Video doorbells have transformed from simple notification devices into sophisticated home security hubs. Today's models combine HD cameras, AI-powered detection, and smart home integration to create a comprehensive front door monitoring solution. Let's dive into how two popular options stack up against each other in real-world use.
The Google Nest Doorbell Wired 2nd Gen ($179.99) arrived in October 2022, building upon Google's successful Nest Hello platform. Meanwhile, the Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell ($79.99) has established itself as a compelling alternative at a more accessible price point.
Video quality is where these doorbells show their first major difference. The Arlo Essential delivers higher resolution at 1536x1536 pixels in a square format, while the Nest offers 960x1280 in a portrait orientation. In practical terms, this means:
I've found the Arlo's higher resolution particularly useful when zooming in on details, though the Nest's aspect ratio often feels more natural for doorway monitoring.
This is where the Nest Doorbell really shines. Its advanced AI can:
The Arlo offers more basic motion detection and package alerts, though they're still quite effective. For most users, the Nest's AI advantages translate into fewer false alerts and more useful notifications.
Integration capabilities often determine long-term satisfaction with these devices:
Nest:
Arlo:
Both doorbells require:
The Nest includes a helpful voltage tester in the box, while Arlo provides more detailed installation guides. I've installed both, and they're similarly straightforward for anyone comfortable with basic electrical work.
Both doorbells perform admirably in daylight, but differences emerge in challenging lighting:
In my testing:
This is an important long-term consideration:
Nest:
Arlo:
Both companies regularly update their doorbell software. The Nest has received several AI improvements since launch, while Arlo continues to expand its smart home integration options. The video doorbell market is likely to see continued innovation in AI capabilities and video quality improvements.
The choice between these doorbells often comes down to ecosystem preference and specific feature priorities. The Nest offers superior AI and Google integration at a premium price, while the Arlo provides excellent value and broader compatibility.
For most users, I recommend starting with your existing smart home ecosystem - if you're heavily invested in Google Home, the Nest makes sense. If you want maximum flexibility or better value, the Arlo is an excellent choice.
Remember that both options provide solid security and convenience features that significantly upgrade traditional doorbells. The best choice is the one that fits your specific needs and budget while integrating smoothly with your existing smart home setup.
| Google Nest Doorbell Wired 2nd Gen | Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell |
|---|---|
| Price - Total investment including basic features | |
| $179.99 (includes 3 hours cloud storage) | $79.99 (requires subscription for storage) |
| Video Resolution - Affects ability to identify people and read packages | |
| 960 x 1280 (HD) with 3:4 aspect ratio | 1536 x 1536 (HD) with 1:1 aspect ratio |
| Field of View - Determines how much of your porch area is visible | |
| 145° diagonal (good for most entryways) | 180° diagonal (captures entire porch area) |
| Smart Detection - Important for reducing false alerts | |
| Advanced AI (people, packages, animals, vehicles) | Basic motion detection with package alerts |
| Smart Home Integration - Affects compatibility with existing devices | |
| Google Assistant, limited third-party support | Alexa, HomeKit, Google Assistant, IFTTT |
| Night Vision - Critical for 24/7 monitoring | |
| HDR-enhanced infrared with auto-activation | Standard infrared LEDs |
| Cloud Storage - Ongoing costs to consider | |
| 3 hours free, Nest Aware from $6/month | No free storage, Arlo Secure from $4.99/month |
| Power Requirements - Installation considerations | |
| 16-24V AC, requires 10VA transformer | 16-24V AC, requires 10VA transformer |
| Weather Resistance - Durability in outdoor conditions | |
| IPx4 rating (splash resistant) | IP65 rating (weather resistant) |
| Two-Way Audio - Communication quality | |
| Full-duplex with noise cancellation | Full-duplex with echo cancellation |
The Google Nest Doorbell Wired 2nd Gen ($179.99) offers superior AI features and Google Home integration, while the Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell ($79.99) provides better value and higher resolution. For most users, the Arlo offers better overall value unless Google Home integration is essential.
Yes, both doorbells can display video on TVs. The Nest Doorbell works seamlessly with Chromecast devices and Google TV, while the Arlo supports most smart TVs through Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple TV integration.
The Arlo Essential offers higher resolution (1536x1536) compared to the Nest's 960x1280, making it better for viewing on larger screens like TVs. The Arlo also provides a wider 180° field of view versus Nest's 145°.
Both doorbells work without subscriptions, but features are limited. The Nest provides 3 hours of free event history, while Arlo requires a subscription for video storage. Nest Aware starts at $6/month, Arlo Secure at $4.99/month.
Both devices offer infrared night vision, but the Nest Doorbell has superior HDR processing for better low-light performance. The Arlo still provides clear night vision but may struggle more with extreme contrast situations.
Yes, both can integrate through various methods. The Nest works best with Google TV and Chromecast-enabled systems, while Arlo offers broader compatibility including HDMI-CEC control through Apple TV, Fire TV, or Google TV.
The Arlo Essential offers broader compatibility, working with Alexa, HomeKit, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. The Nest primarily works with Google Home ecosystem and has limited third-party support.
Arlo's higher resolution is more noticeable on larger screens, providing clearer details when viewed on home theater displays. Nest's lower resolution is still acceptable but may appear slightly softer when enlarged.
Both require similar installation with existing doorbell wiring (16-24V AC). The Nest Doorbell includes a voltage tester, while the Arlo provides more detailed installation guides. Both are equally straightforward for basic DIY skills.
Both doorbells can send notifications to your phone without interrupting your viewing experience. The Nest offers more specific AI-powered alerts, while Arlo provides basic motion and ring notifications.
For most users, the Arlo Essential at $79.99 provides better value with higher resolution and broader compatibility. The Nest Doorbell at $179.99 is worth the premium mainly for Google Home users who want advanced AI features.
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: bestbuy.com - consumerreports.org - youtube.com - the5krunner.com - camelcamelcamel.com - support.google.com - security.org - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - wasserstein-home.com - googlenestcommunity.com - googlenestcommunity.com - support.google.com - safehome.org - arlo.com - arlo.com - bestbuy.com - arlo.com - wasserstein-home.com - arlo.com - arlo.com - prnewswire.com - telquestintl.com
