Short answer: the JBL Authentics 500. It ranks #5 of 10 powered desktop speakers by sound quality (rated 4.1/5) at $449.95 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 500 lacks. The catch: Digital Trends’ main complaint was that maximum volume could be louder, and RTINGS’ independent review agrees, naming it their one real weakness.
What the JBL Authentics 500 does well: A large smart speaker with a built in subwoofer, virtual Dolby Atmos, Wi-Fi streaming and both Alexa and Google Assistant. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen. The catch: Bass is specified only to 40Hz at -6dB, so deep-bass reach is limited for a cabinet this size.
Buy the JBL Authentics 500. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen is no longer sold new.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
A tiny Google Assistant speaker that responds quickly, raises its volume over background noise and has a mic mute switch.
A large smart speaker with a built in subwoofer, virtual Dolby Atmos, Wi-Fi streaming and both Alexa and Google Assistant.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen | JBL Authentics 500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $119.00 each Discontinued | $449.95 each |
| Ranked | #14 of 15 in Small Size Powered Desktop Speakers | #5 of 10 in Large 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) | 100 - 240V AC, ~ 50/60Hz |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs (181 g) | 17.2 lbs (7.8 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) | - |
| Drivers | 40mm driver | 6.5” (down-firing subwoofer), 3x 2.75” midranges, 3x 1” (25mm aluminum dome) tweeters |
| Inputs | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Chromecast | USB-C (USB playback, 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) | 17.6” x 9.4” x 10.1” (447 x 240 x 255.7 mm) |
| Voice Assistants | Google Assistant / Gemini for Home | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) |
| Streaming Services | Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect | AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Alexa MRM |
| Dolby Atmos | - | Yes (virtual) |
| Ethernet | - | Yes |
| Frequency Response | - | 40Hz - 20kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Configuration | - | 3.1 channel |
| Amplifier Power | - | 270W (Max @ THD 1%) |
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