Google Nest Audio Review

Name: Google Nest Audio
Brand: Google

Kenn Muguna

October 12, 2023

True Score Methodology v1.0

TRUE SCORE

80^%

Absolutely Fresh

#

11

/

152

Where does this product score?

Specialists liked how receptive Google Assistant was as they used the Google Nest Audio. They credited it for its ease of setup, high vocal clarity, and excellent speakerphone functionality. However, its missing AUX input, anti-climatic bass response, and hyper-sensitive touch controls were disappointing.

Product Awards

GR Certified

Expert Pick

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Score Card

E

Expert Score

80

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

88

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

80^%

Any product with a True Score above 70 is a Mixed Reviews

Table of Contents

Expert Score Breakdown_

Publications with higher Trust Scores are given more weight

?
Cat Trust Score
NR
The cloth-covered Google Nest Audio might not look like a… read more
F
Cat Trust Score
80
The Google Nest Audio is acceptable for music. Right out… read more
?
Cat Trust Score
80
The Nest Audio is a brilliant smart speaker offering a… read more
?
Cat Trust Score
70
Overall I’m pretty impressed with these speakers. Google has really… read more

Customer Score Breakdown_

NR
(
NR
)
Ratings

Product Snapshot

Expert Rankings

Overview_

The Google Nest Audio is a mid-tier Bluetooth speaker launched in late 2020. As a Google product, the speaker comes with built-in support for Google Assistant. To give it a sleek and elegant design, its controls are concealed by its fabric covering. They’re situated on its top part and can control its volume levels and track playback. The Google Nest Audio also has a companion app, just like most highly rated speakers do. Owners will be able to control its bass and treble levels through it or even pair it with another speaker for stereo sound. The speaker has Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, giving it a slight edge over some of the best Bluetooth speakers on our list that don’t support WiFi. Its lack of a battery means it is more suited for indoor use, but it does have a speakerphone functionality. These are similarities that it has with the Google Home Max, which we’ve also explored in our Google Home Max review.

Best For

Consensus_

Reason to Buy

Works great with Google Assistant
Speakerphone functionality
Great vocal detail
Supports stereo pairing
Can play content from streaming services

Reason to Avoid

Hyper-sensitive controls
Unimpressive bass response

Key Specs_

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Product Comparison_

	Google Nest Audio Review
True Score	80^%	NR	NR	NR
Ranking	# 11 / 152	# /	# /	# /
Market Context	The Google Nest Audio is a mid-tier Bluetooth speaker launched in late 2020. As a Google product, the speaker comes with built-in support for Google… The Google Nest Audio is a mid-tier Bluetooth speaker launched in late 2020. As a Google product, the speaker comes with built-in support for Google Assistant. To give it a sleek and elegant design, its controls are concealed by its fabric covering. They’re situated on its top part and can control its volume levels and track playback. The Google Nest Audio also has a companion app, just like most highly rated speakers do. Owners will be able to control its bass and treble levels through it or even pair it with another speaker for stereo sound. The speaker has Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, giving it a slight edge over some of the best Bluetooth speakers on our list that don’t support WiFi. Its lack of a battery means it is more suited for indoor use, but it does have a speakerphone functionality. These are similarities that it has with the Google Home Max, which we’ve also explored in our Google Home Max review.	The Google Nest Audio and the Google Nest Mini are very similar. Their only difference is that the Mini is smaller than the Nest Audio,… The Google Nest Audio and the Google Nest Mini are very similar. Their only difference is that the Mini is smaller than the Nest Audio, weighing 0.4 pounds and 2.6 pounds, respectively. However, the Nest Audio gets louder than the Nest Mini and has a better bass level. Check out our Google Nest Mini review to see what else the Mini can do.	The Google Nest Audio gets louder than the Amazon Echo Dot Gen 4, but the Gen 4 supports Amazon Alexa, while the Nest Audio works… The Google Nest Audio gets louder than the Amazon Echo Dot Gen 4, but the Gen 4 supports Amazon Alexa, while the Nest Audio works with Google Assistant. Also, the Gen 4 has an AUX input while the Nest Audio does not, and Bluetooth latency with iOS and Android devices is shorter than that of the Nest Audio.	The Google Nest Audio supports Bluetooth connectivity and speakerphone functionality while the Sonos One Gen 2 does not, but the Gen 2 works with Amazon… The Google Nest Audio supports Bluetooth connectivity and speakerphone functionality while the Sonos One Gen 2 does not, but the Gen 2 works with Amazon Alexa while the Nest Audio does not. The Gen 2 also works with Apple Airplay, unlike the Nest Audio.
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Dig Deeper

Price History_

Score Card

E

Expert Score

80

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

88

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

80^%

Any product with a True Score above 70 is a Mixed Reviews

Expert Score Breakdown_

Publications with higher Trust Scores are given more weight

A
Trust Score
?
Cat Trust Score
NR
The cloth-covered Google Nest Audio might not look like a premium smart speaker, but its… read more
F
Trust Score
F
Cat Trust Score
80
The Google Nest Audio is acceptable for music. Right out of the box, it has… read more
?
Trust Score
?
Cat Trust Score
80
The Nest Audio is a brilliant smart speaker offering a range of features for just… read more
?
Trust Score
?
Cat Trust Score
70
Overall I’m pretty impressed with these speakers. Google has really upped the bar, making a… read more
?
Trust Score
?
Cat Trust Score
87
The Google Nest Audio is a step up in both sound quality and design from… read more
?
Trust Score
?
Cat Trust Score
100
It’s hard to not like the Google Nest Audio. Priced ideally at $100, it packs… read more