Google Nest Hub Max vs Google Nest Mini (2nd gen) comparison

Updated August 2026

Data from Amazon and official Google site.

2026 verdict

A 10-inch touchscreen and a built-in camera put the Google Nest Hub Max ahead of the Google Nest Mini (2nd gen) as the more capable voice assistant, rounded out by ambient-light sensing and Thread border router support the screen-free Nest Mini does not have. For anyone wanting to see recipes, photos, or a video call alongside voice control, the Hub Max is simply built for more. The Nest Mini (2nd gen) fights back on the fundamentals that matter to budget shoppers, it costs less, carries a higher owner rating, and its compact, wall-mountable design fits into far more rooms than the larger Hub Max ever could. Both run Google Assistant and bridge Matter, with neither supporting Alexa, Apple HomeKit, or Samsung SmartThings. Choose the Nest Hub Max for a display-driven Google Home hub, and the Nest Mini if price and a higher rating matter more than a screen.

Winner

Google

Google Nest Hub Max

$464.98

Buy on Amazon USA

Google

Google Nest Mini (2nd gen)

$99.99

Buy on Amazon USA

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Feature	Google Nest Hub Max	Google Nest Mini (2nd gen)	Winner
Price	$464.98	$99.99	Google Nest Mini (2nd gen)
Rating	4.1	4.3	Google Nest Mini (2nd gen)
Hub	Thread Border Router, Matter Bridge	Matter Bridge	Google Nest Hub Max
Screen	YES	NO	Google Nest Hub Max
Sensors	Ambient Light	None	Google Nest Hub Max
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

Winner

Google

Google Nest Hub Max

$464.98

Buy on Amazon USA

+ Hub: Thread Border Router, Matter Bridge
+ Screen: YES
+ Sensors: Ambient Light
- Price: $464.98 vs $99.99
- Rating: 4.1 vs 4.3

Google

Google Nest Mini (2nd gen)

$99.99

Buy on Amazon USA

+ Price: $99.99
+ Rating: 4.3
- Hub: Matter Bridge vs Thread Border Router, Matter Bridge
- Screen: NO vs YES

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall, the Google Nest Hub Max or Google Nest Mini (2nd gen)?

The Google Nest Hub Max wins overall with its 10-inch touchscreen, built-in camera, and Thread border router support. The Google Nest Mini (2nd gen) is the cheaper, better-reviewed option if you just want a small speaker.

What is the biggest difference between the Nest Hub Max and the Nest Mini (2nd gen)?

Screen and camera. The Nest Hub Max is a large smart display with a built-in camera for video calls, while the Nest Mini (2nd gen) is a compact, screen-free speaker built for basic voice control.

Which one has a higher owner rating?

The Google Nest Mini (2nd gen) carries a higher owner rating than the Google Nest Hub Max, despite being the far simpler device.

Can the Nest Mini (2nd gen) be wall mounted?

Yes, it has a built-in wall mount for flush placement in any room, something the larger Nest Hub Max does not offer.

Who should buy the Google Nest Hub Max?

Buy the Nest Hub Max if you want a large touchscreen display with a built-in camera and Thread border router support for a living room or kitchen.

Who should buy the Google Nest Mini (2nd gen)?

Buy the Nest Mini (2nd gen) if you want the more affordable, higher-rated, wall-mountable Google Assistant speaker and don't need a screen or camera.

Full comparison table

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