The Google Home Speaker is quite remarkable, but that impression changes when you examine the power cable.
Google
The Google Home Speaker hasn't even begun shipping yet, but one fortunate customer managed to obtain one early and share their initial thoughts. While the majority of the feedback is positive, there's one aspect that won't please anyone concerned with repairability.
For those unaware, Google revealed the speaker in October 2025, and pre-orders launched last week. With a price tag of $99, it marks the company’s first new speaker in six years, prompting many inquiries.
A Reddit user found one on the shelves at Walmart and purchased it ahead of the official release.
What’s the main issue?
The power cable is permanently attached to the speaker, measuring just under 5 feet, which is a significant change from Google’s previous speakers that allowed for a removable and interchangeable cable. The purchaser expressed that this is the biggest disadvantage, and I must concur. A fixed cable poses a problem if you ever need a replacement in the future.
To be fair, Google didn't hide this detail. According to reports from 9to5Google, the Google Store includes a 30W USB-C adapter within the box and specifically mentions the “captive cable” in the specifications. It simply went unnoticed by many.
Is the speaker any good?
The Reddit user noted that the sound quality is impressive, delivering adequate volume and managing mid and low frequencies well for a speaker of its size. They acknowledged that they were evaluating it immediately after using a high-end sound system, making it a tough comparison; however, it still performed admirably.
The interface appears innovative as well. It features concealed lights on the top mesh for volume control, and tapping the speaker allows for operation, similar to other Home speakers. The setup process was smooth and took under 10 minutes using a hotspot with an existing Home account.
At $99, this speaker is looking like a solid choice, despite the captive cable, and serves as a welcome alternative to the HomePod mini for non-Apple users.
Rachit is an experienced tech journalist with over ten years of experience covering consumer technology.
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The Google Home Speaker is quite remarkable, but that impression changes when you examine the power cable.
A buyer managed to get the new Google Home Speaker ahead of time and shared their initial thoughts. The sound quality is impressive, the setup is fast, but the non-removable power cable is a significant drawback for repairability.
