Google Home Max packs in the smarts, boosts the sound

The Google Home Max is the latest speaker in the Google Home family. Just like the original Google Home on the right and the Google Home Mini on the left, the Max responds to your voice commands via Google Assistant. Above and beyond the other two, the Max comes with a hefty $400 price tag. So what does it do to earn the extra keep? Click through to find out. 

In addition to the voice controlled smarts, the Max packs in specs aimed to please audiophiles. It's a powerful speaker in addition to being a useful helper. 

At a hefty 11.7 pounds, the Max includes...

Six onboard microphones for far-field voice control
Two 4.5-inch (114mm) high-excursion dual voice-coil woofers
Two 0.7-inch (18mm) custom tweeters
USB-C input
3.5mm auxiliary input

You can turn the Max on its side with a flip. It rests on a base which is easy to move. 

On its side, the Max acts as a mono speaker. In its default horizontal position, it plays music in stereo using its two sides to play both parts of the music. 

Here are the inputs on the back of the Max, including a small reset button just below the status light. 

You can also mute the microphone on the Max by flipping the switch on the back. 

You'll mostly control the Max with your voice, but you can also tap the top to play or pause music. Run your finger along the top and you can control the volume. 

We played the Max alongside the Sonos Play:5 on the left and the Bose SoundTouch 30 in the middle, and the Max held its own. 

The Max also adapts its sound based on the room its in. If it's near a wall, it'll pick up the extra reverberation and reduce the bass accordingly. 

In addition to the Chalk speaker we tested, the Max also comes in charcoal gray. 

If you just want smarts, you don't need to spend up for the Max, as the Google Home or the Mini will suit you just fine. But if you want to fill the room with excellent sound, the Max is worth considering.