Google Home Mini vs Google Nest Mini: What's The Difference?

So one of the more forgotten unveiling from Google’s Pixel 4 event is the new Home Mini Nest Mini. The original one dropped back in 2017 and got its way into many homes w/ its abilities and $49 price point. At a quick glance its more or less identical to the original one but there are a lot of little differences that give you an improved experience. We’re not gonna dive into an in-depth analysis about it but rather highlight the differences between the new one and the old one. Let’s get started.

For starters, you got the new wall mount on the rear. The color accent is now regulated for inside of the mount hole instead of the entire rear. You still have Mute switch and the Power connector goes from a microUSB to a DC power jack. I guess they’ll add a 3.5mm jack on their next update. You still retain the fabric cover but Google now committed to using more green materials for their products where they can. So now its a custom fabric made from 100% recycled plastic bottles w/ the bottom now made from up to 35% recycled plastic.

You got a new ultrasound sensor to act as a guide of sorts. It can detect when you are near and shows you where to tap via 2 LED lights (1 on each sound). It can better read your fingers when navigating volume up/down on the sides or play/pause in the middle. On the Home Mini you could only control media controls verbally or on your Home app.

Now w/ bigger & better sound.

The sound got better as well. This is all thanks to their new 40mm drivers w/ 360-degree soundthis gives you double the bass and overall sound is more full & louder w/o any distortion. They sound on these are pretty impressive as they get loud w/o sounded too messy and w/ that extra thump in a speaker this size. These are so good that you could grab 2 of these and pair them for great complementary sound for your home. You now have 3 far-field mics instead of 2 for better voice recognition. This also increases distance from which it can hear you from 25ft to now 30ft away.

Also, Google Assistant on the Nest Mini will get faster over time thanks a new machine learning chip inside. This helps it do things faster than the previous generation. And it now fully supports Google Duo for calls and can be used as an intercom/broadcast messages w/ other Home products or smart speakers. That as well as being able to do everything you can do on Home/Home Mini.

The new & faster Nest Mini a worthy upgrade over the Home Mini.

The new Nest Mini is an overall improvement from the Home Mini. Not that you could tell much by looking at but it truly is. Improved input navigation, better bass + sound, faster Google Assistant, and added wall mount all make for an overall better smart home experience. So save for a 3.5mm jack, Google’s smallest smart speaker is better. Depending on you need, worth picking up one or 2 for your home or add one in your bathroom. Just in time for the holidays hint, hint.