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Is the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) worth it?

The Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) is recommended with a 8.2/10 consensus score across 2 expert reviews. Experts highlight 7-inch display shows calendar, weather, controls, and google photos and built-in sleep tracking via soli radar sensor — no wearable needed. Wirecutter says: "The best budget smart display — if you're in the Google ecosystem, this is the n..." Best for: Google/Android ecosystem users, Bedroom nightstand placement, Budget smart display buyers.

Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) — Recommended per expert consensus
Recommended2 Expert Reviews
Price Range
$95–$110
$95-$110 list7" display2 expert sources
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Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)

NM
Nicholas Miles · Editor-in-Chief & Methodology Owner

Smart Speakers

Expert consensus

How we score
08.2/1010

2 expert sources · 2 quoted

2 quoted sources with published scores

  • CNET 8.1/10
  • Wirecutter 8.3/10

Expert Consensus across 2 sources

Updated 1 week ago

Editorial consensus score: SmartHomeExplorer's synthesis of the 2 published expert reviews listed on this page. Not a user rating.

The best budget smart display — if you're in the Google ecosystem, this is the natural hub for your home
Wirecutter8.3/10

Key Features

  • 7" display
  • Sleep tracking via Soli
  • Google Photos frame
  • Google ecosystem hub

Best For

Google/Android ecosystem usersBedroom nightstand placementBudget smart display buyers

What Experts Agree On

What Experts Love

  • 7-inch display shows calendar, weather, controls, and Google Photos
  • Built-in sleep tracking via Soli radar sensor — no wearable needed
  • Deep Google ecosystem integration for Android/Google users
  • Photo frame mode displays Google Photos between commands
  • Affordable entry point to Google smart displays at $100

Common Criticisms

  • No built-in camera — cannot make video calls (Nest Hub Max has camera)
  • Google-centric — Alexa users get better value from Echo Show
  • Speaker quality adequate but not audio-focused
  • Sleep tracking requires placing hub on nightstand

What The Experts Say

CN
The Nest Hub 2nd Gen's sleep tracking feature is genuinely useful and unlike anything else at this price point
CNET8.1/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) worth it?

The Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) earns a 8.2/10 consensus score across 2 expert sources and is rated "Recommended". At $95-$110, it is best for Google/Android ecosystem users. Wirecutter is among the named sources behind that consensus.

How much does the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) cost?

The Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) is priced at $95-$110. With a 8.2/10 score from 2 expert reviews and a "Recommended" rating, that price represents fair value relative to the ~7.5/10 average for Smart Speakers products. Prices shift often, so check the live figure before buying.

Who is the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) best for?

The Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) is best for Google/Android ecosystem users, Bedroom nightstand placement, Budget smart display buyers. Experts rate it "Recommended" with a 8.2/10 consensus across 2 sources.

How does the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) compare to other Smart Speakers options?

Among the Smart Speakers products we have aggregated, the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) ranks above average with a 8.2/10 score. CNET adds: "The Nest Hub 2nd Gen's sleep tracking feature is genuinely useful and unlike anything else at this price point"

What smart home systems does the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) work with?

The Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) works natively with Google Home and Matter.

What are the best alternatives to the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)?

If the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) ($95-$110, 8.2/10) is not the right fit, the closest alternatives in Smart Speakers are Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen), Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen), Google Nest Hub Max. Compare them on price, ecosystem support, and expert consensus to find your match.

What are the pros and cons of the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)?

The main strengths of the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) are 7-inch display shows calendar, weather, controls, and google photos and built-in sleep tracking via soli radar sensor — no wearable needed. The most-cited downside is no built-in camera — cannot make video calls (nest hub max has camera). Overall, 2 expert sources rate it "Recommended" with a 8.2/10 consensus score.

Decided on the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)?

$95-$110 list7" display2 expert sources
Check price

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Featured in these buying guides

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Sources & Methodology

This review aggregates 2 independent expert reviews into a single consensus score. See how we build consensus scores.

Expert review sources cited on this page:

Affiliate disclosure: SmartHomeExplorer.com participates in the Amazon Associates program. We earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.This consensus review is based on 2 independent expert reviews — we did not test this product ourselves. Always verify current prices and availability before purchasing.

Independence notice: Smart Home Explorer is an independent publication. Google and other product names, logos, and brands referenced on this page are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. This review is not sponsored by, affiliated with, or endorsed by Google or any other manufacturer named in this article.