Smart Hubs 101: Google Nest vs Amazon Echo
Thinking about getting your first smart speaker but not sure whether to go with Google Nest or Amazon Echo? Don’t worry – we’ll break down everything you need to know to make the right choice for your home.
What Can Smart Speakers Do?
Before we dive into the differences, here’s what both Google Nest and Amazon Echo speakers can handle:
- Play music and podcasts
- Set timers and reminders
- Answer questions
- Control smart home devices (like lights and thermostats)
- Tell you the weather
- And much more!
Where Google Nest Shines
Better for Video Content
If you’re planning to get a smart display (a smart speaker with a screen), Google has a major advantage: YouTube. You can easily watch cooking tutorials, DIY videos, or any other YouTube content right on your device. Plus, Google’s built-in Chromecast feature lets you easily send videos from your phone to your display.
Making Phone Calls
Want to call mom while cooking? Google Nest lets you make actual phone calls to any phone number in the US or Canada. Amazon Echo only lets you call other Echo devices.
Style Points
If looks matter to you, Google’s devices tend to have a more modern, minimal design. They come in subtle colors that blend nicely with home decor.
Where Amazon Echo Wins
Smart Home Control
Amazon works with more smart home devices – over 100,000 compared to Google’s 50,000. This means you’ll have more options when building your smart home. Some Echo devices even have built-in temperature sensors and can extend your WiFi network.
Shopping Made Easy
If you’re a frequent Amazon shopper, Echo devices let you:
- Order products with voice commands
- Track your packages
- Get delivery notifications
- Manage your Amazon subscriptions
Music Options
While both platforms support popular services like Spotify, Amazon offers more music streaming options, including Amazon Prime Music.
Which Should You Choose?
Pick Google Nest if you:
- Watch lots of YouTube
- Want to make regular phone calls
- Care about sleek design
- Already use Google services (Gmail, Calendar, etc.)
Pick Amazon Echo if you:
- Shop frequently on Amazon
- Want the most smart home device options
- Use Amazon Prime Music
- Need features like temperature sensing or WiFi extension
Starting Prices
- Basic Google Nest Mini: $49
- Basic Amazon Echo Dot: $50
- Smart displays start at $90-$100 for both brands
Remember: Both platforms are great at handling basic tasks. The best choice depends on how you plan to use your smart speaker and which features matter most to you.
Pro tip: Think about which services you already use (Google or Amazon) and start with that ecosystem – it’ll make your life easier!
