Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen with Google Assistant Review – Charcoal

Google Nest Mini (2nd Gen) Review – Charcoal

Google Nest Mini 2nd generation smart speaker in Charcoal

Google Nest Mini (2nd Generation)

  • Voice assistant: Google Assistant
  • Size: 3.85 inches wide, 1.65 inches tall
  • Weight: about 6.4 oz (181 g)
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
  • Extras: built-in wall-mount notch, mic mute switch
  • Price: check current price

Update, November 2026: Google discontinued the Nest Mini in June 2026 and replaced it with the Google Home Speaker. If you already own a Nest Mini, it keeps working and still gets Google’s Gemini for Home features. New units are only available while retailer stock lasts. For a cheap new speaker, see the Echo Dot (5th Gen).

Quick answer on Google Nest Mini: the Nest Mini is a cheap, tiny way to get Google Assistant into a room. It’s fine for voice commands, timers, news and casual listening, but its sound is thin for music. It’s also an older model from 2019, so if you want better sound or Google’s newest features, look at the other speakers in our best smart speakers under $100 guide first.

How we put this review together: written by Md. Mehedi Hasan for TopSmartGear, using 9to5Google’s report on the Nest Mini being discontinued, independent expert reviews and verified owner feedback. This is a research-based review, not a hands-on test. Read how we review.

Google Nest Mini review: pros and cons

What’s good

  • ✅ Very small; fits on a nightstand or hangs on a wall
  • ✅ Google Assistant is good at general questions
  • ✅ Easy control of Google Home and Nest devices
  • ✅ Often on sale for much less than its list price

What could be better

  • ❌ Weak bass; not a music speaker
  • ❌ No aux output to connect a better speaker
  • ❌ Older design from 2019; uses a barrel power adapter, not USB-C

Who Should Buy This

The Nest Mini suits people who already use Google Home, or who want a voice assistant in a bedroom, kitchen or office on a tight budget. It’s a good way to add voice control to several rooms without spending much.

Skip it if music matters to you. The Echo Dot (5th Gen) has fuller sound for a similar price, and the Nest Audio sounds much better if you want to stay with Google. iPhone users should look at the HomePod mini 2.

Technical Specifications

  • Brand: Google
  • Model: Nest Mini (2nd generation)
  • Size: 3.85 x 1.65 inches (98 x 42 mm)
  • Weight: about 6.4 oz (181 g)
  • Material: fabric top, plastic base
  • Colors: Chalk, Charcoal, Coral, Sky
  • Features: Google Assistant, Voice Match, three far-field microphones, mic mute switch, wall-mount notch
  • Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
Google Nest Mini 2nd generation from the side

What to Expect Day to Day

Setup

You set it up in the Google Home app on an Android phone or iPhone. It plugs into the wall with the included power adapter; there’s no battery, so it stays in one place.

Voice and smart home

Google Assistant handles timers, reminders, weather, news and smart home commands well. Voice Match can tell household members apart for personal calendars and music. Google is also rolling out its newer Gemini assistant to Nest speakers, so the voice experience may change over time.

Sound

Voices and podcasts come through clearly, and the bass is better than the original Home Mini. Music still sounds small and thin, and it struggles to fill a large room. You can pair two Nest Minis as a stereo set, or group them with other Google speakers for whole-home audio.

How It Compares

FeatureNest Mini (2nd Gen)Echo Dot (5th Gen)HomePod mini 2
AssistantGoogle AssistantAlexaSiri
SoundThin, best for voiceFuller, better bassBest of the three
Works withAndroid and iPhoneAndroid and iPhoneiPhone only
Best forGoogle homes on a budgetAlexa homes on a budgetApple homes

What Owners Say

Most praised

  • Clear voice responses and better sound than the original Home Mini.
  • Quick, accurate Google Assistant answers.
  • Small size that fits anywhere.

Common complaints

  • Occasional Wi-Fi drops.
  • Not loud enough for big or noisy rooms.

Is It Worth the Price?

The Nest Mini is often discounted, especially around Black Friday. At a sale price it’s good value as a voice assistant for a spare room. At full price, consider spending a little more on a speaker with better sound.

Final Verdict

Buy the Google Nest Mini on sale if you want cheap Google Assistant in another room. If you want one main speaker for music, compare options in our best smart speakers under $100 guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Google Nest Mini discontinued?

Yes. Google ended production in June 2026 but says existing speakers will keep getting updates and support.

Can I wall mount a Nest Mini?

Yes. It has a screw slot on the back; Google recommends a #8 pan head screw with a 2 mm gap.

Does the Nest Mini work with an iPhone?

Yes. You set it up with the Google Home app, which works on both Android and iPhone.

Is the Nest Mini good for music?

It is fine for casual listening, news and podcasts, but its small speaker sounds thin for music.

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