Skip to content 
Refreshed May 2025 to capture the latest firmware, pricing, and Google Gemini upgrades.
Quick Verdict
Even after Google halted direct sales, the Nest Hub Max is still a compelling 10‑inch kitchen command center—now super‑charged by Gemini AI video smarts and Matter control. Limited stock and no Thread radio, however, keep it a runner‑up to Amazon’s rotating Echo Show 10.
EchoTekk Rating: 4.2 / 5
What’s New Since 2024
| Upgrade | 2024 Model | 2025 Firmware / Market Change |
|---|---|---|
| Price & availability | MSRP $229 | Google Store discontinued; refurb units $189–199 |
| Voice platform | Google Assistant | Gemini with natural dialog & generative routines |
| Smart-home radios | Wi-Fi + BT 5.0 | Matter-over-Wi-Fi controller (no Thread) |
| Camera AI | Basic Nest Cam | Camera Intelligence beta: searchable events |
| Privacy toolkit | Mic/cam switch | Device Access Sandbox; pause cloud clip upload |
| Energy features | None | Idle power ≤ 3 W; Energy Dashboard in Google Home |
Key Features
10‑inch HD (1280 × 800) touchscreen—ambient EQ auto‑tunes brightness & color.
Built‑in Nest Cam (6.5 MP, 127° FOV) with HDR, night vision, and Gemini AI clip summaries.
40 mm + 18 mm stereo speakers with rear‑firing woofer for surprisingly punchy bass.
Matter‑over‑Wi‑Fi controller—pairs lights, plugs, & locks from dozens of brands; controls via Google Home or voice.
Face Match & Quick Gestures—pause/resume media with a raised hand; personalized results when you approach.
Ultra‑wide 3‑mic array—improved noise suppression for Gemini queries.
Duo/GMeet calls with auto‑framing and group call tiling.
Specs at a Glance
| Google Nest Hub Max Specifications (2025) | |
|---|---|
| Display | 10″ HD (1280 × 800, 60 Hz) |
| Camera | 6.5 MP RGB, 1080p, 30 fps |
| Processor | Quad-core A53 + on-device TPU lite |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 5, BT 5.0, Matter-Wi-Fi |
| Audio | 75 mm woofer + 2 × 18 mm tweeters |
| Dimensions | 9.9 × 7.2 × 3.9 in (2.9 lb) |
| Launch MSRP | $229 |
| Street price (May 2025) | $189 refurb / $199 renewed |
Benefits
Gemini AI brings natural conversation, proactive suggestions, and searchable security clips.
Integrated Nest Cam saves counter space and adds whole‑home security within one device.
Solid bass response bests most smart displays in its class.
Seamless Google ecosystem—Tight linkage with Photos, YouTube, Meet, and Chromecast.
Drawbacks
Discontinued stock—future support is promised but new units scarce.
No Thread radio – cannot act as a border router; needs Nest Wifi Pro or Hub (2nd Gen) for Thread sensors.
Privacy perception—always‑on camera may deter some users even with shutter.
No battery backup and larger footprint than rival Echo Show 10.
How It Compares (2025)
| Feature | Nest Hub Max | Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) | iPad 10 + Dock |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 10″ static LCD | 10.1″ rotating LCD | 10.9″ IPS (mobile) |
| Voice engine | Gemini | Alexa+ | Siri / Gemini (iPadOS 18) |
| Camera | 6.5 MP + AI | 13 MP + auto-frame | 12 MP Center Stage |
| Built-in hub | Matter-Wi-Fi only | Zigbee, Thread, Matter | None (needs bridges) |
| Thread border router | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Price (street) | $189–229 refurb | $199–229 new | ~$499 bundle |
Privacy & Security in 2025
Google’s Device Access Sandbox now makes third‑party access opt‑in, and cloud clip upload can be paused in Nest Aware settings. LED indicator lights when Gemini AI is processing locally vs cloud.
Energy & Sustainability
Firmware optimizations cut idle power to ≤ 3 W. The new Energy Dashboard tile inside Google Home aggregates data from Matter smart plugs and can suggest cost‑saving routines.
2026 Outlook
Nest Hub Max 2 rumor: 12″ OLED, built‑in Thread router, edge TPU for fully local Gemini inference.
Matter 2.0: camera & energy clusters will give Hub Max deeper inter‑brand automations.
Chromecast revamp: expected to unify Nest audio groups for spatial sound.
Buy & Save
Because Google no longer sells new Hub Max units, we recommend Amazon Renewed or eBay certified‑refurb links:
Buy refurbished on Amazon
FAQs
Q: Is the Nest Hub Max still supported?
A: Yes, Google promises security patches through at least 2027.
Q: Does it work with Thread sensors?
A: Only if you also own a Thread border router like Nest Wifi Pro.
Q: Can Gemini run completely offline?
A: No—most generative tasks run in the cloud; basic commands remain local.
