Smart Home Fit
8.5/10
Nest Hub 7” Smart Touchscreen Display with Google Assistant (2nd Gen) - Mist
The Nest Hub 2nd Gen is an excellent choice for Google ecosystem users seeking a smart display for home control and entertainment.
Starting at
$99.99
Works With
The Nest Hub 7” (2nd Gen) is a budget-friendly, privacy-focused smart display ideal for Google users who prioritize compact design over video calling and premium audio.
The Google Nest Hub 7” Smart Touchscreen Display (2nd Gen) is a solid choice for those already invested in the Google Home ecosystem who want an affordable smart display for their kitchen, bedroom, or office. It excels at voice-controlled smart home management, displaying photos, streaming music, and showing visual answers from Google Assistant. The 7-inch screen is bright and clear enough for checking weather, calendar events, or watching brief YouTube clips. However, it lacks a camera, which some competitors offer for video calls. The sound quality is decent but not as rich as Amazon Echo Show 8 or Lenovo Smart Display, so audiophiles might want to look elsewhere. Setup is straightforward, especially if you use the Google Home app, but it can take around 10-15 minutes. The Nest Hub’s ambient EQ sensor adjusts screen brightness and color temperature nicely, making it comfortable to use in different lighting conditions. It’s perfect for users who want a compact, privacy-conscious smart display without a camera and who primarily use Google services. If you rely heavily on Apple HomeKit or want a device with a camera for video calls, this might not be the best fit. Also, the lack of a USB port limits connecting external devices. Overall, it’s a capable, budget-friendly smart display with some compromises in audio and video features.
8
Value
8
Setup
7
Reliable
6
App
9
Ecosystem
- Google Assistant integration
- Versatile entertainment options
- Smart home control hub
- Sleep tracking features
- User-friendly touchscreen
- Not compatible with Alexa
- Limited to Google ecosystem
- No camera for video calls
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; no Matter protocol support
Compared to the Amazon Echo Show 8, the Nest Hub lacks a camera and generally has weaker speakers, making the Echo Show better for video calls and music playback. However, the Nest Hub’s integration with Google Assistant is more natural for those using Google services, whereas the Echo Show leans on Alexa. The Lenovo Smart Display offers a larger screen and better speakers but comes at a higher price point and is bulkier. The Nest Hub stands out for its compact size and privacy focus since it has no camera, unlike both competitors. Trade-offs include sacrificing video call functionality and audio quality for a smaller footprint and tighter Google integration.
Installation is quite simple, rated about 2/5 in difficulty. It typically takes 10-15 minutes to unbox, plug in, and connect to Wi-Fi using the Google Home app. No special tools are needed. Common issues include Wi-Fi connectivity glitches or needing to update the firmware before full functionality. Professional installation is not necessary unless you want to mount it on a wall, which requires separate hardware.
In daily use, the Nest Hub is generally reliable with quick response times from Google Assistant. The touchscreen is responsive, and the ambient light sensor helps with visibility in various lighting. Users occasionally report minor app crashes or delays in syncing with some smart home devices. Battery life isn’t applicable as it requires constant power. The Google Home app is straightforward but can feel limited compared to Alexa’s app in terms of device customization.
- No camera limits video calling options
- Speakers are underwhelming for music lovers
- Occasional Wi-Fi connectivity drops
- Limited USB or external device support
- Google Home app can feel restrictive for advanced setups
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Ideal for Google Assistant users wanting a central hub for smart home management and entertainment.
Consider your existing smart home devices; this works best within the Google ecosystem.
Buy the Nest Hub if you’re deeply embedded in Google’s ecosystem and want a compact, privacy-conscious smart display without a camera. Pair it with other Google smart devices for best results. Avoid if you need video calling or superior audio quality. Watch for sales around holidays to get it closer to $80-$90. Don’t expect extensive device customization from the app.
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