There are many smart speakers to choose from including the Nest Mini and the fourth-generation Echo Dot, from Google and Amazon respectively. Both devices are budget smart speakers that still offer high-quality sound and voice assistants, but are significantly smaller than other smart speakers. While both speakers have similar features and purposes, which is the better buy overall?
Google's Nest Mini was announced in October 2019 as a cheaper version of the other smart speakers that Google had available. The Nest Mini came with the Google Assistant and its small size makes its ideal for placement in more locations and smaller homes, compared to other smart speakers. While the smaller size also results in a smaller price, the Nest Mini lacks in the power department compared to the Nest Audio.
While the Nest Mini was announced in 2019, the newest Echo Dot was announced in September 2020, alongside the Echo Show 10 and a new version of the standard Echo smart speaker. The fourth-generation Echo Dot shares a similar globe-like design to the more powerful Echo, except it is much smaller. In fact, the two smart speakers share many similarities, but like Nest Mini, the Echo Dot lacks in the power department.
Comparing The Smaller Smart Speakers
The Nest Mini and the fourth-generation Echo Dot share many similarities including the use of voice-activated assistants, with the Nest Mini using Google Assistant and the Echo Dot 4th Gen using Amazon's Alexa. While the Echo Dot is a small speaker at 3.9 inches wide and 3.5 inches tall, it is taller than the Nest Mini which measures 3.8 inches wide and only 1.6 inches in height. In terms of the audio quality, the Nest Mini uses a 360-degree design along with a 40 mm driver. The Echo Dot employs a 1.6-inch front-firing speaker. This gives a slight edge to the Nest as it will be able to emit sound in more directions, compared to the Echo Dot's single direction. However, this might mean the Echo Dot sound quality is clearer overall. The Nest Mini also has a unique feature of being able to connect to a wall which helps in hiding the device, although it still needs to be plugged in.
Both devices can be connected to and work with other smart speakers around the home. This interconnectivity is likely to be a deciding factor for many when choosing which of these speakers is best for their individual needs. For example, if the user has mainly Google devices in their home, then they are more likely to benefit from the Nest Mini. Similarly, anyone with more Alexa-enabled devices will be better off opting for the new Echo Dot. Another major factor might be the size as while the Echo Dot is smaller than other Echo devices, it is still a bulky speaker and can be awkward to place given its shape. The Nest Mini on the other hand is compact, takes up less space, and can even be attached to the wall. If space is an issue, then Google's Nest Mini might be the better choice overall.