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The short answer: If you live in a Google ecosystem, want a clean, minimal display for quick info, and value privacy, choose the Google Home Hub (now Nest Hub). If you are invested in Amazon’s ecosystem, want a larger screen for video calls and media, and enjoy Alexa’s vast skills, pick the Echo Show. Both are excellent smart displays, but your choice hinges on which assistant and ecosystem you already use.
Your smart display is a gateway to your smart home. The biggest difference between the Home Hub and Echo Show is the voice assistant and the ecosystem it taps into.
Google Home Hub uses Google Assistant. It integrates seamlessly with Google services: Gmail, Google Calendar, YouTube, and Google Maps. If you use Android, Chrome, or Google apps daily, the Home Hub feels natural. It also works with Google Nest cameras and thermostats, and supports a wide range of third-party smart devices like lights and switches via Google Home app.
Amazon Echo Show uses Alexa. Alexa has a massive library of skills (over 100,000) and integrates deeply with Amazon services: Amazon Music, Prime Video, Amazon Shopping (you can order products by voice), and Alexa routines. It works with a huge range of smart home devices, and many brands offer both Google and Alexa compatibility. If you have Echo speakers or Fire TV, the Show fits perfectly.
Consider which brand you already trust with your calendar, media, and smart home devices. That is the strongest indicator of which display you’ll enjoy more.
When comparing the base models, the Google Nest Hub has a 7-inch touchscreen with a 1024×600 resolution. The Echo Show 8 (a popular model) has an 8-inch screen with 1280×800 resolution. The Show 8 is sharper and larger, making it better for watching videos, viewing photos, or video calls. The Nest Hub’s screen is smaller but still crisp for its size.
The Echo Show also comes in larger sizes: 10.1-inch (Show 10) and 15.6-inch (Show 15). The Show 10 has a rotating base that follows you around the room, which is great for video calls or while cooking. The Show 15 can be mounted on a wall like a picture frame.
Google offers the Nest Hub Max (10-inch) with a camera and better speakers, but the standard Nest Hub lacks a camera, which is a privacy plus. If you prioritize screen size and media consumption, the Echo Show series offers more options. If you want a compact, unobtrusive display for your nightstand or kitchen counter, the Nest Hub is minimal and elegant.
Privacy is a major differentiator. The Google Nest Hub (the original) has no camera at all. It only has a microphone for voice commands. This means you can’t make video calls, but you also don’t have to worry about a camera in your bedroom or living room. You can also mute the microphone with a physical switch.
The Echo Show devices have both a camera and a microphone. The camera is useful for video calls (via Alexa or Zoom), and you can physically cover it with a built-in shutter (on some models). However, having a camera always present might be a concern for privacy-conscious users. Amazon also uses cameras for features like motion detection or to show a live feed of your front door if you have a Ring doorbell.
If you value a camera for video calls or home monitoring, the Echo Show is the better choice. If you want a device that is purely informational and voice-controlled without any visual surveillance, the Nest Hub is the winner.
Both displays handle common tasks: showing weather, setting timers, playing music, controlling smart lights, and displaying calendar events. But their unique features differ.
Google Home Hub excels at proactive information. It leverages Google Assistant’s knowledge graph to show contextual cards: traffic before your commute, flight updates, sports scores, and recommendations based on your day. It also supports “Continued Conversation,” so you can ask follow-ups without repeating “Hey Google.”
Echo Show shines with Alexa skills and shopping. You can order groceries from Amazon Fresh, manage your shopping list, and even watch Prime Video. The Show also supports more video calling services (Zoom, Skype, and Alexa-to-Alexa). Amazon’s “Show and Tell” feature uses the camera to identify items you hold up, helping visually impaired users. In terms of smart home, both are compatible with most major brands, but Alexa has a slight edge in the number of compatible devices.
For media, the Echo Show with a larger screen and better speakers (especially the Show 10) is superior. Google’s Nest Hub has decent sound but is not designed for audiophiles. If you want a display that doubles as a TV or video chat device, the Echo Show is more versatile.
Prices vary based on models and promotions. Typically, the Google Nest Hub is priced lower than the Echo Show 8. The Nest Hub is often found at budget-friendly prices on sale, while the Echo Show 8 sits in the mid-range. The larger Echo Shows cost more, up to premium pricing for the Show 15.
You can often find deals during Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday, so it’s worth comparing current prices on Amazon or Best Buy. The Nest Hub offers great value for its price, especially if you don’t need a camera. The Echo Show 8 offers more features per dollar if you need video calling and a sharper screen.
Remember that you may also need to purchase additional accessories like a stand for the Show 15, but both come with built-in stands. For a detailed comparison across all models, check out our best home hubs buying guide to see which fits your budget and needs.
Can I make video calls on the Google Nest Hub? No, the original Nest Hub does not have a camera, so it cannot make video calls. If you need video calls, consider the Nest Hub Max or an Echo Show.
Which smart display has better sound quality? The Echo Show generally has better speakers, especially the Echo Show 10 with its built-in subwoofer. The Nest Hub has decent sound for casual listening but is not suitable for music lovers.
Can I use both Google Assistant and Alexa on the same display? No, each display is locked to its respective assistant. You cannot switch between them. Choose based on which assistant you use more often.
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