Updated October 2026
Data from the official Amazon and Google sites.
2026 verdict
Small Alexa meets big Google, and big wins: the Google Nest Hub Max takes rating, hub radios and screen size, its 10-inch display, Thread border routing and wide 120-degree camera making a proper kitchen video-call station.
The Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) counters with a far lower price and a physical camera shutter the Max never got, in a bedside format with Alexa and Matter bridging. The assistants never cross. As a device the Google Nest Hub Max is simply more display; as a cheap Alexa nightstand companion, the Show 5 remains untouchable.
Works with
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi 2.4/5 GHz
- Matter bridge or controller
- Bluetooth
vs
Winner
Works with
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi 2.4/5 GHz
- Thread border router
- Matter bridge or controller
- Bluetooth
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| Feature | Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) | Google Nest Hub Max | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.2 | 4.3 | Google Nest Hub Max |
| Hub | Matter Bridge | Thread Border Router, Matter Bridge | Google Nest Hub Max |
| Screen Size | 5.5" | 10" | Google Nest Hub Max |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year | Tie |
| Connectivity | 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth | 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth | Tie |
| Integrations | Alexa, Home Assistant | Google Home, Home Assistant | Tie |
| Voice Assistant | Amazon Alexa | Google Assistant | Tie |
| Camera | YES | YES | Tie |
| Sensors | Motion | Ambient Light | Tie |
$99.99
- - Rating: 4.2 vs 4.3
- - Hub: Matter Bridge vs Thread Border Router, Matter Bridge
Winner
- + Rating: 4.3
- + Hub: Thread Border Router, Matter Bridge
- + Screen Size: 10"
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better overall: Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) or Google Nest Hub Max?
Google Nest Hub Max wins with its higher owner rating, 10-inch screen, wide 120-degree camera and Thread border routing. Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) is far cheaper, compact and Alexa-based, with a physical camera shutter the Max lacks.
What is the biggest difference between Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) and Google Nest Hub Max?
Size and ecosystem. The Max is a full kitchen or living room Google Assistant display for video calls, YouTube and photos. The Show 5 is a tiny Alexa alarm-clock display for nightstands and desks. They rarely compete for the same outlet.
How do the cameras differ?
The Google Nest Hub Max has a wide 120-degree camera suited to group calls but only electronic privacy controls. The Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) has a basic camera with a physical shutter you can close.
Which is the better smart home device?
The Google Nest Hub Max, modestly: it adds Thread border routing to Matter bridging, while the Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) only bridges Matter. Neither includes Zigbee radios.
Who should buy Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen)?
Choose Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) for an Alexa home wanting the cheapest smart display: alarms, timers, music, quick calls and voice control in a bedside-sized package.
Who should buy Google Nest Hub Max?
Choose Google Nest Hub Max for a Google household wanting a big screen for video calls, recipes, YouTube and photo frames, with solid smart home control through Google Home.
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Compare all 16 Displays side by side
You are looking at two of them. The full table lines up all Displays in the catalog with the same specs, so you can filter by what you need and sort by price or rating.
- 16 Displays
- 42 specs compared
- 38 filters
- Displays
Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen)
- Displays
Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen)
- Displays
Echo Show 15
- Displays
Echo Show 21
- Displays
Wall Display
- Displays
Nest Hub Max
- Displays
Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen)
- Displays
Echo Show 8 (2025)
- Displays
Echo Show 11
- Displays
Nest Hub (2nd Gen)
- Displays
Wall Display XL
- Displays
NSPanel Pro
- Displays
Wall Display X1i
- Displays
Echo Hub
- Displays
Smart E-Ink Home Dashboard
- Displays
NSPanel Pro Gen2
- Air Quality Monitors
Smart Air Quality Monitor
- Displays
Echo Hub
- Displays
Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen)
- Displays
Echo Show 11
- Displays
Echo Show 15
- Displays
Echo Show 21
- Displays
Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen)
- Displays
Echo Show 8 (2025)
- Displays
Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen)
- Plugs
Smart Plug
- Speakers
Echo (4th Gen)
- Speakers
Echo Dot (5th Gen)
- Speakers
Echo Dot Max
- Speakers
Echo Pop
- Speakers
Echo Spot
- Speakers
Echo Studio (2025)
- Speakers
Echo Studio
- Streaming Devices
Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen)
- Streaming Devices
Fire TV Stick 4K (2026)
- Streaming Devices
Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen)
- Cameras
Nest Cam (outdoor or indoor, battery)
- Cameras
Nest Cam Floodlight
- Cameras
Nest Cam Indoor (Wired, 3rd Gen)
- Cameras
Nest Cam Outdoor (Wired, 2nd Gen)
- Cameras
Nest Cam (indoor, wired)
- Displays
Nest Hub (2nd Gen)
- Displays
Nest Hub Max
- Doorbells
Nest Doorbell (battery)
- Doorbells
Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd Gen)
- Doorbells
Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd Gen)
- Door Locks
Nest x Yale Lock
- Routers
Nest WiFi Pro
- Smoke & CO Detectors
Nest Protect (Battery)
- Smoke & CO Detectors
Nest Protect (Wired)
- Speakers
Nest Audio
- Speakers
Nest Mini (2nd gen)
- Streaming Devices
TV Streamer (4K)
- Temperature & Humidity Sensors
Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen)
- Temperature & Humidity Sensors
Nest Temperature Sensor
- Thermostats
Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen)