The Nest Hello Doorbell is more than just a doorbell. It’s a smart device that offers security, convenience, and peace of mind.
With features like HD video, facial recognition, and 24/7 streaming, it allows you to keep an eye on your home, even when you’re not there.
As smart doorbells become more popular, people are looking for options that deliver clear video, fast notifications, and easy integration with their smart home devices.
In this review, we’ll explore the Nest Hello Doorbell review, its design, features, performance, and whether it is worth the investment for your home security.
Table of Contents
Pros and Cons of the Nest Hello Doorbell:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. High-Quality Video: Offers 1600p HD video with HDR, providing clear images in various lighting conditions. | 1. Requires Subscription for Full Features: Access to recorded footage and advanced features requires a Nest Aware subscription. |
| 2. Two-Way Audio: Allows for real-time communication with visitors through the built-in microphone and speaker. | 2. Wired Installation: Requires existing doorbell wiring, which can complicate installation for some users. |
| 3. Facial Recognition: Integrates with Google Assistant and provides alerts based on recognized faces, enhancing security and convenience. | 3. Limited Local Storage: Lacks onboard storage; all footage is stored in the cloud, requiring a stable internet connection. |
| 4. Smart Home Integration: Easily integrates with other Google Home devices for seamless smart home automation. | 4. Price Point: Relatively high initial cost compared to other doorbell cameras on the market. |
| 5. Night Vision: Features infrared night vision, ensuring clear visibility even in low-light conditions. | 5. Privacy Concerns: Ongoing debates over privacy and data security with cloud-based surveillance devices. |
Consumer Survey
| Aspect | Rating (1-5) | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Video Quality | 5 | Users report exceptional clarity and detail. |
| Audio Quality | 4 | Good two-way audio, but some users experience slight delays. |
| Installation Ease | 3 | Wired installation can be tricky for some users. |
| Smart Home Integration | 5 | Seamlessly works with other Google Home devices. |
| User Interface | 4 | Intuitive app design but can be slow to load at times. |
| Alert Customization | 4 | Flexible options for notifications based on activity. |
| Facial Recognition Feature | 5 | Highly praised for accuracy and usefulness. |
| Night Vision Performance | 4 | Effective in low light, but some users desire better clarity. |
| Customer Support | 3 | Mixed reviews on response time and helpfulness. |
| Value for Money | 4 | Considered a good investment for smart home enthusiasts, though on the pricier side. |
Design and Build Quality – Nest Hello Doorbell Review
The Nest Hello Doorbell boasts a modern and sleek design that fits well with any home exterior. It not only looks good but is also built to withstand harsh weather conditions. Let’s break down its design and build quality:
- Sleek, Slim Look: Compact and minimalist design that blends seamlessly with different home styles.
- Durable and Weatherproof: Made from high-quality materials, it’s built to handle rain, heat, and cold.
- Easy Installation: Simple to install with clear instructions, making it a hassle-free setup for most users.
Key Features of the Nest Hello Doorbell
The Nest Hello Doorbell is packed with smart features that enhance home security and convenience. Here’s a look at some of its key features:
- High-Definition Video: Offers a 160-degree field of view, 24/7 streaming, and night vision for clear video footage, day or night.
- Two-Way Audio: Talk to visitors in real-time using the Nest app, whether you’re at home or away.
- Intelligent Alerts: Get custom notifications for people, packages, or even familiar faces with its person detection and facial recognition technology.
- Google Assistant Integration: Seamlessly connects with Google smart devices, allowing voice commands and further automation in your smart home setup.
Performance
The Nest Hello Doorbell delivers impressive performance, ensuring you stay connected to what’s happening outside your door. Here’s a breakdown of its performance:
- Video Quality: Crystal-clear video with smooth streaming both day and night, thanks to its HD resolution and night vision.
- Motion Detection Accuracy: Detects motion with precision, reducing false alerts and focusing on important events like people or packages.
- Audio Clarity: Clear and crisp two-way audio with minimal lag, allowing seamless communication with visitors.
- Notification Responsiveness: Quick and timely notifications with minimal delay, ensuring you’re always alerted when something happens.
Smart Features
The Nest Hello Doorbell is equipped with advanced smart features that make your home security smarter and more personalized. Here’s a look at its standout features:
- Facial Recognition: Provides custom alerts for familiar faces, allowing you to know exactly who’s at your door.
- Pre-recorded Quick Responses: Send customizable greetings to visitors when you’re not available to respond in real-time.
- Google Home Integration: Enhances your smart home experience by seamlessly connecting with Google Home devices, enabling voice commands and automation for added convenience.
Subscription Service
The Nest Hello Doorbell offers more advanced features through the Nest Aware subscription service. Here’s what it includes:
- Overview of Nest Aware: A subscription plan that unlocks extra features such as continuous video recording, enhanced alerts, and extended video history.
- Costs and Benefits: The basic plan starts at an affordable price and provides 30 days of event history. The premium plan includes 24/7 video recording, facial recognition alerts, and up to 60 days of video storage in the cloud, making it ideal for users seeking enhanced security.
Comparison with Competitors
When comparing the Nest Hello Doorbell with other smart doorbells, it’s essential to consider features, price, and performance. Competitors like Ring, Arlo, and Eufy offer similar options, but each has its strengths. Let’s dive into how Nest Hello stacks up against its rivals and what makes it unique.
Comparison with Other Smart Doorbells
- Ring Video Doorbell: Offers a wide variety of models at different price points, ranging from basic to advanced. Known for its easy setup and compatibility with Alexa. However, the video quality is generally lower than Nest Hello, and facial recognition requires an extra subscription.
- Arlo Video Doorbell: Known for its excellent video quality and local storage options without a subscription. However, it lacks the advanced Google Assistant integration and intelligent alerts offered by Nest Hello.
- Eufy Video Doorbell: Offers a budget-friendly option with no subscription fees and good video quality. Its features are slightly limited compared to Nest Hello, particularly in terms of smart alerts and integration with a broader smart home ecosystem.
What Sets Nest Hello Apart?
- Facial Recognition: The Nest Hello stands out with its built-in facial recognition, providing custom alerts for familiar faces, unlike most competitors.
- Google Ecosystem Integration: Deep integration with Google Assistant and other Google smart devices makes it a great choice for users already invested in the Google ecosystem.
- Superior Video Quality: Nest Hello provides superior video clarity, especially with its 24/7 streaming and HDR support, ensuring clear footage even in challenging lighting conditions.
- Intelligent Alerts: Nest Hello offers more advanced and customizable alerts compared to its competitors, with the ability to distinguish between people, packages, and familiar faces.
A table comparing the Nest Hello Doorbell with its main competitors:
| Feature | Nest Hello | Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 | Arlo Video Doorbell | Eufy Security Video Doorbell |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Video Quality | 1600p HD | 1536p HD | 1536p HD | 2K Resolution |
| Field of View | 160 degrees | 160 degrees | 180 degrees | 160 degrees |
| Audio Quality | Two-way audio | Two-way audio | Two-way audio | Two-way audio |
| Facial Recognition | Yes | No | No | No |
| Storage Options | Cloud storage (subscription required) | Cloud storage (subscription required) | Cloud storage (optional local storage) | Local storage (no subscription fees) |
| Installation | Wired only | Wired or battery powered | Wired or battery powered | Wired or battery powered |
| Smart Home Integration | Excellent (Google Assistant) | Good (Amazon Alexa) | Good (Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant) | Limited (Google Assistant, not as seamless) |
| Price Range | Higher-end | Mid-range | Mid-range | Budget-friendly |
| Extra Features | Night vision, HDR | Enhanced motion detection, customizable alerts | Built-in siren, 3-second pre-roll | No monthly fees, customizable alerts |
Final Word
The Nest Hello Doorbell is ideal for tech enthusiasts, families, and smart home users who prioritize security and convenience.
Its superior video quality, intelligent alerts, and seamless integration with Google’s ecosystem make it a top choice for those who want advanced features.
While the higher price and subscription service may not suit budget-conscious buyers, the Nest Hello delivers excellent performance and peace of mind, making it worth the investment for users seeking reliable, high-tech home security solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Nest Hello Doorbell worth it?
Yes, the Nest Hello Doorbell is worth it for those seeking a high-quality video doorbell with clear 24/7 streaming, person detection, and seamless Google Home integration. Its crisp video quality and intelligent alerts make it a strong choice for smart home security.
Does Nest Hello Doorbell require a subscription?
Nest Hello works without a subscription, but features like 30-day video history and advanced motion detection are part of the Nest Aware plan. While basic functionality is free, subscribing unlocks more features like facial recognition and extended video storage.
How long does Nest Hello Doorbell last?
The Nest Hello Doorbell has a durable design and can last several years, depending on usage and environmental conditions. The hardware is weatherproof, and its power is sourced from your existing doorbell wiring, meaning there’s no need for battery replacements.
Does Nest Hello Doorbell work without Wi-Fi?
No, the Nest Hello Doorbell requires a stable Wi-Fi connection to operate. Without Wi-Fi, you won’t receive alerts, access live video, or store footage. For optimal performance, ensure your Wi-Fi signal strength is strong and consistent near the doorbell.