Apple Home vs Google Home: iPhone, Android, hubs and cameras
Updated
Apple Home and Google Home both support Matter, but they differ on phones, hubs, cameras and where data is processed. See which one fits your household and budget.
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Which one should you pick?
The Home app is built into Apple devices, the hub can be a HomePod or Apple TV, and location automations work through Apple’s Share My Location.
The Google Home app is available on both Google Play and the App Store, so everyone can use it.
HomeKit Secure Video analyzes video on Apple devices at home and stores clips in iCloud with end-to-end encryption, with an iCloud+ plan.
Both support Matter and multi-admin; add the device to one and share it with the other.
Apple Home vs Google Home
| What changes | Apple Home | Google Home |
|---|---|---|
| Phones | iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch; hubs are HomePod and Apple TV | Android and iPhone (Google Play and App Store) |
| Hub for Matter | Required: HomePod or Apple TV set up as a home hub | Required: Nest speaker, display, TV streamer, Wi-Fi router or select TV |
| Thread border router | Only Thread-enabled hubs (examples Apple names: HomePod mini, Apple TV 4K 3rd gen Wi-Fi + Ethernet) | Some Google hubs; Wi-Fi-only hubs do not include one |
| Automations | Time, location, sensor and accessory triggers; require a hub | Routines and presence-based Home and Away automations |
| Cameras | HomeKit Secure Video with a compatible camera, hub and iCloud+ plan | Cameras and doorbells from Google and partners; some features may need a paid plan |
| Where processing happens | Apple says accessories are controlled by Apple devices instead of the cloud | Matter devices work locally over your home network; voice assistant uses Google’s cloud |
| Account | Apple Account; Apple recommends iCloud Keychain and two-factor authentication for hubs | Google Account (Nest app users must migrate to use presence-based automations) |
| Matter device types | Matter accessories supported with a home hub | About 30 Matter device types on Google’s developer list |
The core difference is the phone
Apple Home is part of the Apple platform. The Home app, the hub (HomePod or Apple TV), the accessory sharing and the camera storage all sit inside Apple’s ecosystem. Google Home is a cross-platform app: Google lists it on both Google Play and the App Store. If your household contains both iPhone and Android users, Google Home is the only one of the two that every member can use, and Apple Home is the smoother fit when everyone shares Apple devices.
Hubs and Matter
Both require a Matter hub. Apple says you must set up a home hub to add Matter accessories, and that Thread-enabled Matter accessories need a Thread-enabled hub. Google says a Matter hub is needed to set up, control and automate Matter devices, and that only some of its hubs include a Thread border router. Before buying Thread sensors or locks, check your hub, not just the box. Our guides cover Apple Home hub requirements and Google Home Matter hubs.
Cameras and privacy
Apple’s camera system, HomeKit Secure Video, uses your hub to analyze footage at home and stores clips in iCloud with end-to-end encryption, with camera limits set by your iCloud+ plan (one on 50 GB, up to five on 200 GB, unlimited on larger plans). Google Home supports cameras and doorbells from Google and partners, and some features may sit behind a paid plan. Neither choice removes the need to place cameras sensibly; see indoor camera privacy.
Automations and presence
Apple automations trigger on time, arrival or departure, sensors and accessory activity, and need a hub. Arrival and departure triggers depend on Share My Location on the primary iPhone or iPad. Google’s presence sensing uses phone location, home Wi-Fi and activity from eligible devices, and Google says it is for convenience only. If you want both phones and devices to count toward “someone is home”, Google’s model is broader; if you want everything to stay inside Apple devices, Apple’s model is simpler.
Mixing them
Matter lets one device appear in both apps. Many households keep Apple Home on iPhones and Google Home for an Android phone or a Nest display in the kitchen. See Matter multi-admin for how to share a device and Alexa vs Google Home if a third assistant is in the mix.
Shop by need
Apple Home with Thread devices
What to look for: a Thread-enabled Apple hub, Matter over Thread sensors and plugs, a Matter logo
Typical price: $100–$250
See options on AmazonMixed iPhone and Android household
What to look for: a Google hub with Wi-Fi and Thread, Matter devices on Google’s supported list
Typical price: $50–$250
See options on AmazonShared Matter devices
What to look for: Matter logo, multi-admin support, a category both ecosystems support
Typical price: $10–$30
See options on AmazonFrequently asked questions
Can Google Home work on an iPhone?
Yes. Google lists the Google Home app on the App Store and Google Play, so iPhone users can run it alongside Apple Home.
Do I need an Apple TV or HomePod for Apple Home?
Apple says you need a home hub for remote control, automations, sharing and Matter accessories. A HomePod, HomePod mini or Apple TV can be that hub.
Can the same Matter device work in Apple Home and Google Home?
Yes, through multi-admin. Add the device to one ecosystem, then share it from its settings to the other.
Which one is cheaper to start?
It depends on what you already own. Apple Home needs an Apple hub; Google Home needs a Google or compatible hub. Add up the hub and any camera subscription before comparing.
Sources
- Apple Support — Set up a home hub to control your Apple Home accessories
- Apple — Home app
- Apple Support — iCloud+ plans and pricing
- Apple — Privacy features
- Google Nest Help — Nest devices with Matter
- Google Home — Get the Google Home app
- Google Nest Help — About presence sensing and how to manage your data