Google Home is Google's smart home platform: one app on Android and iPhone, Nest speakers and displays as its hubs, Gemini for Home as its voice assistant and Matter built in. Here is what it costs, what you need to start and the products in our catalog that work with it.
People who already live in Google (Android, Gmail, Nest cameras) and want the home to answer the same assistant.
Google Home is free. Google Home Premium, which replaced Nest Aware, adds camera history and the Gemini features in two plans.
Formerly Nest Aware. Included with Google AI Pro.
USD · checked October 2026 · 30-day free trial
Formerly Nest Aware Plus. Included with Google AI Ultra.
USD · checked October 2026 · 30-day free trial
Wi-Fi devices only need the app. Matter devices need a Google Home hub, and Matter devices that use Thread need one that is a Thread border router, like these.
A smart display that is a Matter hub and a Thread border router.
The speaker made for Gemini for Home, also a Matter hub and Thread border router.
843 products, the best sellers first.
| Google HomeSeamless integration with Google services |  AlexaOne of the widest device compatibility ecosystems |  Apple HomePrivacy-focused with Apple ecosystem |  Home AssistantOpen-source with unlimited possibilities | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Voice assistant | Google Assistant | Alexa | Siri | Community voice options |
| Local control | Partial: Matter devices are controlled locally at home | Partial: Matter devices are controlled locally | Partial: your Apple devices control accessories at home; away from home it goes through a home hub | Full |
| Privacy | ||||
| Automation power | ||||
| Ease of setup | ||||
| Community | ||||
| Max devices | ~300 | ~300 | ~150 | Unlimited |
 Wi-Fi | ||||
 Bluetooth | ||||
 Zigbee | ||||
 Z-Wave | ||||
 Thread | ||||
 Matter | ||||
| Best for | Android users & Google enthusiasts | Voice-first smart home lovers | Apple users who value privacy | Power users & privacy advocates |
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Devices from thousands of brands that work with Google Home or Matter: cameras, doorbells, thermostats, locks, plugs, lights, robot vacuums and sensors. Each category on this page links to its full list in our catalog.
Not directly: Google's speakers, displays and routers have no Zigbee radio. Zigbee devices connect through their maker's own hub or bridge, which then works with Google Home.
Not for Wi-Fi devices. Matter devices need a Google Home hub (a Nest speaker or display, a Nest Wifi Pro or a Google TV Streamer), and Matter devices that use Thread need one that is a Thread border router.
Only for longer camera history and the extra alerts and AI features. Controlling devices, routines and Matter work without it, and Nest cameras still send person, animal and vehicle alerts for free.
Yes. Google Home hubs control Matter devices, and Google says Matter commands given at home, routines included, are carried out locally on your home network.
Google's new assistant for the home. It replaces Google Assistant on Nest speakers and displays and adds AI features to cameras and the Home app; it is still in early access.
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