Apple HomePod (2nd gen) vs Google Nest Audio

Higher-rated hub speaker versus cheaper Google option: the Apple HomePod (2nd gen) has the edge in this smart speaker face-off with the Google Nest Audio, backed by a better owner rating, its built-in Thread border router and Matter bridge, and room sensing with both temperature and humidity readings the Nest Audio does not offer. The Google Nest Audio pulls ahead on price and on subscription-ready sound alerts, since it can listen for glass breaking or a smoke and CO alarm with an active subscription, while the HomePod has no equivalent alert feature at all. Ecosystem is otherwise a wash on paper: each speaker supports exactly one built-in assistant, Siri on the HomePod and Google Assistant on the Nest Audio, with neither working with the other's smart home platform. Pick the Apple HomePod (2nd gen) for the higher-rated speaker with hub range and climate sensing in Apple's world; pick the Google Nest Audio for the cheaper option with sound-based alert support in a Google Home.