Nest Security Camera Review
Compare the latest Nest cameras with the Logitech Circle 2, the Arlo Q, and other cameras, learn more about pricing, specs, and features, see customer feedback.
Updated on February 10th, 2022
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The Nest Security Camera line consists of high-definition indoor and outdoor security cameras. Features include live streaming, night vision, person alerts, and a mobile app allowing you to keep an eye on your property while you're away.
Updates:
Updated 3rd of March 2020
We made it easier to compare Nest Camera to our top choices, Netgear's Arlo Q and Logitech Circle 2.
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Nest IQ Indoor Camera
Google's cam with excellent video quality and person tracking.
1080p HD video.
Night vision.
4K sensor.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- Excellent video quality and night vision.
- Person tracking.
Cons
- Nest Aware app subscription is costly.
- Cloud storage available with subscription only.
Review:
Nest Cams are quality security cameras for surveillance in homes or businesses. Nest Cam's line offers cameras designed for indoor surveillance only and cameras suitable specifically for outdoor use. The basic models, Nest Cam Indoor and Nest Cam Outdoor, include core features, such as live streaming and motion alerts. Additional features, including customizable activity zones, person tracking, and cloud storage, are only available with a subscription.
Highlights:
- Clear image quality and great night vision.
- 130° diagonal viewing angle.
- Person tracking.
Shortcomings:
- Requires subscription for access to additional features and storage.
- Basic models don't offer smart home integrations.
Reputation:
Both the Nest Cam Indoor Security Camera and the Nest Cam Outdoor Security Camera have a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars on Amazon. The cameras are described as very easy to set up and use. Overall, reviewers are quite happy with the quality of the cameras but express strong disapproval of the subscriptions required for access to features and storage, as this is a considerable cost-driver.
Features:
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Camera | 1/3-inch, 3-megapixel sensor with millions of colors and 8x digital zoom. |
Video | Up to 1080p (1920 x 1080) at 30 frames/sec, H.264 encoding. |
Field of View | 130° diagonal. |
Night Vision | 8 high-power infrared LEDs (850 nm) with IR cut filter. |
Audio & Lights | Speaker, Microphone, RGB LED. |
Power | AC adapter input: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz, 0.2AAC adapter output: 5V DC, 1.4ACamera input: 5V DC, 1.0A. |
Security | 128-bit AES with TLS/SSL. |
Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n, 2.4GHz or 5GHz (WEP, WPA, WPA2 encryption supported), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). | |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi connection. Working broadband internet connection with at least 2 Mbps upload speed (DSL may not qualify). |
Bandwidth Requirements | At 720p, each camera requires 200 to 500 Kbps of upload bandwidth while streaming video. At 1080p, each camera requires 450 to 1200 Kbps of upload bandwidth while streaming video. |
Warranty | 2-year limited warranty. |
Pricing:
Model | List Price |
|---|---|
$199.00 |
Price Comparison:
Nest Security Camera vs. Arlo Q:
The Indoor Nest Cam performs well in a feature comparison with the Arlo Q with the only stark difference being a lack of smart home integrations. The two cameras have almost the same price and both their feature profiles and storage options can be enhanced with a subscription, although this will drive up the final cost.
Nest Security Camera vs. Arlo Q Comparison:
Features | Nest Security Camera | Arlo Q |
|---|---|---|
Image Resolution | Up to 1080p | Up to 1080p |
Night Vision | Yes | Yes (up to 25 ft.) |
View Field | 130° diagonal. | 130° |
Detection Features | Motion and sound detection | Motion detection |
Audio | 2-way | 2-way |
Placement | Indoor only or outdoor only. | Indoor |
Storage | Cloud storage, requires subscription. | Cloud, Free for 7 days |
Smart Home Compatibility | No | Yes |
Notifications | Yes | Yes |
Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
Price | $199.00 | $199.99 |
Nest Security Camera vs. Logitech Circle 2:
The Logitech Circle 2 offers a much wider viewing angle than the Nest Security Camera (180° vs. 130°) and supports third-party integrations, including Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, which the Nest Cam does not. Ultimately, the Logitech Circle 2 camera offers better value for money.
Nest Security Camera vs. Logitech Circle 2 Comparison:
Feature | Nest Security Camera | Logitech Circle 2 |
|---|---|---|
Image Resolution | Up to 1080p | Up to 1080p |
Night Vision | Yes | Yes (up to 15 ft.) |
View Field | 130° diagonal. | 180° |
Detection Features | Motion and sound detection | Motion detection |
Audio | 2-way | 2-way |
Placement | Indoor only or outdoor only. | Indoor / Outdoor |
Storage | Cloud storage, requires subscription. | Cloud, free for 1 day |
Smart Home Compatibility | No | Yes |
Notifications | Yes | Yes |
Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
Price | $199.00 | $179.99 |
Nest Aware Subscription Plans:
Nest Aware is the subscription service than gives Nest Cam users access to more features, such as familiar face alerts, the ability to create activity zones, and 24/7 continuous recording. The subscription packages only differ in the amount of cloud storage users get, ranging from 5 to 30 days of video history.
Nest Aware Subscription Options:
Plan | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
5-Day | 5-day video history, 24/7 continuous recording, intelligent alerts, clips and timelapses, activity zones for personalized alerts. | $5.00 /mo. |
10-Day | 10-day video history, 24/7 continuous recording, intelligent alerts, clips and timelapses, activity zones for personalized alerts. | $10.00 /mo. |
30-Day | 30-day video history, 24/7 continuous recording, intelligent alerts, clips and timelapses, activity zones for personalized alerts. | $30.00 /mo. |
FAQs:
Does Nest have wireless cameras?
All of Nest's cameras are wireless. The cameras need a Wi-Fi connection or working broadband internet connection with at least 2 Mbps upload speed.
Does Nest's outdoor camera have night vision?
Yes. The camera includes a 8 high-power infrared LEDs (850 nm) with IR cut filter.
Who is Nest owned by?
Nest is owned by Alphabet Inc.
Is there a monthly fee for Nest Cam?
A Nest Aware subscription costs between $5.00 - $30.00 /mo.
Can I use a Nest outdoor camera inside?
Yes, but Nest recommends using outdoor cameras outdoor.
Does Nest Cam record continuously?
Nest Aware records 24/7 for up to 30 days at a time.
Do Nest cameras have audio?
Yes, all Nest cameras have audio. The IQ range has HD audio.
Does the Nest outdoor camera have an alarm?
Nest security cameras have a person alert feature that sends an alert to your mobile phone.
Does Nest Cam need to be plugged in?
Yes. Every camera comes with a power cable and AC adaptor.
Can you talk through a Nest camera?
Yes, Nest cameras have onboard speakers and microphones.
What is Nest Cam IQ?
Nest Cam IQ is a range of outdoor and indoor security camera models that offer a close-up tracking view, 4K sensor, HD onboard microphones and speakers, and familiar face alerts.
How does a Nest Cam work?
Nest Cam stores video on the cloud, allowing you to view live footage from your phone or computer. And if coupled with a Nest Aware subscription, your camera will record everything 24/7 and store a history of up to 30 days.
Does Nest Camera work with Alexa?
Yes.
Why does my Nest camera go offline?
Nest cameras might go offline during high bandwidth usage, or when you've changed your router settings, or if there is wireless interference, but there are a number of reasons.
How far can a Nest camera see?
Nest Security cameras have a wide-angle lens that allows you to see clearly within a 130° diagonal field of view and can see as far as you can.
How much data does Nest Cam use per month?
Depending on the camera, data usage ranges between 18GB and 140GB on average when recording 24/7.
Is Nest Cam waterproof?
Yes, with an IP65 rating, Nest cameras can handle heavy rain.
Does Nest Cam record without subscription?
Yes, Nest cameras record without a subscription and you can view the footage live, but for advanced features and the ability to store video in the cloud to be viewed later, you will need a Nest Aware subscription.
How long is Nest Cam cord?
15ft.
What is a Nest Cam?
A Nest cam is an indoor and outdoor security camera that protects your home or small business from intruders.
Where can I buy the Nest Security Camera system?
You can buy the Nest security camera range directly through Nest or via the Nest Security Camera Amazon page.
What is the difference between a Nest Cam IQ and Nest Cam original?
The Nest Cam original is the basic version with HD video, a 130-degree wide-angle view, and night vision. The Nest Cam IQ is more intelligent, boasting a six-core processor, stronger microphone, noise and echo suppression, and if you sign up with Nest Aware, it can even recognize faces.
How do I view footage from my Nest WiFi Camera?
You can view clips via the Nest security camera app.
How many Nest cam smart security camera options are there?
There are four Nest cam options; the Nest Cam Indoor Security Camera, Nest Cam Outdoor Security Camera, Nest Cam IQ Indoor, and the Nest Cam IQ Outdoor.
How can I set up the Nest Home Security Camera system?
For all support questions and troubleshooting, visit the Nest Support page at nest.com.
Where can I find Nest Security Camera review information?
The nest cam high definition security camera has been reviewed over 3,000 times on Amazon and scores 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.
What color is the Nest home camera available in?
You'll find the Nest cam outdoor 1080p security camera in white or black.
Is there a Nest cam outdoor security camera 2 pack available?
Yes. The Nest Hello and Nest Cam Outdoor 2-pack bundle costs $627.00 and the Nest Cam IQ Outdoor 2-pack bundle costs $798.00.