A smart speaker is great, but a smart display is a game-changer. Suddenly, you can see your calendar, watch Netflix while cooking, and see who is at the front door without picking up your phone.
The two heavyweights in this arena are the Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) and the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen). On the surface, they look similar: screens attached to speakers. But underneath, they are designed for two completely different rooms in your house. In this comparison, we help you decide which one belongs on your nightstand and which one belongs in your kitchen.
The Big Difference: The Camera (or Lack Thereof)
This is the deal-breaker feature.
Amazon Echo Show 8: The Video Call King
The Echo Show 8 features a stunning 13-megapixel camera with auto-framing.
How it works: If you are moving around the kitchen while on a video call with Grandma, the camera digitally pans and zooms to keep you in the center of the frame. It’s impressive technology tailored for communication.
Google Nest Hub: The Privacy King
The Nest Hub has NO camera. None.
Why? Google designed this specifically for "private spaces" like the bedroom, where people are uncomfortable having a camera lens pointing at their bed. It eliminates the "creepy factor" completely.
The "Killer Feature": Sleep Sensing vs. Entertainment
Google's Magic Trick (Soli Radar):
Since it has no camera, the Nest Hub uses a miniature radar chip (Soli) to detect micro-movements. If you place it on your bedside table, it tracks your sleep duration, snoring, and breathing rate without you wearing a watch. It gives you a sleep report every morning.
Amazon's Power (Entertainment):
The Echo Show 8 is an entertainment beast. It supports Prime Video, Netflix, and Hulu natively. The speakers deliver Spatial Audio and deeper bass, filling a noisy kitchen with clear sound. The Nest Hub's sound is decent but much flatter.
The Digital Photo Frame Test
When you aren't using the screen, what does it do?
- Google Nest Hub: It connects to Google Photos. Google’s AI automatically curates your best shots (avoiding blurry ones or receipts) and displays them. The screen has an ambient EQ sensor that adjusts color temp to look like a printed photo. It is hands down the best digital photo frame on the market.
- Echo Show 8: It can show Amazon Photos, but it often interrupts them with "Alexa Suggestions," ads, or trending news headlines, which can be annoying.
Comparison Table: Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Amazon Echo Show 8 | Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 8.0 Inches (Touch) | 7.0 Inches (Touch) |
| Camera | 13 MP (with Privacy Shutter) | None |
| Unique Feature | Built-in Zigbee Hub & Auto-framing | Sleep Sensing (Radar) |
| Audio | Excellent (Room filling) | Good (Background music) |
FAQ: Which Ecosystem?
Can I watch YouTube?
Google Nest Hub: Yes, natively. It’s owned by Google, so the experience is perfect. You can cast videos from your phone easily.
Echo Show: Yes, but via a web browser (Silk). It’s clunky and not as smooth as the native app on Google.
Does it control my smart home?
Both are excellent control panels. You can tap the screen to turn off lights or view cameras. However, the Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) includes a built-in Zigbee/Matter/Thread hub, meaning you can connect some smart bulbs directly to it without needing a separate bridge.
Buy the Amazon Echo Show 8 for the KITCHEN: It’s louder, great for following video recipes, and perfect for video calling family while cooking.
Buy the Google Nest Hub for the BEDROOM: It has no camera (privacy), tracks your sleep, and is a better alarm clock/photo frame.