These sit in different size classes, so this is not a straight ranking comparison. The Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen ranks #8 of 9 powered desktop speakers by sound quality at $109.95; the Sonos Play ranks #50 of 142 medium speakers by sound quality at $299.
The case for the Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen: Digital Trends’ review found it responds quickly, automatically raises music and response volume over background noise, and is built from recycled plastic. 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 Sonos Play: Genuinely wide, clean stereo dispersion off-axis thanks to the two angled tweeters, holding up from the side far better than most portables. The tradeoff: Bass distorts noticeably on bass-heavy tracks at default settings, and the distortion persists even after enabling Trueplay tuning and manually pulling bass back in the app.
Buy the Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen ($109.95) for a powered desktop speaker; the Sonos Play ($299) suits a medium speaker instead.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen. It ranks near the bottom of the 9 powered desktop speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Water resistance is not close: the Sonos Play is rated at IP67 (brief submersion), well ahead of the Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen at no water resistance.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings and Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen | Sonos Play | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $109.95 each Discontinued | $299.00 |
| Ranked | #8 of 9 in Small Size Powered Desktop Speakers | #50 of 142 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | No Battery | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wi-Fi multi-room, Chromecast built-in) | No |
| Power Input | External AC adapter (15W, DC jack) | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs (181 g) | 2.9 lbs (1.3 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| App | Yes (Google Home) | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes (3 far-field mics, hardware mute switch) | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (Bass/Treble, via Google Home app) | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| TWS | Yes (Wi-Fi stereo pairing via Google Home app) | Yes |
| Drivers | 40mm driver | mid-woofer, 2x angled tweeters |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Inputs | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Chromecast | - |
| XLR Input | No | - |
| RCA Input | No | - |
| TRS Input | No | - |
| Optical Input | No | - |
| Coaxial Input | No | - |
| USB Input | No | - |
| HDMI Input | No | - |
| AES Input | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.0 | - |
| Dimensions | 1.7" x 3.9" x 3.9" (42 x 98 x 98 mm) (H x W x D) | 7.6" x 4.4" x 3" (192.3 x 112.5 x 76.7 mm) |
| Voice Assistants | Google Assistant / Gemini for Home | Amazon Alexa (Sonos Voice Control also built in) |
| Streaming Services | Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect | - |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.3 |
| Omnidirectional | - | No |
| Digital Aux Input | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Sonos Play:
- Earfun Uboom L vs Sonos Play
- Sonos Play vs Soundcore Motion 300
- Minirig 4 vs Sonos Play
- B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen vs Sonos Play
- Sonos Play vs JBL Charge 6
Prices on this page were last checked September 22, 2026 at 5:11 AM 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen: $109.95 each Discontinued Amazon eBay
Pros: Digital Trends’ review found it responds quickly, automatically raises music and response volume over background noise, and is built from recycled plastic. Its 40mm driver is clearer through the midrange and treble than the larger-driver Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Gen it was tested against, though the Echo had more bass and outright volume. A physical microphone mute switch is on the side.
Cons: Digital Trends’ main complaint was that maximum volume could be louder, and RTINGS’ independent review agrees, naming it their one real weakness. There is no 3.5mm or other wired audio input of any kind. This model has been discontinued by Google in favor of the newer Google Home Speaker, so current retail listings run well above the original $49 launch price as remaining stock sells through resellers. Discontinued.
Full Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| App | Yes (Google Home) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | No Battery |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes (3 far-field mics, hardware mute switch) |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 1.7" x 3.9" x 3.9" (42 x 98 x 98 mm) (H x W x D) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 40mm driver |
| EQ | Yes (Bass/Treble, via Google Home app) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| IP Rating | None |
| Inputs | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Chromecast |
| Optical Input | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wi-Fi multi-room, Chromecast built-in) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | External AC adapter (15W, DC jack) |
| RCA Input | No |
| Stereo | No |
| Streaming Services | Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect |
| TRS Input | No |
| TWS | Yes (Wi-Fi stereo pairing via Google Home app) |
| USB Input | No |
| Voice Assistants | Google Assistant / Gemini for Home |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs (181 g) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| XLR Input | No |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen vs Amazon Echo Pop
- Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen vs Google Home Speaker
- Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen vs Amazon Echo Dot 5th Gen
- Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen vs Apple HomePod Mini
- Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen vs Google Nest Audio
- Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen vs Amazon Echo Dot Max
- Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen vs Amazon Echo Studio 2nd Gen
- Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen vs B&O Beosound 2
- See all 23 comparisons
Sonos Play: $299.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Genuinely wide, clean stereo dispersion off-axis thanks to the two angled tweeters, holding up from the side far better than most portables. Loudness processing keeps it sounding full-bodied at low volume. 24-hour user-replaceable battery with an included wireless charging base, IP67 waterproof and dustproof, and full Sonos WiFi multi-room with AirPlay 2 on top of Bluetooth 5.3.
Cons: Bass distorts noticeably on bass-heavy tracks at default settings, and the distortion persists even after enabling Trueplay tuning and manually pulling bass back in the app. Sounds boxy and short on clarity next to cheaper competitors.
Full Sonos Play review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.6" x 4.4" x 3" (192.3 x 112.5 x 76.7 mm) |
| Drivers | mid-woofer, 2x angled tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa (Sonos Voice Control also built in) |
| Weight | 2.9 lbs (1.3 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons