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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 Max wins by 3
Google Nest Hub Max — Hub
Google

Google Nest Hub Max

Hub

85
/ 100
From $229
Specdex verdict

Google Nest Hub Max takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box (Black) lands at 82 and Google Nest Hub Max at 85. That puts Google Nest Hub Max ahead by 3 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 Max 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

Google Nest Hub Max

Compared on the ecosystem sub-score

Google Nest Hub Max leads on ecosystem (85 vs 82).

Features

Google Nest Hub Max

Compared on the features sub-score

Google Nest Hub Max leads on features (83 vs 80).

Value for money

Google Nest Hub Max

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Google Nest Hub Max more score per dollar ($229 vs $249).

Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box (Black) 82
vs
85 Google Nest Hub Max

Score breakdown

Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box (Black)
82
ecosystem 82
local 70
ease 84
features 80
Google Nest Hub Max
85
ecosystem 85
local 70
ease 84
features 83

Specs side-by-side

Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box (Black) versus Google Nest Hub Max — full spec comparison
Spec Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box (Black) Google Nest Hub Max
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 Max

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 Max

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

Google Nest Hub Max scores 85 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. 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 Max worth the price? +

At $229, Google Nest Hub Max delivers a Specdex score of 85 — strongest in ecosystem.

Does Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box (Black) or Google Nest Hub Max 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 better for ecosystem, Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box (Black) or Google Nest Hub Max? +

Google Nest Hub Max — leads on ecosystem (85 vs 82). Compared on the ecosystem sub-score.

Which is better for features, Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box (Black) or Google Nest Hub Max? +

Google Nest Hub Max — leads on features (83 vs 80). Compared on the features sub-score.