Who should buy
- Clear audio with strong bass for its size
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Stereo and multi-room audio capabilities
Who should skip
- No 3.5mm auxiliary input
- Touch controls can be overly sensitive
- Requires DC power, not portable (no battery)
Overview
The Google Nest Audio is the company's mainstream smart speaker, serving as the direct successor to the original Google Home. Positioned as a head-on competitor to Amazon's Echo line, the Nest Audio shifts its focus heavily towards audio fidelity without sacrificing the smart capabilities that define the product category. It's designed to be a room-filling music speaker, a responsive voice assistant, and a central command hub for a Google-powered smart home, all wrapped in a more approachable, fabric-covered package.
Key Features
The Nest Audio is more than just a vehicle for the Google Assistant; it packs several hardware and software features designed to deliver a superior listening experience compared to its predecessor.
Enhanced Audio Performance
Google states that the Nest Audio is all about sound. The hardware features a dedicated 75mm woofer for bass and a 19mm tweeter for high-frequency details. Combined with proprietary tuning software, the speaker aims to deliver “crisp vocals and powerful bass” that can fill a room. According to Google's specs, this new hardware configuration results in a speaker that is 75% louder and has 50% stronger bass than the original Google Home, representing a substantial upgrade for music and media playback.
Consider the Nest Audio if you're upgrading from an older smart speaker, especially the original Google Home. The audio improvements, including significantly louder volume and stronger bass, offer a noticeable step up for music and media playback.
Adaptive Sound Engine
The Nest Audio includes a pair of intelligent features that dynamically adjust the sound. The first, Media EQ, automatically tunes the speaker's sound signature based on the content being played. This means it will use a different audio profile for music than it does for podcasts or Google Assistant's voice responses, optimizing the output for clarity and richness in each case. The second feature, Ambient IQ, adjusts the volume of spoken-word content like news, podcasts, and audiobooks in response to background noise in your environment. If the dishwasher starts running, the speaker will automatically raise its volume to ensure you don't miss a word.
The Ambient IQ feature, which adjusts volume based on room noise, requires the microphone to be active to function. If you prefer to keep the microphone muted for privacy, this feature will be disabled.
The stated 75% louder and 50% stronger bass figures for the Nest Audio are in comparison to the original Google Home speaker, not against competitor products.
Stereo & Multi-Room Audio
While a single Nest Audio is designed to work well on its own, its capabilities expand when paired with other speakers. Users can group the Nest Audio with any other Google Nest or Home speakers and displays to create a whole-home audio system, playing synchronized music across multiple rooms. For a more dedicated listening setup, two Nest Audio speakers can be paired together to create a true stereo sound system, with distinct left and right channels for a more immersive and detailed music experience.
For a more immersive music experience, consider purchasing two Nest Audio speakers and creating a stereo pair in the Google Home app. This provides a true left-right channel separation that a single speaker cannot replicate.
Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 175 x 124 x 78 mm (6.89 x 4.89 x 3.07 in) |
| Weight | 1.2 kg (2.65 lbs) |
| Drivers | 75mm woofer, 19mm tweeter |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Chromecast built-in |
| Audio Inputs | None (No 3.5mm aux port) |
| Controls | Capacitive touch controls (3 zones), Hardware mute switch |
| Processor | Dedicated machine learning chip with 1 TeraOPS of processing power |
| Power | DC Power Adapter (1.5m cable) |
| Waterproof | No |
| Model Number | GA01420-US |
| Release Date | October 5, 2020 |
Note that the Google Nest Audio lacks a 3.5mm auxiliary input. If you plan to connect devices like a turntable or older MP3 player, you will need to find a wireless solution, as direct-wire connections are not supported.
The Nest Audio is not water-resistant or waterproof. Exercise caution when placing it near sinks, bathrooms, or outdoors, as liquid damage is not covered by warranty.
Design & Build
Google has moved away from the angular, air-freshener look of the original Google Home, giving the Nest Audio a softer, more home-friendly aesthetic. The design is said to be inspired by a pillow, featuring a unibody construction with rounded corners, all wrapped in a seamless fabric enclosure. The device is meant to blend into home décor rather than stand out as a piece of technology.
There are no visible buttons on the front. Instead, the top of the speaker has three invisible capacitive touch zones for controlling volume and media playback. Four discreet LEDs are centered on the front to provide visual feedback for Google Assistant activation, listening status, and volume changes. For privacy-conscious users, a physical microphone mute switch is located on the back of the device, which electronically disconnects the mics and causes the front LEDs to glow amber.
Speaker placement can significantly impact sound quality. For the best results, place the Nest Audio on an open shelf or table away from walls and corners to avoid unwanted sound reflections and bass distortion.
Who It's For
The Google Nest Audio is a natural fit for anyone already invested in the Google ecosystem. Its seamless integration with services like Google Calendar and Google Meet, along with its ability to control other Nest products and compatible smart home devices from partners like Philips Hue, makes it a powerful central hub for an existing setup.
Music and podcast listeners looking for a simple, high-quality streaming solution will also find a lot to like. Support for popular services like Spotify and YouTube Music, combined with the option to create a stereo pair, makes it a versatile audio device that punches above its weight class. It's an excellent entry-level smart speaker for those who prioritize audio quality and want an all-in-one solution without complex setup.
If you're already using Google Assistant on your phone, the Nest Audio provides a hands-free, always-on interface that can significantly streamline daily tasks, from setting reminders to controlling smart home devices.
While the Nest Audio provides good audio for its class, it's not designed for audiophiles seeking premium, high-fidelity sound. If you prioritize crystal-clear, studio-quality sound reproduction above all else, you might find more specialized audio equipment or higher-end smart speakers to be a better fit.
The Google Nest Audio primarily relies on Google Assistant for voice commands and smart home control. While it supports some third-party services, its full potential is realized within the Google ecosystem.
FAQ
Does the Google Nest Audio have a physical privacy switch for the microphone?Yes, the Nest Audio features a physical microphone mute switch on the back of the device. Engaging this switch electronically disconnects the microphones for privacy.
Can I connect my record player directly to the Google Nest Audio?No, the Google Nest Audio does not have a 3.5mm auxiliary input, so you cannot directly connect devices like record players or older MP3 players via a wired connection.
How does the Ambient IQ feature work?Ambient IQ adjusts the volume of spoken-word content (like news or podcasts) in response to background noise. If your environment gets louder, the Nest Audio will automatically increase its volume to ensure clarity.
Is the Nest Audio waterproof or water-resistant?No, the Google Nest Audio is not waterproof, nor is it rated for any water resistance. It should be kept away from liquids.
Can I use two Google Nest Audio speakers for stereo sound?Yes, you can pair two Google Nest Audio speakers together to create a true stereo sound system, providing distinct left and right audio channels for a more immersive experience.
How does Nest Audio's sound quality compare to the original Google Home?The Nest Audio is designed to be 75% louder and have 50% stronger bass than the original Google Home, offering a substantial audio upgrade for music and media playback.
What smart home devices can the Nest Audio control?The Nest Audio can control other Google Nest products and compatible smart home devices from partners like Philips Hue, making it a central hub for a Google-powered smart home.
Related Reads
Pros
- Clear audio with strong bass for its size
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Stereo and multi-room audio capabilities
- Adaptive audio features (Media EQ, Ambient IQ)
- Seamless integration with Google Assistant and ecosystem
- Built-in Chromecast
Cons
- No 3.5mm auxiliary input
- Touch controls can be overly sensitive
- Requires DC power, not portable (no battery)
- Full functionality of Ambient IQ requires microphone to be enabled
Verdict
Based on the provided specifications, the Google Nest Audio is a significant audio upgrade over its predecessor, targeting users who want more than just a voice assistant. Its combination of improved sound hardware, intelligent software, and versatile streaming options makes it a compelling package for those in the Google ecosystem.
Compare alternatives
| Product | Price | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) Review | $89.99 | 8.2/10 |
| Amazon Echo Dot Max Review | $109.98 | 7.0/10 |