Amazon Echo Show 21 vs Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) comparison

Updated August 2026

Data from Amazon and official Google site.

2026 verdict

The Amazon Echo Show 21 is the stronger smart display in this cross-platform comparison, dwarfing the 7-inch Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) with its 21-inch screen, carrying a higher owner rating, and adding a Zigbee coordinator on top of the Thread and Matter support both share. The Nest Hub is Google's compact command center: it runs Google Assistant with a local conversation agent, fits a kitchen counter or nightstand, includes ambient-light sensing for a sleep-friendly display that the Show 21 lacks, and costs far less. Each device only speaks its own ecosystem, so your platform matters most. Choose the Echo Show 21 for a TV-sized Alexa display and full hub, and the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) for an affordable Google Home screen with bedside sleep sensing.

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Feature	Amazon Echo Show 21	Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)	Winner
Price	$399.99	$185.00	Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)
Rating	4.4	4.3	Amazon Echo Show 21
Connectivity	2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, 6 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth	2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth	Amazon Echo Show 21
Hub	Zigbee Coordinator, Thread Border Router, Matter Bridge	Thread Border Router, Matter Bridge	Amazon Echo Show 21
Screen Size	21"	7"	Amazon Echo Show 21
Sensors	Motion	Motion, Ambient Light	Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)
Warranty	1 year	1 year	Tie
Integrations	Alexa, Home Assistant	Google Home, Home Assistant	Tie
Screen	YES	YES	Tie
Alerts	Glass breaking, Smoke/CO alarm	Glass breaking, Smoke/CO alarm	Tie
Voice Match	YES	YES	Tie

Winner

Amazon

Amazon Echo Show 21

$399.99

Buy on Amazon USA

+ Rating: 4.4
+ Connectivity: 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, 6 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth
+ Hub: Zigbee Coordinator, Thread Border Router, Matter Bridge
- Price: $399.99 vs $185.00
- Sensors: Motion vs Motion, Ambient Light

Google

Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)

$185.00

Buy on Amazon USA

+ Price: $185.00
+ Sensors: Motion, Ambient Light
- Rating: 4.3 vs 4.4
- Connectivity: 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth vs 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, 6 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Amazon Echo Show 21 or Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) the better display?

The Amazon Echo Show 21 is the better display for most buyers, with a 21-inch screen, a higher owner rating, and a full Zigbee/Thread/Matter hub. The Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) is the pick for a compact, lower-cost Google Home screen.

What is the biggest difference between these two displays?

Ecosystem and size. The Echo Show 21 is a giant 21-inch Alexa display with a camera and Zigbee coordinator, while the Nest Hub (2nd Gen) is a compact 7-inch Google Assistant screen with no camera and ambient-light sensing.

Which has a camera and which has more sensors?

The Echo Show 21 has a camera with a physical off switch; the Nest Hub (2nd Gen) has no camera at all. The Nest Hub adds ambient-light sensing for its bedside display, while the Show 21 has motion sensing but no light sensor.

Can both act as a smart home hub?

Both include a Thread border router and Matter bridge, but only the Echo Show 21 is also a Zigbee coordinator. The Nest Hub (2nd Gen) is not a Zigbee coordinator, so Zigbee devices need separate hardware.

Who should buy the Amazon Echo Show 21?

Buy the Echo Show 21 if you use Alexa and want the largest wall-mounted display to replace a TV, run family calendars, and control a full Zigbee/Thread/Matter smart home.

Who should buy the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)?

Buy the Nest Hub (2nd Gen) if your home is on Google Home and you want an affordable 7-inch kitchen or bedside display with ambient-light-based sleep sensing and no camera.

Full comparison table

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