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Not only is the device out-of-stock in the US Google Store, but the company told Engadget it discontinued the line. You may still be able to find them through other vendors, but only while supplies last. Other than cost, there was never any reason not to buy this excellent speaker from Google. At $399 when it debuted, it was always a bit pricey for many users, but recent discounts to $299 on a regular basis have made it far more palatable.
The major functionality you lose is the ability to make phone calls, which Google's own speakers have but third-party models don't. You can also assume, of course, that Google's own speakers will get new features first (that's what has happened with Alexa speakers). Unless the Link is compellingly better, audio-wise, the Max is a safer bet. On tracks with intense sub-bass content, like The Knife's "Silent Shout," it delivers powerful low frequency response. Thus, at more moderate levels, you get a rounder, fuller sense of bass depth. In fact, for a speaker this size—not tiny, but not massive—you get a disproportionately full bass response.
Google Nest Protect (2nd gen)
So let's say the built-in Google Assistant functionality is worth about $50 of the $400 price tag—that would mean the Home Max should sound as good as a $350 speaker, right? Compared with some of our favorite standard wireless speakers in this price range, like the Klipsch The Three and the JBL Boombox, the Home Max is most definitely a competitor. From a purely audio-based standpoint, the Boombox is the winner in terms of volume and bass depth, while the Klipsch model delivers the most refined audio of the bunch. But in terms of clarity, power, and bass depth, the Home Max delivers an excellent listening experience that can hang in the same league as these speakers, which is especially impressive when you factor in the voice control. As far as smart speakers go, the top competitor for the Google Home Max right now is JBL's Link system, especially the Link 500 ($399.95), which we are in the process of reviewing. The Link system has four different speaker options, all with Google Assistant.
That said, not a lot of people can hear the difference between the default SBC codec and AptX, but if you're one of them, stick with Chromecast. Adjusting the volume is done using the touch-sensitive surface that runs lengthwise along the speaker's top panel—slide your finger left to lower or right to raise volume. These levels work in conjunction with your mobile device's master levels when you are connected via Bluetooth.
Voice Remote for Chromecast with Google TV
It seems like a very short run, but Google likely sees its newer Nest Audio speakers as a better replacement. At about half the price, users can pick up two Nest speakers and achieve the same or superior sound quality with a smaller footprint. As of today, the US Google Store lists the Google Home as “No longer available.” That said, the product listing has not been removed and the device is still shown alongside other speakers.
This is a powerful sound that'll appeal to fans of deep bass, yet the speaker doesn't forsake the overall balance of the mix, as the highs are also well represented. "Existing Google Home Max users shouldn't worry as they won't see any change in their service," a spokesperson said. "We'll continue to offer software updates and security fixes to Google Home Max devices. We're committed to delivering great sound and whole home audio features across all of our Assistant-enabled products." If you remember our review and follow up on this speaker, it is an absolute beast. The sound quality is superb, the connectivity is solid, and it still looks great on the shelf.
Google home max Stock Photos and Images
The latter was also possible through “Ok Google,” with the company adding a physical button on the rear to disable the microphone. That privacy switch has remained available across all subsequent speakers and Smart Displays from Google. As you can tell from my timbre and the video above, we love this speaker here in the office and are sad to see it go. I don’t know if there’s enough interest in a speaker of this size for Google to make a Nest Audio Max, but I sure hope they consider it. I like the Nest Audio just fine and I think it is a great replacement for the original Google Home, but no speaker with the Google Assistant can touch the Home Max when it comes to sheer audio quality. With the Home Max now leaving the lineup, it really feels like Google needs to fill the hole.
The fact that the in-stock status returned at full price really had me hopeful that the end wasn’t so close after all. The Home Max, and Mini, launched in 2017 as the first expansion of Google’s smart speaker lineup. After three years, Google has officially discontinued the Home Max as inventory is depleted. Sure, the Home Max has all of the same brains as the newer models, but it can't compete in terms of hardware anymore.
The Google Home Max is back in stock and too cheap to ignore
I have one nest audio in a 12x10 bedroom and it fills the room with sound at ~70% volume. In my opinion, definitely go with one nest audio for a start as mine fills the room and I have it close to the wall to amplify the bass. We fully expect Google to sell through this final stock and then put the oh-so-excellent Google Home Max out to pasture, so if you’ve ever considered one, you should jump on this deal while you can.
The speaker utilizes an array of six far-field mics to pick up your voice commands from a distance. Recently discounted to $99, the US Google Store has likely depleted its original Home inventory, and is no longer getting new stock. The UK Google Store is still selling the device, while there’s a waitlist in Canada. With Google Home, your Nest and Matter devices work together reliably to help with your household needs.
When the new Nest Audio speaker was announced in September 2020, the audio upgrade provided by custom speaker drivers was one of the main talking points. A single Nest Audio speaker looked to give a good enough room-filling sound for most uses. PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering lab-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services. Our expert industry analysis and practical solutions help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.
In these days of planned obsolescence, discontinuing a product line usually means support for the device is limited to only a few more years. Those who may have only picked up a Home Max this year might be worried that their purchase may soon be ignored. However, Google says that it has no plans to stop providing updates and support for the device. For months now, the Google Home Max has gone on sale, off of sale, had a permanent price reduction, gone on sale again, and then returned to in-stock status as the year wound to a close. With a full-blown return to the Google Store, I thought perhaps this excellent speaker was going to just hang around for a while longer. After all, if you are Google and trying to just sell through your remaining stock, why lift the awesome sale they had going?
The drums sound full, rich, and round—neither overly boosted nor weak. Callahan's baritone vocals get an ideal low-mid presence as well, highlighting their richness, while the high-mids are dialed in to deliver some crisp treble edge to the vocals, guitar strums, and higher-register percussive hits. Purists won't be thrilled with the bass boosting and sculpting in the highs that goes into making this sound signature, but most listeners will enjoy the full, clear sound. We'd like to have seen track navigation controls onboard—you'll be skipping tracks either on your phone itself or with the power of your voice and Google Assistant.
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