Our choice
This doorbell captures clear audio and video, sends fast alerts, and offers free and paid cloud storage—including an option for 24/7 recording.
- Subscription: optional (free cloud storage)
- Power: hardwired
- Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Home
Individuals interested in a permanent way to monitor visitors at the door, whether they’re at home or away.
The Google Nest Doorbell excelled in accurately identifying types of motion (person, animal, vehicle, or package) and promptly sending smartphone alerts and displaying live views. Although the image resolution is only 960×1280, the picture is clear, and the lower resolution is actually better for Wi-Fi network efficiency, allowing for smoother streaming. Audio was consistently clear on both ends, with adjustable volume and the ability to turn off the microphone when necessary. While it provides free cloud storage, access to footage beyond the past 3 hours requires the Nest Aware plan (starting at $8 per month or $80 per year), which can store video for up to 30 days and includes Familiar Face Detection. Additionally, for 24/7 cloud recording, the Nest Aware Plus plan costs $15 per month or $150 annually.
Drawbacks but not deal breakers
The Familiar Face Detection feature included with the Nest Aware subscription can be unreliable. It requires a good look at the visitors to work properly and even then still makes mistakes. Additionally, the Nest doorbell is not compatible with the old Nest app, as newer Google products have transitioned to using Google Home. However, helpful Nest app features like the ability to “favorite” the doorbell for easy access to the live feed in the Google Home app have made the transition smoother.
This article was reviewed by Jon Chase and Grant Clauser.
