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Android Authority
The Home Speaker is the wrong $99 Google Home gadget to buy in 2026
Despite the introduction of Google's Home Speaker for $99, users may find the older Nest Hub to be a superior smart home controller. The Nest Hub's display provides valuable functionalities, including visual feedback for commands, integration with other Nest devices, and better interaction for diverse tasks compared to the Home Speaker. While the Home Speaker excels in audio quality, its lack of visual interfaces makes it less versatile in a smart home ecosystem.
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Published 16 Aug 2026, 10:40 UTC6 min read
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Summary
TL;DR
- The Home Speaker replaces older models like Nest Mini and Nest Audio.
- The Nest Hub is favored for its display and added functionalities.
- Both devices are priced at $99 but offer different user experiences.
- The Nest Hub features sensors enabling gesture control and presence detection.
- Users value Nest Hub for visual confirmation and convenience in smart home tasks.
Interesting facts
- The Nest Hub includes sensors not found in the Home Speaker, enhancing smart home capabilities.
- Both devices utilize Google's Gemini chatbot for voice commands.