.36 each | $119.00 each Discontinued |
| Ranked | #10 of 15 in Small Size Powered Desktop Speakers | #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 AC adapter (USB-C) | External AC adapter (15W, DC jack) |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (345 g) | 0.4 lbs (181 g) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| 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 | 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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