Winner
Updated November 2026
Data from the official Apple and Google sites.
2026 verdict
Apple HomePod mini wins the 2026 matchup against Google Nest Mini (2nd gen), mainly on hub and sensors.
It builds its lead on hub and sensors, then backs it up with a stronger showing on its broader overall balance. Google Nest Mini (2nd gen) is still relevant if you care most about rating and alerts, but Apple HomePod mini is the stronger recommendation overall. For most setups, Apple HomePod mini is the smarter buy.
Works with
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi 2.4/5 GHz
- Thread border router
- Matter bridge or controller
- Bluetooth
vs
11% OFF
£79.99
£89.99
Works with
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi 2.4/5 GHz
- Matter bridge or controller
- Bluetooth
News by email
Still comparing? Get what's new by email
New releases and the smart home news worth knowing, in your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe in one click.
| Feature | Apple HomePod mini | Google Nest Mini (2nd gen) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.0 | 4.3 | Google Nest Mini (2nd gen) |
| Hub | Thread Border Router, Matter Bridge | Matter Bridge | Apple HomePod mini |
| Sensors | Temperature, Humidity | None | Apple HomePod mini |
| Alerts | None | Glass breaking, Smoke/CO alarm | Google Nest Mini (2nd gen) |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year | Tie |
| Connectivity | 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth | 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth | Tie |
| Integrations | Apple HomeKit, Home Assistant | Google Home, Home Assistant | Tie |
| Screen | NO | NO | Tie |
| Voice Match | YES | YES | Tie |
Winner
- + Hub: Thread Border Router, Matter Bridge
- + Sensors: Temperature, Humidity
- - Rating: 4.0 vs 4.3
- - Alerts: None vs Glass breaking, Smoke/CO alarm
11% OFF
£79.99
£89.99
- + Rating: 4.3
- + Alerts: Glass breaking, Smoke/CO alarm
- - Hub: Matter Bridge vs Thread Border Router, Matter Bridge
- - Sensors: None vs Temperature, Humidity
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better overall: Apple HomePod mini or Google Nest Mini (2nd gen)?
Apple HomePod mini has the stronger overall profile in this comparison, especially for hub and sensors.
What is the biggest difference between Apple HomePod mini and Google Nest Mini (2nd gen)?
Rating is one of the clearest differences: Apple HomePod mini lists 4.0, while Google Nest Mini (2nd gen) lists 4.3.
Who should buy Apple HomePod mini?
Choose Apple HomePod mini if your priority is hub and sensors and that matters more than rating.
Who should buy Google Nest Mini (2nd gen)?
Choose Google Nest Mini (2nd gen) if your priority is rating and alerts and that matters more than hub.
Spotted something wrong on this page? Tell us and we will fix it.
Our store on AmazonShop our ideas on AmazonLists of the smart home setups we would put together ourselves, ready to add to your Amazon cart.Shop on AmazonFull comparison table
Compare all 22 Voice Assistants side by side
You are looking at two of them. The full table lines up all Voice Assistants in the catalog with the same specs, so you can filter by what you need and sort by price or rating.
- 22 Voice Assistants
- 50 specs compared
- 46 filters
- Voice Assistants
Echo Dot (5th Gen)
- Voice Assistants
Echo (4th Gen)
- Voice Assistants
Echo Pop
- Voice Assistants
Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen)
- Voice Assistants
Echo Spot
- Voice Assistants
Echo Studio
- Voice Assistants
Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen)
- Voice Assistants
HomePod (2nd gen)
- Voice Assistants
Echo Show 15
- Voice Assistants
Echo Show 21
- Voice Assistants
Nest Audio
- Voice Assistants
Nest Hub Max
- Voice Assistants
Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen)
- Voice Assistants
Nest Hub (2nd Gen)
- Voice Assistants
Home Speaker
- Voice Assistants
Echo Dot (6th Gen)
- Voice Assistants
reSpeaker XVF3800 with XIAO ESP32S3
- Voice Assistants
Echo Hub
- Voice Assistants
Echo Time
- Voice Assistants
Home Assistant Voice
- Mini PCs
Mac Mini (M6 16GB + 256GB)
- Mini PCs
Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB)
- Mini PCs
Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB)
- Mini PCs
Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB)
- Mini PCs
Mac Mini (M4 Pro 24GB + 512GB)
- Mini PCs
Mac Mini (M4 Pro 48GB + 1TB)
- Speakers
HomePod (2nd gen)
- Speakers
HomePod mini 2
- Streaming Devices
TV 4K (3rd Gen, Wi-Fi + Ethernet 128GB)
- Voice Assistants
HomePod (2nd gen)
- Cameras
Nest Cam (outdoor or indoor, battery)
- Cameras
Nest Cam Floodlight
- Cameras
Nest Cam Indoor (Wired, 3rd Gen)
- Cameras
Nest Cam Outdoor (Wired, 2nd Gen)
- Cameras
Nest Cam (indoor, wired)
- Displays
Nest Hub (2nd Gen)
- Displays
Nest Hub Max
- Doorbells
Nest Doorbell (battery)
- Doorbells
Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd Gen)
- Doorbells
Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd Gen)
- Door Locks
Nest x Yale Lock
- Routers
Nest WiFi Pro
- Smoke & CO Detectors
Nest Protect (Battery)
- Smoke & CO Detectors
Nest Protect (Wired)
- Speakers
Nest Audio
- Streaming Devices
TV Streamer (4K)
- Temperature & Humidity Sensors
Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen)
- Temperature & Humidity Sensors
Nest Temperature Sensor
- Thermostats
Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen)
- Thermostats
Nest Learning Thermostat