If you are looking for a smart home upgrade, the google home speaker released for $99 is currently the wrong gadget to buy in 2026. Despite the marketing hype surrounding new hardware, this specific device fails to offer a meaningful improvement over older, more capable Google hardware already available in the market.

Why the google home speaker falls short

For anyone living in Pakistan, where imported tech prices are inflated by high taxes and currency fluctuations, spending roughly Rs. 28,000 to Rs. 30,000 on a new smart speaker needs to be justified by performance. The current $99 model lacks the visual utility that makes the original Nest Hub a superior choice. While the new speaker focuses on audio output, it misses the interactive touch interface and screen-based controls that many users have come to rely on for managing smart lights, security cameras, and daily schedules.

  • No display: Unlike the older Hub, this device is purely voice-reliant.
  • Diminishing returns: The sound quality improvements are marginal at best.
  • Value proposition: Older models like the original Nest Hub offer more functionality for a similar or lower resale price.

Stick with the Nest Hub

Many power users still prefer the original Nest Hub over this newer iteration. The ability to see your calendar, view video feeds from your doorbell, and control your home ecosystem visually remains unmatched. If you are already invested in the Google smart ecosystem, adding a screen-less speaker that does not bridge any new gaps in your automation setup is an unnecessary expense.

What you should do instead

Before you commit your budget, look for refurbished or remaining stock of the original Nest Hub. It provides a far more comprehensive experience. If you strictly need an audio device for music or podcasts, there are third-party Bluetooth speakers available in local markets like Hafeez Center in Lahore or Saddar in Karachi that offer better sound quality for a fraction of the price.

What to watch next

Keep an eye on Google’s upcoming software updates. The company is expected to push more AI-driven features to its older screen-based devices in late 2026. Until the new speaker receives a significant firmware update or a price drop, it remains a product to avoid for the smart-home enthusiast who values utility over novelty.