Google Nest Audio vs Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) comparison

Updated August 2026

Data from Amazon and official Google site.

2026 verdict

Both run Google Assistant, but the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) pulls ahead of the Google Nest Audio in this voice assistant comparison by adding a 7-inch touchscreen, motion and ambient-light sensors, and Thread border router support that the audio-only Nest Audio simply does not have. The Nest Audio answers where it can, it carries a higher owner rating and a lower price, and its larger drivers deliver noticeably fuller bass for anyone who cares more about music than a screen. Both share the same Google Home integration, mic-off switch, and Matter bridging, and neither supports Alexa, Apple HomeKit, or Samsung SmartThings. Pick the Nest Hub (2nd Gen) for a kitchen or bedside display with recipes and doorbell camera viewing, and the Nest Audio if sound quality and a lower price matter more than a screen.

Feature	Google Nest Audio	Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)	Winner
Price	$119.99	$189.99	Google Nest Audio
Rating	4.4	4.3	Google Nest Audio
Hub	Matter Bridge	Thread Border Router, Matter Bridge	Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)
Screen	NO	YES	Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)
Sensors	None	Motion, Ambient Light	Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)
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	Google Home, Home Assistant	Google Home, Home Assistant	Tie
Alerts	Glass breaking, Smoke/CO alarm	Glass breaking, Smoke/CO alarm	Tie
Voice Match	YES	YES	Tie

Google

Google Nest Audio

$119.99

Buy on Amazon USA

+ Price: $119.99
+ Rating: 4.4
- Hub: Matter Bridge vs Thread Border Router, Matter Bridge
- Screen: NO vs YES

Winner

Google

Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)

$189.99

Buy on Amazon USA

+ Hub: Thread Border Router, Matter Bridge
+ Screen: YES
+ Sensors: Motion, Ambient Light
- Price: $189.99 vs $119.99
- Rating: 4.3 vs 4.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall, the Google Nest Audio or Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)?

The Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) wins overall with its touchscreen, motion and ambient-light sensors, and Thread border router support. The Google Nest Audio is the better-reviewed and cheaper option if you don't need a screen.

What is the biggest difference between the Nest Audio and the Nest Hub (2nd Gen)?

The screen. The Nest Hub (2nd Gen) has a 7-inch touchscreen for recipes, photos, and camera feeds, while the Nest Audio is a screen-free speaker focused purely on sound.

Which one has more built-in sensors?

The Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) includes motion and ambient-light sensors, useful for its sleep-sensing clock mode. The Google Nest Audio has no built-in sensors at all.

Do both work as a Thread border router?

No, only the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) acts as a Thread border router. The Google Nest Audio only bridges Matter, with no Thread or Zigbee support.

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

Buy the Nest Hub (2nd Gen) if you want a Google Home touchscreen display for recipes, reminders, and a bedside sleep-sensing clock.

Who should buy the Google Nest Audio?

Buy the Nest Audio if you want a higher-rated, more affordable Google Assistant speaker and care more about sound quality than a screen.

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