The Google Nest Audio is a premium smart speaker that's larger than the Google Nest Mini. It has a sleek and stylish design that's available in a multitude of different colors to match your home decor, with a wired design so you can plug it right into an outlet for round-the-clock use. With built-in Google Assistant, it's designed for hands-free use, meaning you can control its features right from the comfort of your couch. You can even stream from other compatible devices over Google Chromecast, which is a nice touch.
Our Verdict
The Google Nest Audio is acceptable for music. Right out of the box, it has an even and balanced frequency response, especially in the mids. Voices and lead instruments are clearly and accurately reproduced, so it's suitable for a wide range of audio content. While audio sounds a bit dull due to a dip in the treble, you can customize its bass and treble output to suit your needs. It's loud enough to fill an average-sized room with sound, but unfortunately, it's not ideal for larger, more open spaces.
- Bass and treble adjustments.
- Some compression at max volume.
The Google Nest Audio is middling for videos and movies, though it isn't designed with this use in mind. It's Bluetooth and Wi-Fi compatible, so you can stream audio from your phone while you watch videos on your device. Unfortunately, there are latency issues, so the audio you hear can be out of sync with the video you see on screen. Some apps compensate for this differently, but lip-synching issues take away from the more immersive feel.
- Bass and treble adjustments.
- Some compression at max volume.
- High latency.
The Google Nest Audio is passable for podcasts. Thanks to its balanced frequency response, especially in the mids, dialogue is reproduced with accuracy and fidelity from the jump. While the dip in the treble adds a dull quality to the mix, you can always use its bass and treble adjustments to get a better sound. It's loud enough for most settings, but if you have a larger space, you may have trouble following along.
- Bass and treble adjustments.
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi compatible.
- Some compression at max volume.
- Needs to be plugged into an AC outlet.
The Google Nest Audio is great for voice assistants. With built-in Google Assistant support, you can control it using only your voice. Whether you're on the couch or further away from the device, it doesn't have any trouble hearing your commands. It can have trouble understanding you in noisier environments like parties, though. You can also mute the microphone if you don't want the device to listen to you, which is a nice touch.
- Excellent far-field performance.
- Microphone mute feature.
- Some compression at max volume.
The Google Nest Audio isn't designed for outdoor use and needs to remain connected to a power outlet to work.
Changelog
- Updated Feb 28, 2023: Added a market comparison for the Apple HomePod (2nd generation) to the Frequency Response Accuracy box.
- Updated Jan 03, 2023: Updated the review text for accuracy and consistency. No changes to test results.
- Updated Dec 14, 2021: Updated review for accuracy and clarity.
- Updated Dec 18, 2020: Review published.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
This speaker comes in several different color variants, including 'Chalk', 'Charcoal', 'Sky', 'Sage', and 'Sand'. We tested the 'Chalk' variant, but we expect the others to perform similarly.
If you come across another version of this speaker, let us know in the discussions, and we'll update our review.
Popular Speaker Comparisons
The Google Nest Audio smart speaker has built-in Google Assistant capabilities. It has excellent far-field performance, and you can easily mute its microphone when you don't want the speaker to hear you. Unfortunately, it doesn't get very loud and isn't suitable for outdoor use. Like the Google Nest Mini and the discontinued Google Home Max, it's compatible with the incredible Google Home app, so you can adjust its bass and treble levels and pair it with other Google speakers.
See also our recommendations for the best smart speakers, the best home speakers, and the best Google speakers.
The Google Home Max and the Google Nest Audio are similar speakers, but the Home Max has a more versatile performance. The Home Max's sound profile is better-balanced, and it can get louder. Also, it has lower latency over a Wi-Fi connection, so it's a better choice for watching videos and supports multi-device pairing. That said, both speakers are great for voice assistant support.
The Google Nest Audio and the Google Nest Mini (2nd Gen) are very similar speakers with great voice assistant performances thanks to their built-in Google Assistant capabilities. However, the Nest Audio is better for music and watching videos. The Nest Audio has a more extended bass, and it can get louder. Also, it has lower latency over a Chromecast connection.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Google Nest Audio or the Apple HomePod (2nd generation). Both smart speakers offer great voice assistant support through their respective assistants, though Apple's Siri does a bit better in noisier environments. The Apple has a more extended low-bass, which is great for listening to bass-centric music. However, it doesn't come with bass and treble adjustments like the Google speaker, so you can't customize its sound.
While the Google Nest Audio and the Sonos One Gen 2/One SL are similarly performing speakers in most regards, the Google speaker offers better voice assistant performance. The Google model only has built-in Google Assistant, but it has no problem understanding you, even in a noisy room. It also supports Bluetooth as well as Chromecast. However, the Sonos has both Alexa and Google Assistant built-in, but it can struggle to understand you in noisy environments. It also supports Apple AirPlay and has a better-balanced sound profile out of the box.
Test Results
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