Short answer: the Google Home Speaker, if you are buying new. The Google Nest Audio ranks higher than it (#9 vs #13 of 15 powered desktop speakers, 3.3/5 vs 3.0/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Google Home Speaker is still sold new at $99.99.
The Nest Audio has the better hardware, but Google no longer makes it. A 75mm woofer and a separate 19mm tweeter give it real bass for its size: Audio Science Review measured it reaching 60Hz before falling 3dB, with an unusually smooth predicted in-room response. It also supports AAC over Bluetooth.
The Home Speaker is Google’s current model, built around Gemini. It doubles as a smart home hub, with a Thread border router and Matter support, in a small 107mm sphere. Its single 58mm driver is a step down in sound: SoundGuys heard clear vocals but barely any bass, and treble that turned shrill when pushed. Its USB-C port carries power only, and Bluetooth is SBC only.
Buy the Google Home Speaker new; the Google Nest Audio is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
A compact Gemini smart speaker that doubles as a smart home hub with a Thread border router and Matter support.
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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| Google Home Speaker | Google Nest Audio | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.99 each | $99.99 each Discontinued |
| Ranked | #13 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 (Wi-Fi multi-room, Chromecast built-in) | Yes (Wi-Fi multi-room, Chromecast built-in) |
| Power Input | USB-C (30W adapter, power only, no USB Audio) | External AC adapter (30W, 24V, DC jack) |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (396 g) | 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes (Wi-Fi 6, dual-band) | Yes (802.11 b/g/n/ac, 2.4GHz/5GHz) |
| App | Yes (Google Home) | Yes (Google Home) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes (3 far-field mics, hardware mute switch) | Yes (3 far-field mics, hardware mute switch) |
| EQ | Yes (Bass/Treble, via Google Home app) | Yes (Bass/Treble, via Google Home app) |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| TWS | No (two units pair only through a Google TV Streamer, not with each other directly) | Yes (Wi-Fi stereo pairing via Google Home app) |
| Drivers | 58mm full-range driver | 75mm woofer, 19mm tweeter |
| Inputs | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Chromecast | 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 |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 3.4” x 4.2” x 4.2” (86.6 x 107 x 107 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 | Google Assistant / Gemini for Home | Google Assistant |
| Streaming Services | Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect | Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect |
| Amplifier Power | - | 30W (2x Class D) |
| 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 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Google Nest Audio compares with other leading options: