The humble doorbell has come a long way. Today's smart video doorbells combine HD cameras, two-way audio, motion detection, and smartphone notifications into sophisticated home security devices. In this detailed comparison, we'll examine two popular options: the Arlo Video Doorbell 2nd Generation ($79.99) and the Google Nest Doorbell Battery ($120.00).
Both released in the last two years, these devices represent the latest in doorbell camera technology. But they take notably different approaches to solving common challenges like video quality, smart detection, and power management.
The Arlo Video Doorbell stands out immediately with its 2K resolution (1536x1536 pixels), delivering noticeably sharper video than the Nest Doorbell's 960x1280 resolution. To put this in perspective, Arlo's higher resolution means you can more easily read package labels or identify faces at a distance.
What's particularly interesting is Arlo's 180-degree field of view, compared to Nest's 145 degrees. This wider angle lets you see your entire porch, including packages left right against your door. During testing, this broader view proved incredibly useful for monitoring package deliveries and catching porch pirates.
Both devices feature HDR (High Dynamic Range) support, which helps balance bright and dark areas in the frame. This is especially important for doorbell cameras since they often deal with harsh backlit conditions when visitors are standing in front of bright daylight.
Here's where the Nest Doorbell really shines. Its on-device machine learning can distinguish between people, packages, vehicles, and animals without requiring a subscription. This local processing means faster notifications and better privacy since your video doesn't need to travel to the cloud for analysis.
The Arlo's AI detection capabilities are solid but require a subscription to access. However, it does include some unique features like an integrated siren for deterring unwanted visitors and pre-recorded messages for when you can't answer the door.
Both devices offer:
Both doorbells can be installed either wireless or hardwired, offering flexibility for different home setups. In wireless mode, the Arlo claims up to 6 months of battery life, while Nest suggests 1-6 months depending on usage.
In real-world testing, these estimates prove optimistic. With moderate usage (15-20 events per day), you can expect:
Temperature has a significant impact on battery life - both devices perform better in moderate climates and may require more frequent charging in extreme cold or heat.
Here's where things get interesting:
The Arlo Video Doorbell works well with Amazon Alexa but lacks Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit support. The Nest Doorbell naturally excels with Google Home integration but has limited compatibility with other platforms.
This ecosystem lock-in could be a deciding factor if you're already invested in a particular smart home platform.
Both doorbells feature straightforward installation processes, though Nest's app provides more detailed guidance. Key differences:
Since their releases, both companies have pushed regular firmware updates:
Consider choosing the Arlo Video Doorbell if:
Go with the Nest Doorbell if:
Both devices represent significant improvements over their predecessors, offering reliable performance and useful features. The Arlo leads in raw video quality and field of view, while Nest offers superior AI features and a more complete package without requiring a subscription.
Your choice ultimately depends on your priorities: video quality versus smart features, and which smart home ecosystem you prefer. Either way, both devices will significantly upgrade your front door security and convenience.
Remember that technology in this space continues to evolve rapidly, so watch for firmware updates that may add new features or improve performance over time.
| Arlo Video Doorbell 2nd Generation | Google Nest Doorbell Battery |
|---|---|
| Price - Initial Investment | |
| $79.99 (lower entry cost) | $120.00 (premium pricing) |
| Resolution - Affects ability to identify faces and read labels | |
| 1536x1536 (2K) with HDR (superior detail) | 960x1280 HD with HDR (good but lower resolution) |
| Field of View - Determines how much of your porch you can see | |
| 180° (sees entire porch area) | 145° (may miss edges of view) |
| Battery Life - How often you'll need to recharge | |
| Up to 6 months, typically 3-4 months real-world | 1-6 months, typically 2-3 months real-world |
| Smart Detection Features - Ability to identify different types of activity | |
| Person/package detection (requires subscription) | People, packages, vehicles, animals (included free) |
| Storage Options - How you can access recorded footage | |
| Cloud storage with subscription, local with separate hub | 3 hours free cloud storage, local backup during outages |
| Smart Home Integration - Ecosystem compatibility | |
| Works with Alexa, no Google/Apple support | Works with Google Home, limited other platform support |
| Additional Features - Extra security capabilities | |
| Built-in siren, pre-recorded messages | On-device AI processing, noise cancellation |
| Subscription Costs - Ongoing expenses | |
| Arlo Secure required for key features ($4.99/month) | Basic features free, Nest Aware optional ($6/month) |
| Installation Options - Flexibility in setup | |
| Battery or hardwired, requires existing wiring for hardwired | Battery or hardwired, more flexible installation |
The Arlo Video Doorbell 2nd Generation offers better video quality at 2K resolution and a wider 180° view for $79.99, while the Google Nest Doorbell Battery at $120.00 provides superior AI features and free smart detection. For pure video quality, Arlo is better; for smart features, Nest leads.
Both the Arlo Video Doorbell and Nest Doorbell offer excellent night vision capabilities. The Arlo's higher resolution gives it a slight edge in detail, though both perform well enough to clearly identify visitors in low light conditions.
The Nest Doorbell includes basic AI features and 3 hours of cloud storage without a subscription. The Arlo Video Doorbell requires a subscription ($4.99/month) for cloud storage and smart detection features.
The Arlo Video Doorbell typically lasts 3-4 months per charge, while the Nest Doorbell usually needs charging every 2-3 months under normal use. Both can be hardwired for continuous power.
The Google Nest Doorbell offers superior AI-powered motion detection, identifying people, packages, vehicles, and animals without a subscription. The Arlo Video Doorbell has similar capabilities but requires a paid subscription.
The Nest Doorbell offers a more flexible installation process with better guidance through its app. The Arlo Video Doorbell requires existing doorbell wiring for hardwired installation but is still straightforward for battery installation.
The Nest Doorbell provides 3 hours of free event history, while the Arlo Video Doorbell requires a subscription for cloud recording or a separate hub for local storage.
The Arlo Video Doorbell has better Alexa integration, allowing for voice commands and video display on Echo Show devices. The Nest Doorbell is primarily designed for Google Home integration.
The Arlo Video Doorbell offers a wider 180° field of view, showing your entire porch area. The Nest Doorbell provides a 145° view, which may miss some areas at the edges.
The Arlo Video Doorbell delivers superior 2K resolution (1536x1536), while the Nest Doorbell offers 960x1280 HD resolution. The Arlo's higher resolution provides noticeably better detail for identifying visitors and reading package labels.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: security.org - arlo.com - bestbuy.com - androidcentral.com - arlo.com - community.arlo.com - youtube.com - community.arlo.com - community.arlo.com - arlo.com - t-mobile.com - youtube.com - youtube.com - build.com - safehome.org - bestbuy.com - security.org - aesindianamarketplace.com - googlenestcommunity.com - abt.com - ny.home.myorustore.com - support.google.com - target.com
