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Google Home vs Thread

Google Home logo

Google Home

Software

Google's smart home platform with Google Assistant

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Thread logo

Thread

Software

IPv6-based mesh networking for smart home devices

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Google Home web version (home.google.com) has limited controls compared to the mobile app; Thread thread Group publishes six membership levels with annual fees of $750, $7,500, $15,000 and $65,000, and a one-time initiation fee of $35,000 for the top tier
  • They diverge on capability: Google Home covers Google Assistant, Thread covers IPv6 Mesh.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Google Home and Thread actually diverge.

Attributes where Google Home and Thread differ
AttributeGoogle HomeThread
Pricing modelUnknownopen-source
PlatformsiOS, Android, Web, ChromeOSThread devices, Mesh networks, Apple Home, Smart hubs
Founded20162014

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Google Home

  • Google Assistant
  • Voice Control
  • Routines
  • Multi-Room Audio
  • 10,000+ devices
  • Nest products
  • Chromecast
  • Third-party apps

Only in Thread

  • IPv6 Mesh
  • Self-Healing
  • Secure
  • Low Power
  • HomeKit
  • Matter
  • Smart devices
  • Smart home hubs

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Google Home

  • Controlling and automating smart home devicesnot Thread
  • Viewing Nest camera feedsnot Thread
  • Creating automation routinesnot Thread
  • Managing household device settingsnot Thread
  • Voice control via Google Assistantnot Thread

Thread

  • Low power IPv6 mesh networking for smart home and smart building devicesnot Google Home
  • Interoperable device networking underneath Matternot Google Home
  • Certifying wireless products for network interoperabilitynot Google Home

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Google Home

  • Web version (home.google.com) has limited controls compared to the mobile app
  • Battery-camera live streams on the web app auto-stop after 5 minutes
  • Requires compatible Google/Nest or third-party smart-home hardware - it is a control app, not a standalone product

Thread

  • Thread Group publishes six membership levels with annual fees of $750, $7,500, $15,000 and $65,000, and a one-time initiation fee of $35,000 for the top tier
  • Certifying a product and using the Thread certification logo requires Thread Group membership
  • Free access to the Thread Test Harness is restricted to higher membership levels; lower levels only get the option to purchase it
  • Voting in work groups, chairing committees and a board seat are reserved for the paid upper membership levels
  • The Implementer level is described as being for white-label or rebranded certified products only
  • Academic membership is open only to organizations with fewer than 50 employees

Pricing, plan by plan

Google Home

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Google Home review.

Thread

Free
  • Open ProtocolFree
    • IPv6 mesh
    • Secure
    • Self-healing

Which should you pick?

Choose Google Home if

  • You need google assistant.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web, ChromeOS.
  • You also want voice control.
Google Home review

Choose Thread if

  • You need ipv6 mesh.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Thread devices, Mesh networks, Apple Home, Smart hubs.
  • You also want self-healing.
Thread review

Questions people ask

Is Google Home or Thread better?
Neither clearly leads. Google Home starts at Free and Thread at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Google Home or Thread?
Google Home starts at Free and Thread at Free.
Does Google Home or Thread run on more platforms?
Google Home runs on iOS, Android, Web, ChromeOS. Thread runs on Thread devices, Mesh networks, Apple Home, Smart hubs.
Can I use Google Home for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Google Home best used for?
Google Home is most often used for controlling and automating smart home devices, viewing nest camera feeds, creating automation routines, managing household device settings. Of those, controlling and automating smart home devices and viewing nest camera feeds are not what Thread is typically brought in for.
What can Google Home do that Thread cannot?
Google Home covers Google Assistant, Voice Control, Routines, Multi-Room Audio. Thread covers IPv6 Mesh, Self-Healing, Secure, Low Power.
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