Short answer: the JBL Authentics 200. It ranks #10 of 29 powered desktop speakers by sound quality (rated 3.7/5) at $199.95 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.
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. It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the JBL Authentics 200 lacks. The tradeoff: Digital Trends’ main complaint was that maximum volume could be louder, and RTINGS’ independent review agrees, naming it their one real weakness.
The case for the JBL Authentics 200: A retro styled Wi-Fi speaker that plays surprisingly loud and runs Alexa and Google Assistant at the same time. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen lacks. The tradeoff: Bass not as deep as others.
Buy the JBL Authentics 200. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen is no longer sold new.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
A tiny Google Assistant speaker that responds quickly, raises its volume over background noise and has a mic mute switch.
A retro styled Wi-Fi speaker that plays surprisingly loud and runs Alexa and Google Assistant at the same time.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen | JBL Authentics 200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $119.00 each Discontinued | $199.95 each |
| Ranked | #14 of 15 in Small Size Powered Desktop Speakers | #10 of 29 in Medium Size Powered Desktop Speakers |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| 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) |
| Power Input | External AC adapter (15W, DC jack) | AC Power Cable (100-240V) |
| Stereo | No | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs (181 g) | 9.3 lbs (4.2 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4GHz/5GHz)) |
| App | Yes (Google Home) | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes (3 far-field mics, hardware mute switch) | - |
| EQ | Yes (Bass/Treble, via Google Home app) | Yes |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| TWS | Yes (Wi-Fi stereo pairing via Google Home app) | No |
| Drivers | 40mm driver | 5” full-range woofer, 2x 25mm tweeters; 6-inch down-firing passive radiator; 6-inch down-firing passive radiator; 6-inch down-firing passive radiator; 6-inch down-firing passive radiator |
| Inputs | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Chromecast | Bluetooth, Wifi, Aux, USB (US only) |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 1.7” x 3.9” x 3.9” (42 x 98 x 98 mm) (H x W x D) | 10.5” x 6.8” x 6.6” (266.3 x 171.7 x 167.4 mm) |
| Voice Assistants | Google Assistant / Gemini for Home | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) |
| Streaming Services | Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect | AirPlay, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Alexa MRM |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~50Hz |
| Frequency Response | - | 50Hz - 20kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | - | 90W |
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