Upgrading My Smart Home Hub: Should I Stick with Google, or Switch to Alexa or Apple?

As someone deeply invested in tech, both professionally and personally, I’ve recently started looking at how to improve my smart home setup. I currently use the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) and while it’s been a solid part of my home, it’s beginning to feel a little basic compared to what’s now possible.

My goal is to find a more powerful smart home hub. One that can handle everything from lighting and entertainment to routines and deeper automation. I want something that works across all my devices and gives me full control, whether I’m on my iPhone or talking to a smart speaker in the kitchen.

So the big question is: should I upgrade to a better Google hub, consider the Amazon Alexa ecosystem, or even go with Apple’s HomeKit and build around my iPhone and MacBook?

Let’s walk through my current setup and explore the pros and cons of each option.

My Smart Home Setup at a Glance

Here’s a quick overview of what I’m using now:

• Smart lights: Govee and Wiz

• Entertainment devices: Samsung TV, Xbox Series S, Nintendo Switch consoles (1 and 2)

• Mobile ecosystem: iPhone, MacBook, Apple Watch, and AirPods

• Current hub: Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)

The Google ecosystem has worked well enough, but as I add more devices and want more intelligent routines, I’m starting to hit some limitations.

Option 1: Stay with Google – Nest Hub Max or Pixel Tablet

Why this might make sense

Sticking with Google would make for the smoothest upgrade. There’s no learning curve, and all of my existing devices would remain connected through Google Home.

Key advantages:

• Everything continues to work without needing to reconfigure settings

• Support for Govee, Wiz, and Samsung Smart TVs

• The Pixel Tablet with Charging Speaker Dock can double as a portable smart home controller

• Built-in support for Matter, making future devices easier to add

Potential downsides:

• Automation is still more limited than what Alexa offers

• Voice control for gaming devices like Xbox and Nintendo Switch is fairly restricted

If you're already tied into Google’s ecosystem, upgrading to the Nest Hub Max or a Pixel Tablet might be the most convenient choice.

Option 2: Make the Move to Alexa – Echo Show or Echo Hub

Why I’m strongly considering Alexa

Amazon has made huge strides with Alexa. Their voice assistant is more flexible and powerful than ever, especially with the upcoming release of Alexa+, which uses generative AI for more natural conversations and smarter routines.

Key advantages:

• Excellent support for third-party devices including Govee, Wiz, and Samsung TV

• Full voice control for Xbox, something Google and Apple can’t match yet

• The Echo Hub is designed as a wall-mounted smart home control panel

• Alexa routines are highly customizable and support multi-step commands

• Future-proofed with Matter and Thread support

Potential downsides:

• Not as tightly integrated with Apple devices like iPhone or Apple Watch

• Alexa+ is currently only available in the US, with UK support coming soon

Alexa is the best choice if you’re after a system that can be truly customised to match your lifestyle and routines. Whether you want to walk in and say "Movie Time" or have your lights gradually dim with your bedtime routine, Alexa is ready to deliver.

Option 3: Shift to Apple – HomePod and Apple TV 4K

Should I go all-in on Apple?

As an iPhone and MacBook user, Apple’s smart home platform is very tempting. Everything would integrate neatly, and Apple’s approach to privacy and reliability is hard to ignore.

Key advantages:

• Seamless integration with iPhone, MacBook, Apple Watch, and AirPods

• Excellent privacy and security across the platform

• The HomePod offers great audio along with Siri voice control

• Apple TV 4K can act as the central hub for HomeKit and supports Matter and Thread

Potential downsides:

• Govee and Wiz devices may not be supported natively without additional configuration

• Siri is less capable in handling complex routines or multi-device commands

• Fewer smart home devices support HomeKit compared to Alexa or Google

If you’re already deep in the Apple ecosystem and value simplicity and privacy over deep customisation, Apple is a strong option. But it may require some technical tweaks to get all devices working together.

What About Alexa+? And When Is It Coming to the UK?

I’m particularly excited about Alexa+, Amazon’s upcoming upgrade to Alexa that introduces a more conversational, context-aware experience powered by generative AI.

Here’s what I’ve learned so far:

• Alexa+ is currently only available in the US

• It will be free for Amazon Prime members

• It’s expected to roll out to the UK later this year, with early access given to owners of newer Echo devices like the Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) and the Echo Hub

If you want to be ready when Alexa+ hits the UK, picking up a compatible Echo device now could put you at the front of the queue.

Final Thoughts: Which Smart Home Hub is Best?

Here’s my short take on each option:

My Plan Moving Forward

Right now, I’m leaning toward upgrading to the Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) or trying out the new Echo Hub. The deeper automation, smart routines, and potential of Alexa+ are too good to ignore. I’ll continue to keep my iPhone at the heart of my mobile life, but for smart home control, Alexa looks like it may offer the best balance of power and flexibility.

I’ll be documenting the upgrade process and sharing my automations, routines, and results here on the blog.

Whether you’re just getting started with smart home tech or looking to make your own upgrade, I hope this guide helps you make the best choice.

If you’ve recently upgraded your hub or found the perfect setup for your own home, let me know in the comments. I’m always keen to hear how others are building their digital homes.