Google Home Speaker review

The Google Home Speaker is Google's current smart speaker, and the Google Store now sends Nest Audio shoppers to it. It is built around Gemini for Home. Google documents a 58 mm full-range driver with omni-directional sound, three far-field microphones, Voice Match to tell household members apart, and a two-stage hardware mute switch. On the smart home side it works as a hub for Matter with Google Home and as a Thread 1.3 border router, so it can run newer Matter devices without a separate bridge. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 round out the connections, and the Google Home app runs on both iOS and Android. Google pairs each speaker with a 30-day Google Home Premium trial, which unlocks a more capable version of Gemini; after the trial the speaker still handles tasks, quick answers and smart home control. With one driver, it will not match the Sonos or Echo Studio for bass. At $79.99 on sale, or $99.99 list, it is the best value here.

Who it is for

Android and Google Home households that want Gemini voice help and a Matter hub at the lowest verified price.

Price

$79.99 on sale at the Google Store US when checked, $99.99 list price.

A smart speaker with Gemini for a more helpful home. $79.99 $99.99 Save $20
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 8, 2026.

Key features

• Omni-directional sound from a 58 mm full-range driver
• Gemini for Home with Voice Match
• Works as a hub for Matter with Google Home and as a Thread 1.3 border router
• Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4
• Three far-field microphones with a two-stage hardware mic mute switch

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Lowest verified price on our list
• Strength: Setup and control from the Google Home app on iOS and Android
• Strength: Made with at least 37% recycled materials and plastic-free packaging, per Google
• Weakness: A single full-range driver, so less bass than the larger picks
• Weakness: The more capable Gemini features come with a Google Home Premium subscription
• Weakness: The $79.99 price is a sale Google says ends 12/02

Key facts

• Voice assistant: Gemini for Home
• Driver: 58 mm full-range
• Wireless: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, Thread 1.3
• Weight: 0.9 lb
• Size: 3.4 in high, 4.2 in diameter

Where it ranks

Google Home Speaker is No. 3 in our Best Smart Speakers verdict.