Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Google Nest Audio is the better pick: it ranks #9 of 15 powered desktop speakers by sound quality (rated 3.3/5), against #14 (rated 2.9/5) for the Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen. If you want one new, the Google Home Speaker replaces the Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen and is rated 3.0/5 at $99.99.
The Google Nest Audio is the better-sounding option. An affordable Google Assistant speaker with Chromecast casting and respectable bass from one small box. The catch: Each unit is mono; a genuine left-right stereo pair means buying two and pairing them over Wi-Fi.
What the Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen does well: A tiny Google Assistant speaker that responds quickly, raises its volume over background noise and has a mic mute switch. 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 Google Nest Audio only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the Google Home Speaker, which replaces the Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
An affordable Google Assistant speaker with Chromecast casting and respectable bass from one small box.
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 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
| Google Nest Audio | Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.99 each Discontinued | $119.00 each Discontinued |
| Ranked | #9 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 (Wi-Fi multi-room, Chromecast built-in) | Yes (Wi-Fi multi-room, Chromecast built-in) |
| Power Input | External AC adapter (30W, 24V, DC jack) | External AC adapter (15W, DC jack) |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Weight | 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg) | 0.4 lbs (181 g) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes (802.11 b/g/n/ac, 2.4GHz/5GHz) | Yes |
| App | Yes (Google Home) | Yes (Google Home) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | 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 | Yes (Wi-Fi stereo pairing via Google Home app) | Yes (Wi-Fi stereo pairing via Google Home app) |
| Drivers | 75mm woofer, 19mm tweeter | 40mm driver |
| 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 |
| Amplifier Power | 30W (2x Class D) | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 6.9” x 4.9” x 3.1” (175 x 124 x 78 mm) (H x W x D) | 1.7” x 3.9” x 3.9” (42 x 98 x 98 mm) (H x W x 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 | - |
| Voice Assistants | Google Assistant | Google Assistant / Gemini for Home |
| Streaming Services | Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect | Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect |
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