Comparing Google Home and Amazon Echo

What is Google Home?

Google Home is a smart speaker similar to Amazon Echo.  While Echo is powered by Amazon’s proprietary software and trigger word “Alexa”, Google Home’s software Google Assistant, is often referred to by its trigger phrase “Ok Google”.

Google Home VS Amazon Echo (Alexa)

Winner: Google Home

SOFTWARE COMPARISON

The main component of both devices is their software.  In this category, we looked at how well the software performs basic built-in functions and excluded additional apps or skills which have to be installed.

ACCOUNTS

Both speakers require signing into an accompanying account during setup. Google offers free accounts while Echo (Alexa) must be linked with an Amazon Prime account for $99 a year.

It’s important to remember that while smart speakers are relatively new both Ok Google and Alexa have been staples on Droid and Fire products for years constantly learning and evolving. Both accounts used for this comparison have previously been used on other devices.

ASSISTANT: KNOWLEDGE BASE

When it came to answering questions there was no comparing the two with Google being far superior.  Both could give the weather forecast, recite news headlines, tell jokes, and reply with witty answers to philosophical questions, but we were testing for practical applications.

It comes as no surprise that since Google Assistant can access the vast knowledge of Google’s search engine (which has been cultivating information since 1996) it can answer more questions than Alexa.  Alexa can give basic information such as who is the president, where Boston is, and how many ounces are in a cup.  However, its knowledge is very limited and always fails to answer specific questions about broad topics.

Google Assistant searches the entire internet for an answer and will cite the source.  If it is not a basic knowing question, the response will begin with “According to (insert website or publication source)” and will proceed to provide the answer. We then installed the Wikipedia skill in the Alexa app and asked the question again.  Even using the Wikipedia skill, Alexa struggled to answer questions that Ok Google could answer citing Wikipedia as the source.

VOICE RECOGNITION

Since Alexa struggled to answer knowledge questions, we tested voice recognition using basic commands such as turning lights on and off, dimming, and playing different music sources in different rooms.  While Alexa does a good job of understanding, she wasn’t perfect. During the test, Google Assistant did not falter. 

Integration Comparison

Winner: Amazon Echo

Compatible devices and services increase the smart speakers’ versatility.  Amazon had a year’s head start on Google and they used that time wisely. There is no question that Amazon by far has more integration than Google.  While both are constantly expanding their partner lists, Google has a lot of catching up to do.

As of February 2017, Amazon Echo has official skills (integration) for Lutron and Control 4. Google Home has a driver for Control 4 which must be installed by a Custom Integrator.

UPDATE: As of April 2017, Google Home has a Lutron integration.

Physical Comparison

Winner: Amazon Echo

This was a close one and the deciding factor really depends on how you want to use the smart speaker.  If you plan on using it to play music, go with Google Home since it produces higher quality audio. 

Amazon Echo is a bit sleeker with a tall and slender design, whereas the Google Home is a bit wider and shorter.  If you’re purchasing the device for voice control, Echo is the better choice. Amazon also sells the Echo Dot, a significantly smaller version of the original Echo, which is the perfect option for users who want the functionality of Alexa in a low profile device.

Since the majority of our clients have high-end speakers and use these devices as a means for voice control, we selected Amazon as the winner based on the Echo Dot’s discreet form.

Conclusion

Since we are high-end custom integrator we are going on the assumption that our clients are interested in smart speakers not to play music, but to control their automation systems.  For Lutron control, the choice is clear, they should go with the Echo.

If a client wants to use the smart speaker for Control 4 command we then have to decide which is the right fitfor them.  If they have an accent or children in the house, they may want to consider going with Google since it is better at recognizing commands.

We also ask the client if they plan on using the smart speaker as an assistant. If not, we would recommend they go Echo Dots allowing for inconspicuous multi-room control.  If they do plan on asking the smart speaker questions Google Home would be the best fit.