Google · Updated June 2026
Google Nest Audio: price, specs & release date
Google Nest Audio, released 2020-10. Every price and spec below is linked to its source and dated — no guesses.
Source: store.google.com verified ✓ corroborated verify in ledger
- Best for Google Assistant voice pickup and smart-speaker features work reliably and clearly; Attractive, compact, unobtrusive design.
- Skip if Weak low-end; lacks bass punch and weight is a dealbreaker.
Is the Google Nest Audio a good buy?
At $100, the Google Nest Audio is #6 cheapest of the 12 smart speakers we track, where the median is $160.
Evidence of Record
Our data- Independent labsmeasured it
- 1
- Physical metricsrecorded
- 1
- Outlets on record1 tested · 3 mention-only
- 4
One independent lab measured this product across 1 physical metric — frequency response low-end. These numbers rest on a single hands-on source so far; 3 other outlets have it on record by mention only.
Review consensus · sourced & dated
What reviewers say about the 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.
Based on 4 reviews · 1 lab-tested · 2020-10-05–2022-04-27
Tested by SoundGuys, Tom's Guide, What Hi-Fi, TechRadar
Consistently praised
- Google Assistant voice pickup and smart-speaker features work reliably and clearly · 4 sources
- Attractive, compact, unobtrusive design · 4 sources
- Clear vocals and strong midrange for its size · 2 sources
- Meaningful sound improvement over the original Google Home · 2 sources
Commonly flagged
- Weak low-end; lacks bass punch and weight · 3 sources
- Not room-filling and doesn't get very loud · 3 sources
- Treble turns harsh or grainy at higher volumes · 2 sources
- Missing detail/sparkle in mids and treble on complex tracks · 2 sources
Where reviewers disagree Sources split on treble and overall sound quality: SoundGuys rated it 8.2/10 and called midrange and treble 'fantastic,' while What Hi-Fi (Sound 3/5) and TechRadar found the treble harsh and lacking detail. SoundGuys is the clear positive outlier.
The sources (4)
Frequency response low-end extension: from 90Hz
The Nest Audio sounds quite good for its size and performs well with a wide variety of media from spoken word to music.
Midrange and treble responses are fantastic with Nest Audio, so long as it’s properly positioned away from corners.
Sub-bass notes are still nearly inaudible due to physical limitations, so you won’t feel a skull-shaking bump
It's the best-sounding option under $100 for Google Home and Nest customers.
the Nest Audio nearly had the Sonos One beat in vocal clarity.
the Nest Audio doesn't get as loud as the Sonos One, despite being 75% louder than the original Google Home.
I don't think bass enthusiasts will find the gripping vibrations they crave with the Nest Audio
Voice pick-up is impeccable throughout our tests, with Google answering accurately, clearly and snappily, even with music at high volume.
it isn't quite the serious audio proposition we'd hoped for, even at this relatively low price-point.
For a product with a name that's specifically intended to appeal to an audio-conscious market, the Google Nest Audio really needs to sound better.
the assistant voice comes out loud and clear, and it picks up commands very well.
It sounds just fine with uncomplicated pop music, but other genres reveal a lack of detail in the treble and mids that make tracks lack sparkle and sound muffled.
Turning up the volume also shifts the balance somewhat towards more treble, but this also introduces another issue, with the sound becoming harsh and grainy.
Specifications
| Price (US) | $99.99 US MSRP at launch (September 30, 2020) per Google Store. |
|---|---|
| Brand | |
| Released | 2020-10 |
| Assistant | Google Assistant |
| Drivers | 1x 3-inch (75mm) mid-woofer, 1x 0.75-inch (19mm) tweeter |
| Smart home hub | Chromecast built-in |
| Audio calibration | Yes |
| Aux or line out | — |
| Dimensions (in) | 6.89 x 4.89 x 3.07 |
| Multiroom | Yes |
Source: store.google.com (verified 2026-06-15) · corroborated by digitaltrends.com. Dimensions (6.89 x 4.89 x 3.07 in / 175 x 124 x 78 mm), weight 2.65 lbs (1.2 kg), 75mm mid-woofer + 19mm tweeter, WiFi 802.11b/g/n/ac dual-band, Bluetooth 5.0, Chromecast built-in, 3 far-field microphones confirmed from Google Store spec page (URL confirmed via web search returning 'store.google.com/product/nest_audio_specs') and Digital Trends review. $99.99 US price confirmed from Google Store listing and Wikipedia. Media EQ and Ambient IQ adaptive volume = audio_calibration true. No Zigbee hub. No aux/line out. Release September 30, 2020.
Is the Google Nest Audio worth it vs cheaper smart speakers?
Google Nest Audio against its closest cheaper and pricier smart speakers on the specs that matter — every value sourced. See all 12 ranked
| Product | Price | Assistant | Drivers | Smart home hub | Audio calibration | Dimensions (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Nest Audio this | $99.99 | Google Assistant | 1x 3-inch (75mm) mid-woofer, 1x 0.75-inch (19mm) tweeter | Chromecast built-in | Yes | 6.89 x 4.89 x 3.07 |
| Amazon Echo (4th Gen) | $99 | Alexa | 1x 3-inch (76mm) neodymium woofer, 2x 0.8-inch (20mm) tweeters | Zigbee, Amazon Sidewalk | No | 5.7 x 5.7 x 5.2 |
| Amazon Echo Studio (2nd Gen) | $219.99 | Alexa | 1x 3.75-inch high-excursion woofer, 3x 2.25-inch full-range drivers (left, right, upward-firing) | Zigbee, Matter, Thread Border Router, eero | Yes | 6.1 x 5.6 x 5.8 |
Frequently asked questions
What do reviewers say about the 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. 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; Meaningful sound improvement over the original Google Home. 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; Missing detail/sparkle in mids and treble on complex tracks; Invisible, over-sensitive capacitive touch controls. (From 4 tester reviews, 1 lab-tested.)
How much does the Google Nest Audio cost?
The Google Nest Audio has a US price of $99.99 (US MSRP at launch (September 30, 2020) per Google Store.), as of 2026-06-15.
How does the Google Nest Audio compare on price?
At $100, the Google Nest Audio is #6 cheapest of the 12 smart speakers we track, where the median is $160.
When was the Google Nest Audio released?
The Google Nest Audio was released 2020-10.
What are the Google Nest Audio's key specs?
Google Nest Audio (Google): assistant Google Assistant, drivers 1x 3-inch (75mm) mid-woofer, 1x 0.75-inch (19mm) tweeter, smart home hub Chromecast built-in, audio calibration Yes, dimensions in 6.89 x 4.89 x 3.07. Full sourced spec sheet verified 2026-06-15.
Price of record: $99.99 at store.google.com, 2026-06-27. Other retailers may be lower — check the current price:
See Google Nest Audio on Amazon As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.Similar smart speakers
Nearest in price — swipe to browse. Every pick sourced and dated.
All smart speakers ranked · Open data & methodology · Queryable via MCP
Compare with
Head-to-head
Cheaper smart speakers
Step up
- Amazon Echo Studio (2nd Gen) $219.99
- Sonos Era 100 $249
- Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) $299
- Bose Home Speaker 500 $379
- Sonos Era 300 $449
- Sonos Move 2 $499
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