Both Google Nest Hub and Google Nest Hub Max share the same interface and almost the exact same features. That includes Google Assistant with all of its perks, YouTube access, smart home control, and built-in Chromecast support. But despite many similarities, the devices are not identical.
Let's compare both speakers and see which one is for you.
Google Nest Hub and Google Nest Hub Max: Design
The Google Nest Hub and the Google Nest Hub Max are almost indistinguishable in many ways, but they do differ in several categories that matter.
The most noticeable difference is their size. Both devices feature a screen with white bezels that gives the illusion it's floating on the speaker base. The Nest Hub Max is larger than the Nest Hub.
The volume controls appear on the left rear of both devices, and the microphone on/off button is at the top section in the back. That same button is used to turn the camera off on the Nest Hub Max. The Nest Hub is lacking a camera.
Display Dimensions
Nest Hub Max: 10-inch touchscreen, resolution: 1280x800
Nest Hub: 7-inch touchscreen, resolution: 1024x600
The 10-inch touchscreen of the Google Nest Hub Max places it in the same category as the third generation Amazon Echo Show 10 with its 10.1-inch screen, while the 7-inch touchscreen of the Google Nest Hub is closer to the Amazon Echo Show 8 with its 8-inch one.
Thanks to its higher resolution, the Nest Hub Max sports a better picture quality.
Size Specifications
Nest Hub Max: 9.85 in x 7.19 in x 3.99 in
Nest Hub: 7.0 in x 4.7 in x 2.7 in
Given the larger display of the Nest Hub Max, it's hardly surprising that it's the bigger device. Its size offers quite a few perks, the biggest of which is the better viewing experience. After all, a bigger screen equals a better view. Add the improved screen resolution, and the picture is both clearer and bigger than on the Nest Hub.
A larger size also means that it takes up more space, and that's something to consider. If you're planning on placing the Nest Hub Max on your kitchen counter or your nightstand, make sure you have enough space.
Audio System
Both devices come with Voice Match technology and Google Assistant built-in, of course. But while the Google Nest Hub has one full-range speaker, the Google Nest Hub Max offers a stereo speaker system with two tweeters and one woofer. So again, it should be no surprise that you get the bigger, better sound from the Nest Hub Max.
The Nest Hub Max doesn't produce the best sound available, but it's certainly an improvement from the Nest Hub. The sound only adds to the improved viewing experience.
Color Choices
Nest Hub Max: Chalk and Charcoal
Nest Hub: Chalk, Charcoal, Mist, and Sand
The Nest Hub takes the lead in color variety as it comes with two more options to choose from compared to the hues available for the larger Nest Hub Max.
If you don't care about colors, however, this will hardly manage to sway your decision.
The Perks of Having a Camera
A major advantage of the Google Nest Hub Max is that it has a built-in 6.5-megapixel camera. The Nest Hub doesn't offer a camera.
The camera is located at the top of the display, and you can use it for the usual things like Google Duo video calls, but also for security purposes. Since Nest Hub Max has a built-in Nest camera, it provides most of the same features as the Nest Cam IQ. That includes intruder alerts.
If you have a Nest Aware account, you can see what's going on in the room where the Nest Hub Max is located. You can even set it to give you notifications any time motion is detected.
Where the Nest Hub Max camera is located, the Nest Hub has an ambient sensor. The sensor helps to adjust the display brightness according to its surroundings. It's not as good a feature as having a camera, but it's better than nothing.
It's important to note that the Nest Hub Max also comes with an ambient light sensor. It's right next to its camera.
Google Nest Hub Max: Face Match
Face Match is a pretty sweet perk as it helps to give you a more personalized experience. Once you set up your Nest Hub Max to recognize your face, it shows you information that's associated with you and you alone. That includes your messages, schedule, reminders, and even music recommendations.
What's more, the device also recognizes certain gestures as commands. For example, if you're watching a video, you can hold your hand up, and it takes that as a command to pause or play. That's extremely handy when it's too loud around you and the Nest Hub Max can't hear your voice commands.
However, if you're not a fan of the feature you can easily disable Face Match.
Google Nest Hub Max: Google Duo
If you're doing video calls with Google Duo, you enjoy a decent front camera that has an added feature of auto-framing. That means it zooms in and pans around during a call and does so automatically, so you'll always be in the center of the frame.
It may not seem like that big a deal, but if you're moving about in your kitchen or living room, that feature helps you stay in the frame without having to worry that whoever you're talking to can't see you.
Since Google Nest Hub doesn't have a camera, it can't send out a video signal when you're on a call, but it can receive it. Both devices allow you to make hands-free audio calls.
Feature Comparison
The major differences between the devices come down to the Nest Hub Max's camera, something that the smaller device doesn't offer. Past all the benefits of a built-in camera, the features of the two smart speakers are very similar. And though it might not seem like it at first glance, the Google Nest Hub can still be useful and fun despite its lack of a camera.
You can use both to control compatible smart home devices, watch YouTube and Netflix, play music, use the device as a frame, and display Google Photos. And, of course, you benefit from Google Assistant and everything it has to offer.
Retail Prices
Nest Hub Max: $229
Nest Hub: $99.99
The price difference between the two smart speakers is significant. You're buying more than a camera with the additional cost for the Nest Hub Max. That unlocks many additional benefits like video calls and more.
And that's not even considering the larger screen and improved sound of the Nest Hub Max. If you're planning to invest in a Google Nest Hub product, you might as well buy the Max and get the bigger screen and the camera.
As a bit of good news, you can definitely find occasional discounts on both products. So if you can wait, you can save a little bit of cash on your purchase.
Comparing the Nest Hub vs. Nest Hub Max
Before you figure out which smart speaker best suits you, ask yourself what your plans for it are. Do you want a device that will help you with recipes and tell you about your daily schedule? If that's what you care about most, the Google Nest Hub will do you just fine as it's a perfectly acceptable and affordable option.
But if you want a device to use for those things, as well as for entertainment purposes, then it's best to save up for the Google Nest Hub Max. The Nest Hub Max offers more bang for your buck and adds on top of the Nest Hub's usefulness. It has the camera and all the bells and whistles that go along with it, along with a bigger screen, improved picture, and better sound.