Introduction

The Google Nest Mini (2nd Gen) is a small but powerful smart speaker designed to bring Google Assistant to any room. It builds upon the original Google Home Mini with improved sound quality, faster processing, and better voice recognition. While it retains the same compact form factor, several refinements make it a worthwhile upgrade. But how does it truly perform in real-world use? Let’s break it down.

Design and Build

At first glance, the Nest Mini looks identical to its predecessor, but there are subtle improvements. It has the same 98 mm diameter and 42 mm height, making it easy to place on shelves, nightstands, or kitchen counters. The top fabric covering is now made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, reflecting Google’s push towards sustainability. This not only makes the device more eco-friendly but also gives it a premium look and feel.

It comes in four colors—Chalk, Charcoal, Coral, and Sky—allowing users to choose a shade that blends best with their home décor. The touch-sensitive controls on the top panel enable volume adjustments and playback control, while an LED array indicates when Google Assistant is listening.

A significant upgrade is the addition of a wall-mounting option on the back, a thoughtful feature for those looking to save space.

Audio Performance

One of the biggest criticisms of the original Google Home Mini was its sound quality, particularly the lack of bass. Google has addressed this by improving the 40 mm driver to produce twice the bass of the first generation. The Nest Mini delivers a fuller, more balanced sound that is loud enough to fill small to medium-sized rooms.

While it doesn’t match the deep bass of larger smart speakers like the Nest Audio or Amazon Echo, it performs admirably for its size. Mids and highs are crisp, making it ideal for casual music listening, podcasts, or voice responses from Google Assistant. However, for those looking for a truly immersive audio experience, pairing it with another Nest speaker or a dedicated sound system is recommended.

Smart Features and Assistant Performance

The Nest Mini is powered by Google Assistant, making it a handy voice-controlled device for various tasks. Whether you need to set reminders, check the weather, control smart home devices, or ask general knowledge questions, it responds quickly and accurately.

The improved high-performance ML hardware engine allows for on-device processing, meaning frequently used commands execute faster without always relying on cloud processing. This results in quicker response times, making interactions with the assistant feel smoother.

Another upgrade is the three far-field microphones, which improve voice detection even in noisy environments. Whether you’re playing music or speaking from across the room, the Nest Mini does a better job at picking up commands compared to its predecessor.

You May Also Like: CMF Phone 1 Review: Features, Specifications & More

Connectivity and Smart Home Integration

The Google Nest Mini supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing seamless connection to various devices. A major highlight is Matter compatibility, making it easier to integrate with smart home ecosystems from different brands. This ensures better interoperability with third-party smart home devices, reducing the fragmentation issues seen in previous years.

The Nest Mini also works effortlessly with Google Home routines, allowing users to automate multiple tasks with a single command. For example, saying “Good Morning” can trigger the assistant to read the news, adjust the thermostat, and turn on smart lights.

One limitation is the lack of a 3.5mm audio jack, meaning you can’t directly connect it to external speakers via a wired connection. While Bluetooth streaming is an alternative, some users may find this an inconvenience.

Power and Requirements

Unlike some competitors that offer portable smart speakers, the Nest Mini requires a 15W power adapter and a nearby electrical socket. There’s no built-in battery, so it must remain plugged in at all times.

Wi-Fi connectivity is essential for most of its functions, requiring an 802.11a/b/g/n/ac access point. It is compatible with both Android and iOS devices through the Google Home app, making setup straightforward.

What’s in the Box?

The Nest Mini packaging includes the smart speaker itself, a power adapter with a cable, and a documentation bundle. Google has opted for minimal packaging, aligning with its environmental initiatives.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

The Google Nest Mini (2nd Gen) is a solid improvement over its predecessor. It offers better sound quality, faster processing, improved voice recognition, and Matter compatibility, making it a well-rounded smart speaker for any home.

Pros:

✔️ Compact and stylish design with eco-friendly materials
✔️ Enhanced bass and clearer sound compared to the 1st Gen
✔️ Faster response time with on-device processing
✔️ Better microphone sensitivity for voice commands
✔️ Matter support for improved smart home integration
✔️ Affordable price point

Cons:

❌ No 3.5mm audio jack for wired speaker connection
❌ Bass still lacks depth for audiophiles
❌ Requires constant power—no battery option

If you’re already in the Google ecosystem and need a compact smart speaker, the Nest Mini (2nd Gen) is an excellent choice. While it may not replace high-end speakers, it delivers great value for those looking for a smart, responsive, and affordable voice assistant.

Would you consider adding the Nest Mini to your home setup? Let us know your thoughts!

FAQs: Google Nest Mini (2nd Gen)