When comparing Amazon Echo Dot vs Google Home, the Slant community recommends Google Home for most people. In the question“What are the best smart speakers?” Google Home is ranked 2nd while Amazon Echo Dot is ranked 6th. The most important reason people chose Google Home is:
Google Home doesn't require a button to be pressed in order to use it, it always listens to your voice. Just say the words "OK Google" to get started. It is possible that Google will add more of these 'action words' in the future. OK Google can also be found on mobile Google Devices and integrates well with Google Now. Users of the Google Now will find the Google Home ecosystem very familiar.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Great option for people who want to try out smart speakers
The Echo Dot is a great option if you're still unsure if you'll have any use for a smart speaker. It has a lot of the same functions as other Amazon smart speakers but it comes at a fraction of the price.
Pro It doesn't take up much space
The Dot is smaller than the average smart speaker, and there shouldn't be any problem with finding a place for it.
Pro You can connect it to another speaker
You can upgrade the sound by connecting an external speaker (or headphones) via the 3.5 mm jack.
Pro Always listens to your voice with "OK Google" service
Google Home doesn't require a button to be pressed in order to use it, it always listens to your voice. Just say the words "OK Google" to get started. It is possible that Google will add more of these 'action words' in the future. OK Google can also be found on mobile Google Devices and integrates well with Google Now. Users of the Google Now will find the Google Home ecosystem very familiar.
Pro Excellent (conversational) voice commands with Google Assistant
Google Assistant will be the voice-assistant software running on Home and Google has already shown tremendous improvements compared to competitors such as Alexa and Siri. In a demo that was shown by Google, Assistant can manage to understand and respond to conversational voice commands. That means that Home will be able to follow up on previous questions which will make voice commands more natural and smooth.
Pro Design is customizable
The bottom half of Google Home can be replaced by a different shell, with a different texture or different color. This allows the Google Home to be personalized to an extent and fit better design-wise with specific interiors.
Pro Offers support for multi-room audio
Google Home works well with extra devices or any speaker that is connected via Google Cast. Home syncs the audio between all devices for a smooth, multi-room audio experience. This essentially allows Google Home to play music from any speaker you'd like.
Pro Doubles as a great portable speaker system
Google has implemented a quality speaker system that should make Google Home a powerful speaker for music with reportedly strong bass and clear highs. You can also connect your own speaker or stereo system via Bluetooth or an audiojack: the choice is entirely up to you.
Pro Controls other smart home devices
Google Home will offer native support with smart home system Nest, but will also support other third party products that have yet to be announced. Is is unclear so far how easy it is for developers to integrate Google Home into their apps, but Google has announced support for it.
Pro Far-field microphones can hear you from a far distance
According to Google, Home will feature far-field microphones that will allow you to be heard from a far distance.
Pro Also streams music from Google Play Music
As Home is a Google product, integration with Play Music isn't that surprising. However, it makes Home the only home-assistant to offer support for the online streaming service which is definitely a plus. However, other smart home devices could possibly add Google Play Music in an update.
Cons
Con It has a hard time picking up commands from a distance
If the distance between you and the speaker is more than 20 feet, you should speak louder to make sure that Alexa understands you correctly.
Con You can't switch between the external speaker and the Echo Dot
If you plug in an external speaker, it will be used by default, with no possibility to switch between the two.
Con The sound output is underwhelming in a large room
The Dot is a comparatively small device, it doesn't have as much power as bigger speakers. It can handle playing some background music in a quiet setting, but it's not the best choice for a party.
Con It relies on a power outlet
The Echo Dot has to be plugged into a power outlet to work.
Con Hasn't been released yet
Google Home will be released sometime in 2016, but is currently not available. As the product has not yet hit the shelves, reviewers and users haven't had the chance to take an in-depth look at the product itself and its features. The sound system and Google Assistant currently haven't been tested by the public.
Con Third-party support isn't established yet
As Google Assistant and Google Home are new systems, there isn't much support for third-party apps yet. We'd imagine this will only get better when Home is released, but competitors currently have an advantage here.
Con Doesn't offer support for Amazon Prime Music
As Google Home will be the number one competitor to Amazon Echo, the music streaming service from Amazon Prime will not be available on Google Home. However, support could be included in a future update.