Google will begin shipping its new $99.99 smart speaker, the Google Home Speaker, on June 25. The device deeply integrates the generative AI assistant Gemini for Home, but its audio quality is seen as a step back from the prior model.
June 25, 2026 · Google Home
A Gemini-Powered Speaker for $100 — Smarter Brain, Smaller Driver
Google's first new smart speaker since 2020 leans on its Gemini AI model for natural conversation and smart-home control — but a single full-range driver has fans questioning the audio.
$99.99
Launch price, on par with Apple's HomePod mini
~6 yrs
Since Google's last new speaker, the 2020 Nest Audio
$10/mo
Home Premium for Gemini Live & camera search ($100/yr)
The hardware question: driver count vs. Nest Audio
The new speaker uses one full-range driver; the higher-end Nest Audio it sits alongside used two dedicated drivers.
Google touts a driver 2× larger with 2.5× the bass — but only versus the smaller Nest Mini, not the Nest Audio.
Seen favorably
Gemini natural conversation, interruptions & follow-ups
Multi-step commands & smart-home control
Local processing via dedicated NPU
Camera event summaries
3D-knit design, 37% recycled materials
The concerns
Single driver = likely weaker bass
A hardware regression from Nest Audio at the $100 tier
Top features locked behind Home Premium ($10/mo)
Bets on AI experience over audio performance
Sweeteners at launch: a 6-month free trial of Google Home Premium and 3 months of YouTube Premium — in Hazel, Porcelain, Jade and Berry , with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, three far-field mics and a Thread 1.3 border router.
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