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.
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Google Nest Mini Review
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Absolutely Fresh
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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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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.
ReasonS 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
These are the most important criteria to test for Speakers based on our comprehensive Testing Methodology.
| 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 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
True Score | 81 | NR | NR | 85 |
Ranking | # 42 / 109 | # / | # / | # 4 / 109 |
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 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 |
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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 60 is a Meh
Expert Scores
Publications with higher Trust Ratings are given more weight.
100.6Category Trust Rating
61The Google Nest Mini is middling for music. Its balanced mid and treble ranges reproduce… Read MoreBy:
John Panoryios
43.6Category Trust Rating
60The Google Nest Mini is the most affordable Google Assistant smart speaker you can buy,… Read MoreBy:
Will Greenwald
55.2Category Trust Rating
NRThe Google Nest Mini wireless speaker is the successor to the Google Home Mini –… Read MoreBy:
Unknown
65.58Category Trust Rating
90With its new name, improved sound and more versatile design, the Google Nest Mini is… Read MoreBy:
Kate Kozuch
45.5Category Trust Rating
80A slight improvement over the original speaker, the Google Nest Mini is a gentle evolution…. Read MoreBy:
David Ludlow
36.25Category Trust Rating
87If you’re a fan of the Google Home Mini, the Nest Mini offers a very… Read MoreBy:
Molly Price
Customer Scores
- 94
(
4.7/5
)
6306Ratings
- NR
(
NR/5
)
Ratings
- 90
(
4.5/5
)
185Ratings
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