Quick notes
- Nest Audio delivers a rich and balanced sound with clear highs, deep bass, and a wide soundstage.
- It offers a warm and engaging sound profile with a pronounced bass response that’s perfect for outdoor gatherings or parties.
- Google Nest Audio offers a more balanced and detailed sound profile, while JBL Link Portable has a more pronounced bass response.
In the realm of smart speakers, two titans stand tall: Google Nest Audio and JBL Link Portable. Both devices offer a symphony of features and capabilities, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the depths of their specifications, performance, and value to unveil the ultimate winner.
Design and Build
Google Nest Audio:
Nest Audio boasts a sleek, minimalist design with a smooth fabric exterior that blends seamlessly into any home décor. Its compact size makes it perfect for small spaces or as a bedside companion.
JBL Link Portable:
Link Portable, as its name suggests, is designed for portability with a rugged, weather-resistant build. Its cylindrical shape and durable materials make it ideal for taking your music on the go.
Sound Quality
Google Nest Audio:
Nest Audio delivers a rich and balanced sound with clear highs, deep bass, and a wide soundstage. Its two 75mm woofers and 19mm tweeter provide a detailed and immersive listening experience.
JBL Link Portable:
Link Portable packs a punch with its 30W of power and a 52mm full-range driver. It offers a warm and engaging sound profile with a pronounced bass response that’s perfect for outdoor gatherings or parties.
Smart Features
Google Nest Audio:
Nest Audio seamlessly integrates with Google Assistant, allowing you to control your music, set alarms, get news updates, and control smart home devices with just your voice. It also supports multi-room audio and stereo pairing for an expanded listening experience.
JBL Link Portable:
Link Portable features Google Assistant as well, but its smart capabilities are more limited. It lacks multi-room audio support and stereo pairing, but it does offer Bluetooth connectivity for easy pairing with your devices.
Battery Life
Google Nest Audio:
Nest Audio is a plugged-in device, so it doesn’t have a battery.
JBL Link Portable:
Link Portable shines in this category with its built-in rechargeable battery that provides up to 8 hours of playtime on a single charge. It also supports fast charging via USB-C.
Connectivity
Google Nest Audio:
Nest Audio connects via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0. It also supports Chromecast for streaming music from your favorite apps.
JBL Link Portable:
Link Portable offers Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity and a 3.5mm auxiliary input for wired connections. It lacks Wi-Fi and Chromecast support.
Price
Google Nest Audio:
Nest Audio is priced at around $99.99.
JBL Link Portable:
Link Portable retails for approximately $149.99.
Final Verdict: A Battle of Balance
Both Google Nest Audio and JBL Link Portable offer compelling features and sound quality, but each device excels in different areas.
Nest Audio:
If you prioritize sound quality, smart features, and a compact design, Google Nest Audio is the clear winner. Its rich sound, seamless Google Assistant integration, and multi-room audio capabilities make it the ideal choice for home listening.
JBL Link Portable:
For those seeking portability, ruggedness, and a warm, bass-forward sound, JBL Link Portable is the better option. Its weather-resistant build, long battery life, and Bluetooth connectivity make it perfect for outdoor adventures or parties.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. Both devices offer excellent value in their respective categories.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Which speaker has better sound quality for music listening?
A: Google Nest Audio offers a more balanced and detailed sound profile, while JBL Link Portable has a more pronounced bass response.
Q: Can I use Google Assistant on both speakers?
A: Yes, both Nest Audio and Link Portable support Google Assistant voice control.
Q: Which speaker is more durable and portable?
A: JBL Link Portable is more durable and portable due to its rugged build and built-in battery.
Q: Can I connect both speakers to my phone at the same time?
A: Only Nest Audio supports multi-room audio, allowing you to connect multiple speakers to your phone simultaneously.
Q: Which speaker has a longer battery life?
A: JBL Link Portable offers up to 8 hours of battery life, while Nest Audio requires constant power.