Google Home Max is the biggest smart speaker in the Google Home range, which has been available since last year in the Google Home and Google Home Mini.
While the smaller siblings deliver quite good sound when listening to music around the house, it's Google Home Max that delivers a punch.
Containing two woofers for deep bass, Google says the Home Max is 20 times more powerful than Google Home.
It's clear that this is a solid competitor to Apple's HomePod, but doesn't have the shortcomings we found with Apple's product. While the HomePod can only connect to Apple's own music subscription service, Apple Music, Google integrates with the more popular Spotify as well as Deezer, Google Play Music and YouTube Music.
This is quite the selling point in itself to be able to choose the service that you want without restriction.
Being a Google smart product, you can also use the cast function to access hundreds of apps to stream in high-quality over Wi-Fi from compatible devices.
Google Home Max also has an AUX input which means that you can plug in your analogue equipment, including record and CD players (or maybe that old discman that still works) without issue. If you'd rather connect wirelessly, there is also Bluetooth functionality so you can hook up with phone or tablet to the speaker and play your favourite tunes.
There's also the ability to control things around the house by simply using your voice.
Google Home Max will be in Australian stores, including Harvey Norman, starting August 9th for $549, and is available in two colours: Chalk and Charcoal.
