Amazon Echo (4th Gen) vs Google Nest Audio

The Amazon Echo (4th Gen) for most Alexa homes: it is the more affordable of the two, works as a Zigbee and Thread hub, and adds motion and temperature sensors and a line in and out. The Google Nest Audio is the better pick for a Google Home household and carries a longer warranty.

The assistant, followed by the hub. The Amazon Echo (4th Gen) runs Alexa and has Zigbee and Thread radios built in, while the Google Nest Audio runs Google Assistant and relies on other devices for Zigbee and Thread.

Owners of both report pairing two units for a bigger soundstage: two Amazon Echo (4th Gen) speakers through the Alexa app, or two Google Nest Audio speakers through Google Home. You cannot mix the two brands in one pair.

Yes. Both have a physical mic-off switch and Voice Match, and neither has a camera or a screen.

Alexa households that want a room-filling speaker that also runs Zigbee and Thread devices, or anyone who needs a 3.5 mm connection.

Google Home and Nest households that want a fuller-sounding shelf speaker with a one year warranty and a choice of five colors.