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Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box (Black) — 2019
Philips

Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box (Black)

2019

82
/ 100
From $249
VS
Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) wins by 1
Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) — Hub
Google

Google Nest Hub (2nd gen)

Hub

83
/ 100
From $99
Specdex verdict

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

In our weighted Specdex score, Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box (Black) lands at 82 and Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) at 83. That puts Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) ahead by 1 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box (Black) if…

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

Pick Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) if…

  • ✓Matter support (modern)
  • ✓Zigbee/Thread radios (most)
  • ✓Automations
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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).

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

Score breakdown

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

Specs side-by-side

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

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

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

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

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

Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) scores 83 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 1. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

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.

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.

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

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