Tuesday, January 12, 2021

Google Home vs Amazon's Alexa: A side by side comparison

Which one you decide to go with may well depend on which you personally prefer and what kind of products you're using than which is technically 'better'. Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication.

amazon alexa compared to google home

We first reviewed it when it was called the Google Home Hub, and it hasn't actually changed much since then, aside from adding a unique sleep-tracking feature. Its small size and price puts it between the Echo Show 5 and the Echo Show 8, which is why Google released the larger, louderNest Hub Max to compete with the Echo Show 10. Google Home can also perform some home control, too, though it is limited to the products from Nest, Philips Hue, and Samsung SmartThings. This was disappointing, as it rendered theTP-Link smart plugsthat I use for some of my lighting useless.

Save Money on Apps & Games

Pricing for smart displays is pretty straightforward, and matches the sizes of the devices. The Echo Show 10 and Echo Show 15 are the most expensive models at $250 each, slightly pricier than the $230 Nest Hub Max, followed by the Echo Show 8 at $130, then the sub-$100 Echo Show 5 and Nest Hub. The Nest Hub lacks a camera, but you can still accept video calls and use voice chat. The Nest Hub Max is the only first-party Google smart display capable of making full video calls, both sending and receiving video. You can make Google Duo calls to other Google users with either smart display, and join both Google Meet and Zoom conference calls with the Nest Hub Max. The Echo Show 10 is unique among these models with its motorized base that can rotate the screen to follow you as you use it.

The difference is that it’s focused much more on audio quality, making it the best Google option for music. We found it great at reproducing bass and like that it has Bluetooth to play music from your phone. While you technically can have both Google and Alexa speakers together under one roof, we think that’s more fuss than it’s worth.

Amazon ​​Alexa vs. Google Home: Which assistant should you pick in 2022?

Here, you’ll also find ways to get more out of your devices and improve your home setup. Both devices also have the ability to entertain, and this is another area where voice recognition comes in handy. When you ask Google to play a show, it will pick up right where you left off.

And since both devices work with today’s most popular products , you shouldn’t have any trouble with compatibility. If it’s audio you’re after, both devices are speakers and can play music, podcasts, audiobooks, and any other audio you throw at them. Since neither has a screen, however, don’t look for them to work with video. This is a capable 7-inch smart display that is ideal for controlling your home from your bedside.

Google Home vs. Amazon Echo, round 2: Google strikes back

There's no right or wrong approach really – Google's is simpler, but Alexa's encourages faster and broader development and support from third-parties. As we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. If you’re looking for the specifics that set them apart, then this breakdown will help you decide which system is right for you. If you're interested, we have a lot more to say about these companies. Check out our related articles below to explore what they can do and see our favorite devices for each.

amazon alexa compared to google home

The speaker has a mute button on the back, a touch interface, and a swappable base. Like Echo, there are multiple versions including Google Home, Google Home Hub , Google Home Mini and Google Home Max . There are also third-party devices like Nest Cam IQ Indoor, and Nest Secure which provides access to Google Assistant. While you can’t stream music from the camera, you can ask it questions.

Pavan Rao is a programmer / Developer by Profession and Cloud Computing Professional by choice with in-depth knowledge in AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform. He helps the organisation figure out what to build, ensure successful delivery, and incorporate user learning to improve the strategy and product further. Google is also prepared to launch Google Duplex, which can make calls on behalf of the user, in addition to the present Google Assistant.

amazon alexa compared to google home

Turn on the lights, adjust the thermostat, or get an alert when there’s a person or package at your front door. Google Home on WearOS will be available as a preview as we continue to add controls and improvements. If you want to dig into what devices are compatible with Google Home and Echo, check out our Ultimate Guide to Smart Home Compatibility. Users who made the irreversible change weren't happy to realize that they couldn't connect with popular third-party services like IFTTT any longer, which left Google scrambling to clean up the mess. It is also notable that Google Home with its personal assistance can understand many languages like French, Korean, Chinese, Russian Japanese and much more.

Best of all, they both work with some of today’s most popular products, including Nest thermostats, Philips Hue lights, and more. You can make free phone calls using Alexa and Google Assistant to anyone in your contacts list, a business, or by speaking the phone number directly. Calling also works on smart speakers and displays using Drop In and Google Duo.

amazon alexa compared to google home

Even then, you'll likely get a satisfactory answer on most questions as long as you're not digging too deep into specifics. Aside from the Google Shopping List and Keep app, you can switch to a different provider like Any.do, AnyList, or Bring Shopping Lists. Just choose the Notes and lists option in the settings menu of the Google Home app. This compatibility makes it easier to automate your home with Alexa.

Winner: Google Assistant

Alexa doesn't place your devices on a single screen like Google—it uses buckets to categorize your smart devices. This is a bit clunkier than Google Home, since you need to select a category first before controlling an individual device. For faster access, you can group devices or add them to your favorites, which places them in an easily accessible spot on the devices tab of the Alexa app. There are many factors to consider when purchasing a smart thermostat, but the most important thing is to find one that best smart thermostats suit your individual needs. Budget, ease of use, features, and compatibility with your existing home setup are a few things to consider. Make sure the thermostat is compatible with your voice assistant if you use one, and think about how well the voice commands function for you.

amazon alexa compared to google home

So now that Google Home's had a little time to grow up, which device is better? As we did with round 1, we split the battle into three categories -- entertainment, personal assistance and smart-home control -- to see how the two devices stack up. The Echo won round 1 by triumphing in the second and third categories -- let's see if that still holds true. Google Assistant has inbuilt more than 10 lakhs of actions and commands into the product and it may cover all the possible queries of end-users.

Third-Party Support

Google Assistant can understand follow-up questions and respond to more conversational speaking patterns, making it easier to talk to. Google’s virtual assistant is also superior when it comes to languages other than English, which is something to keep in mind if you have a multilingual household. All products featured here are independently selected by our editors and writers. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission. We did that before the Home existed, though, and the Home puts up an admirable fight for smart-home supremacy as the Google Assistant is more flexible than Alexa about how you word your commands.

amazon alexa compared to google home

Even from three rooms away, both were able to hear and understand me. In my opinion, while the Google Home's speaker sounds fine, it's not stereo or anywhere near audiophile quality. I found it to be too bass-heavy and there is no way to adjust any audio EQ settings. It's OK for listening to news radio, but it's not great for heavy music listeners.

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