Google Nest Hub Max

Ry Crist from CNET highlights the Google Nest Hub Max as a capable and feature-rich smart display that builds on the original Nest Hub’s strengths with a larger 10-inch screen, improved sound quality, and a versatile 6.5-megapixel camera offering face recognition, gesture controls, and auto-tracking during video calls. While the device delivers solid performance and a fair price comparable to competitors like the Amazon Echo Show, Crist expresses reservations about its increased size and the inclusion of a camera, which some users may find intrusive—especially given the lack of a physical camera shutter. Privacy concerns around facial recognition and Google’s evolving Nest ecosystem also temper enthusiasm. The review praises the smooth Google Assistant experience and thoughtful features but ultimately suggests the original, smaller Nest Hub remains the better choice for most users seeking a discreet, camera-free smart display. The Nest Hub Max is recommended primarily for those who value video calling and personalized features.

TechRadar’s Andrew Williams highlights the Google Nest Hub Max as a compelling smart display and speaker that excels in sound quality, voice recognition, and ambient display features. Praising its large 10-inch screen for casual video viewing and its superior audio compared to smaller smart displays, Williams notes the device’s elegant design and effective integration with Google Assistant. However, he points out notable limitations, including a lower screen resolution with visible pixelation, restricted video streaming options (notably no Netflix support), and some early issues with the Nest camera functionality. The review also critiques the volume control’s coarse increments and the lack of a physical camera cover, though software privacy controls are available. Unique insights include the device’s ambient light-adaptive display and the Auto Framing feature for video calls. Overall, Williams presents a balanced view, emphasizing the Nest Hub Max’s strengths as a smart speaker and digital photo frame while acknowledging software and hardware trade-offs that may affect user experience.

Dan Seifert from The Verge highlights the Google Nest Hub Max as a large, bright smart display with a 10-inch screen and solid audio performance, featuring a trio of drivers that deliver strong sound, though not perfectly balanced or clean. It stands out for its integrated camera, which supports video calls and doubles as a home security camera, and offers gesture and conversational controls via Google Assistant and Gemini Home. The review appreciates the Nest Hub Max as an excellent choice for Google Assistant users seeking a bigger screen for media consumption and smart home control. However, it notes that while the device excels in size and functionality, its sound quality is somewhat less refined compared to competitors like Amazon’s Echo Show 8. The Nest Hub Max’s unique sleep tracking and security features add value, but the review suggests it is best suited for users deeply embedded in the Google ecosystem who prioritize screen size and integrated camera capabilities over audio perfection.

Matt Jancer from WIRED highlights the Google Nest Hub Max as a versatile and smart home companion, especially valuable during extended time at home. Praising its large 10-inch screen, superior speakers, and the unique hands-free gesture control, he finds it particularly useful for cooking, video calls, and personalized routines powered by Google Assistant, which he considers smarter and more accurate than Alexa. However, he points out notable drawbacks, including a limited third-party app ecosystem, lack of a physical privacy shutter on the camera, and the need for a paid Nest Aware subscription to access full security features like video storage. Privacy concerns and the absence of night vision also temper enthusiasm. Overall, Jancer appreciates the device’s capabilities and design but suggests the smaller Nest Hub or a simpler smart speaker might be better choices for those less invested in Google’s ecosystem or uninterested in the camera features.

Nicole Lee from Engadget highlights the Google Nest Hub Max as a compelling upgrade over its smaller predecessor, emphasizing its larger 10-inch display and integrated camera that enhance shared-space usability. She praises the device’s crisp visuals, improved sound quality, and innovative AI-powered features like Face Match, Auto Framing for video calls, and Quick Gestures, which add unique convenience and personalization. The Nest Cam integration is noted as a standout feature, offering security functionality uncommon in similar smart displays. However, Lee tempers enthusiasm with measured critiques: some camera features feel gimmicky or inconsistent, video calling is limited to Google Duo with a cumbersome contact setup, and the lack of a physical camera cover may concern privacy-conscious users. Overall, she finds the Nest Hub Max offers a rich feature set and solid value for its price, especially for those seeking a multifunctional smart display with advanced AI and security capabilities, though some features may not appeal universally.

Russell Holly from Android Central highlights the Google Nest Hub Max as a significant and well-executed upgrade over the original Nest Hub, praising its vivid, well-calibrated display that blends seamlessly into any room and its notably improved, powerful speakers. He emphasizes the clever camera features, such as reliable facial recognition, gesture controls, and an effective video chat experience with smart zooming, which add genuine utility beyond a typical smart display. However, Holly also points out some limitations, including the rear-firing speakers’ bass issues in certain placements, confusing app compatibility—especially Netflix’s lack of support—and the underwhelming “Nest Cam” functionality due to missing night vision and account migration requirements. Despite these caveats, he regards the Nest Hub Max as a “spectacular success” for users already invested in Google’s smart display ecosystem, offering a compelling combination of display quality, audio performance, and innovative features at a reasonable price.

Andrew Grush from Android Authority highlights the Google Nest Hub Max as a feature-rich smart display that remains a strong contender in 2025 despite its age. Praising its large 10-inch screen, superior sound quality, and integrated Nest Cam with advanced video calling and security features, Grush emphasizes the device’s seamless smart home integration and useful gesture controls. He notes the convenience of personalized face recognition and the helpful Ambient EQ display technology. However, the review also points out some drawbacks, such as the modest display resolution, limited camera privacy controls, and the need for a Nest Aware subscription to unlock full security camera functionality. While newer alternatives like the Google Pixel Tablet and Amazon Echo Show line offer fresh options, the Nest Hub Max’s combination of smart display and security camera features delivers excellent value. Overall, Grush’s tone is measured but appreciative, recognizing the Hub Max as a versatile and capable smart home hub with some trade-offs.

Rachel Cericola from Wirecutter praises the Google Nest Hub Max for its sharp 10-inch display, impressive video call quality, and vibrant photo presentation, which outshines competitors like Amazon’s Echo Show. She highlights its seamless integration with Google Calendar and broad access to video content, making it a versatile smart display for both productivity and entertainment. The Hub Max’s audio performance is notably powerful compared to smaller Google devices, enhancing its appeal as a central smart home hub. However, Cericola also notes that Google’s evolving AI platform, Gemini, while promising more conversational interactions, still experiences occasional hiccups and is less polished than Amazon’s Alexa+. The review balances enthusiasm for the Nest Hub Max’s multimedia capabilities and smart-home integration with a measured acknowledgment of the platform’s current limitations, offering a thoughtful perspective for users invested in the Google ecosystem.

Dan Seifert from The Verge highlights the Google Nest Hub Max as a larger, more capable iteration of the original Nest Hub, featuring a 10-inch display, enhanced speakers, and the addition of a camera—an element absent from its smaller counterpart. He praises its sleek, fabric-wrapped design and the smart ambient light adjustment that makes photos appear more natural and paper-like. Seifert emphasizes the Hub Max’s suitability for main living spaces, particularly the kitchen, where its size and features shine best. While the review conveys a positive and confident tone about the device’s improvements and practical use cases, it remains measured, noting that the Hub Max builds on an already excellent foundation rather than revolutionizing it. The overall sentiment is one of appreciation for the device’s thoughtful enhancements and versatility, positioning it as a compelling choice for users seeking a more robust smart display experience.

T3’s David Nield highlights the Google Nest Hub Max as Google’s most advanced smart display yet, praising its polished design, sharp 10-inch touchscreen, and impressive audio quality that fills a room without matching premium speakers like Sonos. He emphasizes the device’s versatility, from seamless Chromecast streaming and personalized face recognition to its dual role as a Nest security camera and Google Duo video calling hub. The review applauds Google Assistant’s integration, making smart home control intuitive and centralizing management of compatible devices. While noting the device’s premium price and suggesting alternatives like the smaller Nest Hub or Nest Audio for those on a budget or without need for a camera, Nield ultimately finds the Nest Hub Max a solid, well-rounded performer ideal for users invested in Google’s ecosystem. The review balances enthusiasm with practical caveats, offering a thoughtful, detailed perspective on the device’s strengths and situational suitability.

Brian Heater from TechCrunch highlights the Google Nest Hub Max as a thoughtfully designed and visually appealing smart display that builds on its predecessor’s strengths while introducing new capabilities. He appreciates the device’s larger screen and improved speaker quality, noting it remains one of the best-looking products in its category. The addition of a camera unlocks personalized features like facial recognition and video calling with dynamic zoom, as well as supplementary security camera functionality, though it raises understandable privacy concerns. Heater critiques Google’s choice to omit a physical camera shutter, relying instead on a rear switch and indicator light, which he finds a puzzling design oversight. While the Nest Hub Max lacks some advanced audio tuning and certain streaming services, it offers a compelling alternative to Amazon’s Echo Show at a competitive price. Overall, the review conveys a balanced but positive tone, emphasizing Google’s integration of hardware and software strengths despite some trade-offs around privacy and feature limitations.

Samuel Gibbs from The Guardian highlights the Google Nest Hub Max as the smartest and most useful smart display currently available, praising its large, vibrant 10-inch screen with ambient EQ for lifelike photo display and superior viewing from across the room. He emphasizes the standout Face Match feature, which uses local AI to recognize individual users and proactively show personalized information, setting it apart from competitors. The integration with Google Photos, smart home controls, and Google Assistant routines further enhance its appeal. However, Gibbs notes some drawbacks, including its relatively high price compared to smaller models, occasional difficulty hearing voice commands, and limited support for services like Amazon Prime Video and Ring cameras. The built-in camera’s privacy implications are acknowledged but mitigated by on-device processing and clear indicators when the camera or mic are off. Overall, the review conveys a balanced but positive tone, appreciating the device’s intelligence and versatility while candidly addressing its limitations.

Raymond Wong from Mashable highlights the Google Nest Hub Max as a larger, louder smart display with useful features like a 10-inch screen, improved speakers, and a wide-angle camera that supports Google Duo video calls and Nest Cam functionality. He appreciates the device’s Face Match and Quick Gestures, which add convenience and personalization. However, Wong’s tone is measured and somewhat cautious; he questions whether the Max’s enhancements justify its higher price compared to the smaller Nest Hub, especially since the latter lacks a camera but offers excellent value and privacy benefits. He notes the Max’s display resolution could be sharper and criticizes the lack of a physical camera cover, which may concern privacy-conscious users. Video calling quality is solid but limited to Google Duo, which he finds less widely adopted. Overall, Wong suggests the Nest Hub Max is best suited for those who frequently use Google Duo or want a bigger screen, while most users might be better off with the more affordable Nest Hub.