Google Home Speaker Review: Still Leading the Pack

A hundred dollars buys you a lot of smart speaker these days, but Google’s latest Home Speaker is aiming to prove that price point can still deliver premium audio in a compact frame. The new device mirrors a strategy Amazon recently deployed with its own refreshed Echo lineup, offering a small form factor that fits anywhere while promising sound that punches above its weight class. For anyone who has relied on the tinny output of a Google Home Mini or an Echo Dot, this upgrade is immediately noticeable.

Gemini, Google’s upgraded assistant, handles conversational requests far better than its predecessor, but it isn’t flawless. In my three-story townhouse, I have two smart thermostats, one for the top floor and another for the lower two. When I casually asked to turn on the AC, Gemini obliged without hesitation but didn’t ask which unit I meant; it defaulted to the upstairs thermostat and set it to Eco mode. I had to follow up with a specific temperature request, asking for 75 degrees instead of the high 70s. On the other hand, a more natural command like “Can you set the temperature in the living room to 75, and upstairs too?” worked perfectly, applying the change to both thermostats simultaneously.

Gemini Live introduces a new conversational mode, activated by saying “Hey Google, let’s talk.” This feature is available on some older devices as well. It allows for a back-and-forth dialogue on any topic you introduce. I tested it by discussing my toddler’s sleep schedule, asking about sunburn treatment for the scalp (a timely query after a weekend mishap), and requesting a recap of the previous night’s Love Island episode. While Gemini engaged with each topic and asked follow-up questions to keep the conversation flowing, it did not have a recap available for an episode that had aired just a few hours earlier. The feature works as advertised, but its utility in a home setting feels limited. You are far more likely to use this kind of interactive AI on your smartphone. Audio learners might find it valuable, but for most people, it is not the most efficient way to gather or discuss information.

I was particularly eager to test Gemini’s ability to interpret my Google security cameras. Unfortunately, the experience fell short of expectations. Repeatedly, when I asked straightforward questions like whether my car was in the garage, Gemini responded that it either lacked access to that information or that I needed to upgrade to the Google Home Advanced subscription tier to proceed. For a feature that seemed so promising, this was a consistent letdown.

Ultimately, the Google Home Speaker justifies its $100 price tag with improved audio and smarter, though not perfect, voice commands. The smaller footprint means it can sit on a crowded shelf or a kitchen counter without dominating the space, a key advantage over bulkier speakers. While the conversational AI and camera integration still have room to grow, the core smart speaker experience remains the strongest in the market.