Nest Hello vs Nest Doorbell: Which Smart Doorbell Reigns?
Tired of missed deliveries and unwanted visitors? A smart doorbell can revolutionize your home security and convenience. But with so many options, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Today, we’re diving deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you find the perfect fit.
We’re putting two of Google’s popular smart doorbells, the Nest Hello and the Nest Doorbell, to the test. Both promise to enhance your home security, but they offer different features and cater to various needs. We’ll explore their key features, compare their performance, and help you decide which doorbell is best for your home.
Whether you’re looking for advanced video quality, seamless integration with other smart home devices, or ease of installation, this comparison will provide you with the insights you need. Get ready to discover the strengths and weaknesses of the Nest Hello and the Nest Doorbell and make an informed decision for your home security.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | nest hello | nest doorbell |
|---|---|---|
| Video Resolution | 1600 x 1200 | 1280 x 960 |
| Field of View | 160 degrees | 145 degrees |
| Night Vision | Yes | Yes |
| Two-Way Talk | Yes | Yes |
| Motion Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Person Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Package Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Power Source | Wired | Battery or Wired |
| Chime Compatibility | Mechanical or Digital | Mechanical or Digital |
| Smart Home Integration | Google Assistant | Google Assistant |
| Subscription Required for Features | Yes (Nest Aware) | Yes (Nest Aware) |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to 40°C | -20°C to 40°C |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Video Quality
- Nest Hello: Offers 160-degree field of view with 1600 x 1200 resolution. Provides clear, crisp video, especially during the day. However, night vision can sometimes appear grainy.
- Nest Doorbell: Provides 180-degree field of view with 1280 x 960 resolution. Good quality video with night vision capabilities.
- Winner: nest hello
Power Source
- Nest Hello: Hardwired, requiring existing doorbell wiring. Offers continuous power and recording. Installation can be more complex if no existing wiring is available.
- Nest Doorbell: Battery-powered or hardwired. Battery models are easier to install but need periodic charging or battery replacement, while hardwired models offer continuous power.
- Winner: Tie
Field of View
- Nest Hello: Offers a 160-degree field of view, ideal for capturing visitors from head to toe. This provides a clear picture of who is at the door.
- Nest Doorbell: Offers a 180-degree field of view, ideal for capturing visitors from head to toe. This provides a clear picture of who is at the door, and can see packages on the ground.
- Winner: nest doorbell
Design and Aesthetics
- Nest Hello: Sleek and compact design, blending seamlessly with most door frames. Offers a premium look and feel.
- Nest Doorbell: Offers a modern design, available in various finishes.
- Winner: nest hello
Smart Features
- Nest Hello: Includes facial recognition, familiar face alerts, and package detection. Requires a Nest Aware subscription for full functionality.
- Nest Doorbell: Offers facial recognition, familiar face alerts, and package detection. Requires a Nest Aware subscription for full functionality.
- Winner: Tie
Installation
- Nest Hello: Requires professional installation, due to the need for existing doorbell wiring. This can add to the overall cost.
- Nest Doorbell: Battery-powered models are easy to install, while hardwired models requires existing doorbell wiring.
- Winner: nest doorbell
Subscription Requirements
- Nest Hello: Requires a Nest Aware subscription for advanced features like facial recognition and cloud storage of recordings. Basic features are limited.
- Nest Doorbell: Requires a Nest Aware subscription for advanced features like facial recognition and cloud storage of recordings. Basic features are limited.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- Nest Hello: Generally more expensive upfront due to the need for professional installation.
- Nest Doorbell: Can be more affordable, especially the battery-powered models, and offers more flexible installation options.
- Winner: nest doorbell
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Video Quality | nest hello |
| Ease of Installation | nest doorbell |
| Power Options | nest doorbell |
| Field of View | nest hello |
| Price | nest doorbell |
What They Have in Common
- Two-Way Talk: Both the Nest Hello and Nest Doorbell allow you to speak to visitors through the built-in microphone and speaker, providing convenient communication from anywhere.
- Motion Detection: Both doorbells feature motion detection, sending alerts to your phone when activity is detected near your door, enhancing security.
- Night Vision: Both devices are equipped with night vision, enabling clear video recording and monitoring even in low-light conditions.
- Google Assistant Integration: Both doorbells integrate with Google Assistant, allowing voice control and seamless integration with other smart home devices.
- Person Detection: Both doorbells can distinguish between people and other objects, reducing false alerts and providing more relevant notifications.
- Subscription Service: Both require a Nest Aware subscription for features like cloud video storage and advanced alerts.
Nest Hello Vs Nest Doorbell Buying Guide
Design and Installation
The Nest Hello boasts a sleek, minimalist design, blending seamlessly with most doorframes. It’s a wired doorbell, requiring existing doorbell wiring for power. Installation can be straightforward if you have the necessary wiring, but might necessitate professional help if your setup is complex. The Nest Doorbell (battery) offers greater flexibility, as it’s wireless and battery-powered. This makes installation a breeze, especially if you lack existing doorbell wiring. You can mount it anywhere within Wi-Fi range. Consider your home’s wiring situation and aesthetic preferences when choosing.
The wired installation of Nest Hello typically involves removing your old doorbell and connecting the wires to the Nest Hello’s terminals. You’ll then mount the device to your doorframe. The Nest Doorbell (battery) includes a mounting bracket that you attach to your doorframe or wall, and you simply clip the doorbell onto it. Remember to charge the battery periodically for the battery-powered option.
Video and Audio Quality
Both Nest Hello and Nest Doorbell offer excellent video quality, with clear images and a wide field of view. Nest Hello typically offers slightly better resolution. It captures video in a 160-degree field of view, providing a comprehensive view of your doorstep, including head-to-toe perspectives. Nest Doorbell’s field of view is slightly less wide, but still offers a good view. Both offer excellent night vision, allowing you to see who’s at your door even in low-light conditions.
The audio quality is also comparable, with clear two-way communication. You can speak to visitors through the built-in microphone and speaker. Both devices provide noise cancellation to enhance audio clarity. Consider the importance of being able to see visitors clearly, especially at night, as the video quality significantly impacts this aspect. Both doorbells provide a clear and reliable audio experience, aiding in effective communication.
Features and Functionality
Both doorbells offer a suite of smart features, including motion detection, person detection, and activity zones. You receive notifications on your smartphone when someone rings the doorbell or when motion is detected. Nest Aware subscription unlocks advanced features like facial recognition, allowing you to identify familiar faces and receive specific alerts. Both devices integrate seamlessly with the Google Home ecosystem, offering voice control and integration with other smart home devices.
The Nest Doorbell (battery) offers the added convenience of being able to record events even when your Wi-Fi is down, due to its internal storage capabilities. The Nest Hello has a continuous recording feature when paired with the Nest Aware subscription. This allows you to review past footage at any time. The main difference lies in the power source. The wired Nest Hello offers constant power and continuous recording while the battery-powered Nest Doorbell offers flexibility.
Power and Battery Life
The Nest Hello is hardwired, meaning it draws power from your existing doorbell wiring. This eliminates the need for battery charging. The Nest Doorbell (battery), on the other hand, runs on a rechargeable battery. Battery life varies depending on usage, but typically lasts several months between charges. Factors like the number of events, video recording length, and temperature can impact battery life. You’ll receive notifications when the battery is low, prompting you to recharge it.
Hardwired power offers reliability, whereas the battery-powered option offers flexibility. Consider your comfort level with battery maintenance. The Nest Doorbell (battery) offers flexibility in installation locations and eliminates the need for wiring. However, you’ll need to periodically recharge the battery. The Nest Hello’s wired design ensures continuous operation without the need for battery management. Weigh these factors based on your priorities and installation feasibility.
Subscription and Costs
Both doorbells require a Nest Aware subscription for accessing advanced features and cloud video storage. The subscription plans offer different storage durations, with options for 30 or 60 days of video history. Without a subscription, you’ll have limited access to features like event history. The subscription cost adds to the overall cost of ownership. Consider the benefits of cloud storage and the additional features offered by Nest Aware when evaluating the total cost.
The initial purchase price of the Nest Doorbell (battery) may be slightly lower than that of the Nest Hello. However, factor in the cost of a Nest Aware subscription to fully utilize the doorbell’s features. The subscription provides access to features like facial recognition, activity zones, and longer video history. The Nest Hello, being a wired device, may involve additional installation costs if you need professional help. Therefore, consider the upfront and ongoing costs when choosing a doorbell.
Pros and Cons Summary
Nest Hello’s pros include superior video quality, continuous recording, and reliable wired power. Cons include the requirement of existing wiring and a potentially more complex installation process. The Nest Doorbell (battery) offers the advantage of wireless installation, battery power, and flexibility in placement. Its cons include the need for periodic battery charging and potentially shorter battery life depending on usage. Both devices provide excellent smart home functionality and integration.
Nest Hello excels in continuous recording and video quality. Nest Doorbell (battery) excels in ease of installation and placement options. Consider your home setup and needs. If you already have existing doorbell wiring and prioritize video quality and continuous recording, the Nest Hello is a strong choice. If you prefer a simple, wire-free installation and are comfortable with battery maintenance, the Nest Doorbell (battery) is a convenient option. Consider the overall cost and features.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy nest hello If…
- You want the best possible video quality and a wider field of view.
- You prefer a wired doorbell for consistent power.
- You value a sleek, minimalist design.
- You want the most advanced features and are willing to pay a bit more.
Buy nest doorbell If…
- You prefer the flexibility of a battery-powered option for easier installation.
- You don’t have existing doorbell wiring.
- You are looking for a more affordable option.
- You want a simple and straightforward installation process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the video resolution of the Nest Hello?
The Nest Hello offers a video resolution of 1600 x 1200 pixels, providing clear and detailed footage. This allows for a wider field of view and high-quality image capture, making it easier to identify visitors and see details at your doorstep. This enables a comprehensive view.
Does the Nest Doorbell (battery) record even without Wi-Fi?
Yes, the Nest Doorbell (battery) has the capability to record events even when your Wi-Fi connection is temporarily unavailable. This is due to its internal storage. The recordings are stored locally and uploaded when the Wi-Fi connection is restored.
What is the battery life of the Nest Doorbell (battery)?
The battery life of the Nest Doorbell (battery) can vary depending on usage, but typically lasts several months between charges. Factors like the number of events, video length, and temperature can affect battery performance. You’ll receive a notification when the battery is low.
Does the Nest Hello require a subscription?
Yes, both Nest Hello and Nest Doorbell require a Nest Aware subscription to access advanced features like facial recognition, extended video history, and activity zones. Without a subscription, you’ll have limited access to features and event history.
Can I use the Nest Doorbell (battery) indoors?
Yes, the Nest Doorbell (battery) can be used indoors, though its primary function is as a doorbell. You could potentially use it to monitor a specific area inside your home, but it’s designed for use at your door, not as a primary indoor security camera.
How does the Nest Hello alert me of visitors?
The Nest Hello sends notifications to your smartphone when someone rings the doorbell or when motion is detected. These notifications include a snapshot of the activity, allowing you to see who’s at your door and respond accordingly. You can also view live video feeds.
Is the installation of Nest Doorbell (battery) simple?
Yes, the installation of the Nest Doorbell (battery) is generally considered simple. The wire-free design means you can easily mount it anywhere within Wi-Fi range. It comes with a mounting bracket that you attach to your doorframe or wall.
Final Verdict
Both the Nest Hello and Nest Doorbell offer excellent features and performance. The Nest Hello excels in video quality and continuous recording, making it ideal for those with existing doorbell wiring. The Nest Doorbell (battery) provides flexibility with its wireless design and easy installation, suitable for homes without existing wiring. The best choice depends on your specific needs and setup.
Winner: [Nest Doorbell (battery)]