Smart speakers (opens in new tab) are all the rage these days. Whether it’s for simply pumping out music or a podcast, adding items to your shopping list, or getting a recipe while your hands are full in the kitchen, they’re all as flexible as you make them. These diminutive speakers are the smallest, and most affordable options that each of these companies offer, which makes them perfect if you’re short on space, cash, or both. You can get all the benefits of a smart speaker, without having to shell out a couple of hundred bucks for the privilege.
HomePod Mini vs Echo Dot Vs Nest Mini - Design
While a smart speaker is usually something to be heard and not seen, design is important whether you’re looking to tuck it into a bookshelf or perch one on a windowsill. A quick glance at the latest version of the Echo Dot and the HomePod Mini and you may think they’re one and the same, just with one upside down. That’s because they’re both almost spherical, with the HomePod Mini looking like a slice has been taken off of the top, and the Echo Dot looking more stable with a flatter base. The differentiator is the top of each device. While the Echo Dot’s traditional ‘blue ring’ of light is on the base, its touch controls are on the top. The HomePod Mini, however, has a clear, ‘magic 8-ball’ like surface that acts as a display for Siri when activated. If you’re looking for the smallest option, though, the Nest Mini has its taller competitors beat. A flatter, puck-like design, it’s a little lower-profile (unless you opt for the orange color variant). It doesn’t have any obvious controls on the top, save for a series of dots that light up when it’s working and the ability to change volume by tapping the sides. Winner: Nest Mini for size, a tie for preference
HomePod Mini vs Echo Dot Vs Nest Mini - Audio Quality
Here’s where the HomePod Mini really stretches its legs over the competition, with Apple’s small speaker borrowing a few tricks from the larger HomePod - namely its ability to adjust the audio based on the room it’s in. The new, spherical Echo Dot is improved over its predecessors in terms of audio quality, but distortion is common at higher volumes. Finally, the Google Nest Mini lacks in bass, but can adjust its audio to match a room’s ambient noise. It’s still punchy, though, and doesn’t distort like the Echo Dot once it gets louder. Winner: HomePod Mini
HomePod Mini vs Echo Dot Vs Nest Mini - Price
When it comes to price, there’s only one winner. Google’s Nest Mini is just $34.99, and can often be found for less. The Echo Dot costs $49.99, but there’s a version with a clock display for $10 more. The HomePod Mini is the more expensive of the bunch, at $99. For that price, you can find one of the big versions of the other two - the Echo and the Nest Audio. Winner: Nest Mini
HomePod Mini vs Echo Dot Vs Nest Mini - Which should you buy?
If you’re looking for the cheapest way to jump into a smart home setup, the Nest Mini is an excellent option. It’s small, stylish, and offers decent sound quality for what you pay. Finally, Apple’s HomePod Mini charges a premium for its unmatched audio quality, but unless you’re in Apple’s ecosystem it’s not likely to be for most users - particularly for Spotify users.
An expert on all things Apple ever since he got a second-hand iMac, Lloyd can regularly be found testing software on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Mac — when he’s not testing the platforms themselves, that is. He’s also Dexerto.com’s Games Editor, and a podcaster.
When he’s not writing, you can probably find him running after his son, playing Destiny 2, or at the gym.
