Smart Home Fit
8.5/10
Nest Hub 2nd Gen - 7" Smart Home Display with Google Assistant - Sand
Ideal for Google ecosystem users seeking a smart display for home control and entertainment.
Starting at
$99.99
Works With
The Nest Hub 2nd Gen is a great choice for Google users seeking a compact, privacy-focused smart display primarily for smart home control and info glanceability, but not for video calls or high-end audio.
The Nest Hub 2nd Gen is a solid smart display that integrates seamlessly with the Google Home ecosystem. Its 7-inch screen is bright and clear, making it great for checking weather, controlling smart devices, watching YouTube, or following recipes hands-free. The built-in Google Assistant is responsive and supports a wide range of voice commands. A notable addition is the Soli radar sensor, which enables sleep tracking without a wearable, though this feature requires a dark room and isn’t as accurate as dedicated sleep trackers. One limitation is the lack of a camera, which means no video calls or facial recognition features that some competitors offer. The sound quality is decent for casual listening but not ideal for audiophiles or large rooms. It’s perfect for users already invested in Google’s ecosystem who want a compact, privacy-conscious smart display primarily for info glanceability and smart home control. However, those wanting a more multimedia-centric device or advanced video calling should look elsewhere. The device doesn’t support Apple HomeKit or Amazon Alexa, so it’s not a good fit if you want cross-platform compatibility. Overall, the Nest Hub 2nd Gen balances functionality and privacy but trades off some multimedia and smart home versatility found in other devices.
7
Value
8
Setup
7
Reliable
6
App
8
Ecosystem
- Voice control with Google Assistant
- Entertainment options
- Smart home hub capabilities
- Sleep tracking features
- Not compatible with Alexa or HomeKit
- Limited to Google ecosystem
Meet the second-gen Nest Hub from Google,¹ the center of your helpful home. Stay entertained in the kitchen with shows, videos, and music. In the living room, control your compatible lights, TVs, and other smart devices with a tap or your voice. And in the bedroom, Nest Hub can help you wake up easier with a Sunrise Alarm.
Connectivity
Works primarily within Google ecosystem; no Apple HomeKit or Alexa support.
Compared to the Amazon Echo Show 5, the Nest Hub 2nd Gen offers better integration with Google services and a more privacy-friendly design without a camera, but it lacks the Echo Show’s video calling and Zigbee hub capabilities. The Lenovo Smart Display has a larger screen and better speakers but is bulkier and less affordable. The Facebook Portal Mini offers superior video calling features with a camera but raises privacy concerns and doesn’t integrate as well with Google Assistant. Each device has clear trade-offs between ecosystem compatibility, privacy, and multimedia features.
Setup is straightforward with a difficulty rating of 2 out of 5. It typically takes about 10-15 minutes to connect to Wi-Fi and link your Google account using the Google Home app. No special tools are needed. Common hiccups include Wi-Fi connectivity issues or needing to update the device firmware during setup. Professional installation isn’t necessary unless you’re integrating complex smart home systems alongside it.
In daily use, the Nest Hub 2nd Gen is generally reliable with quick response times from Google Assistant. The touch screen is responsive, and the display wakes promptly when you approach. Users occasionally report lag with third-party smart home devices or inconsistent sleep tracking results. Battery life isn’t applicable since it’s a plug-in device. The Google Home app is intuitive but can sometimes be slow to update device status or routines.
- Sleep tracking accuracy is inconsistent and affected by room lighting
- No camera limits video calling and facial recognition features
- Occasional lag when controlling some third-party smart devices
- Limited speaker quality for music playback in larger rooms
- Google Home app can be slow or glitchy during setup or routine changes
| Date | Source | Price | Stock |
|---|
Perfect for users invested in Google services and smart home devices.
Consider if you're using Google services and devices for optimal integration.
Buy the Nest Hub 2nd Gen if you’re already using Google services and want a privacy-conscious smart display without a camera. Pair it with other Google Nest devices for the best experience. Avoid if you need video calls or want a device that works well with Alexa or Apple HomeKit. Watch for sales around holidays to get the best price, and update the firmware immediately after setup to avoid bugs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How This Page Was Created
- Product analysis, scores, and insights are AI-generated based on publicly available specifications and data.
- Content is reviewed by the Revimote team for accuracy and clarity.
- Price data is collected periodically and may not reflect real-time prices. Always verify before purchasing.
Product information is provided for informational purposes only. We may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.
