Google Nest Mini (2nd Gen)

The Google Nest Mini (2nd Gen) has overall fair sound quality. What little bass there is has little impact is subdued and deep bass is lacking. Midrange is somewhat hazy, grainy and thin (Telephone-like). Treble is fairly extended, somewhat sizzly, a bit prominent and lower treble is subdued. Doesn't do a good job of recovering room ambience and is somewhat congested. There is no significant difference between Wifi and Bluetooth sound quality. Best suited for near field listening. Compared to the previous generation Google Mini that scored the same this model was noted to have slightly more bass impact and midrange fullness.

Versatility is very good. It's a mono speaker, with multi-room support but lacks stereo pairing support with another Google Nest mini. Wireless: WiFi supports dual-band and this unit has Bluetooth and can output to another speaker but lacks speakerphone functionality. Communications: Has support for calling, but lacks support for texting and messaging. Digital Assistant Muting: Has a dedicated switch to disable the digital assistant by muting its microphones. Audio Connections: Lacks analog audio input and outputs. Audio Tailoring: Has treble and bass controls. OS Support: Android and iOS. Other connections and features: Lacks a USB device port. Streaming by voice command: Supports voice command of many common streaming services such as Google-Play Music, Pandora, Spotify, Tune-In, iHeart Radio. Voice ID: Supports voice identity - a feature which allows the account holder with their "voice print" to access personal information.

Overall ease of use of the Google Nest Mini is very good. Wireless setup: Setup requires an app downloaded to a device or device connection, easy and intuitive - need instructions (may be included in app), may or may not involve inputting WiFi network password, and account setups. Console controls: The volume controls are unlabeled which can be accidentally actuated while handling the unit. When playing content, proximity sensor illuminates the volume controls. Volume may also be controlled via a natural language command.Audio mute: Unlabeled multi-function button (involving volume buttons), well placed, lacks clear indication when it is engaged. (e.g. Google Mini). Audio mute: Prone to accidental actuation or some other feature makes it difficult or glitchyMicrophone mute: Poorly/Ambiguously marked marked, not well placed (behind,under) with clear indication when it is engaged. Source selections: Requires app to be installed, app installation is straight forward. Once app is installed switching between inputs requires selecting the -cast- icon in a 3rd party supported app. Fairly intuitive but subject to 3rd Party implimentation of cast selection. App remote: Volume control not available until after content is playingMute: (Remote) Dedicated control but the marking is not the most obvious, clear indication when it is engaged and mutes line in if it exists. Voice transport controls: Natural language control of transport (Play/Pause/Skip/Mute), volume controls and source selection was easy and intuitive.