$150 – $230
10-inch smart display with 6.5MP camera, stereo speakers, Thread border router, Matter controller, and Chromecast built-in.
You want kitchen/living room display for recipes and media
Hands-free gesture controls let you pause/dismiss timers when hands are dirty or full
You want smart home control hub with display
Full Google Home integration, Matter support, and Face Match for personalized content per user
You want premium sound quality from a smart display
Two 18mm 10W tweeters and 75mm 30W woofer deliver room-filling audio better than most competitors
You want large screen smart display with video calling
10-inch display with built-in 6.5MP camera enables Google Meet/Duo video calls with auto-framing
You need Zoom or scheduled Google Meet support
Google discontinued Zoom support and scheduled meetings - only spontaneous Duo/Meet calls work
You have privacy concerns about cameras
No physical camera cover - only software toggle and rear hardware switch, which many find insufficient
You want the latest Assistant features
New Assistant architecture will NOT be backported due to aging MediaTek MT8167 processor limitations
You use Amazon Alexa or Apple HomeKit
Google-only ecosystem - no Alexa integration and no HomeKit support whatsoever
Update bricked many devices - stuck in infinite loop at 99% on updating screen requiring factory reset
Tom's GuideUsers report smart home control responsiveness is slow and status changes on screen don't reflect actual device states
Google Nest CommunitySound randomly stops working even with volume at max - requires factory reset to fix
GearbrainAdding Hub Max to home with existing Nest cameras causes Hub's camera to fail - known compatibility bug
Google Nest CommunityNo physical camera cover despite being a bedroom/kitchen device
widespreadCause: Design oversight - users must trust software toggle or rear switch for privacy
Google Duo/Zoom video chat stops working entirely or shows error messages
commonCause: Software bugs and discontinued third-party app support
Lost access to features like cookbooks with built-in browser not functioning
commonCause: Google removing features without replacement or adequate alternatives
$229 is expensive for aging hardware with limited software updates
commonCause: 2019 processor underpowered by today's standards, no confirmed replacement announced
Placing too close to router during setup
Connection problems and setup failures
Tip: Keep device a few feet away from router during initial setup process
Adding to Google Home with existing Nest cameras
Hub Max camera fails to work properly due to compatibility bug
Tip: Factory reset Hub Max and set up camera first before adding other Nest cameras to the home
High firewall security or parental controls on router
Device cannot connect to WiFi network during setup
Tip: Temporarily disable strict firewall rules or add device to whitelist
Voice commands, video calls, streaming, Face Match recognition, most Assistant features
Matter device control via Home Runtime works locally. On-device camera sensing features don't send video to Google.
Voice recordings (opt-in), camera footage (opt-in), Face Match data stored locally on device
Google paid $93M settlement (2023) for location tracking after opt-out. No physical camera cover - only software/hardware switch.
Can control hundreds of Google Home compatible devices. Matter support enables local control. Performance dependent on network quality.
No built-in Zigbee hub - requires separate hub for Zigbee devices. Aging processor may struggle with many simultaneous requests.
Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen)
If: Need Alexa or rotating screen that follows you
Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)
If: Don't need camera and want to save money
Amazon Echo Show 15
If: Need larger wall-mounted display
If you need video calling with Google ecosystem
Best Google smart display with camera for video calls via Google Meet/Duo - competitor Echo Show is Alexa only
If you need Zoom for work meetings
Google discontinued Zoom support - look at Echo Show 10 or dedicated tablet instead
If you want latest Assistant AI features
New Assistant architecture won't come to Hub Max - wait for potential successor with newer hardware
If you want premium kitchen smart display
Large screen, gesture controls for dirty hands, and excellent speakers make it ideal for kitchen use
Partially. Matter device control works locally via Home Runtime. However, voice commands, video calls, streaming, and most features require internet connection.
Source: Google Nest HelpNo physical camera cover exists. Privacy options include a software toggle in settings or a hardware switch on the back of the device that disables both camera and microphone.
Source: Google StoreNo, Google discontinued Zoom support. Only Google Meet and Google Duo video calls are supported. If you need Zoom, consider an Echo Show or dedicated tablet.
Source: Security.orgReports indicate Google stopped selling the Nest Hub Max in mid-2025 in some regions. Availability is hit or miss - you may find units through third-party sellers or remaining retail stock.
Source: Android AuthorityNo, the Nest Hub Max does not have a built-in Zigbee hub. You need a separate hub like Philips Hue Bridge, SmartThings Hub, or Aqara Hub to connect Zigbee devices, then link it to Google Home.
Source: Google Support