Nest Mini vs Home Mini: Which Smart Speaker Reigns Supreme?
Are you looking to dip your toes into the world of smart home technology? Perhaps you’re already a seasoned pro, looking to expand your setup. Either way, choosing the right smart speaker is the first step.
The Google Home Mini and its successor, the Nest Mini, are two popular choices, both compact and affordable. These small but mighty devices offer a gateway to voice control and a connected home experience.
But with similar names and features, how do you choose between the two? This comparison dives deep into the Google Nest Mini vs Home Mini, exploring their differences and helping you decide which one is the perfect fit for your needs. Get ready to discover which smart speaker deserves a spot in your home!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | nest mini | home mini |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 3.85 x 3.85 x 1.61 inches | 3.85 x 3.85 x 1.65 inches |
| Weight | 6.6 oz | 6.2 oz |
| Colors | Chalk, Charcoal, Coral, Sky | Chalk, Charcoal, Coral, Aqua |
| Audio Output | 360-degree sound | 360-degree sound |
| Microphones | 3 far-field microphones | 2 far-field microphones |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 4.1 |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n/ac (2.4 GHz/5 GHz) | 802.11b/g/n/ac (2.4 GHz/5 GHz) |
| Touch Controls | Yes | Yes |
| LED Indicators | Yes | Yes |
| Power | 15W power adapter | 15W power adapter |
| Wall Mount | Built-in wall mount | No |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant | Google Assistant |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Audio Quality
- Nest Mini: The Nest Mini has improved audio quality compared to the original Home Mini, offering richer sound and stronger bass. It features a 40mm driver and 360-degree sound. While a significant upgrade, it’s still best suited for casual listening.
- Home Mini: The Home Mini offers acceptable audio quality for its size, but it can sound tinny and lacks bass. The single 40mm driver struggles to fill larger rooms. Its focus is more on voice interaction than high-fidelity audio.
- Winner: nest mini
Microphones
- Nest Mini: The Nest Mini benefits from three far-field microphones, designed to pick up your voice commands from further distances and in noisier environments. This helps to ensure reliable voice recognition.
- Home Mini: The Home Mini also uses two far-field microphones, which are generally effective for voice recognition, but may struggle in noisy environments compared to the Nest Mini.
- Winner: nest mini
Design and Aesthetics
- Nest Mini: The Nest Mini has a more refined and sustainable design, with a fabric top made from recycled plastic bottles. It’s available in a range of colors and has a built-in wall mount.
- Home Mini: The Home Mini has a simple, minimalist design with a fabric top. It’s available in a few colors, but doesn’t have a built-in wall mount, which limits its placement options.
- Winner: nest mini
Smart Home Integration
- Nest Mini: Both devices offer excellent smart home integration with Google Assistant. They control compatible smart home devices, play music, set timers, and answer questions.
- Home Mini: Both devices offer excellent smart home integration with Google Assistant. They control compatible smart home devices, play music, set timers, and answer questions.
- Winner: Tie
Physical Controls
- Nest Mini: The Nest Mini features capacitive touch controls for volume adjustment and playback control. It also has a physical switch to disable the microphone for privacy.
- Home Mini: The Home Mini has touch controls for volume adjustment, but lacks physical buttons. It has a switch to mute the microphone.
- Winner: nest mini
Connectivity
- Nest Mini: The Nest Mini connects via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0. It also has a built-in Chromecast for casting audio from other devices.
- Home Mini: The Home Mini connects via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It also has a built-in Chromecast for casting audio from other devices.
- Winner: nest mini
Power Consumption
- Nest Mini: The Nest Mini consumes a very low amount of power, making it energy-efficient. It has a small power adapter.
- Home Mini: The Home Mini also consumes a very low amount of power. It has a small power adapter.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- Nest Mini: The Nest Mini is generally available at a slightly higher price point than the Home Mini, reflecting its upgrades.
- Home Mini: The Home Mini is usually available at a lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option.
- Winner: home mini
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Value | Tie |
| Audio Quality | nest mini |
| Smart Home Integration | Tie |
| Design | Tie |
| Features | nest mini |
What They Have in Common:
- Voice Control: Both devices offer hands-free control through Google Assistant, allowing users to play music, set alarms, and control smart home devices with voice commands.
- Smart Home Integration: Both Nest Mini and Home Mini seamlessly integrate with a wide range of smart home devices, letting users control lights, thermostats, and other compatible gadgets.
- Compact Design: Both speakers share a similar small and compact design, making them easy to place in various rooms without taking up much space.
- Music Streaming: Both support music streaming services like Spotify, YouTube Music, and others, offering a variety of listening options.
- Google Assistant Features: Both provide access to the full range of Google Assistant features, including weather updates, news briefings, and calendar management.
Nest Mini Vs Home Mini Buying Guide
Audio Quality and Performance
The Nest Mini and Home Mini offer similar audio experiences, primarily suited for voice commands, podcasts, and casual listening. The Nest Mini boasts slightly improved bass response compared to the original Home Mini, thanks to its updated design. Both devices are best used in smaller rooms due to their size and speaker limitations. For more demanding audio needs, consider a device with a larger speaker and a wider range.
While neither is designed for audiophiles, the Nest Mini’s refined sound profile provides a marginally better listening experience. Volume levels are adequate for typical use cases, but they can struggle in noisy environments. Ultimately, the audio quality differences are subtle, and both deliver acceptable sound for their intended purpose.
Design and Aesthetics
Both the Nest Mini and Home Mini share a puck-like design, but with minor differences. The Nest Mini features a fabric top made from recycled plastic bottles, contributing to a more sustainable design. Its sleek, rounded shape blends seamlessly into various decor styles. The Home Mini, while similar, used a different fabric and slightly different color options.
Both devices offer wall-mounting options, enhancing their versatility. The Nest Mini’s design is slightly updated, with rounded edges. The color choices are generally consistent across generations, allowing for personalization. Ultimately, both devices are unobtrusive and designed to disappear into their surroundings, offering a clean aesthetic.
Smart Home Integration
Both the Nest Mini and Home Mini function as central hubs for controlling smart home devices. They support voice commands through Google Assistant, allowing you to manage lights, thermostats, and other compatible appliances. Setup is straightforward through the Google Home app, and connectivity is generally reliable.
The devices support a broad range of smart home ecosystems, making them compatible with various brands and product types. You can create routines, automate tasks, and control everything with your voice. Both devices offer a seamless smart home experience. Google Assistant’s integration is a key advantage.
Voice Assistant Capabilities
Both the Nest Mini and Home Mini utilize Google Assistant, providing identical voice assistant functionality. You can ask questions, set reminders, play music, control smart home devices, and much more. The voice recognition is generally accurate, even in noisy environments, and responds swiftly to commands.
Google Assistant’s extensive knowledge base and integrations with various services make it a powerful tool. The devices offer personalized responses and can learn your preferences over time. Both devices are capable of the same functions. They offer a comprehensive voice control experience with a wide range of services and features.
Connectivity and Setup
Both devices connect to your Wi-Fi network for internet access and smart home control. The setup process is simple and guided through the Google Home app. You can quickly configure your device, link your Google account, and start using it within minutes. The devices support 802.11b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi standards.
Bluetooth connectivity is also available, allowing you to stream music from your smartphone or other devices. The Nest Mini also features a built-in ultrasound sensor for proximity detection. Both devices are designed for easy setup and integration into your existing home network. These features enhance the overall user experience.
Price and Value
Both the Nest Mini and Home Mini are budget-friendly smart speakers, making them accessible to a wide range of consumers. The Nest Mini often replaces the Home Mini. The pricing is usually very competitive, especially during sales and promotions. This makes them an excellent value for their functionality.
Considering their features, including voice control, smart home integration, and music playback, they offer a great return on investment. The low price point makes it easy to place multiple devices throughout your home. The value proposition is strong. The Nest Mini offers a slight edge due to its updated design.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy nest mini If…
- You want slightly better audio quality and a more enhanced sound experience.
- You prefer a built-in wall mount for convenient placement.
- You value the updated Bluetooth 5.0 for improved connectivity.
- You are looking for a device with a slightly more modern design.
Buy home mini If…
- You are looking for the most affordable option.
- You primarily need a basic smart speaker for voice commands and simple tasks.
- You don’t need the latest Bluetooth version.
- You prefer a simple, classic design.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Nest Mini and Home Mini?
The Nest Mini is the successor to the Home Mini, offering slightly improved audio quality with enhanced bass. It also features a fabric top made from recycled materials and an updated design. Both devices share similar smart home functionality and voice assistant capabilities. The Nest Mini has a slightly updated design.
Can I use the Nest Mini and Home Mini to make phone calls?
Yes, both devices support voice calls through Google Assistant. You can make calls to other Google Assistant users or to regular phone numbers, provided you have configured Google Voice or a similar service. This functionality is accessible through the Google Home app. It makes communication easy.
Do the Nest Mini and Home Mini have a built-in microphone?
Yes, both devices have built-in microphones to listen for your voice commands. They use multiple microphones to improve voice recognition, even in noisy environments. The microphones can be muted using a physical switch on the device. This provides privacy control.
Can I play music on the Nest Mini and Home Mini?
Yes, both devices can play music from various streaming services like Spotify, YouTube Music, and Pandora. You can also play music from your phone via Bluetooth. They support both voice commands and app control. This offers music playback flexibility.
How do I set up the Nest Mini or Home Mini?
Setup is simple via the Google Home app. Download the app, connect the device to power, and follow the on-screen instructions. You’ll connect to your Wi-Fi network and link your Google account. It’s designed to be user-friendly, and it allows for a quick setup.
What smart home devices are compatible with the Nest Mini and Home Mini?
Both devices are compatible with a wide range of smart home devices that support Google Assistant. This includes smart lights, thermostats, plugs, and more. Check the Google Assistant compatibility list for specific brands and devices. The integration is wide.
How do I control the volume on the Nest Mini and Home Mini?
You can control the volume using voice commands (“Hey Google, turn up the volume”), the physical touch controls on the device (tapping the sides), or through the Google Home app. These provide various control options. It makes it easy to adjust the sound.
Final Verdict
While the Home Mini was a great entry-level smart speaker, the Nest Mini improves upon the design with a slightly better audio profile and a more sustainable build. Both devices offer the same core Google Assistant functionality and smart home integration. Given its improved features and competitive pricing, the Nest Mini offers a slightly better overall experience.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference, but the Nest Mini’s subtle upgrades make it the preferred option. The differences are minimal. Both are excellent choices for their price point.
Winner: Nest Mini