Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) vs Google Nest Hub Max

The Google Nest Hub Max wins overall, with a much larger 10-inch screen and Thread border router support. The Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) is the pick if you use Alexa and want a compact display at a lower price.

Platform and size. The Nest Hub Max is a 10-inch Google Assistant display with a camera and ambient-light sensor, while the Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) is a 5.5-inch Alexa display with a camera and motion sensor.

Yes, both have a built-in camera, but the Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) adds a physical camera-off switch, while the Nest Hub Max has no physical shutter and relies on software controls to disable its camera.

The Nest Hub Max is the fuller hub, working as a Thread border router and Matter bridge, though not a Zigbee coordinator. The Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) only bridges Matter and is not a Zigbee coordinator or Thread border router.

Buy the Nest Hub Max if your home runs on Google Home and you want a large 10-inch display with a built-in camera for video calls, home monitoring, and Thread device support.

Buy the Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) if you use Alexa and want an affordable, compact display with a camera and a physical privacy switch for a nightstand, desk, or kitchen counter.