EN
“Google Assistant shines, and the audio quality punches above its weight”
Is the Google Nest Audio worth it?
The Google Nest Audio is recommended with a 8/10 consensus score across 2 expert reviews. Experts highlight great sound for the price and excellent google assistant. The Verge says: "The best-sounding speaker under $100" Best for: Google ecosystem users, Music lovers on budget, Minimalist aesthetics.
Recommended2 Expert Reviews
Price Range
$89–$99
$89-$99 listRoom-filling sound2 expert sources
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Google Nest Audio
NM
Nicholas Miles · Editor-in-Chief & Methodology Owner
Smart Speakers
Expert consensus
How we score08.0/1010
2 expert sources · 2 quoted
2 quoted sources with published scores
- Engadget 8/10
- The Verge 8.5/10
Expert Consensus across 2 sources
Updated 1 week agoEditorial consensus score: SmartHomeExplorer's synthesis of the 2 published expert reviews listed on this page. Not a user rating.
“The best-sounding speaker under $100”
Key Features
- ✓ Room-filling sound
- ✓ Adaptive audio
- ✓ Stereo pairing
- ✓ Sustainable materials
Best For
Google ecosystem usersMusic lovers on budgetMinimalist aesthetics
What Experts Agree On
What Experts Love
- ✓ Great sound for the price
- ✓ Excellent Google Assistant
- ✓ Clean, minimal design
- ✓ Good for stereo pairing
- ✓ Strong bass response
Common Criticisms
- ✗ No aux input
- ✗ Limited without Google services
- ✗ No built-in hub features
- ✗ Touch controls can be finicky
What The Experts Say
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Google Nest Audio worth it?
The Google Nest Audio earns a 8/10 consensus score across 2 expert sources and is rated "Recommended". At $89-$99, it is best for Google ecosystem users. The Verge is among the named sources behind that consensus.
How much does the Google Nest Audio cost?
The Google Nest Audio is priced at $89-$99. With a 8/10 score from 2 expert reviews and a "Recommended" rating, that price represents fair value relative to the ~7.5/10 average for Smart Speakers products. Prices shift often, so check the live figure before buying.
Who is the Google Nest Audio best for?
The Google Nest Audio is best for Google ecosystem users, Music lovers on budget, Minimalist aesthetics. Experts rate it "Recommended" with a 8/10 consensus across 2 sources.
How does the Google Nest Audio compare to other Smart Speakers options?
Among the Smart Speakers products we have aggregated, the Google Nest Audio ranks above average with a 8/10 score. Engadget adds: "Google Assistant shines, and the audio quality punches above its weight"
What smart home systems does the Google Nest Audio work with?
The Google Nest Audio works natively with Google Home and Matter.
Does the Google Nest Audio need a hub or a subscription?
No separate hub is required — it connects over Wi-Fi or your existing network, so there is no extra box to buy.
What are the best alternatives to the Google Nest Audio?
If the Google Nest Audio ($89-$99, 8/10) is not the right fit, the closest alternatives in Smart Speakers are Sonos Era 100, Amazon Echo (4th Gen). Compare them on price, ecosystem support, and expert consensus to find your match.
What are the pros and cons of the Google Nest Audio?
The main strengths of the Google Nest Audio are great sound for the price and excellent google assistant. The most-cited downside is no aux input. Overall, 2 expert sources rate it "Recommended" with a 8/10 consensus score.
Decided on the Google Nest Audio?
$89-$99 listRoom-filling sound2 expert sources
Check price →Affiliate link — we earn a commission at no extra cost to you
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Sources & Methodology
This review aggregates 2 independent expert reviews into a single consensus score. See how we build consensus scores.
Expert review sources cited on this page:
- The Verge
- Engadget
Affiliate disclosure: SmartHomeExplorer.com participates in the Amazon Associates program. We earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.This consensus review is based on 2 independent expert reviews — we did not test this product ourselves. Always verify current prices and availability before purchasing.
Independence notice: Smart Home Explorer is an independent publication. Google and other product names, logos, and brands referenced on this page are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. This review is not sponsored by, affiliated with, or endorsed by Google or any other manufacturer named in this article.