Google Home Speaker vs. Amazon Echo Dot Max: I compared the $99 smart hubs by the specs - ZDNET

Our gifting experts are obsessively searching for holiday gifts that are unique, thoughtful and suitable for any budget. Home & Office > Home Entertainment > Speakers Both Google and Amazon have generative AI-powered smart speakers for under $100, so which one stands out? Article updated on June 18, 2026, 5:13 pm EDT Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. Google just announced the new Google Home Speaker, which will officially go on sale on June 25. This is a $100 smart speaker that will come with a generative AI-powered Gemini for Home onboard, 360-degree sound, and the ability to double as a smart home hub. The speaker is directly competing with the newer Amazon Echo Dot Max, a $100 smart speaker (though it’s currently on sale for $65) that comes with Alexa+ built in. Alexa+ is Amazon’s take on a generative AI-powered virtual assistant that, like Gemini, can handle complex tasks, answer questions, and generate content. Also: How I’m using this cheap smart plug to automate tasks around the house Considering that both speakers are similar in price and features, the question of which is better is inevitable. Since the Google Home Speaker isn’t officially available unt