Welcome to the world of Google Nest, or should we really say Google Home? Regardless of which brand you’re used to, Google has been producing a range of smart home devices for years. At one time, many of these devices were integrated and managed within the Google Nest app, but the company has moved away from that software in favor of the Google Home app. But guess what? You’ll still find Nest-branded tech that Google officially makes (we’re just as perplexed).
We’re happy to have eliminated the name game; we can now focus on helping you build your Google-powered ecosystem. The company makes everything from security cameras and thermostats to door locks and streaming devices to smart speakers and displays. If you’re wondering which gadget to buy first, we generally recommend starting with a speaker or display; This way, you’ll have an intuitive way to give voice commands while getting familiar with the Google Home interface.
For 2026, official Google products include the $100 Google Home Speaker with Gemini, the $100 Nest Hub (2nd generation), and the $230 Nest Hub Max. Once connected to the internet, you will be able to use any of these devices to control Google Home compatible smart home equipment. You can also combine multiple speakers and displays to create a whole-home audio system with intercom capabilities (“OK Google, announce dinner is ready on all devices.”)
Cameras, doorbells and locks are the first purchases you’ll want to make if you’re facing a home security crisis
Smart home products should be convenient and entertaining to use, but if you’re the target of a porch pirate, “entertainment” should come second. If this is why you’re starting a Google Home ecosystem, your first Nest device purchase should be a monitoring product. Fortunately, Google offers a range of indoor and outdoor security cameras, as well as video doorbells. And for your first purchase, we recommend the $200 Nest Cam (outdoor or indoor, battery).
The Nest Cam captures a 130-degree field of view and supports up to 1080p resolution for event recordings and live streams. It also has two-way audio, so you can communicate with people through the Google Home app. If your problem is as specific as porch pirates, a better option might be the $200 Nest Doorbell (battery). Available in multiple colors, the Nest Doorbell offers a wider field of view (145 degrees), as well as features like two-way audio and smart alerts. Oh, and if you buy a Nest Hub or Google TV Streamer, you’ll also be able to view camera feeds on a touchscreen or TV.
Want to keep tabs on who’s coming in and out the front door? The $190 Yale Smart Lock with Google Matter will record all locks and unlocks in the Google Home app. You’ll also be able to lock and unlock doors remotely, even if you’re miles from home.
If energy monitoring is a priority and you have an HVAC system, a smart thermostat is a wise investment.
Summer and winter can wreak havoc on utility bills. When it’s too hot or too cold to open the windows and your home’s temperature is managed by HVAC equipment, a great first Nest purchase is a Nest Learning Thermostat. Once you add it to the Google Home app, the Learning Thermostat begins monitoring your usual temperature and preferences. The device then uses this data to automatically create a schedule.
One of the biggest benefits is being able to rely on your smart thermostat to control your HVAC when you’re away from home. (Of course, you’ll also be able to do this manually through the Google Home app.) You can even raise and lower the temperature with a voice command, but you’ll need a smart speaker, smart display, or the Google Home app to do that; Unfortunately, no Nest brand thermostat has a built-in microphone.
Something else you should be aware of: if you have the opportunity to get a Nest Learning Thermostat (1st or 2nd generation), we suggest you pass. As the company migrated from Nest software to Google Home software, Google officially ended support for the previous two versions of its smart thermostat. Even if you managed to find a used one, you won’t be able to add it to the Google Home app.
