Price-performance ratio fits: Google Nest Audio is a good sound cushion

With the Nest Audio, Google is launching a new standard wireless speaker. It is not a sound giant, but convinces for its size with a good sound and a pretty, simple design.

It took a long time before Google presented a successor to its first home speaker. Four years have passed, Home became Nest and a trimmed sound cone became a cozy sound cushion. ntv.de has tried the Nest Audio, which costs around 98 euros, and can warmly recommend it to Google friends with little space.

Very simple design

Cushion-shaped – that actually describes the design. The 17.5 centimeter high loudspeaker is so simple that apart from the logo, the power connection and the slide switch for the Assi on the back, nothing breaks through the dark or light gray fabric covering. That's chic and the Nest Audio can also be seen in a finer environment. It is nice that the plastic housing consists of 70 percent recycled plastic.

Just as easy as the design, Google has also made setting up and operating the speaker: you connect the speaker, start the home app and follow the instructions. It doesn't take more than a minute or two, and you can add Spotify and other streaming services during setup.

Assi listens well

In addition, on first contact you learn that the device has touch surfaces on the left and right of the shoulders for volume control, if you don't feel like talking to the integrated assistant. A tap on the forehead starts or pauses playback.

Speaking of assistants: Of course, it can not only control the loudspeaker, but also many other compatible smart home devices. The three microphones of the Nest Audio also hear quietly spoken instructions

You won't find a jack socket, in addition to WiFi, the Nest Audio only connects to your smartphone or other devices via Bluetooth. It only allows one player at a time, but as a stereo duo and in multi-room use it is definitely a team player. It's a shame that it doesn't show that on TV in conjunction with the new Chromecast.

Good sound for its size

In terms of sound, the new one cuts a much better figure than its predecessor with a tweeter and a midrange driver, which is what you can expect after four years. Its very clear reproduction with accentuated mids and highs is striking. The Nest Audio also produces quite good bass for its size.

In addition, Google flexed its considerable software muscles, which allows the speaker to adapt its sound to the environment and the genre it is playing. You shouldn't expect miracles, but you can hear a difference between playing music and audio books.

For around 98 euros, Google friends will find the ideal smart speaker for the kitchen, bathroom or small bedroom and living room with the Nest Audio. If you turn it up fully, he loses control a little. Those who feel more comfortable in Amazon's world will find an equal alternative in the new echo.