The Verge70
Sleep tracking is easy and works well, and it remains a great photo frame, but the laggy interface and voice responses make it a frustrating smart home hub.
Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)
6 expert reviewsChecked 1 Nov 2026
Quick answer
The Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) has a critic score of 79 out of 100 from 6 professional reviews, including The Verge, EFTM and The Strategist. 4 of 6 recommend it, and scores range from 70 (The Verge) to 83 (EFTM). 1 of the scores are printed by the outlets and 5 are our estimates from the review text. Most praised: sound (3 of 6); ease of use (3 of 6). It ranks #2 of the 3 smart displays we score.
Reviews checked 1 Nov 2026
Photo coming
Best for: Best for sleep tracking
Our verdict
6 professional reviewers tested the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen), and 4 recommend it. Most praised: sound and ease of use.
The catch: Sound is thin and the interface can lag.
Critic agreement: High
Scores run from 70 to 831 printed scores, 5 estimated
5 of these 6 outlets print no score. We estimated theirs from the review text and corrected for the known tendency of estimates to run high.
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What do critics say about the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)?
EFTM83est.
After about a week of use, the reviewer likes the compact design, fuller sound and Soli-based sleep sensing, and calls it a good bedside option.
The Strategist83est.
In a digital frame guide, the writer names the Nest Hub the best smart-display pick after keeping one in her kitchen for years, praising its vibrant auto-adjusting screen and extra smart functions.
Engadget83est.
The reviewer finds it an improved and affordable smart display, though the radar sleep tracking is only fair and may become a paid feature.
CNET83est.
A week of real use shows Sleep Sensing is easy to set up and tracks sleep close to a smartwatch.
Consumer Reports71est.
Lab notes rate sound quality only fair, while versatility and ease of use are very good.
Scores are converted to 0–100. "est." means the outlet gave no number, so we estimated one from its verdict. How we score
What critics praise most
Sound3 of 6
Ease of use3 of 6
Picture quality2 of 6
What critics dislike most
No clear pattern.
Alternatives
Not sure about the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)?
Common questions
Is the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) worth it?
Critics are divided: 4 of 6 recommend it. Sound is thin and the interface can lag.
Do critics agree about the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)?
Agreement is high: scores range from 70 (The Verge) to 83 (EFTM), a spread of 13 points across 6 reviews. Reviewers broadly agree.
What is the best alternative to the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)?
The Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) (critic score 84), best overall.