WI
“The best budget smart display — if you're in the Google ecosystem, this is the natural hub for your home”
Is the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) worth it?
The Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) ($95-$110) is recommended with a 8.2/10 consensus score across 10 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.
Recommended10 Expert Reviews
Price Range
Check Price on Amazon →$95-$110
Affiliate link — we earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)
NM
Nicholas Miles · Editor-in-Chief & Methodology Owner
Smart Speakers
SHE ScoreAbove Average
SmartHomeExplorer proprietary rating
6.8/10
10 expert sources
Compatibility Breadth2.9/10
Setup Ease5.6/10
Reliability6.8/10
Value Rating9.2/10
Future-Proofing9.5/10
The Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) earns a SHE Score of 6.8/10, driven by strong future-proofing (9.5/10) with room to improve in compatibility breadth (2.9/10). Based on 10 expert sources and SmartHomeExplorer compatibility analysis.
How we calculate the SHE Score →Expert Consensus: 8.2/10 across 10 sources
Updated 1 week ago“The best budget smart display — if you're in the Google ecosystem, this is the natural hub for your home”
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
Tap any pick to check its live Prime Day price on Amazon.
XGIMI HORIZON 20 4K RGB Triple Laser Home Projector
$1,399.00Must BuyView on Amazon
LG OLED evo C5 (OLED65C5PUA, 65-inch)
$1,299-$1,799Must BuyView on Amazon
BenQ GV50
$599Must BuyView on Amazon
JBL PartyBox Stage 320
$549Must BuyView on Amazon
LG S80QY 3.1.3ch Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer and Center Up-Firing, Dolby Atmos DTS:X, Works with Airplay2, Spotify HiFi, Alexa, High-Res Audio, IMAX Enhanced, TV Synergy, HDMI eARC
$479.99Must BuyView on Amazon
SofaBaton X1S Universal Remote (with Hub)
$179.99Must BuyView on Amazon
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”
Ready to buy the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)?
Check Price on Amazon$95-$110 · 10 expert sources · 8.2/10 consensus
Featured in these buying guides
See how the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) ranks against the full field in our Smart Speakers buying guides.
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 10 expert sources and is rated "Recommended". At $95-$110, it is best for Google/Android ecosystem users. Wirecutter notes: "The best budget smart display — if you're in the Google ecosystem, this is the natural hub for your home"
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 10 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 10 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 with major smart home platforms. Check the compatibility notes above for any hub dependencies or setup requirements before you buy.
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, 10 expert sources rate it "Recommended" with a 8.2/10 consensus score.
Sources & Methodology
This review aggregates 10 independent expert reviews into a single consensus score. See how we build consensus scores and the SHE Score methodology.
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 10 independent expert reviews — we did not test this product ourselves. Always verify current prices and availability before purchasing.