Answering the question isn’t as simple as it appears. A Google smart home may cost anywhere from $30 to $3,000 or more, thanks to configurable Google Assistant routines and more than 30,000 connected gadgets. For $100, you can get a Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) or an entire ecosystem of security cameras, smart displays, video doorbells, thermostats, speakers, and streaming devices.
The price of a Google Home will eventually depend on how many units you buy: Do you want to start with the basics? Do you want to go all out, or do you want to keep it simple? Or perhaps you’ll end up in the center.
Let’s break down the cost of three smart home setups with different numbers of home products, ranging from just the essentials to a Google smart home that pulls out all the stops.
1. Google smart home: The basics
Let’s start simple. If you’re just getting started with smart home devices or you want to cut the fluff, a basic smart home is likely what you need. That means you’ll have to buy a control center, lighting and basic security.
A control center, or one device that will kick off your collection of smart gadgets, is essential for any smart home. I recommend starting with the second-generation Google Nest Hub for a Google-centric smart home. This isn’t just CNET’s favorite Google smart display; it’s also our favorite Google Assistant gadget in general. The Nest Hub has all of the same Google Assistant functions as the smart speakers, but it also includes a touchscreen, allowing you to browse the internet, check the weather, watch YouTube videos, follow recipes, and interact with family members. It also allows you to manually operate your smart home devices, which is very useful for our needs.
While the standard price is $100, you can typically find the Nest Hub on sale like it is here for $65.
Cost so far: $65
The Nest Hub is an excellent choice for acting as a control panel for the rest of the connected home gadgets because of its voice-control features and touchscreen functionality. Once you’ve got it figured out, you can start adding devices. A smart light bulb is a fantastic place to start, and for a Google smart home, I recommend the C by GE lights. These inexpensive Bluetooth lights can be controlled from your control panel after being set up via the Google Home app.
I propose starting with the soft white 2-pack choice and extending from there. I recommend placing the lights at your front entryway or living room. The 2-pack is available for slightly under $19 here.
Cost so far: $84
Security devices have become more central additions to smart homes over the last several years. With security cameras, video doorbells, smart locks and security systems, the home security landscape is vast, and there are plenty of excellent choices that work with a Google-centric home. But for a home that sticks to the basics, a video doorbell is an easy choice, and the best option for a Google-centric home is the Nest Doorbell with battery.
This Google gadget combines a high-performance wireless doorbell camera with a plethora of unique capabilities, including two-way communication, high-definition quality, a 145-degree field of vision with a 3:4 aspect ratio, smart alerts, facial recognition, and more. It’s an economical option with a lot of features, and you can generally get it on sale (check out Best Buy’s $150 Nest Doorbell).
For about $250, you can have Google control your home with only the essentials.
Total cost: $234
2. Google smart home: The middle
A middle ground smart home is the way to go if you want a smart home that makes life simpler while avoiding the more expensive bells and whistles. This home retains all of the above-mentioned basic gadgets but improves security, entertainment, and a few other areas.
While the Nest Hub is the ideal control hub for your Google-centric home, placing Google Nest Minis throughout the house in different areas would be an excellent option for issuing Google Assistant instructions. When it comes to creating a smart home, the Nest Mini is an excellent place to start. It’s inexpensive and loaded with functions including intercom, stereo pairing, control of connected devices, and online search. The Nest Mini is a great small smart speaker for $49 apiece.
Cost so far: $283
When upgrading a smart home, expanding your security devices makes sense. Your Nest Doorbell will provide an initial layer of security, but adding a security system and cameras will ensure better safety and protection for your home and family. When working with Google Assistant, the best devices for security include the $36 Wyze Cam v3 indoor cameras, the $180 Arlo Pro 4 outdoor camera and the $206 SimpliSafe Essentials Kit (the 6 piece security system with all the basics). Now, you don’t really need three different security products from three different brands, though each product would be a great option — if you’re wanting more functionality for your money, go with Wyze. If you want one really good cam with pretty much every feature you could want, pick Arlo instead. If you want a more integrated system, choose SimpliSafe.
In 2022, having a reliable, robust internet connection is essential. From cameras to PCs to televisions, we now have more gadgets linked to our Wi-Fi than ever before. This necessitates the use of a reliable network, and the Google Nest Wi-Fi is the logical choice for managing your Google smart home. The Nest Wi-Fi isn’t cheap at $169 per, but if you’re already committed to the Google Home ecosystem, its dependable speeds and ability to control everything through the Google Home app make it worthwhile. It’s also frequently cheaper ($147 on Amazon).
With the advent of compatible devices, it’s critical to have a few smart plugs on hand to connect and operate non-smart devices such as lighting and fans. Because it has smartphone app controls, Google Assistant compatibility, and a stylish appearance, the TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini is a wonderful choice for your Google-centric home. To utilize your two smart lights, I recommend starting with the $17 2-pack.
Total cost: $891
Google’s 3 smart home project is in the works.
While a nice mid-tier smart home may be built for about $1,000, it may not be enough for you. There are lots more devices you can add to your array if you’re willing to spend a lot of money and are dead keen on having your house fully connected with Google Assistant:Google Nest Hub Max: Another great option that can work as your Google home control panel. At $229 standard price, it’s a more expensive alternative to the 2nd-gen Nest Hub and Nest Mini, but it has some extra nifty features, like a 10-inch screen, a facial-recognition camera, and video chat capabilities.
Cost so far: $1,081
- : An under-$300 option that adds some extra security to your already Googled-out smart home.
- Chromecast with Google TV: Add some extra entertainment to your Google smart home with Google’s $50 streaming stick. This affordable device plugs into your TV to stream Netflix, YouTube, Pandora, Google Music, Google Movies & TV and HBO Go. Though more expensive than the original $35 Chromecast, this revamped version offers 4K resolution and an improved TV interface.
Cost so far: $1,404
- Nest Thermostat (2020): Changing the temperature with a simple voice command is a neat trick. And the latest thermostat from Google offers upgraded tricks, a new design and is Google Compatible — all for under $100.
Total cost: $1,503
About The Author
Hassan Zaka
I am an expert in accounting and possess diverse experience in technical writing. I have written for various industries on topics such as finance, business, and technology. My writing style is clear and simple, and I utilize infographics and diagrams to make my writing more engaging. I can be a valuable asset to any organization in need of technical writing services.
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