The Google Home Max is a top-shelf Bluetooth speaker that was first launched in late 2017, then later discontinued by Google. Like other top-tier speakers, the Home Max offers support for both WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, but those content with Bluetooth connectivity might want to explore our list of the best Bluetooth speakers. The Home Max is an indoor speaker that ships with built-in support for Google Assistant and can also be used as a speakerphone when taking calls. The Bose Portable Smart Speaker has support for both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, so check out our Bose Portable Smart Speaker review if that sounds more considerable. The microphone on the Home Max can be muted in case owners need to keep it from hearing them, and since it also supports multi-device pairing, owners can stream music from two different sources.
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Google Home Max Review
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The Google Home Max impressed testers with how well it could pick up Google Assistant voice commands from a distance. They also liked that they could adjust the speaker’s bass & treble levels and that its controls were easy to use. However, its bass response was mediocre, and its portability was poor since it didn’t have a battery.
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Product Snapshot
Overview
The Google Home Max is a top-shelf Bluetooth speaker that was first launched in late 2017, then later discontinued by Google. Like other top-tier speakers, the Home Max offers support for both WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, but those content with Bluetooth connectivity might want to explore our list of the best Bluetooth speakers. The Home Max is an indoor speaker that ships with built-in support for Google Assistant and can also be used as a speakerphone when taking calls. The Bose Portable Smart Speaker has support for both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, so check out our Bose Portable Smart Speaker review if that sounds more considerable. The microphone on the Home Max can be muted in case owners need to keep it from hearing them, and since it also supports multi-device pairing, owners can stream music from two different sources.
Consensus
our Verdict
Product reviewers were delighted with their experience with Google Assistant on the Google Home Max. After testing, analysts from Rtings confirmed that the speaker could pick up voice commands even from a distance, and they also liked that they could adjust the speaker’s bass and treble levels through the speaker’s Google Home app. They also appreciated its support for stereo pairing mode, commended its easy-to-use controls, and agreed its well-balanced vocals were OK for videos and music. Expert testers from Sound Guys liked its ability to self-adjust its EQ based on positioning. The Home Max does have some small lights behind the fabric that light up sometimes, but if you’d prefer a speaker with more profound RGB lighting, our DOSS SoundBox Plus review might be worth checking out.
They were disappointed with its mediocre low bass response – an issue that the Sonos Five deals with very well (find out more about it in our Sonos Five review). They also didn’t appreciate its poor portability.
ReasonS to Buy
- Works great with Google Assistant
- Bass and Treble are adjustable
- Speakerphone functionality
- Multi-device pairing
- WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity
Reason to Avoid
- Mediocre bass response
- No battery
Google Home Max Specs
 | Battery Life | n/a |
 | Built In Microphone | Yes |
 | Charge Time | n/a |
 | Size | 13.2" (w) x 7.4" (h) x 6.0"(d) |
 | Smart App | Yes |
 | Speaker Pairing | n/a |
 | Water Resistant | n/a |
 | Wattage | 30W |
 | Wireless Range | n/a |
All Specs
Test Results
These are the most important criteria to test for Speakers based on our comprehensive Testing Methodology.
| Battery Life (Hours) | 0 |
| Volume Output (dB) | 93.75 |
| Low End Roll Off (Hz) | 63.496 |
| High End Roll Off (Hz) | 9,805.857 |
Test Results
These are the most important criteria to test for Speakers based on our comprehensive Testing Methodology.
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Product Comparison
 Google Home Max Review |  Apple HomePod Review Draft | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
True Score | 78 | 79 | 77 | NR |
Ranking | # 58 / 109 | # 47 / 109 | # 67 / 109 | # / 109 |
Market Context |
The Google Home Max is a top-shelf Bluetooth speaker that was first launched in late 2017, then later discontinued by Google. Like other top-tier speakers,… |
Picking between the Google Home Max and the Google Nest Audio depends on whether the size and stereo output matter to you. The Home Max… Picking between the Google Home Max and the Google Nest Audio depends on whether the size and stereo output matter to you. The Home Max is larger than the Nest Audio and has a stereo output, while the Nest Audio does not. The Home Max can also be paired to two devices, while the Nest Audio only pairs with one. If the Nest Audio sounds interesting, read more about it in our Google Nest Audio review. |
The Google Home Max supports a Bluetooth connection, while the Sonos One Gen 2 does not. While the Gen 2 is smaller in size, the… The Google Home Max supports a Bluetooth connection, while the Sonos One Gen 2 does not. While the Gen 2 is smaller in size, the Home Max has a stereo function while the Gen 2 does not, but the Gen 2 has built-in support for Alexa while the Home Max does not. |
The Google Home Max also works over Bluetooth while the Apple HomePod does not, and it also allows for adjustments to its bass and treble… The Google Home Max also works over Bluetooth while the Apple HomePod does not, and it also allows for adjustments to its bass and treble while the HomePod does not. Lastly, the Home Max has in-built support for Google Assistant, while the Apple HomePod has in-built support for Siri. Have a look at our Apple HomePod review to see what else it’s got in store. |
Battery Life | n/a | n/a | – | – |
Built In Microphone | Yes | Yes | – | – |
Charge Time | n/a | n/a | – | – |
Size | 13.2" (w) x 7.4" (h) x 6.0"(d) | – | – | – |
Smart App | Yes | Google Assistant, Hue, Nest | – | – |
Speaker Pairing | n/a | Yes | – | – |
Water Resistant | n/a | n/a, No | – | – |
Wattage | 30W | 30W | – | – |
Dig Deeper |
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Score Card
E
Expert Score
*.75
We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores
C
Customer Score
*.25
We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores
True Score
Any product with a True Score above 70 is a Mixed Reviews
Expert Scores
Publications with higher Trust Ratings are given more weight.
100.6Category Trust Rating
100The Google Home Max is fair for music. Its balanced mid-range can reproduce vocals and… Read MoreBy:
Adam Molina
81.17Category Trust Rating
85If you want a smart speaker with good sound quality, your options are limited. But… Read MoreBy:
Andrew Williams
97Category Trust Rating
85The Google Home Max is undoubtedly worthy of its name: thanks to its excellent maximum… Read MoreBy:
Raymond Wong
43.6Category Trust Rating
80The Google Home Max is the first smart speaker we’ve seen with serious audio performance. Read MoreBy:
Sascha Segan
65.58Category Trust Rating
80Delivering powerful, booming audio, Google’s newest smart speaker is large and in charge. Read MoreBy:
Sam Vafaei
45.5Category Trust Rating
NR“No bottom line found for this product” Read MoreBy:
Ryan Whitwam
