The “smart” speaker space is split between Google with its Nest devices and Amazon with its Echos. Apple is also playing with its HomePod mini, a significantly cheaper version of the missing “original” HomePod, to a significantly lower percentage. Apple’s proposal must therefore compete with proposals such as Google Nest Audio. We will compare them to know their characteristics, differences and prices.
With HomePod mini and Google Nest Audio
|
specifications |
HomePod Mini |
Google Nest Sound |
|---|---|---|
|
dimensions and weight |
8.43 cm high x 9.79 cm wide and weighs 345 grams |
17.5cm x 12.4cm x 7.8cm and 1.2kg |
|
sound engineering |
Full-range transducers and two passive radiators, 360° sound, computer audio for real-time tone customization, four microphones, multi-zone sound with AirPlay 2, and stereo pair compatibility |
75 mm (3″) woofer, 19 mm (0.75″) tweeter, three long-throw microphones and multi-zone sound |
|
sound sources |
Apple Music, songs purchased from iTunes, iCloud Music Library, third-party music services, Apple Music live or on-demand stations, radio stations, Apple Podcasts, newsletters, and AirPlay streaming |
Streaming Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Deezer and Chromecast from other apps |
|
controls |
Touch to play/pause music or Siri, skip/rewind tracks, bring up Siri, or increase/decrease volume |
Capacitive touch controls (three touch zones) |
|
connectivity |
Wi-Fi 802.11n, Bluetooth 5.0, Thread and Ultra Wideband chip for nearby devices |
Bluetooth 5.0 and WiFi 802.11b/g/n/ac (2.4GHz/5GHz) |
|
Other |
Siri, AirPlay 2, five colors |
Google Assistant, Chromecast built-in and two colors |
|
Price |
99 euros |
99 euros |
Apple HomePod mini (2021), Smart Speaker, Siri, 360º, Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, HomeKit, Home Automation
Smart speaker – Google Nest Audio, Google Assistant, Voice Match technology
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design: We start with the outward appearance. The HomePod mini has a spherical design, similar to the newer Echo Dot, while the Google Nest Audio is more like a “tower” with rounded corners. Both proposals are covered in mesh and can be purchased in a variety of colors, with more options available in the HomePod mini. As for the weight the Nest Audio is the heaviest at 1.2 kg, while the HomePod mini barely reaches 345 grams. This is not a very relevant fact since we are not talking about portable speakers, but it is worth bearing in mind if we change them regularly.
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sound engineering: Apple doesn’t give too many details about the sound system included in the HomePod mini, but we do know it has one Broadband converter and two passive radiators, as well as the emission of sound in 360º. The Google Nest Audio features a 3-inch woofer and a 19mm tweeter. In terms of microphones for the voice assistants to listen to us, the HomePod mini offers four and the Nest Audio three. Both can send content via AirPlay (HomePod mini) or Chromecast built-in (Nest Audio).
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sound sources: The good integration of Apple devices with their services is well known, and in the case of the HomePod mini it should be no less, in this case with Apple Music. Although the company officially allows you to listen to third-party music platforms, there isn’t much support from the companies. In terms of Google Nest Audio, it can be configured that way Play audio natively from sources like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music and Deezerwhich is an interesting feature.
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controls: Both the HomePod mini and the Google Nest Audio can drive through the audio touch controlbut it’s more common to ask them to turn up or down the volume via their respective voice assistants.
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voice assistant: Although Siri was a groundbreaking assistant when it was first introduced with the iPhone 4s, is pushed into the background because of the possibilities offered by other assistants of the likes of Alexa or in this case Google Assistant, more useful when requesting information or performing certain tasks. Even with compatibility problems.
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Price: HomePod mini and Google Nest Audio have the same MSRP: 99 euros. But it is true that there are usually more offers on the Google speaker and it is possible to find it cheaper.
Google Nest Audio VS HomePod mini, which one to buy?
The Google Nest Audio is one of the most interesting “smart” speakers on the market for its characteristics Sound quality and Google voice assistant, along with Alexa one of the most complete. The fact that it can be configured with both Android and iOS devices speaks to its versatility as many Apple users prefer to use the bitten apple one due to its broad compatibility and good performance.
The HomePod mini should be considered for users immersed in the Apple ecosystem, as it has the function of a HomeKit hub, in addition to integrating Siri to control home automation accessories. Whatever it is Siri its biggest disadvantage if it stagnates, at least when configured in Spanish. There aren’t as many HomeKit-compatible accessories as there are with the Google Assistant, although hopefully that will change soon with the arrival of Matter.
Both suggestions are natively compatible with Apple Music, but if you use another service like Spotify or YouTube Music, you’ll find the best experience in Google Nest Audio. On the other hand, there is the question of price. Although both cost 99 euros, the Google option can usually be found at a reduced price and sometimes reaches half the price.
Apple HomePod mini (2021), Smart Speaker, Siri, 360º, Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, HomeKit, Home Automation
Smart speaker – Google Nest Audio, Google Assistant, Voice Match technology
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