Best Smart Home Devices for Google Home in 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need
Published: May 24th, 2024
Last Updated: August 7th, 2024

🏠Living in an era where tech is part and parcel of our everyday routine, boosting your home with smart devices that work with Google Home has never been easier or more rewarding. These innovative gadgets allow you to handle various household tasks using just your voice, creating a smooth and efficient home life.

Whether it’s about upping your home security, tuning your lighting, or enhancing your entertainment setup, we’ve rounded up the top smart home devices to pair with your Google Home for a truly connected living experience.

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Overall Best: Google Nest Hub

Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) 7-inch Display, 2nd Generation (Slate), GA01331-INTL

The Google Nest Hub stands out as the best overall smart home device for Google Home users. Serving as a versatile control hub, its intuitive touchscreen allows you to monitor live security camera feeds, tweak thermostat settings, and manage lights and appliances—all from one central device. Integrated with Google Assistant, it offers hands-free operation for queries, reminders, and daily tasks, making it an invaluable addition to any smart home. The sleek design and user-friendly interface make the Google Nest Hub an ideal choice for those looking to create a cohesive and efficient smart home environment.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$99.99 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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How do I change the language on the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) from Chinese to English?
If you've opened up your Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) and see that it’s in Chinese, don't worry—it’s happened to others too. It might be related to the global distribution of the devices. Switching the language to English is pretty straightforward. Here’s how you can do it: ### Step 1: Connect to the [Google Home App](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dgoogle%2Bhome%2Bapp%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) First off, make sure you have the [Google Home app](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dgoogle%2Bhome%2Bapp%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) on your phone or tablet. You can grab it from the [Google Play Store](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dgoogle%2Bplay%2Bstore%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) or [Apple App Store](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dapple%2Bapp%2Bstore%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) if you haven’t already. ### Step 2: Set Up Your Device Open the Google Home app and kick off the setup for your Google Nest Hub. Ensure that your phone or tablet is on the same Wi-Fi network that you plan to use for your Nest Hub. ### Step 3: Pair Your Nest Hub The app will start searching for nearby Google devices. Once it finds your Nest Hub, select it to start pairing. The instructions might pop up in Chinese, but the app will guide you through in English. ### Step 4: Change the Language Settings After pairing, head to the settings menu in the Google Home app and pick your Google Nest Hub from the listed devices. 1. **Tap on the device name** to access its settings. 2. **Scroll to find the language settings**. Sometimes you might need to tap 'More' or 'Device settings'. 3. **Select English** as your language. Our research indicates the change to English should happen almost right away. ### Additional Tips - **Check the Packaging Instructions:** You might find the quick setup card in your packaging helpful for navigating the menus if they’re unfamiliar. - **Restart If Needed:** If things are glitchy or if the language doesn’t switch as planned, giving your Nest Hub a simple restart might help. - **Extra Help Needed?** You can always visit Google's support site if you're stuck. With these steps, changing the language on your Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) should be easy. Just follow this guide and the app’s instructions, and you’ll have it set to English in no time.
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What are the sleep tracking capabilities of the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)?
The Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) has some pretty neat sleep tracking features, with Sleep Sensing being a standout. This technology lets you keep track of your sleep without needing to wear anything while you sleep, which is super convenient. It uses Motion Sense, backed by Soli technology, to monitor your sleep patterns. So, it offers a hassle-free way to get insights into your sleep quality. **How Sleep Sensing Works** The Nest Hub looks at your movements and breathing while you sleep. It checks out things like your breathing rate and whether you're snoring or coughing. All this data helps give you a picture of how you're sleeping, and you can see a summary of this info on the Hub's screen in the morning. **Setting Up Sleep Sensing** To get Sleep Sensing going, just set the Nest Hub on your bedside table where it can "see" you sleep. During setup, you'll lie down so it can figure out where you are. Just make sure there’s nothing blocking it from seeing you, as that might mess with motion detection. **Privacy Considerations** Privacy might be a concern, and Google seems to take this seriously. According to our research, sleep data is processed right on the device, and no audio is recorded. Only your sleep details, with your permission, get sent to the cloud for personal sleep analysis. **Insights and Data Analysis** Our research shows folks appreciate the detailed sleep insights they get. These insights help you understand your sleeping patterns over time, like changes in your sleep schedule or how often you're disturbed. **Additional Features** Beyond Sleep Sensing, the Nest Hub links up with [Google Fit](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dgoogle%2Bfit%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), which can give a more complete look at your health and wellness, combining sleep and other health metrics. It’s nice to know the Nest Hub isn't just any old smart display; it's a handy part of your nighttime routine and fits into your lifestyle seamlessly.
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Does the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) work with Ring doorbells and Blink cameras?
Hey! So, the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) is pretty versatile, but when it comes to using it with [Ring doorbells](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dring%2Bdoorbells%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) and [Blink cameras](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dblink%2Bcameras%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), things get a bit tricky. Let's start with the Ring doorbells. Since Ring is part of Amazon's ecosystem and Google Nest Hub is part of Google's, they don't naturally play well together. But don't worry, there's a workaround. You can connect Google Assistant to your Ring account, but it's not super straightforward. You might be able to see the video feed with some commands, but it's not like the smooth experience you'd get with [Alexa-enabled devices](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dalexa-enabled%2Bdevices%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). As for Blink cameras, it's even more complicated. Blink, also under Amazon, is designed to work best with Alexa. Right now, there's no way to easily stream Blink footage directly onto your Nest Hub. You can control some features through IFTTT (kind of a nifty tool for connecting different services), but actual video viewing isn't an option. The Nest Hub is awesome for controlling other smart devices, especially those in Google's ecosystem, like lights and thermostats. But if you're dead set on viewing Ring or Blink footage, you might need to jump through some hoops. To keep things simple, if seeing footage from these cameras is really important to you, you might want to consider if a different setup would suit your needs better. Just something to think about!
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Runner-up: Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt

SCHLAGE Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt with Camelot Trim in Aged Bronze

A close runner-up, the Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt, excels in providing robust security coupled with ease of use. Featuring remote access capabilities without the need for an additional hub, this smart lock allows you to generate up to 100 access codes, perfect for guests or family members. Enhanced with a built-in alarm system, it integrates seamlessly with Google Home for voice-activated commands, adding a layer of convenience to your home security efforts. Ideal for those prioritizing a reliable and user-friendly security solution, the Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt is an excellent choice.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$236.52 at Amazon

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Budget Pick: Xorb WiFi Smart LED Bulb

ChangM Alexa Light Bulbs 13W E26 Smart LED Light Bulb Compatible with Alexa Warm White to White A19 APP Control Bulb Bluetooth Mesh 1 Pack

For budget-conscious consumers, the Xorb WiFi Smart LED Bulb offers an affordable entry point into smart home lighting. This 7-watt bulb can be controlled via Google Assistant and boasts a palette of up to 16 million color options, providing versatile lighting choices for any setting. With an impressive lifespan of approximately 30,000 hours, it combines energy efficiency with convenience, making it perfect for those new to smart home technology or looking to expand their existing system without breaking the bank.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$8.99 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the "ChangM Alexa Light Bulb"? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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Can the ChangM Alexa Light Bulb be controlled without WiFi?
Hey, so with the ChangM Alexa Light Bulb, you actually have some flexibility. You don't necessarily need WiFi to control it. The manufacturer's product description says you can use the BRmesh app via Bluetooth to manage it. So, things like adjusting brightness, setting timers, or controlling multiple bulbs can all be done without internet or an account. From what we found, many people think this setup is super convenient, especially if you're renting and can't set up extra smart home gear like a smart switch hub. Plus, being able to use Alexa for voice control is a nice bonus if you're into that. The Bluetooth connection also skips the WiFi issues that pop up sometimes. But just to note, while it works smoothly with Alexa, the bulb doesn't get along with [Google Assistant](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dgoogle%2Bassistant%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), [Apple HomeKit](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dapple%2Bhomekit%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), or [SmartThings](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dsmartthings%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) based on the manufacturer's details. Also, a few folks have mentioned some glitches syncing it with Alexa initially, though that seems to be rare; overall feedback is good. Apart from its smart features, it's also praised for being energy-efficient and pretty easy to use. It's a good fit if you're already using Alexa in your smart home setup. But if you're on another system, maybe check if there's something more compatible out there.
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How bright is the ChangM Alexa Light Bulb compared to traditional bulbs?
The ChangM Alexa Light Bulb is a smart LED option that's quite different from your typical light bulb. For starters, you can control it using Bluetooth and Alexa voice commands, which is super handy. Now, when it comes to brightness, this bulb is pretty flexible. You can adjust it anywhere from 1% to 100%, depending on the mood you're going for. That's a big advantage over regular bulbs where you might need a dimmer switch to do the same thing. You'll manage the brightness through an app called BRmesh or just tell Alexa what you want. But keep in mind, it doesn't work with the usual wall-mounted dimmers. So, if you're used to those, this will be a different experience since everything's done through your phone or voice commands. From what we've found, folks generally like how easy it is to set up and connect with Alexa. Being able to adjust the lighting with just your voice or phone is a neat perk over traditional setups. The bulb's great for setting the mood or doing specific tasks without needing a fancy smart home setup. On the practical side of things, it's rated at 13 watts. That means it's pretty energy-efficient, especially compared to older incandescent bulbs. If you're new to smart lighting, this bulb offers some nice benefits like better control and energy savings. So, if you're cool with skipping the physical dimmer and using an app or Alexa, this bulb might brighten up your home just the way you want. But if you're someone who prefers the feel of turning a dimmer switch, it'll take a little while to get used to this digital approach.
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Is the ChangM Alexa Light Bulb easy to set up with Alexa?
Yeah, setting up the ChangM Alexa Light Bulb is pretty straightforward, especially if you're comfy with tech stuff. According to what the manufacturer says, this bulb works without needing the internet. It uses Bluetooth 5.0, which means you can connect directly to your phone with the [BRmesh app](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DBRmesh%2Bapp%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). This is great if you want to skip the whole WiFi setup. To get it going, after screwing in the bulb, just download the [BRmesh app](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DBRmesh%2Bapp%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) on your phone. Make sure your Bluetooth is turned on, and the app should find and link to the bulb automatically. From there, you can do things like adjust the brightness, tweak the color temperature, or even group a bunch of bulbs together for easier control. From what we've found, this Bluetooth setup seems to have the edge because it gives you a more stable connection. You won't run into WiFi issues, and you can handle up to 100 bulbs at once. This is super handy if you're thinking of setting up lighting all over your place without using up your internet bandwidth. One thing to remember, though, is while you can do the basic bulb stuff offline, adding smart features—like controlling with [Alexa](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DAlexa%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20)—will need an internet connection. So, if you want to voice-control it with [Alexa](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DAlexa%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) or schedule things, you’ll have to be online. Overall, if you want easy, solid light control without using WiFi, the ChangM bulb is a great pick. But if you're looking at advanced smart features, like voice control with [Alexa](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DAlexa%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), you'd need to get the internet involved. It's a flexible and easy option for those who like it simple and for folks who dive deep into tech, too.
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Best for Security: Nest Cam Outdoor Security Camera

Nest NC2100ES Outdoor Security Camera, 3 MP, Weatherproof Camera, IP Rating IP65, Diagonal: 130°.

When it comes to enhancing home security, the Nest Cam Outdoor Security Camera is a standout option. Offering a 130-degree wide-angle view and 1080p HD footage, this camera ensures comprehensive 24/7 monitoring. Instant alerts through the Google Home app keep you informed of any unusual activity, while the built-in microphone and speaker allow for two-way communication with visitors. Its seamless integration with Google Home provides hands-free control, making it an indispensable tool for maintaining a secure home environment.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$349.99 at Amazon

Best for Lighting: Philips Hue Mini Starter Kit

The Philips Hue Mini Starter Kit is the top pick for smart lighting solutions. The kit includes a 10W Hue RGB bulb and the Philips Hue Bridge, allowing you to control the lighting with simple Google Home voice commands. Offering customization with over 16 million colors and the ability to set schedules through the Philips Hue app, this starter kit is perfect for creating the ideal ambiance in any room. Its easy integration and versatile features make it a fantastic addition to any smart home setup.

Available at Amazon
View at Amazon
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