Google Nest Audio in the 2023 test: Small speaker with good features

Smart speakers like Google Nest Audio are becoming increasingly popular. After all, with the intelligent speakers you can not only play music via voice command, but also control the smart home with the Google Assistant. We’ll show you in our test report how Nest Audio performs in everyday life and whether the device can compete with the competition.

1. design

2. Furnishings

3. Operation and function

   1. Smart home

4. sound

5. Conclusion

design

The Nest Audio is one of Google’s larger smart speakers. The simple shape and inconspicuous color make the device almost disappear, depending on where you place it. Since the integrated LEDs only light up when you change the volume or use the voice assistant, the speaker’s light does not disturb the bedroom even at night.

Google Nest Audio in detail

In these pictures you can see the smart speakers from all sides.

The speaker is heavier than it looks and is of high quality. However, the fibrous surface is somewhat susceptible to dust and pet hair, so regular cleaning is essential. While it’s not noticeable from the outside, the speakers are only on the front, which is something to keep in mind when placing them.

Furnishings

The scope of delivery of the speaker is manageable. In the packaging you will find the speaker itself, a power cable and instructions for use. Before you get started, you need to find the right place for the device and connect the cable. Incidentally, the speaker is not suitable for traveling because it does not have an integrated battery and must be constantly connected to the mains. The power cable is 1.5 meters long, which is why the nearest socket should not be too far away.

Now you can start setting up. As is usual with Google devices, a Google account is essential to use the speaker. You also need to have the Google Home app so you can get started. Of course, access to a WiFi network must also be guaranteed, otherwise you won’t be able to enjoy the full extent of the smart speaker.

If all requirements are met, it doesn’t take long until the device can be put into operation. The Google Home app guides you step by step through the necessary processes. If necessary, you can skip some points such as recognizing your voice for the time being. If you want to use voice control, you will have to come back to the setting later.

Operation and function

You can control the basic functions such as volume in three ways. Either via the Google Home app, by voice command or with the buttons on the left and right at the top of the device. In addition to the volume, you can only switch the microphone on and off on the speaker itself.

The microphone is used when you use the voice assistant Google Assistant via the speaker. You can ask what the weather is like, the traffic situation or anything else that comes to mind. You just have to remember to always start your sentence with “Hey Google”. Even if you don’t speak clearly or are further away, Nest Audio can usually understand you.

However, the Google Home app remains essential for operation. It is considered the first point of contact for connections and settings. In the manageable program you can connect music streaming services, add additional speakers or even set processes. These can be notes, alarm clocks, appointments or even routines for the smart home. An alarm clock or note can be easily set up using voice commands. Other tasks have to be entered manually using the app, which we found to be a bit annoying at times.

Even if you want to edit an alarm clock or appointment, it doesn’t work via voice command and the task has to be adjusted in the Google Home app. So it seems a bit arbitrary which tasks can only be completed with your voice and which require you to open the app. Of course, this also has an impact on the control of the smart home.

Smart home

Just like with Amazon’s competing products, you can also control your smart home via Nest Audio. To do this, you first have to reconnect to the respective device via the app. It can be linked to numerous smart home applications. Just find the appropriate software and you can get started. In our test we paired the Roborock Q8 Max+ with the speaker.

As hoped, cleaning can easily be started or interrupted using a voice command. This saves you having to reach for your cell phone and you can start automated housework with a simple shout. However, you still have to adjust the robot’s fine settings or new routines using the corresponding app.

As already mentioned, the same applies to the general creation of smart home processes with the speaker. It is not possible to create a plan using voice commands. For example, do you want your smart lighting to turn off automatically every morning when you leave the house or your heating to be turned on via a smart thermostat before you come home in the evening? Then you have to set it up via the Google Home app. This is bearable, but it would be more practical if it could also be done via Nest Audio.

sound

Despite its useful smart home features, Nest Audio’s primary purpose is to play music. That’s why we naturally placed particular emphasis on the sound quality of the speaker. First of all, you should know that not every music streaming service is compatible with the device or the Google Assistant.

The streaming giant Spotify is of course supported. We’ll show you which other music streaming services you can connect to the Google Assistant in the linked article. If your favorite provider is not included, you can also use Nest Audio like a Bluetooth speaker. Then only the control via Google Assistant is no longer necessary.

The speaker offers good sound for its compact size. Both highs and lows are reproduced in reasonable quality. However, this does not apply to bass-heavy tracks. In addition, the sound quality decreases as soon as you max out the volume. As soon as you aim for 60 percent, the music from the speaker sounds very tinny. But then the sound is so loud that it shouldn’t be long before your neighbors complain. The device is therefore less suitable for parties.

However, the sound is okay for everyday use. If you still have a smart speaker from Google, you can even improve it a bit. Simply connect the devices into a stereo pair to get surround sound. Alternatively, you can play your music in multiple rooms by setting up a multiroom system with your Google speakers.

Google Nest Audio

Editorial rating 7.6 Reader Rating

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Design and workmanship

8.0

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Transparency note: The test device was loaned to us by Google.

Don’t agree? Are you looking for suitable alternatives? We have an extensive list of Google Nest Audio alternatives available for you in our speaker overview.

Google Nest Audio: data sheet

Here you can find the technical data for Google Nest Audio. You can easily compare size, weight and other properties with other products.

Dimensions	1.24 x 1.75 x 0.78 cm
Weight	1.2 kilograms
Water resistance	✘ No
Colors	Chalk, carbon
Voice assistant	Google Assistant
display	✘ No
Zigbee hub	✘ No
Streaming services	Spotify, YouTube Music, Deezer…
microphone	1
camera	✘ No
Sensors	✘ No
Aux	✘ No
Microphone input	✘ No
micro USB	✘ No
USB C	✘ No
NFC	✘ No
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.0
WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS	802.11b/g/n/ac
Stereo pair	✔ Yes
Multiroom	✔ Yes
aptX	✘ No
aptX HD	✘ No
Spotify Connect	✔ Yes
Lossless audio	✔ Yes
Auto calibration	✘ No
Handsfree	✘ No
physical buttons	✔ Yes
app	✔ Yes
Wireless charging dock or power bank	✘ No
Party light	✘ No
FM radio	✘ No
SD card slot	✘ No

View all technical data❯