Google Nest Hub (2nd gen)
Hub
Nest Thermostat (Black)
2020
Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) lands at 83 and Nest Thermostat (Black) at 82. That puts Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) ahead by 1 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) if…
- ✓Matter support (modern)
- ✓Zigbee/Thread radios (most)
- ✓Automations
Pick Nest Thermostat (Black) if…
- ✓Matter/Thread support (modern SKUs)
- ✓App-based setup
- ✓Works with major voice assistants
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testEase of use
TieCompared on the ease of use sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Ecosystem
TieCompared on the ecosystem sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Features
TieCompared on the features sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Value for money
Google Nest Hub (2nd gen)Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) more score per dollar ($99 vs $130).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) | Nest Thermostat (Black) |
|---|---|---|
| Release year | — | 2020 |
| Color | — | Black |
Google Nest Hub (2nd gen)
- +Matter support (modern)
- +Zigbee/Thread radios (most)
- +Automations
- −App quality varies
- −Cloud dependency on some
- −Ecosystem lock-in
Nest Thermostat (Black)
- +Matter/Thread support (modern SKUs)
- +App-based setup
- +Works with major voice assistants
- −Subscription sometimes required
- −Cloud dependency on many
- −Ecosystem lock-in
FAQ: Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) vs Nest Thermostat (Black)
Which is better, Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) or Nest Thermostat (Black)? +
Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) scores 83 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 1. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) worth the price? +
At $99, Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) delivers a Specdex score of 83 — strongest in ease.
Is Nest Thermostat (Black) worth the price? +
At $130, Nest Thermostat (Black) delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in ease.
Does Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) or Nest Thermostat (Black) last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is the better value, Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) or Nest Thermostat (Black)? +
Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) — more score per dollar ($99 vs $130). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.