Google Nest Audio Review: A Powerful Upgrade for Smart Audio
A Premium Speaker with Surprising Heft
The Google Nest Audio makes a strong first impression with its compact yet dense design. At 2.65 pounds, it’s 2.5x heavier than the original Google Home, signaling Google’s commitment to premium audio quality at an accessible $99 price point. This refresh comes four years after the first-generation model - an eternity in smart home technology timelines.
Image Credits: Brian Heater
The Evolution of Google’s Smart Speaker Strategy
The “Nest Audio” name reflects two key developments:
- Brand consolidation: Completing Google’s transition of smart home products to the Nest branding
- Audio focus: Marking a shift from smart assistant delivery to serious sound quality
Google has followed Amazon’s path - where early smart speakers prioritized intelligence over audio quality. However, consumer demand for premium sound (demonstrated by Apple’s HomePod) forced a reevaluation. The Nest Audio represents Google’s answer to this market shift.
Serious Audio Upgrades in a Compact Package
Google didn’t just rebrand - they completely overhauled the speaker’s internals:
- 75mm woofer (vs. 50mm in original)
- 19mm tweeter replaces passive radiators
- 75% louder than first-gen Google Home
- Dual-speaker pairing for stereo sound
The result? Impressive audio clarity and fullness for its size and price. While it can’t match larger speakers like the Google Home Max for sheer power, three Nest Audios cost the same as one Max - offering flexible placement options.
Smart Features That Enhance the Experience
Beyond sound quality, the Nest Audio shines with intelligent features:
- Ambient IQ: Automatically adjusts assistant volume to ambient noise
- Media EQ: Optimizes audio balance for music or podcasts
- Simple grouping: Easily create multi-room audio systems
While wireless speaker groups can occasionally experience connectivity issues, the Google Home app makes setup remarkably simple compared to traditional wired systems.
Design That Disappears Into Your Decor
Google learned from the original Home’s “air freshener” aesthetics. The Nest Audio features:
- Fabric-covered minimalist design (inspired by pillows)
- Five color options: Chalk, Black, Sage, Sand, and Sky
- Eco-friendly materials: Fabric made from recycled water bottles
This understated approach lets the speaker blend seamlessly into any room.
Final Verdict: A Smart Speaker Done Right
The Nest Audio represents what smart speakers should be - devices that deliver excellent sound while quietly enhancing your living space. For $99, it offers:
β Premium audio quality
β Smart home integration
β Elegant, customizable design
While audiophiles might still prefer larger systems, the Nest Audio strikes an impressive balance between performance, price, and practicality - making it one of the best values in smart speakers today.
Image Credits: Brian Heater
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