Introduction
Smart speakers have come a long way in just a few short years, making them more popular than ever among tech-savvy homeowners. When it comes to small spaces, two of the most popular smart speakers on the market today are Google Nest Mini and Amazon Echo Dot.
But which one is better? We've conducted an unbiased comparison of these two smart speakers to help you decide which one is right for you.
Design & Build Quality
As far as aesthetics go, both the Google Nest Mini and Amazon Echo Dot have a sleek and modern look. The Nest Mini measures 3.86 x 1.65 inches and comes with fabric construction in four colors: chalk, charcoal, coral, and sky. The Echo Dot measures 3.9 x 3.9 x 1.7 inches, and comes in three colors: charcoal, heather gray, and sandstone.
In terms of build quality, both speakers are well-made and durable enough to withstand daily use. However, the Nest Mini has a soft-touch finish while the Echo Dot is made of hard plastic material.
Winner: It's a tie between the two as both are very similar.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of a smart speaker is important, especially if you plan to use it for playing music. The Google Nest Mini has improved its sound quality compared to the original Google Home Mini, delivering a clear and crisp sound in small rooms. The Echo Dot does equally well, offering robust sound quality for a device of its size.
Overall, Amazon Echo Dot's sound quality is relatively clearer and louder than that of the Google Nest Mini. It has a wider range of bass, mid's and highs that produce great sound.
Winner: Amazon Echo Dot
Smart Features
Both Google Nest Mini and Amazon Echo Dot come with a similar set of smart features, including the ability to set alarms, control smart home devices, access weather and traffic updates, and answer questions using voice commands. However, the Google Nest Mini is better equipped to handle more natural language questions and is better at understanding contextual conversations.
The Amazon Echo Dot has a slight edge in terms of smart home compatibility. It can pair with more devices than Google Nest Mini, including compatible Zigbee hub devices without needing a separate bridge.
Winner: Google Nest Mini
Price
When it comes to price, the Google Nest Mini is a more affordable option of the two, coming in at $49.99. The Amazon Echo Dot, meanwhile, costs $59.99.
Winner: Google Nest Mini
Conclusion
Both the Google Nest Mini and Amazon Echo Dot are excellent choices for small spaces with their pros and cons.
In conclusion, if you are looking for better sound quality and smart home compatibility, Amazon Echo Dot is the better choice. But, if you’re on a tighter budget, then Google Nest Mini is the obvious winner. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what you're looking for in a smart speaker.
References
Amazon. (n.d.). Echo Dot (3rd Gen) - Smart speaker with Alexa | Amazon.ca. Retrieved June 15, 2021, from https://www.amazon.ca/Echo-Dot-3rd-gen-Charcoal/dp/B07FZ8S74R/
Google. (n.d.). Google Nest Mini (2nd generation) - Smart speaker with Google Home Assistant | Google Store. Retrieved June 15, 2021, from https://store.google.com/ca/product/google_nest_mini_second_gen?hl=en-CA