Google Home Speaker is finally here: Price, availability and what’s new
Key takeaways
- Google's first new smart speaker in 6 years goes on sale on 25 June 2026 for $199. However, pre-orders are already open.
- The big change is that Gemini replaces Google Assistant, so you can have a more natural, multi-step conversation.
- Speakers bought before 30 September include a 6-month Google Home Premium subscription for new sign-ups so you can test-run Gemini Live.
Google has a new smart speaker for the first time since the Nest Audio launched in 2020.
Google Home Speaker 2026 price and availability in Australia
The Google Home Speaker is priced at $199 and you can get it in 2 colours: Porcelain or Hazel.
Pre-orders are now open, with the speaker launching on 25 June.
You can either get it from the Google Store, JB Hi-Fi or Harvey Norman.
Google Home Speaker and Gemini
The Google Home Speaker is Google's first device built around its new Gemini for Home assistant, which now replaces Google Assistant.
The free version lets you ask questions, set reminders, control smart home devices and stream music - the usual stuff.
Gemini Live is what you'll need for a back-and-forth conversational experience. You might have experienced it if you own an Android phone.
You should be able to interrupt mid-answer, ask follow-up questions and get more detailed responses
The catch is that the feature requires a Google Home Premium subscription.
The basic tier costs $15 a month or $150 a year. The advanced tier costs $30 a month or $300 a year.
However, if you buy the Google Home Speaker before 30 September, you get a 6-month subscription for free, as long as you're a new subscriber.
When the trial ends, the free version of Gemini is still available - you just lose the more conversational features unless you keep paying.
Google Home Speaker specs and features
Here's what you can expect, according to Google:
- The speaker delivers 360-degree audio and features a driver that's twice the size of the Nest Mini's, producing up to 2.5x more powerful bass.
- The three built-in far-field microphones can pick up voice commands from across the room.
- There's also a physical mute switch, which can be useful if you want to stop the speaker from listening in during private conversations.
- A light ring at the base glows to show when Gemini is listening, thinking or responding. Volume and play/pause controls sit on top.
- Two Google Home Speakers can be paired for stereo. They also connect with the Google TV Streamer, Google's streaming device, sold separately in case you want a surround-sound setup. These can also work alongside existing Nest speakers and other Google speakers.
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