Why you’ll love it: The Google Home Hub takes the smarts of the Google Assistant and puts them on display — literally.
While smart speakers have a lot to offer, there’s some information that they just can’t display because they don't have screens. That, is exactly where a smart display like the new Google Home Hub comes in.
The Google Home Hub, like most of the other devices in our guide, is designed by Google. Therefore, it has the same overall look as other Google devices with its white, clean design and fabric accents. But what sets it apart is the screen.
The Hub takes the Google Assistant and gives it a screen, so you can watch news segments and YouTube videos, see information like the weather, control smart home devices by touch instead of your voice, and more. It also integrates with Google services like Google Photos, which is great news for those who use the app for their photos.
There are plenty of things to love about the Google Home Hub. For example, the device has an innovative and functional user interface, which is different from some of the other smart display interfaces from other companies. On top of that, it’s a little cheaper than some of the other smart displays, including the Amazon Echo Show.
But what about the downsides? Well, perhaps the biggest one is that the screen is pretty small, coming in at only 7 inches, which isn’t even that much bigger than many smartphones these days.
On top of that, the audio quality isn’t all that impressive, though many people who want to buy smart displays may not need super high-quality audio in the first place. Still, despite those downsides, the Google Home Hub has gotten great reviews. Engadget gave it 4.5/5, while The Verge gave it a slightly more conservative 8.5/10.
Pros: Offers much more information than smart speaker, integration with Google services, good price
Cons: Small display, unimpressive audio
Buy the Google Home Hub on Best Buy for $149