Google · Mainstream cloud hubs
Nest Hub (2nd Gen)
Thread · Matter · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth LE · no local API · about $100
cloud requiredcloud required
Protocols
ThreadMatterWi-FiBluetooth LE
2.5 W
Idle power
$100
List price
~50000
Devices (est.)
Specifications
| Category | Mainstream cloud hubs |
|---|---|
| Protocols | Thread, Matter, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth LE |
| Cloud dependency | cloud required |
| Local API | no local API |
| Voice assistants | |
| Open source | closed-source |
| Directly supported devices (est.) | ~50000 |
| Idle power draw | ~2.5 W |
| Update outlook | actively maintained |
| List price (Amazon.com, Q2/2026) | about $100 |
Best for: Family / casualBest for: Matter / future-proof
Setup & gotchas
🛏️ No camera at all - it uses the Soli radar chip for presence and sleep sensing, which some buyers prefer for the bedroom.
Editorial take
Our hands-on read — the specs above are the sourced facts.
Strengths
- + Thread border router and Matter controller inside a 7-inch display
- + Soli radar sleep and gesture sensing without a camera
- + Good value for a smart display
Trade-offs
- − Cloud-required and tied to a Google account
- − Google Assistant only, no Alexa
- − No local API
Related hubs
Frequently asked questions
Does the Nest Hub (2nd Gen) require the cloud?
Yes. The Nest Hub (2nd Gen) is cloud-required — a vendor account and an internet connection are needed, and routines run through the vendor cloud (no local API).
Which protocols and voice assistants does the Nest Hub (2nd Gen) support?
Protocols: Thread, Matter, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth LE. Voice: Google. It directly supports an estimated 50000 devices/brands.
How much does the Nest Hub (2nd Gen) cost and how much power does it use?
List price is about $100 (Amazon.com market observation, Q2/2026 — actual prices fluctuate). Idle power draw is roughly 2.5 W. The hardware and firmware are closed-source.
Source & last checked
- Google Store Nest Hub (2nd Gen): store.google.com/product/nest_hub_2nd_gen ↗
- Sources last checked: 2026-07-20 · Prices: Amazon.com market observation, Q2/2026
- Idle-power and device-count figures are vendor-claimed or community-measured estimates. Prices fluctuate. Details without warranty — check the current manufacturer spec sheet before buying.