Google Home Mini vs Google Home: Which Smart Speaker Wins?
Looking to smarten up your home, but not sure where to start? The world of smart speakers can be overwhelming, with options ranging in size, features, and, of course, price. Two popular choices often top the list: the Google Home Mini and the Google Home. But which one is right for you?
This comparison dives deep into the Google Home Mini vs Google Home, dissecting their key differences and similarities. We’ll explore their design, sound quality, features, and overall value. This will help you make an informed decision and choose the perfect smart speaker to fit your needs.
Whether you’re a first-time smart speaker buyer or looking to upgrade your existing setup, this guide will provide a clear and concise overview. Get ready to discover which Google smart speaker reigns supreme and find the ideal match for your connected home experience.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Mini | Home |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Compact | Larger |
| Speaker | 40mm Driver | Full-range Speaker |
| Microphones | 2 | 2 |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n/ac (2.4 GHz/5 GHz) | 802.11b/g/n/ac (2.4 GHz/5 GHz) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant | Google Assistant |
| Touch Controls | Yes (Top Surface) | Yes (Top Surface) |
| Power | Micro-USB | Barrel Connector |
| Audio Output | None | None |
| Multi-room Audio | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Home Control | Yes | Yes |
| Colors | Multiple | Multiple |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Size and Design
- Google Home Mini: Compact and puck-shaped, the Mini is designed to blend seamlessly into any space. Its small size makes it highly portable, but the design might not be as visually appealing to everyone.
- Google Home: The original Google Home is larger, with a more cylindrical design and a fabric-covered base. Its size allows for better sound quality, but it takes up more space and may not fit as discreetly.
- Winner: google home mini
Audio Quality
- Google Home Mini: The Mini’s single 40mm driver provides adequate sound for casual listening and voice feedback. However, it lacks the bass and overall richness of larger speakers.
- Google Home: The Google Home boasts a 75mm woofer and a 50mm tweeter, delivering significantly better audio quality with fuller sound and deeper bass. This makes it more suitable for music enjoyment.
- Winner: google home
Microphones
- Google Home Mini: Equipped with two far-field microphones, the Mini can effectively pick up your voice commands in most environments, but can struggle in noisy settings.
- Google Home: The Google Home features two far-field microphones, similar to the Mini, but the larger size and design may improve overall voice recognition.
- Winner: Tie
Connectivity
- Google Home Mini: The Mini connects via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Lacks the physical audio input/output options of the original.
- Google Home: The Google Home connects via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and has a physical audio input/output, which increases connectivity.
- Winner: google home
Price
- Google Home Mini: Significantly more affordable, making it a great entry-level smart speaker for those on a budget.
- Google Home: More expensive, reflecting its superior audio quality and features.
- Winner: google home mini
Smart Home Control
- Google Home Mini: Offers the same smart home control capabilities as the Google Home, allowing you to control compatible devices with voice commands.
- Google Home: Provides the same smart home control capabilities as the Mini, allowing you to control compatible devices with voice commands.
- Winner: Tie
Voice Assistant Performance
- Google Home Mini: Both devices use the Google Assistant, providing access to the same features and information.
- Google Home: Both devices use the Google Assistant, providing access to the same features and information.
- Winner: Tie
Additional Features
- Google Home Mini: Does not have a physical mute switch but a mute button.
- Google Home: The original Google Home has a physical mute switch and touch controls.
- Winner: google home
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Sound Quality | Google Home |
| Size/Portability | Google Home Mini |
| Value | Google Home Mini |
| Smart Home Control | Tie |
| Overall Experience | Tie |
What They Have in Common:
- Google Assistant Integration: Both devices offer full integration with the Google Assistant, allowing you to ask questions, control smart home devices, and play music.
- Voice Control: Both the Google Home Mini and Google Home are controlled using your voice, making them hands-free and convenient to use. You can simply say “Hey Google” to get started.
- Streaming Services: Both speakers support a wide range of music streaming services, including Spotify, YouTube Music, and Pandora. You can listen to your favorite tunes with ease.
- Smart Home Control: They both seamlessly integrate with a variety of smart home devices, letting you control lights, thermostats, and other compatible gadgets.
- Multi-Room Audio: Both devices support multi-room audio, allowing you to play music throughout your home by grouping them together.
Google Home Mini Vs Google Home Buying Guide
Price and Value
The Google Home Mini is significantly more affordable than the Google Home, making it an excellent entry point into the smart home ecosystem. Its lower price point makes it an attractive option for those on a budget or who are new to smart speakers. While the Google Home offers more features and better audio quality, the Mini provides excellent value for its price, especially considering its core functionality and integration with Google Assistant.
The Google Home, despite being more expensive, provides a better overall value if audio quality and a wider range of features are important. You’re paying for a more premium experience, including improved sound and a more powerful processor. It’s a worthy investment for those who plan to use their smart speaker frequently for music playback and want a more robust smart home hub.
Sound Quality
The Google Home Mini’s sound quality is suitable for casual listening and voice commands. Its compact size limits its audio capabilities, and the sound can sometimes be tinny or lack bass. It’s perfectly adequate for listening to news, podcasts, or background music in a small room.
The Google Home boasts significantly better sound quality with a more powerful speaker. It delivers richer, fuller audio with deeper bass and clearer highs. This makes it a better choice for enjoying music at a higher volume or in a larger space. If sound quality is a priority, the Google Home is the clear winner.
Design and Aesthetics
The Google Home Mini has a minimalist design with a fabric cover and a small, puck-like shape. It’s designed to blend seamlessly into any environment, available in various colors. Its compact size makes it easy to place almost anywhere without being obtrusive. This design prioritizes discretion and ease of placement.
The Google Home has a taller, more substantial design with a fabric base and a plastic top. Its larger size gives it a more premium feel, and it’s available in a range of colors. The design is modern and intended to be a visual statement in your home. It’s more noticeable but often considered more stylish.
Smart Home Integration
Both the Google Home Mini and the Google Home offer excellent smart home integration. They both support a wide range of smart home devices that work with Google Assistant. You can control lights, thermostats, and other devices using voice commands. Both speakers offer the same level of integration, ensuring a seamless smart home experience.
The Google Home and Google Home Mini have the same smart home capabilities, allowing you to control a vast selection of compatible devices. Setting up and controlling your smart home devices is easy on either speaker, as they share the same Google Assistant platform. Both are excellent choices for anyone looking to build a smart home.
Features and Functionality
Both devices offer similar core functionality, including voice control, music playback, and access to Google Assistant. They can answer questions, set timers, and provide information. The main difference lies in the audio quality and the presence of features like the top-mounted touch controls found on the Google Home.
The Google Home offers more advanced features, such as the ability to recognize multiple voices and the top-mounted touch controls for volume and playback. It also has a more powerful processor that can handle complex commands. The Google Home Mini still performs all the essential tasks well, but the Google Home provides a slightly richer experience with additional functionalities.
Usage Scenarios
The Google Home Mini is ideal for users who want to add smart home functionality to their home without spending much. It’s well-suited for smaller spaces like bedrooms or kitchens and for users who primarily use voice commands for basic tasks. Its compact size makes it easy to move around.
The Google Home is better suited for users who prioritize sound quality and want a more robust smart home hub. It’s ideal for living rooms or larger spaces where better audio is appreciated. It also suits users who want a more premium experience, with features like multi-user voice recognition and touch controls.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Google Home Mini If…
- You want a compact and affordable smart speaker.
- You’re looking for a device to place in smaller rooms like bedrooms or kitchens.
- You want basic smart home control and voice assistant functionality.
- You’re on a budget and want to get started with smart home technology.
Buy Google Home If…
- You prioritize better sound quality for music listening.
- You need a speaker for a larger living space.
- You want a more powerful speaker with a fuller sound.
- You want a device that can also serve as a central hub for your smart home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the Google Home Mini and Google Home?
The primary difference is in sound quality and size. The Google Home offers significantly better audio, including deeper bass and clearer highs, while the Mini is more compact and designed for casual listening. The Home also features a more powerful processor and touch controls.
Can I use both speakers in the same house?
Yes, you can absolutely use both the Google Home Mini and Google Home in the same house. They work seamlessly together, allowing you to control your smart home devices and play music throughout your home. They can even be grouped for multi-room audio.
Which speaker is better for music?
The Google Home is the better choice for music. It has a significantly more powerful speaker, delivering richer, fuller audio with better bass and clarity. The Mini is suitable for casual listening, but the Home provides a much more enjoyable audio experience.
Does the Google Home Mini have good sound quality?
The Google Home Mini’s sound quality is adequate for its size, suitable for voice commands and casual listening. However, it lacks the depth and richness of the Google Home. For serious music listening, the Google Home is a better option.
What smart home devices are compatible with both speakers?
Both speakers are compatible with a wide range of smart home devices that work with Google Assistant. These include smart lights, thermostats, doorbells, and more. Check the Google Assistant compatibility list for specific device brands.
Can I make phone calls with these speakers?
Yes, you can make phone calls using both the Google Home Mini and Google Home, provided you have set up Google Duo or Google Voice. You can make calls to contacts in your phone and receive calls on the speakers.
Is the Google Home Mini worth the price?
Yes, the Google Home Mini is an excellent value for its price. It provides access to Google Assistant and smart home control at a very affordable cost. It’s an ideal entry point for those new to smart speakers or looking for a budget-friendly option.
Final Verdict
Both the Google Home Mini and Google Home offer excellent value and functionality. The Mini is perfect for those on a budget or looking for a compact device, while the Google Home excels in sound quality and features. The best choice depends on your individual needs and priorities.
Winner: Google Home