Google Nest Audio
$99.99Cheaper
Released 2020-10
Best Smart Speakers · head-to-head
Google Nest Audio vs Apple HomePod (2nd Gen)
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Google Nest Audio is cheaper at $99.99. Every spec and price links to its source.
Apple
Apple HomePod (2nd Gen)
$299
Released 2023-02
Which is better: the Google Nest Audio or Apple HomePod (2nd Gen)?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Google Nest Audio is the cheaper at $99.99.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices verified at capture; live price may differ.
Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Google Nest Audio | Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $99.99 | $299 |
| Brand | Apple | |
| Released | 2020-10 | 2023-02 |
| Assistant | Google Assistant | Siri |
| Drivers | 1x 3-inch (75mm) mid-woofer, 1x 0.75-inch (19mm) tweeter | 1x 4-inch high-excursion woofer, 5x horn-loaded tweeters (each with neodymium magnet) |
| Smart home hub | Chromecast built-in | HomeKit hub, Matter, Thread Border Router |
| Audio calibration | Yes | Yes |
| Aux or line out | — | — |
| Dimensions (in) | 6.89 x 4.89 x 3.07 | 5.6 x 6.6 |
| Multiroom | Yes | Yes |
| Release | 2020-10 | 2023-02 |
Sources — Google Nest Audio: store.google.com (verified 2026-06-15). Apple HomePod (2nd Gen): support.apple.com (verified 2026-06-15).
What's the difference between the Google Nest Audio and Apple HomePod (2nd Gen)?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (4 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
- Assistant: Google Nest Audio Google Assistant vs Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) Siri
- Drivers: Google Nest Audio 1x 3-inch (75mm) mid-woofer, 1x 0.75-inch (19mm) tweeter vs Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) 1x 4-inch high-excursion woofer, 5x horn-loaded tweeters (each with neodymium magnet)
- Smart home hub: Google Nest Audio Chromecast built-in vs Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) HomeKit hub, Matter, Thread Border Router
- Dimensions (in): Google Nest Audio 6.89 x 4.89 x 3.07 vs Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) 5.6 x 6.6
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
Google Nest Audio
All four whitelisted testers (SoundGuys, Tom's Guide, What Hi-Fi, TechRadar) reviewed the exact 2020 Google Nest Audio. They agree it is a responsive, reliable Google Assistant smart speaker with an attractive, compact design that sounds decent for its size, but underwhelms as a pure audio product: weak low-end and, for two outlets, treble that turns harsh at volume. Only SoundGuys reported a measured figure (low-end extension from 90Hz); the other three are qualitative. (4 sourced reviews, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Google Assistant voice pickup and smart-speaker features work reliably and clearly; Attractive, compact, unobtrusive design; Clear vocals and strong midrange for its size.
Flagged: Weak low-end; lacks bass punch and weight; Not room-filling and doesn't get very loud; Treble turns harsh or grainy at higher volumes.
Apple HomePod (2nd Gen)
Three whitelisted testers (What Hi-Fi, TechRadar, SoundGuys) reviewed the HomePod 2 hands-on but published only qualitative impressions, so no lab dB or frequency numbers exist here. All praise rich, detailed sound and strong bass for the size, while flagging Apple-only lock-in, a weak Siri, and a high price. (3 sourced reviews.)
Praised: Rich, detailed, energetic sound quality for the price; Strong, weighty bass from a compact enclosure; Convincing Dolby Atmos / spatial audio, especially as a stereo pair.
Flagged: Apple-only ecosystem lock-in; unusable without an iPhone; High price versus Sonos and Amazon rivals; Weak, limited Siri assistant.