Google Nest Hub vs. Amazon Echo Show: Which Smart Display is Right for You?

In the battle of the smart displays, two heavyweights reign supreme: Google Nest Hub and Amazon Echo Show. Whether you’re looking to heighten your morning routine, control your smart home with a flick of a finger (or a voice command), or just have a kitchen companion that won’t eat your cookies, choosing between these two can feel like picking your favorite child. So, let’s dive into this playful yet insightful comparison to help you decide which one deserves a spot on your counter.

Design & Display: A Feast for the Eyes

Google Nest Hub

Think of the Nest Hub as the sleek, minimalist friend who’s always on top of the latest trends. With its clean lines and subtle footprint, it blends into any room like it was always meant to be there. The 7-inch touchscreen is crisp and bright, perfect for glancing at recipes or photo slideshows. Bonus points for not having a camera—privacy lovers, rejoice!

Amazon Echo Show

On the other hand, the Echo Show is the robust, feature-packed sibling that demands attention. It comes in various sizes (5-inch, 8-inch, 10-inch, and even a 15-inch model), so you can pick the one that best suits your needs. The larger displays are a treat for binge-watching, while the smaller versions are ideal for tight spaces. Plus, the built-in camera means you can video chat with friends or keep an eye on your home—if that’s your thing.

Verdict

If you’re all about that minimalist life, the Nest Hub will whisper sweet nothings to your design sensibilities. But if you like your tech to stand out and show off a little, the Echo Show is ready for its close-up.

Voice Assistant: Battle of the Brains

Google Assistant (Nest Hub)

Google Assistant is like that super-smart friend who always has the answers (and sometimes corrects you). It excels at understanding natural language, pulling up information quickly, and syncing seamlessly with other Google services like Calendar and Maps. If you’re already deep in the Google ecosystem, the Nest Hub will feel like coming home.

Alexa (Echo Show)

Alexa, on the other hand, is the social butterfly of voice assistants. She’s not just smart—she’s got skills, literally thousands of them. From ordering pizza to playing trivia games, Alexa is like the Swiss Army knife of digital helpers. Plus, with Amazon’s vast ecosystem, she’s incredibly versatile, controlling everything from your smart lights to your online shopping list.

Verdict

Need a tech-savvy librarian who never forgets a birthday? Google Assistant is your go-to. But if you want a chatty companion who’s ready to help with anything (even if it’s just telling jokes), Alexa’s got your back.

Smart Home Integration: Command Central

Google Nest Hub

Nest Hub is a strong contender for those already invested in Google’s smart home products. It’s the central hub for controlling your smart devices—lights, cameras, thermostats—with just a voice command or a tap on the screen. The Home View dashboard is intuitive, giving you a bird’s-eye view of all your connected devices.

Amazon Echo Show

The Echo Show doesn’t just connect with your smart devices; it practically throws a party for them. It works beautifully with a wide range of smart home products, including Amazon’s own Blink cameras and Ring doorbells. Plus, Alexa’s Routines feature allows you to create custom commands that control multiple devices at once. Morning coffee and a news briefing with a single phrase? Done.

Verdict

If your home is already sprinkled with Google gadgets, the Nest Hub is the natural choice. But if you want to throw the biggest smart home bash on the block, the Echo Show is the ultimate party planner.

Entertainment: Fun at Your Fingertips

Google Nest Hub

With YouTube integration, Nest Hub is perfect for those who love watching how-to videos, cooking tutorials, or just catching up on their favorite vloggers. Music lovers will enjoy the seamless integration with Google Play Music, Spotify, and YouTube Music. However, it does miss out on some streaming services like Netflix.

Amazon Echo Show

The Echo Show brings the whole Amazon entertainment package to your fingertips. From Prime Video and Netflix to Amazon Music and Spotify, the Show has you covered. Plus, with its larger display options, it’s a mini home theater for your kitchen or living room. And yes, it can also play your favorite YouTube videos—albeit through a browser rather than a native app.

Verdict

If YouTube is your jam, the Nest Hub will have you binge-watching in no time. But if you want a versatile entertainment hub with all the bells and whistles, the Echo Show takes the crown.

Price: Bang for Your Buck

Google Nest Hub

Typically priced more affordably, the Nest Hub offers excellent value, especially for those who don’t need a camera or a large display. It’s a great way to dip your toes into the smart home world without breaking the bank.

Amazon Echo Show

The Echo Show can be a bit pricier, especially the larger models. But considering the features it packs, many would say it’s worth every penny—especially if you’re looking for a device that can do it all.

Verdict

On a budget? The Nest Hub is your wallet’s best friend. But if you’re willing to splurge for more features, the Echo Show will give you your money’s worth and then some.

Final Showdown: Which One Should You Choose?

It all comes down to what you value most in your smart display. The Google Nest Hub is perfect for minimalists, privacy enthusiasts, and Google ecosystem loyalists who want a stylish, straightforward smart home hub. On the other hand, the Amazon Echo Show is ideal for those who crave versatility, enjoy a more hands-on approach with their smart home, and don’t mind spending a bit more for a richer feature set.

So, which one’s going to be your smart home sidekick? The choice is yours—but no matter which you pick, you’re in for a tech-savvy treat!

What Do Users Say?

Before we wrap things up, let’s take a quick peek at what “customers” have been saying about these smart displays on Amazon. Spoiler alert: they’re loving them!

What Amazon Reviews Says about Google Nest Hub

• “The perfect addition to my kitchen! The Google Nest Hub is like having a personal assistant that doesn’t mind getting a little flour on its screen while I’m baking. The display is clear, and I love how it automatically adjusts brightness. No regrets here!” – ★★★★★
• “I’m all about minimalism, and the Nest Hub fits right into my aesthetic. Plus, it’s incredibly responsive. My friends are convinced I’m a tech wizard when really, it’s all thanks to Google Assistant!” – ★★★★☆

What Amazon Reviews Says about the Echo Show

• “The Echo Show has become the MVP of our home! The kids use it for video calls with grandma, and I love using it to watch cooking shows while I’m in the kitchen. Alexa is basically part of the family now.” – ★★★★★
• “Okay, seriously, the Echo Show is the best thing since sliced bread. It does everything—from controlling our lights to playing our favorite tunes. Plus, the video quality is top-notch, which makes binge-watching Netflix during dinner all too easy.” – ★★★★★

FAQs

Can I use the Google Nest Hub to make video calls?

No, the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) doesn’t have a camera, so it can’t be used for video calls. If video calling is essential, you might want to consider the Nest Hub Max, which includes a camera, or opt for the Echo Show series, which has built-in cameras across all models​.

Does the Echo Show 8 work with Google services like Google Calendar?

No, the Echo Show 8 primarily integrates with Amazon’s ecosystem and services. If you rely heavily on Google services, the Nest Hub would be a better fit as it offers seamless integration with Google Calendar, Google Photos, and other Google apps​ .

Which device is better for controlling smart home devices?

Both devices excel in smart home control but with a few differences. The Echo Show supports a wider range of smart home products, including Ring and Wyze cameras, which are not fully compatible with the Nest Hub. However, if you’re already invested in Google’s Nest ecosystem, the Nest Hub offers more tailored controls for those devices​ .

Is the sleep tracking feature on the Google Nest Hub free?

Initially, the sleep tracking feature on the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) is free, but it will require a subscription after the trial period ends. This feature uses Google’s Soli radar technology to monitor sleep patterns without needing a wearable device​ (Android Central).

Can the Echo Show 5 or 8 stream YouTube videos?

Yes, the Echo Show can stream YouTube videos, but the experience is somewhat limited compared to the Google Nest Hub. The Nest Hub offers a more seamless YouTube experience since it is a Google product and supports direct streaming from the app​ (Android Central).

What’s the difference between the Echo Show 5 and 8?

The primary differences are the screen size and camera resolution. The Echo Show 8 has a larger 8-inch screen and a higher-resolution camera, making it better suited for video calls and watching content. The Echo Show 5 is more compact, which might be preferable for smaller spaces​ (Android Central).

Can I control my car’s smart features with Echo Show or Nest Hub?

While this feature isn’t widespread yet, it’s possible that future updates and integrations could allow for controlling car features like locking doors or starting the engine directly from intelligent displays like the Echo Show or Nest Hub. Watch for this in future software updates or new smart device releases.

Will the Google Nest Hub work with third-party fitness apps?

Currently, the Nest Hub has some fitness integrations. Still, as smart home ecosystems expand, more third-party fitness apps will likely become compatible, allowing for a more comprehensive health and fitness monitoring experience directly from your Nest Hub.