Amazon Echo (4th generation) vs Google Nest Hub Max
These hubs anchor different ecosystems: the Amazon Echo (4th generation) runs Amazon Alexa, the Google Nest Hub Max runs Google Home. The Amazon Echo (4th generation) pairs more of this database directly — 7,221 devices against 1,824 for the Google Nest Hub Max — because of its radio coverage. Radio hardware differs: only the Amazon Echo (4th generation) has a Zigbee radio; only the Amazon Echo (4th generation) is a Thread border router.
| Amazon Echo (4th generation) | Google Nest Hub Max | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (MSRP) | $64.99 | — |
| Ecosystem | Amazon Alexa | Google Home |
| Matter controller | Yes | Yes |
| Thread border router | Yes | No |
| Zigbee radio | built-in | none |
| Z-Wave radio | none | none |
| Bridges its devices into Matter | No | No |
| Local (no-cloud) control | No | No |
| Subscription required for core features | No | No |
| Built-in voice assistant | Alexa | Google Assistant |
| Ethernet port | No | No |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Release year | 2020 | 2019 |
What each hub actually pairs
- Devices that work with the Amazon Echo (4th generation) — 7,221 direct, 0 via bridge/add-on
- Devices that work with the Google Nest Hub Max — 1,824 direct, 5,397 via bridge/add-on
Frequently asked questions
Which pairs more devices, the Amazon Echo (4th generation) or the Google Nest Hub Max?
The Amazon Echo (4th generation): 7,221 devices in this database pair directly, versus 1,824 for the Google Nest Hub Max.
Can I run the Amazon Echo (4th generation) and Google Nest Hub Max together?
Usually yes. Matter's multi-admin lets the same Matter device join several controllers at once, and Thread border routers from different vendors share one mesh. Zigbee and Z-Wave devices, though, pair to exactly one hub at a time.