There are several major differences between the two smart speakers, but they are nearly comparable. The Amazon Echo Dot has greater compatibility with smart home products, while the Google Home Mini doesn’t have that capability. Both speakers require full-time power connections, but the Echo Dot has a 3.5mm jack. Both speakers feature a microphone and can be placed anywhere in your home. Depending on your listening style, you may find that you can get more use out of Alexa.
In addition to being compatible with Skype, both devices can make audio and video calls. Echo has a mute button on the top, while the Google Home Mini has a switch on the back. With the Google Home Mini, you must hold the device steady to flip the switch. The Echo’s volume can also be adjusted by holding the sides of the device. However, Google assumes that most users won’t need to change the volume frequently. Both smart speakers can store and review history of commands, pause or resume audio playback, and delete individual commands.
The size and shape of the devices are similar, though the Echo Dot is slightly bigger than the Nest Mini. The Dot’s speaker is 1.6 inches, while the Nest Mini’s speaker is only a few millimeters larger. This difference makes the Amazon Echo Dot sound more complete, with more bass and midrange distinction than the Nest Mini. The Dot has a 3.5mm audio jack, so you can connect to a bigger speaker if you prefer.
