Google Nest Mini Review
Small Package, Max Convenience
Updated Jul 13, 2023
By Eric Patterson
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3.8/5
Smart Home by Design’s Verdict - The Google Nest Mini (2nd Gen) elevates the smart speaker experience with its improved sound quality, intuitive voice recognition, and seamless integration with a multitude of smart home devices. Its compact design and eco-friendly construction make it an attractive addition to any room, offering users unparalleled convenience and control over their home environment.
PROS
✅ Enhanced Audio Quality: Delivers richer, clearer sound compared to its predecessor, making it perfect for music and voice responses.
✅ Superior Voice Recognition: Updated algorithms provide more accurate voice detection for efficient hands-free control.
✅ Environmental Sustainability: The fabric cover is made from 100% recycled bottles, emphasizing Google's commitment to eco-friendliness.
✅ Wall Mountable: Comes with a built-in wall mount, offering flexibility in placement and saving valuable counter space.
✅ Streamlined Home Automation: Easily controls thousands of compatible smart devices, acting as the central hub of your smart home.
✅ Privacy Controls: Physical switch to disable the microphone, providing peace of mind for privacy-conscious users.
CONS
❌ Limited Bass: While improved, the sound profile may lack the depth desired by audiophiles.
❌ Requires Google Ecosystem: For the best experience, it works optimally within the Google ecosystem, which might limit users with diverse smart products.
❌ No 3.5mm Jack: Lacks an auxiliary port, which restricts direct physical connections to other audio devices.
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◦ Enhanced Listening Experience: Offers an upgrade in audio quality with clearer, richer sound, making it suitable for music listening and interacting with voice assistants.
◦ Advanced Voice Recognition: Features improved voice detection algorithms for more accurate and efficient hands-free control, enhancing user convenience.
◦ Commitment to Sustainability: The device's fabric cover is crafted from 100% recycled bottles, reflecting Google's dedication to environmental sustainability.
◦ Space-Saving Design: Includes a built-in wall mount, allowing for versatile placement options without occupying counter or table space.
◦ Central Smart Home Management: Acts as a hub for controlling a wide range of compatible smart home devices, streamlining home automation.
◦ User Privacy Considerations: Equipped with a physical microphone off switch, offering users control over their privacy and peace of mind.
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◦ Personalized Home Assistant: Ideal for users seeking a smart speaker that combines quality sound with the convenience of voice-activated assistance for daily tasks, information, and home control.
◦ Eco-Friendly Tech Enthusiasts: Suitable for environmentally conscious consumers looking to incorporate sustainable technology into their homes.
◦ Space-Constrained Settings: Perfect for small spaces or rooms where conserving counter or desk space is a priority, with its wall-mountable feature providing a neat solution.
◦ Seamless Smart Home Integration: A great choice for individuals heavily invested in the Google ecosystem, offering easy integration and control over compatible smart home devices.
◦ Privacy-Focused Users: Appeals to those concerned with digital privacy, thanks to its dedicated microphone off switch that ensures personal conversations remain private.
◦ Multi-Room Audio Setups: Can be used to create or expand a multi-room audio system within the home, allowing for synchronized music playback across multiple Nest devices.
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Can the Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen be used as a Bluetooth speaker?
Yes, the Nest Mini supports Bluetooth 5.0, allowing you to connect your smartphone or tablet and use it as a Bluetooth speaker.
Is the device waterproof or water-resistant?
The Nest Mini is not waterproof or water-resistant. It's recommended to keep it in a dry location and away from any moisture sources.
How does the built-in wall mount work?
The Nest Mini includes a simple but effective wall mount built into the bottom of the device. You'll need to screw a wall anchor into your wall and then hang the Nest Mini directly onto it.
Can I pair multiple Nest Minis for stereo sound?
Yes, you can pair two Nest Mini devices in the same room for stereo sound, providing a more immersive audio experience.
How do I enable or disable the microphone?
There's a physical switch on the side of the Nest Mini that you can slide to disable (or enable) the microphone for privacy reasons.
Can the Nest Mini make phone calls?
Yes, in supported regions, the Nest Mini can make hands-free calls to most numbers in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
What's the difference between the 1st and 2nd Gen Nest Mini?
The 2nd Gen Nest Mini offers improved sound quality, faster and more accurate voice recognition, and includes a built-in wall mount. It also emphasizes Google's commitment to sustainability with its recycled materials.
Does the Nest Mini require a constant power connection?
Yes, the Nest Mini must be plugged into an outlet using the included power adapter to function.
How do I control smart home devices with the Nest Mini?
After setting up your smart home devices in the Google Home app, you can control them through voice commands to your Nest Mini.
Can I use the Nest Mini without a Wi-Fi connection?
While the Nest Mini requires a Wi-Fi connection for most of its functions, including voice commands and streaming, you can still connect it to your device via Bluetooth to play audio when offline.
Specifications
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Sound |
40mm driver for 360-degree sound |
Voice Recognition
|
Far-field voice recognition supports hands-free use |
Connectivity |
Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n/ac (2.4 GHz/5 GHz), Bluetooth® 5.0 |
Power Source | 15W power adapter |
Dimensions | Diameter: 3.85 in (98 mm), Height: 1.65 in (42 mm) |
Weight | Approximately 6.1 oz (173 g) |
Color Options | Chalk, Charcoal, Coral, Sky |
Operating System | Compatible with Android and iOS |
Privacy | Microphone mute switch |
Material | Durable fabric top made from 100% recycled plastic bottles |
Come back later for our comprehensive review.
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I'm Eric, the founder of Smart Home by Design. Coming from a strong leadership background at GameStop, I discovered my true calling in bridging the gap between technology and everyday convenience, sparking my venture into the smart home industry. These experiences ignited my passion for smart technology and led me to create a company that focuses on enhancing people's lives through innovative smart home solutions. At Smart Home by Design, we do more than just install devices; we integrate technology into homes in ways that are meaningful and user-friendly, making your home smarter and your life easier.
Note, when you make a purchase through the retail links in our content, our team might receive a modest commission. Smart Home by Design never takes payment for editorial reviews, promoting only those products we have personally installed and evaluated in our homes. Read more about our policies here.
Email me: eric@smarthomebydesign.com