When it comes to protecting your home's entrance, smart video doorbells have become an essential security device. Google's two latest offerings - the Nest Doorbell Wired 2nd Gen ($179.99) and the Nest Doorbell Battery ($120) - offer distinct approaches to home monitoring. Let's explore how these devices compare and help you choose the right one for your needs.
Modern video doorbells do much more than just show you who's at the door. They act as your first line of defense, providing real-time monitoring, two-way communication, and smart notifications about activities around your entrance. The key is choosing a device that matches your specific needs in terms of installation, power reliability, and features.
The most significant distinction between these models lies in their power source, which affects both functionality and convenience.
The Nest Doorbell Wired 2nd Gen, released in October 2022, requires connection to your home's existing doorbell wiring (8-24V AC). This constant power supply enables advanced features like 24/7 continuous recording, but it also means you'll need either existing doorbell wiring or professional installation.
In contrast, the Nest Doorbell Battery, launched in 2021, runs on a rechargeable battery that lasts approximately 2.5 months between charges. This flexibility comes with trade-offs - while you can install it anywhere, you'll need to recharge it periodically, and it can't provide continuous recording even when hardwired.
Both doorbells capture HD video at 960x1280 resolution with HDR (High Dynamic Range) support. HDR helps balance bright and dark areas in the same frame, particularly useful when your doorway is backlit by strong sunlight.
Key differences emerge in recording capabilities:
The wired model includes 10 infrared LEDs compared to the battery version's 4 LEDs, potentially providing better nighttime visibility. Both offer a similar field of view (160° for wired, 145° for battery), giving you a clear view of your entire doorway area.
Both models include advanced AI capabilities that can distinguish between:
This smart detection helps reduce false alerts and ensures you're notified about important events. Both devices also support custom activity zones, letting you focus on specific areas while ignoring others.
The Nest Doorbell Wired requires:
The Nest Doorbell Battery offers:
Both models offer:
The wired model represents significant improvements over its predecessor, the Nest Hello, including:
The battery version introduced a new design language for Nest doorbells and pioneered their current AI detection system.
In practical use, both doorbells perform admirably, but their strengths shine in different scenarios:
The Nest Doorbell Wired excels in:
The Nest Doorbell Battery stands out for:
Choose the Wired version if:
Choose the Battery version if:
Both Nest doorbells offer excellent smart home integration and reliable performance, but they serve different needs. The wired version provides the most complete security solution with its continuous recording and constant power supply. The battery version offers unmatched flexibility and easier installation at a lower price point.
Consider your specific needs, installation capabilities, and long-term maintenance preferences when making your choice. Either way, you'll get a capable smart doorbell that integrates seamlessly with the Google Home ecosystem and provides essential home security features.
Remember that while the battery version might save money upfront, the time spent on maintenance should factor into your decision. Conversely, while the wired version offers more features, the installation requirements might make it impractical for some situations.
Both options represent solid choices in the smart doorbell category - your specific circumstances will determine which is the better fit for your home.
| Google Nest Doorbell Wired 2nd Gen ($179.99) | Google Nest Doorbell Battery ($120) |
|---|---|
| Power Source - Determines reliability and maintenance needs | |
| Hardwired (8-24V AC), always-on operation | Rechargeable battery (2.5 month life) or optional wiring |
| Video Resolution - Impacts clarity and detail of footage | |
| 960 x 1280 HD with HDR | 960 x 1280 HD with HDR |
| Recording Capabilities - Critical for security monitoring | |
| 24/7 continuous recording (with subscription) | Event-based recording only, even when hardwired |
| Field of View - Affects coverage area at your door | |
| 160° diagonal view | 145° diagonal view |
| Night Vision - Important for low-light performance | |
| 10 infrared LEDs, enhanced visibility | 4 infrared LEDs, standard visibility |
| Dimensions - Considers aesthetic impact and installation | |
| 4.6" x 1.7" x 1.0" (more compact) | 6.3" x 1.8" x 0.95" (larger for battery) |
| Installation Requirements - Affects total cost and flexibility | |
| Professional installation recommended, existing wiring needed | DIY installation, no wiring required |
| Weather Resistance - Durability for outdoor use | |
| IPx4 rating | IPx4 rating |
| Storage Options - Impacts ongoing costs | |
| 3 hours free event history, 24/7 recording with Nest Aware Plus | 3 hours free event history, event recording with Nest Aware |
| Smart Features - Core functionality comparison | |
| AI detection for people/packages/vehicles/animals, custom zones | Same AI detection capabilities, slightly slower processing |
| Power Backup - Important for security during outages | |
| No backup, stops working during power outages | Continues working during power outages (if battery powered) |
The Nest Doorbell Wired 2nd Gen ($179.99) is better for continuous monitoring and higher performance, while the Nest Doorbell Battery ($120) offers more flexibility and easier installation. The wired version provides 24/7 recording with a subscription, making it ideal for complete security coverage.
The Nest Doorbell Battery typically lasts about 2.5 months between charges under normal use. Battery life depends on activity levels and can be shorter in high-traffic areas or cold weather.
Yes, both the Nest Doorbell Wired and Battery versions can stream video to Google-enabled smart displays and Chromecast-connected TVs, allowing you to see visitors on your home theater screen.
Both doorbells offer the same 960 x 1280 HD resolution with HDR. However, the Nest Doorbell Wired provides more consistent performance due to constant power and better night vision with its 10 infrared LEDs.
Both models include 3 hours of free event history. The Nest Doorbell Wired requires a Nest Aware Plus subscription ($15/month) for 24/7 recording, while both models benefit from a basic Nest Aware subscription ($6/month) for 30 days of event history.
The Nest Doorbell Battery is designed for DIY installation. The Nest Doorbell Wired requires existing doorbell wiring and may need professional installation.
The Nest Doorbell Battery continues working during power outages when battery-powered. The Nest Doorbell Wired will not function during power outages.
Both models offer the same package detection capabilities, but the Nest Doorbell Wired provides more reliable monitoring due to continuous power and recording options.
Yes, both the Nest Doorbell Wired and Battery versions work with Google Assistant for voice commands and can show video feeds on compatible displays.
Both models are rated for outdoor use, but the Nest Doorbell Battery may experience reduced battery life in cold temperatures. The Nest Doorbell Wired maintains consistent performance in all weather conditions.
The Nest Doorbell Wired offers superior night vision with 10 infrared LEDs compared to 4 LEDs in the Battery version, providing clearer nighttime video.
Yes, you can use multiple Nest Doorbell Wired or Battery devices on the same Google Home account, making them ideal for monitoring different entrances or large properties.
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 - 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
