Google’s $99.99 Smart Speaker Gets a Makeover

Nest Audio is Google’s mainline smart speaker aimed at delivering better sound and tighter integration with Google Assistant.

It was introduced in 2020 as the successor to the original Google Home and sits at an affordable $99.99 price point, making it the central option in Google’s smart speaker family.

The speaker’s design and build quality stand out compared to the older Google Home. Nest Audio has a slim, vertically-oriented profile wrapped in soft, sustainable fabric with muted color choices like Chalk, Charcoal, and Sand. Its understated look helps it blend into different rooms while still signaling a premium feel.

Setup is handled through the Google Home app, which guides users step by step to connect the speaker to Wi-Fi, link streaming services, and assign it to rooms or groups. This quick process lets buyers start using the device within minutes of unboxing.

As part of Google’s lineup, Nest Audio sits between the smaller Nest Mini and the larger Nest Hub Max. It’s priced and positioned to offer full-range sound without the screen of the Hub or the tiny footprint of the Mini, appealing to users who want voice-driven smart features and solid audio performance at a reasonable price.

Building a Connected Audio Experience

Nest Audio’s microphone system has been upgraded over previous Google speakers, allowing it to pick up commands accurately even from across the room or while music is playing.

This responsiveness makes day-to-day voice interactions smoother, whether you’re asking for the weather, controlling lights, or queuing up playlists.

On the smart-home side, Nest Audio acts as a hub for Google Assistant routines and device control. It can trigger lights, thermostats, cameras, and other connected products with simple voice commands, making it an easy entry point into a larger smart-home setup. Its support for standard services and broad ecosystem makes it versatile without requiring additional hubs.

For larger spaces or a more immersive experience, you can group multiple Nest Audio speakers together or pair two for stereo playback. This multi-room capability lets you sync music across the house or assign speakers to specific rooms for tailored control, extending its usefulness beyond a single unit.

A Connected Home Starts with Nest Audio

Nest Audio brings together upgraded sound, a clean design, and seamless Google Assistant integration at an accessible price point.

The strong microphones, easy setup, and ability to control a wide range of smart devices make it a reliable centerpiece for a connected home. With the option to link multiple units for stereo or whole-home audio, it offers flexibility and value that fit well within Google’s ecosystem.