Google Home vs Mini: Choose the Best One for You
Updated: Aug. 27, 2019Find out everything you need to know about Google Home vs Mini, and which one is right for you.
Google offers two smart speakers: the larger and more expensive Google Home, and the smaller and more affordable Google Mini. Wondering which model is right for you? To help you choose, read on to find out how they differ, and the pros and cons of both.
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Google Home vs Mini: Sound Quality
If you’re purchasing a speaker, it makes sense that you want excellent sound quality. The Google Home features a 2-inch driver and dual 2-inch passive radiators, which give it great-sounding bass. The Google Mini has a single 1.6-inch speaker. It’s got a nice sound, and is great for voice commands, but you won’t get much bass out of it.
Bottom line: if you plan on using your smart speaker primarily to play music, the Google Home is your best option.
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Google Home vs Mini: Design and Controls
The design of both the Google Home and the Google Mini is sleek and minimalist. The Google Home is shaped like a small vase with plastic on top, and a fabric or metallic speaker on the bottom, depending on which style you choose. Plus, you can switch out the fabric or metallic bottom whenever you want. The top of the Google Home works as a touch interface. Tap it to pause or play, tap and hold to ask Google Assistant a question, and drag your finger clockwise or counterclockwise to control the volume. A round button allows you to mute the microphone. The Google Mini’s design is also sleek, with fewer visible buttons than the Google Home. It’s about the size and shape of a hockey puck, covered in fabric, and is available in three colors. Tap the sides to control volume, and a hidden switch in the back mutes the device. Both the Home and the Mini feature indicator lights on top to let you know when the device is listening and when it is off.
Bottom line: Both the Home and the Mini offer user-friendly controls and attractive design. But the Google Home offers more design customization.
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Google Assistant Capability
Both the Google Home and the Google Mini operate with Google Assistant, and it functions exactly the same on both devices. You can wake up Google Assistant on both devices by saying, “OK, Google” or “Hey, Google.” From there you can ask questions, play music, add events to your Google Calendar, make phone calls and more.
Bottom line: The Home and Mini are equally matched when it comes to Google Assistant.
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Which should you buy?
The Google Home and the Google Mini are pretty equally matched as far as functionality, the only difference being the Home is better suited for playing music. The device you decide to purchase will mostly be based on personal preference. Do you prefer a bigger device, or a smaller more discreet size? Is the color customization important to you? The final factor to consider obviously is price. The Google Home is currently priced at $69 and the Google Mini goes for $29. Overall, we think you’ll be happy with either smart speaker, but it’s up to you to decide which features fit your personal taste best, and how much you want to spend.
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Nest x Yale Lock
Monitor access to your home with a Google home device like this Nest x Yale keyless deadbolt lock. You can simply tap to lock, or use the Google Assistant to lock with your voice. A perfect companion to Nest Security, you can quickly unlock your door when you a see a friend coming, set visiting hours for friends, house cleaners, dog walkers, etc., create unique passcodes for family and friends and get notifications when those people come and go. "I purchased this lock to add to the many features of my smart home," says a reviewer. "I wanted a lock that would work with my Google Assistant and have that feature to be able to say a command and the door I have this lock installed locked. Took me about 20 minutes to install this lock and get it functioning as it is designed to do." Here are more smart door locks we love.
Roomba i7
Take the dirty work out of cleaning up with the Roomba i7. This smart vacuum does all the labor for you, including emptying itself with the automatic dirt disposal! You can even use your voice to start it and dock it, using Google Home. Considering a robot vacuum? Here's what you need to know. Next, check out: Google Home Mini vs Echo Dot.
Nest Learning Thermostat
One of the best things about making your home "smarter" is the ability to save money while being environmentally friendly. The Nest Learning Thermostat programs itself to keep the ideal temperature and help save energy. And, you can control it from anywhere with the Nest app. A great addition to your Google Home devices, you can use your voice to set the thermostat cooler, warmer, or to set a specific temperature and more. Check out these top reasons to install a smart thermostat. Plus: Learn what you need to know about the Control4 system.
JBL Link 20
Turn up the music with Google Home devices like the JBL Link 20. The powerful portable speaker has Google Assistant built in. The speaker is waterproof, floats, it can connect via Bluetooth and it has a solid battery life that can last up to 10 hours! "Great sound all around connect to WiFi without any problem," says a reviwer. "Google assistant works good even while playing music at low volumes, sound is very clear. I didn't even hear cracking once on this speaker, you can count on jbl when it comes to audio systems." Check out these outdoor speakers for great backyard tunes.
Google Chromecast
Google Home is packed with fun features, including the ability to ask it to play video on a connected device. Google Chromecast is a small device that you plug into the HDMI port on your TV and connect to your home network via WiFi to power and stream your favorite entertainment. You can instruct Google Home to play a specific movie on Netflix, for instance, without having to use your remote to search. In need of a new TV? This is the best time to buy one.
Switchbot
This tiny device is your simple switch to a smarter home. Turn on the AC, control light switches, brew a cup of coffee, control the garage door and more. To use, tape Switchbot right next to a rocker switch or button with a 3M sticker. It's a DIYers dream! The device can be voice-controlled by Google Home. Simply say, "Hey Google, brew a cup of coffee." You might also like these super handy smart home products for the kitchen. Plus: Did you know about these funny things to ask Google Home?
Philips Hue Smart Bulb Starter Kit
Connecting your Philips Hue lights to Google Assistant allows you to switch the lights on and off with your voice, adjust dimming, change colors and ask Google if you left the lights on. The starter kit includes four Philips Hue White A19 60W Energy Star Certified LED Smart bulbs, and the Philips Hue Hub that can control up to 50 Hue lights. "Coming from non-dimmable, 'dumb' lights, these are life changing," says a reviewer. "I watched and read about these for over 2 years before taking the plunge. And even after that hype and expectations, me and my wife are blown away. So simple and easy to use with voice commands or phone app. Yet can also create complex commands, such as timers, alarms, sync with TV/music, IFTTT, etc. You will not be disappointed!" Take a look at some of our favorite home automation products.
Eco4life Smart Wi-Fi Plug
This affordable smart plug/outlet works with Google Assistant to control any device that's plugged into it. With this device, you can set schedules and timers to turn your appliances on and off, or automatically turn on and off based on the sunrise, weather, temperature, humidity and more. Plus, check out these bold predictions of how future houses will look.
Orbit WiFi Sprinkler System Controller
A smart addition to your Google Home devices and lawn care tools is this sprinkler system controller. It's EPA WaterSense approved and certified, so you're sure to save water and energy. And, with the help of Google Assistant, you can customize the faucet's spray and watering schedule. "This thing is great, especially for the price. Does everything I need and the one-button set-and-forget nature of it was a relief," says an Amazon reviewer. "Installed very easily and connected to my home network without any problems. So far been a couple months and I still show off to people how I can turn my sprinklers on and off remotely from anywhere (I'm easily entertained). I've easily convinced at least two other people to buy one of these. Very much recommended." You'll also love these high-tech gardening tools you need to get your hands on!
Anova Precision Wi-Fi Cooker
This Google Home-enabled sous vide circulator is the perfect kitchen appliance for hands-off cooking of vegetables, meat and more. It brings your food to just the right temperature every time. Keep track of the cooking process via its Bluetooth system. Use Google Home voice commands to say things like, "Start my cooker" or "What is the current temperature?" Plus, check out these kitchen gadgets that can do EVERYTHING. Next: Have you ever heard of Crestron home security?
