31

out of

260

Speakers

True Score Methodology v1.0

Google Nest Mini Review

Name: Google Nest Mini
Brand: Google

By

Kenn Muguna

5/23/2023 5:37 PM

True Score

82

Absolutely Fresh

82

22

Experts

90

0

Consumers

Product Awards

GR Certified

Expert Pick

Expert Rankings

(

22

)

Product reviewers liked how well the Google Nest Mini worked with Google Assistant and were glad that they could make some sound quality adjustments. However, they didn’t appreciate its high Chromecast latency, missing 3.5mm port, and inability to play stereo content.

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Table of Contents

Product Snapshot
Overview
Consensus
- {post.0.post_title} Specs
- Test Results
Product Comparison
All Stores
Score Card
Expert Score Breakdown
Customer Score Breakdown
Learn More About Speakers

Product Snapshot

Overview

The Google Nest Mini is an entry-level Bluetooth speaker that was first announced in late 2021, and like the best speakers around, it has both Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity. The speaker also comes with Google Assistant built-in, and this (as well as its Google Home app) relies on its WiFi Internet connection to work. Speaking of which, owners will be able to adjust the speaker’s bass and treble levels through the Google Home app, allowing them to personalize their experience when watching movies or listening to music. The best Bluetooth speakers allow for a broader spectrum of sound adjustments and have a longer connectivity range compared to the Nest’s 262 ft. Still, the Nest Mini is more suitable for indoor use since it is not battery-powered, but buyers who would wish to consider a speaker that is ideal for outdoor use might want to explore our Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 review.

Consensus

our Verdict

The Google Nest Mini impressed expert testers with its Google Assistant capabilities. Reviewers from Rtings were delighted with how well the Nest Mini picked up voice commands, and during their sound tests, they could make adjustments to the bass and treble through the Google Home app. For an alternative that supports both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, make sure to check out our Sonos Roam review. The testing team at Android Authority was also satisfied with its bass levels and liked that it could be used as a speakerphone. They also confirmed that it could fill an average-sized room with sound.

However, they didn’t appreciate its inability to play stereo content without downgrading it and its lack of a 3.5mm port. They were also disappointed with its high latency over a Chromecast connection. On the other hand, the IKEA SYMFONISK has an admirable -14ms latency for Apple Airplay. If this sounds considerable, then go ahead and learn more about it through our IKEA SYMFONISK Bookshelf review.

Reason to Buy

Great with Google Assistant
Decent bass levels
Works as a speakerphone
Bass and Treble are adjustable
WiFi connectivity

Reason to Avoid

Can’t play stereo content
No 3.5mm port
High Chromecast latency

Google Nest Mini Specs

	Battery Life	8 hrs
	Built In Microphone	Yes
	Charge Time	5 hrs
	Size	1.65" (h) x 3.85" (w) x 3.85" (d)
	Smart App	Yes
	Speaker Pairing	Yes
	Water Resistant	n/a
	Wattage	15W
	Wireless Range	n/a

All Specs

Test Results

Battery Life (Hours)	0
Volume Output (dB)	76.5
Low End Roll Off (Hz)	142.544
High End Roll Off (Hz)	13,279.637

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Product Comparison

	Google Nest Mini Review			Amazon Echo Gen 4 Review
True Score	82	NR	NR	84
Ranking	# 31 / 260	# /	# /	# 18 / 260
Market Context	The Google Nest Mini is an entry-level Bluetooth speaker that was first announced in late 2021, and like the best speakers around, it has both… The Google Nest Mini is an entry-level Bluetooth speaker that was first announced in late 2021, and like the best speakers around, it has both Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity. The speaker also comes with Google Assistant built-in, and this (as well as its Google Home app) relies on its WiFi Internet connection to work. Speaking of which, owners will be able to adjust the speaker’s bass and treble levels through the Google Home app, allowing them to personalize their experience when watching movies or listening to music. The best Bluetooth speakers allow for a broader spectrum of sound adjustments and have a longer connectivity range compared to the Nest’s 262 ft. Still, the Nest Mini is more suitable for indoor use since it is not battery-powered, but buyers who would wish to consider a speaker that is ideal for outdoor use might want to explore our Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 review.	The Google Nest Mini is easier to place than the Google Nest Audio since it is smaller. However, the Nest Audio gets louder than the… The Google Nest Mini is easier to place than the Google Nest Audio since it is smaller. However, the Nest Audio gets louder than the Nest Mini and has better bass levels. Check out our Google Nest Audio review to see what else it can do.	The Google Nest Mini is smaller than the Amazon Echo Gen 4, and it offers built-in support for Google Assistant, while the Gen 4 comes… The Google Nest Mini is smaller than the Amazon Echo Gen 4, and it offers built-in support for Google Assistant, while the Gen 4 comes ready to use with Amazon Alexa. The Gen 4 can also play stereo content, while the Nest Mini cannot.	The Google Nest Mini supports Bluetooth connectivity while the Apple HomePod mini does not, and it also has a Bass and Treble equalizer that the… The Google Nest Mini supports Bluetooth connectivity while the Apple HomePod mini does not, and it also has a Bass and Treble equalizer that the HomePod Mini does not. However, the HomePod mini supports Apple AirPlay, while the Nest Mini does not.
Battery Life	8 hrs	–	–	5 hrs
Built In Microphone	Yes	–	–	Yes
Charge Time	5 hrs	–	–	1 hrs 45 min
Size	1.65" (h) x 3.85" (w) x 3.85" (d)	–	–	5.30" (h) x 5.69" (w)
Smart App	Yes	–	–	Ring
Speaker Pairing	Yes	–	–	n/a
Water Resistant	n/a	–	–	n/a
Wattage	15W	–	–	15W
Dig Deeper				Amazon Echo Gen 4 Review →

Score Card

E

Expert Score

82

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

90

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

82

Any product with a True Score above 60 is a Meh

Expert Score Breakdown

Publications with higher Trust Scores are given more weight.

102.6
Category Trust Score
61
The Google Nest Mini is middling for music. Its balanced mid and treble ranges reproduce… read more
By:
John Panoryios
54.9
Category Trust Score
60
The Google Nest Mini is the most affordable Google Assistant smart speaker you can buy,… read more
By:
Will Greenwald
68.04
Category Trust Score
90
With its new name, improved sound and more versatile design, the Google Nest Mini is… read more
By:
Kate Kozuch
42.51
Category Trust Score
87
If you’re a fan of the Google Home Mini, the Nest Mini offers a very… read more
By:
Molly Price
48.27
Category Trust Score
80
A slight improvement over the original speaker, the Google Nest Mini is a gentle evolution…. read more
By:
David Ludlow
62.66
Category Trust Score
NR
The Google Nest Mini wireless speaker is the successor to the Google Home Mini –… read more
By:
Unknown