The Google Home Speaker is quite remarkable, but that is until you examine the power cable.
Google
The Google Home Speaker hasn't begun shipping yet, but one fortunate buyer managed to acquire it early and has shared their initial impressions. While the feedback is mostly positive, there's one aspect that will concern those who value repairability.
For those who are not aware, Google announced the speaker in October 2025, with pre-orders opening last week. Priced at $99, this is the company’s first new speaker in six years, raising many questions among consumers.
A Reddit user found one on display at Walmart and purchased it prior to the official launch.
What’s the main drawback?
The power cable is permanently attached to the speaker and measures just under 5 feet, a significant change from Google's previous speakers, which allowed users to detach and replace the cable. The buyer identified this as the biggest downside, and I share that sentiment. A fixed cable poses problems if a replacement is ever needed.
To be fair, Google did not conceal this information. According to 9to5Google, the Google Store includes a 30W USB-C adapter in the package and specifies the “captive cable” in the product details. However, this detail went unnoticed by many.
Is the speaker any good?
The Reddit user reported that the sound quality is good, with satisfactory volume and effective handling of mid and low frequencies for a speaker of its size. They even mentioned they were comparing it to a high-end sound system, suggesting it had a high standard to meet, yet it still performed well.
The interface is also intriguing. It features hidden lights on the top mesh for volume control and allows for tapping on the speaker for operation, similar to other Home speakers. Setup was quick and took under 10 minutes using a hotspot with an existing Home account.
At $99, this speaker appears to be a solid option, despite the captive cable, and serves as a viable alternative to the HomePod mini for non-Apple enthusiasts.
Rachit is a seasoned tech journalist with over ten years of experience covering the consumer technology landscape.
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The Google Home Speaker is quite remarkable, but that is until you examine the power cable.
A buyer managed to get the new Google Home Speaker ahead of its official release and shared their initial thoughts. The sound quality is impressive, the installation process is swift, but the non-removable power cable is a significant disappointment for its repair potential.
