How does the Google Home Mini compare to the Amazon Echo Dot? – CNET

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The Google Home Mini listens for your commands. 

James Martin/CNET

Now that the Google Home Mini is more than just a rumor, it’s time to compare it side-by-side with the similar Amazon Echo Dot. The Mini is a smaller, more affordable version of Google‘s voice controlled smart speaker Google Home. It’s obviously inspired by the Dot, which similarly shrunk the power of the original Amazon Echo down into a compact puck you could buy for a reasonable price.

Since the Dot has helped Amazon dominate smart speaker sales, Google’s move to launch a more affordable Google Home makes a lot of sense. Both the Dot and the Mini are always-listening smart speakers that respond to your voice commands. The Mini makes use of Google’s digital assistant — simply called the Google Assistant. The Dot has Amazon’s assistant Alexa built-in to answer your questions.

Physically, the two have similar specs:

Google Home Mini vs Amazon Echo Dot

Google Home Mini Amazon Echo Dot
Price $50 $50
Available colors Chalk, Charcoal, Coral White, Black (more through cases)
Voice controls Google Assistant Amazon Alexa
Size 3.86 inch diameter, 1.65 inch height 3.3 inch diameter, 1.3 inch height
Weight 6.1 oz 5.7 oz
Physical Extras Touch controls, microphone switch, micro USB port 3.5 mm audio output port. Buttons for volume, actions, and mute. Micro USB port.
Battery powered No No
Wi-Fi enabled Yes Yes
Bluetooth streaming Yes Yes