Google Nest Audio

Smart speaker or butternut squash?

The old Google Home smart speaker has finally had a makeover, with a fresh focus on audio quality

£90 / stuff.tv/nestaudio

■ Google’s Nest Audio is a squat, rounded-off rectangle, similar in height to a Sonos One but half the depth. It’s weighty and well built, its plastic fabric punctuated only by four LEDS and top touch controls that remain hidden until activated, plus a mic button on the back.

■ Setup is straightforward via the Google Home app. Opt for Google Voice Match and the Nest Audio will recognise your voice, and offer personalised results from Gmail or Google Calendar. Three far-field mics do a great job of making out commands at regular volume, even from the other side of the room.

■ In control of the sound are a 75mm woofer and a 19mm tweeter, replacing the single 50mm driver in the original Home. These are sited at the front for a traditional directional speaker rather than a 360° one. The result is a fuller, clearer and more direct sound that Google says goes 75% louder than its predecessor.

■ Sure enough, for a little speaker it goes pretty loud – although you may start to notice distortion, as well as some loss of control in the higher frequencies, when pushed past 80% volume. The low end is definitely more refined and less muddy than on the Google Home.

■ For the price, it does a fine job for pottering around to non-critical listening. This is where the Nest Audio finds itself at home, and it just about pips the Amazon Echo for clarity and richness.

Tech specs

Audio 75mm woofer, 19mm tweeter Compatibility Android, IOS Connectivity Wi-fi, Bluetooth 5, Chromecast Dimensions 175x124x78mm, 1.2kg