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Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) — Hub
Google

Google Nest Hub (2nd gen)

Hub

83
/ 100
From $99
VS
Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) wins by 1
Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box (Black) — 2019
Philips

Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box (Black)

2019

82
/ 100
From $249
Specdex verdict

Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) lands at 83 and Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box (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 Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box (Black) if…

  • ✓Matter/Thread support (modern SKUs)
  • ✓App-based setup
  • ✓Works with major voice assistants
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Ease of use

Tie

Compared on the ease of use sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Ecosystem

Tie

Compared on the ecosystem sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Features

Tie

Compared 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 $249).

Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) 83
vs
82 Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box (Black)

Score breakdown

Google Nest Hub (2nd gen)
83
ecosystem 83
local 70
ease 84
features 81
Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box (Black)
82
ecosystem 82
local 70
ease 84
features 80

Specs side-by-side

Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) versus Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box (Black) — full spec comparison
Spec Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box (Black)
Release year
—
2019
Color
—
Black

Google Nest Hub (2nd gen)

Pros
  • +Matter support (modern)
  • +Zigbee/Thread radios (most)
  • +Automations
Cons
  • −App quality varies
  • −Cloud dependency on some
  • −Ecosystem lock-in

Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box (Black)

Pros
  • +Matter/Thread support (modern SKUs)
  • +App-based setup
  • +Works with major voice assistants
Cons
  • −Subscription sometimes required
  • −Cloud dependency on many
  • −Ecosystem lock-in

FAQ: Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) vs Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box (Black)

Which is better, Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) or Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box (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 Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box (Black) worth the price? +

At $249, Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box (Black) delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in ease.

Does Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) or Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box (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 Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box (Black)? +

Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) — more score per dollar ($99 vs $249). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.