Smart speakers are becoming more popular and affordable, but with so many options available, it can be hard to decide which one is right for you. Two of the most popular smart speakers are the Amazon Echo Dot 5 and the Google Nest V2, both of which offer voice control, music streaming, smart home integration, and more. But which one is better? In this post, we will compare the Amazon Echo Dot 5 and the Google Nest V2 on various aspects, such as design, sound quality, features, and price, to help you make an informed decision.
Contents
Here’s a comparison table of the Amazon Echo Dot 5 and Google Nest V2
Feature | Amazon Echo Dot 5 | Google Nest V2 |
---|---|---|
Voice Assistant | Alexa | Google Assistant |
Speaker | 1.6″ speaker | 1.75″ speaker |
Audio Output | 3.5mm audio output | 3.5mm audio output, Bluetooth, Chromecast built-in |
Microphones | 4 | 3 |
Smart Home Compatibility | Amazon Alexa | Google Assistant |
Music Streaming Services | Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, Tidal, Deezer, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, SiriusXM | YouTube Music, Spotify, Pandora, Deezer, Google Play Music, TuneIn |
Controls | Touch controls on top | Tap and swipe controls on top |
Size | 3.9″ x 3.9″ x 1.7″ | 4.2″ x 3.7″ x 3.7″ |
Weight | 12 oz | 16.9 oz |
Price | $49.99 | $99.99 |
The Amazon Echo Dot 5 and Google Nest V2 are two of the most popular smart speakers on the market. Both devices are equipped with voice assistants and can help you with a variety of tasks, from playing music to controlling your smart home devices. But how do they compare to each other? Let’s take a closer look.
Design
The Amazon Echo Dot 5 and the Google Nest V2 have similar designs, both featuring a round shape and a fabric mesh covering. The Echo Dot 5 is slightly larger and heavier than the Nest V2, measuring 3.9 inches in diameter and 3.5 inches in height, and weighing 12 ounces. The Nest V2 is 3.85 inches in diameter and 1.65 inches in height, and weighs 6.4 ounces. Both speakers have four LED lights on the front that indicate when they are listening or responding to commands.
The Echo Dot 5 has a physical mute button on the top, along with volume buttons and an action button that can be used to summon Alexa or stop alarms. The Nest V2 has a capacitive touch sensor on the top that can be used to adjust the volume or play/pause music. It also has a physical mute switch on the back that can be used to disable the microphone.
Both speakers come in different colors to suit your preference. The Echo Dot 5 is available in charcoal, glacier white, and twilight blue. The Nest V2 is available in chalk, charcoal, coral, and sky.
Sound Quality
The Amazon Echo Dot 5 and the Google Nest V2 both have improved sound quality compared to their previous versions. The Echo Dot 5 has a 1.6-inch front-firing speaker that delivers clear vocals and balanced bass. The Nest V2 has a 1.57-inch speaker that produces rich and natural sound.
Both speakers can be paired with other compatible devices to create a stereo sound or a multi-room audio system. The Echo Dot 5 can be paired with other Echo devices or speakers that support Bluetooth or 3.5mm audio input. The Nest V2 can be paired with other Nest or Chromecast-enabled devices or speakers that support Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Features
The Amazon Echo Dot 5 and the Google Nest V2 both have similar features, such as voice control, music streaming, smart home integration, and more. However, they differ in some aspects, such as the voice assistant they use, the third-party services they support, and the additional functions they offer.
The Echo Dot 5 uses Alexa as its voice assistant, while the Nest V2 uses Google Assistant. Both voice assistants can answer questions, control smart home devices, check your calendar and email, set timers and reminders, play games and jokes, and more. However, Alexa has an edge with third-party functionality, thanks to thousands of different skills that can do everything from order pizza to read a bedtime story1. Google Assistant doesn’t have nearly as many third-party plug-ins1, but it’s much easier to talk to1. It can understand different requests more easily than Alexa1, and has more comprehensive search capabilities1.
Both speakers support various music streaming services, such as Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Apple Music, Deezer, and more. However, some services may require a subscription or may not be available in certain regions. The Echo Dot 5 also supports Amazon’s own services1, such as Audible for audiobooks and Prime Video for movies and shows. The Nest V2 also supports Google’s own services1, such as YouTube for videos and Google Photos for photo slideshows.
Both speakers can integrate with various smart home devices from different brands1, such as Philips Hue lights, Nest thermostats, Ring doorbells, Arlo cameras, TP-Link plugs, and more. However, some devices may require a hub or an app to work with the speakers. The Echo Dot 5 also supports Zigbee devices1, such as smart locks and sensors, without needing a separate hub. The Nest V2 also supports Matter devices1, which are compatible with multiple smart home platforms.
Both speakers have some additional functions that make them stand out from each other. The Echo Dot 5 has a built-in temperature sensor1 that can measure the room temperature and trigger routines based on it. For example, you can set up a routine that turns on the fan when the temperature exceeds a certain level. The Nest V2 has a built-in Soli sensor1 that can detect your presence and gestures. For example, you can wave your hand over the speaker to snooze an alarm or skip a song.
Price
The Amazon Echo Dot 5 and the Google Nest V2 are both affordable smart speakers, priced at $49.99 each. However, they often go on sale or come in bundles with other devices, so you may be able to find them for cheaper. You can also save some money by buying the previous versions of the speakers, such as the Echo Dot 4 or the Nest Mini, which have similar features but lower sound quality.
Conclusion
The Amazon Echo Dot 5 and the Google Nest V2 are both excellent smart speakers that offer voice control, music streaming, smart home integration, and more. However, they have some differences that may make one more suitable for you than the other. If you prefer a larger and heavier speaker with better bass, more third-party skills, Amazon’s own services, Zigbee support, and a temperature sensor, you may want to go for the Echo Dot 5. If you prefer a smaller and lighter speaker with clearer sound, easier conversation, Google’s own services, Chromecast support, and a gesture sensor, you may want to go for the Nest V2. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preference and needs.