Google Discontinues Nest Mini, Launches New $99 Google Home Speaker

Google has officially discontinued the Nest Mini, a long-running smart speaker that became a staple of its smart home ecosystem, while launching the newer Google Home Speaker at a significantly higher price point, according to multiple tech outlets. The move marks a shift in Google’s strategy for its smart speaker lineup, leaving consumers without a direct replacement for the budget-friendly device.

Why Did Google Discontinue the Nest Mini?

The Nest Mini, first introduced in 2017, was praised for its affordability, compact design, and integration with Google Assistant. Priced at $35, it offered a “capable smart home voice assistant” and “a pretty decent little speaker,” as noted by 9to5Google. Google’s decision to discontinue the product coincides with the release of the Google Home Speaker, which retails for $99. According to a report by The Verge, the new speaker is positioned as a premium alternative but lacks features like the Nest Mini’s built-in screw mount, which allowed for easy wall mounting.

“Google is entering effectively uncharted territory here,” wrote 9to5Google contributor, highlighting the absence of a clear replacement for the Nest Mini. “For nearly a decade, Google has had a cheap smart speaker on offer, and now it doesn’t.”

What Are the Key Differences Between Nest Mini and Google Home Speaker?

The Google Home Speaker, unveiled in late 2023, features a more modern design and improved sound quality compared to the Nest Mini. However, it does not match the Nest Mini’s affordability or versatility. The new device lacks the screw mount and has a form factor less suited for certain use cases, such as small rooms or wall installations. Additionally, the Google Home Speaker is not a direct replacement for the Nest Audio, another Google product, due to differences in size and audio performance.

“It’s very unlikely the Home Speaker will sound as good as the Nest Audio,” wrote 9to5Google, citing both user feedback and technical limitations. The Nest Audio, priced at $89, remains available, but the new speaker’s $99 price tag and design choices have raised questions about its market positioning.

What Does This Mean for Google’s Smart Home Strategy?

The discontinuation of the Nest Mini signals a potential pivot toward higher-priced, premium smart home devices. However, the lack of a clear successor has left some users frustrated. “It’s a weird place for Google’s smart home lineup,” the 9to5Google article noted. “The Nest Cam reboot of 2021 was comprised of products that replaced existing ones, but the smart speaker space is trying to find a new audience.”

Despite the challenges, some analysts see the move as a step toward innovation. “Google isn’t rushing to usher in a full reboot,” wrote the 9to5Google contributor. “Delays aren’t a bad thing—they’re what customers have asked for.” The company has also hinted at future products, including a “Google Home Display” and potential updates to its smart speaker line, according to internal documents reviewed by TechCrunch.

What’s Next for Google’s Smart Speaker Lineup?

While the Google Home Speaker is the first major hardware release under Google’s “Gemini era,” experts suggest the company may reintroduce a more affordable option in the future. “I’d love a proper Google Home Max sequel,” the 9to5Google article stated, referencing the company’s previous high-end speaker. Additionally, Google has been exploring smart displays, with a prototype reportedly in development, as reported by The Verge.

For now, the Nest Mini will remain available through third-party retailers and the used market, but its discontinuation underscores Google’s evolving approach to the smart home. “After several years of dragging its feet, Google is finally moving again,” the 9to5Google writer concluded. “It’s a promising but uncertain path.”

9to5Google, The Verge, TechCrunch