Nest vs. Arlo Doorbell: Comparison of Key Features, Pros, and Cons
What To Know
- The Nest Doorbell seamlessly integrates with the Google Home ecosystem, allowing you to control it with voice commands, view live footage on smart displays, and receive alerts on your Nest Hub.
- The Arlo Essential Video Doorbell and the Pro version work with the Arlo Smart Home Hub, which enables integration with other Arlo devices and third-party services, such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT.
- However, if you prefer a wider field of view, color night vision, and affordable subscription plans, the Arlo Essential Video Doorbell or the Pro version may be more suitable.
In the realm of home security, smart doorbells have emerged as indispensable devices, providing homeowners with peace of mind and enhanced convenience. Two leading contenders in this domain are Google Nest and Arlo, each offering a compelling array of features and benefits. To help you make an informed decision, this comprehensive guide will delve into a detailed comparison of Google Nest vs. Arlo doorbell, exploring their strengths, weaknesses, and key differences.
Design and Aesthetics
Google Nest: The Nest Doorbell has a sleek and minimalist design, featuring a rectangular shape with rounded corners. Its compact size and understated color options allow it to blend seamlessly with any home décor.
Arlo: Arlo offers two doorbell models: the Arlo Essential Video Doorbell and the Arlo Video Doorbell Pro. Both models have a more traditional doorbell shape, with a circular camera module and a rectangular base. The Essential Video Doorbell comes in black or white, while the Pro version offers a brushed nickel finish for a more upscale look.
Video Quality
Google Nest: The Nest Doorbell captures video at a resolution of 1600 x 1200 pixels, providing sharp and detailed images. Its 145-degree field of view offers a wide coverage area, allowing you to see visitors from head to toe.
Arlo: The Arlo Essential Video Doorbell has a video resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels, while the Pro version offers a higher resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels. Both doorbells have a 180-degree field of view, providing an even wider coverage area than the Nest Doorbell.
Night Vision
Google Nest: The Nest Doorbell features Night Vision Plus technology, which uses HDR (High Dynamic Range) imaging to enhance visibility in low-light conditions. This allows you to clearly see visitors even at night or in dimly lit areas.
Arlo: The Arlo Essential Video Doorbell has a basic night vision mode, while the Pro version offers Color Night Vision. This advanced technology uses a combination of LEDs and image processing to produce color video even in complete darkness.
Motion Detection and Alerts
Google Nest: The Nest Doorbell uses a combination of motion sensors and machine learning algorithms to detect visitors and send alerts to your smartphone. It can distinguish between people, animals, and vehicles, reducing false alarms.
Arlo: The Arlo Essential Video Doorbell also uses motion detection, but it lacks the advanced machine learning capabilities of the Nest Doorbell. The Pro version offers enhanced motion detection with adjustable sensitivity and activity zones.
Two-Way Audio
Google Nest: The Nest Doorbell has a built-in microphone and speaker, allowing you to communicate with visitors remotely. The audio quality is clear and reliable, providing a convenient way to interact with guests.
Arlo: Both the Arlo Essential Video Doorbell and the Pro version have two-way audio capabilities. The Pro version offers superior audio quality with noise cancellation, ensuring crystal-clear conversations.
Smart Home Integration
Google Nest: The Nest Doorbell seamlessly integrates with the Google Home ecosystem, allowing you to control it with voice commands, view live footage on smart displays, and receive alerts on your Nest Hub.
Arlo: The Arlo Essential Video Doorbell and the Pro version work with the Arlo Smart Home Hub, which enables integration with other Arlo devices and third-party services, such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT.
Subscription Plans
Google Nest: The Nest Doorbell requires a Nest Aware subscription to access advanced features such as extended video history, object detection, and person alerts. The subscription plans start at $6 per month.
Arlo: The Arlo Essential Video Doorbell does not require a subscription, but it offers an Arlo Smart subscription plan that unlocks additional features, such as cloud video storage, activity zones, and advanced motion detection. The subscription plans start at $3 per month.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between Google Nest and Arlo doorbell ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize design, video quality, and advanced features, the Google Nest Doorbell is a solid option. However, if you prefer a wider field of view, color night vision, and affordable subscription plans, the Arlo Essential Video Doorbell or the Pro version may be more suitable.
Alternatives to Google Nest and Arlo Doorbells
In addition to Google Nest and Arlo, there are several other reputable brands offering smart doorbells with varying features and price points. Some notable alternatives include:
- Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
- Wyze Video Doorbell Pro
- Eufy Video Doorbell 2K
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which doorbell has the best video quality?
A: The Arlo Video Doorbell Pro offers the highest video resolution (2560 x 1440 pixels) and Color Night Vision for exceptional image quality.
Q: Can I use Google Nest and Arlo doorbells without a subscription?
A: The Arlo Essential Video Doorbell does not require a subscription, but the Nest Doorbell and the Arlo Video Doorbell Pro require subscription plans to access advanced features.
Q: Which doorbell is more affordable?
A: The Arlo Essential Video Doorbell is the most affordable option, with a starting price of $99. The Google Nest Doorbell and the Arlo Video Doorbell Pro are more expensive, with starting prices of $179 and $199, respectively.
