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The pick for Google homes and bedsides: no camera, a mic-off switch and free sleep tracking for about $100. The hardware dates from 2021, the sound is thin, and Google's switch from Assistant to Gemini is still in progress.
Subscription: Optional: Google Home Premium from $10/mo for advanced Gemini features (Wirecutter, PCMag); CNET says Sleep Sensing will eventually cost $10/mo (free for now)
Top complaints
- No camera for video calls
PCMag, Tom's Guide and CNET all list the lack of a camera as a con, though Tom's Guide and Wirecutter see it as a privacy plus. A 1-star Walmart review says it can't make hands-free calls.
- Weak bass
PCMag says audio is pretty weak next to the Echo Show 8 and distorts a bit on bass hits at full volume, about on par with the Echo Show 5.
Source: PCMag review - Gemini transition and aging hardware
CNET says the move to Gemini is ongoing and the big bezel remains. Wirecutter says Gemini has occasional hiccups and Gemini for Home is in early access. Tom's Guide notes it launched in 2021 and air gestures could work better. Low-star Walmart reviews (listing mixes generations) mention dropped settings, unanswered questions and disconnecting smart devices.
What owners love
- Sleep tracking without a wearable
PCMag found its Soli radar sleep tracking closely matched a fitness tracker; Tom's Guide calls it accurate; Wirecutter picks it for the bedside.
- Private by design
No camera plus a physical mic-off switch (PCMag). Tom's Guide calls it more reassuring than Amazon's software camera controls.
- Good answers and easy interface
Wirecutter says Google answers questions best; PCMag praises the intuitive interface and quick responses; CNET says Gemini for Home feels like a marked upgrade.
- You want video calls
- You want strong music sound
- You want the newest hardware (launched 2021)
- Bedside clock and sleep tracking
- Google Home and Android households
- People who don't want a camera in the room
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Tom's Guide: Best Google smart display (updated 2026-08-17). Upgraded to Gemini, no camera, accurate sleep tracking; air gestures could be better.
- PCMag: Best for Gemini users, 4/5 Editors' Choice. Great sleep tracking and smart home controls; no camera, and it may blame a partner's snoring on you.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Best smart speaker for the bedside (updated 2025-12-10); praised for having no camera.
- CNET: Best Google smart display. Gemini for Home is a marked upgrade, but the transition is ongoing and Sleep Sensing will eventually cost $10/mo.