When it comes to protecting your home and keeping an eye on deliveries, smart video doorbells have become must-have devices. Let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Google Nest Hello Video Doorbell and the Roku Smart Home Video Doorbell, exploring how these devices stack up in real-world use.
Smart doorbells have come a long way since the Nest Hello launched in 2018. Back then, it represented cutting-edge technology with its HDR video and AI-powered features. The newer Roku doorbell, released as part of Roku's expansion into smart home tech, takes a different approach by focusing on affordability while maintaining essential features.
The Nest Hello's 1600x1200 HDR video capability still holds up remarkably well in 2024. HDR (High Dynamic Range) means the camera can handle both bright sunlight and dark shadows in the same frame - crucial when you're trying to identify someone at your door during challenging lighting conditions. The 160-degree field of view ensures you can see both visitors and packages.
The Roku doorbell, while adequate for basic monitoring, offers notably lower video quality. This becomes particularly apparent in low-light conditions or when trying to identify people at a distance. Think of it like comparing a modern smartphone camera to an entry-level model - both take pictures, but the quality difference is clear.
Here's where the price difference really shows:
The Nest's AI capabilities mean it can tell you "Sarah is at the door" rather than just "Someone is at the door." This might seem like a small difference, but it's incredibly useful when you're busy or away from home.
Both doorbells require existing doorbell wiring (10-24 VAC), but their setup processes differ:
The Nest Hello provides detailed installation guidance through its app, including voltage testing and wiring diagrams. It's more complex but more foolproof.
The Roku doorbell offers a simpler setup process, though with fewer safeguards against incorrect installation.
This is a crucial consideration for long-term ownership:
Nest Aware (Nest's subscription service):
Roku Smart Home subscription:
Without a subscription, the Nest Hello still provides 3 hours of snapshot history, while the Roku offers only live viewing and basic alerts.
The Nest Hello shines in its integration with other smart home devices:
The Roku doorbell works within its own ecosystem but offers limited third-party integration. This might not matter if you're just looking for basic doorbell functionality, but it's limiting if you want to build a more comprehensive smart home system.
In daily use, these differences become clear:
The Nest Hello excels at:
The Roku doorbell is better for:
At $229, the Nest Hello is a significant investment, but its features and performance justify the cost for many users. The Roku's $79 price point makes it an attractive option for those starting with smart home technology or who need basic functionality.
Consider these key factors:
The Nest Hello remains a premium choice for those who want the best video quality and smartest features, despite its age. Its AI capabilities and integration options make it particularly valuable for tech-savvy users building a comprehensive smart home system.
The Roku doorbell serves as a capable basic option for those prioritizing affordability over advanced features. It handles the essentials well, even if it lacks the sophisticated capabilities of its more expensive competitor.
Choose based on your specific needs and budget, keeping in mind that while both devices will tell you when someone's at the door, how they do so - and how well - differs significantly.
| Google Nest Hello Video Doorbell | Roku Smart Home Video Doorbell & Chime SE |
|---|---|
| Video Resolution - Determines how clearly you can identify visitors and read package labels | |
| 1600 x 1200 HDR (excellent detail at distance) | Standard HD (adequate for close range only) |
| Field of View - Affects how much of your entryway you can monitor | |
| 160° diagonal (can see packages and full-height visitors) | Unknown (likely narrower based on reviews) |
| Night Vision - Critical for security monitoring after dark | |
| 850nm infrared LEDs (clear visibility up to 10ft) | Basic IR illumination (limited range) |
| AI Features - Determines smart detection capabilities | |
| Person, package, and familiar face detection | Basic motion detection only |
| Storage Options - Impacts how much history you can review | |
| 3-hour snapshot history free, 30-60 days with subscription | Limited free storage, 14 days with subscription |
| Subscription Cost - Ongoing expense consideration | |
| $6-12/month Nest Aware | $3.99/month Roku Smart Home |
| Smart Home Integration - Affects automation possibilities | |
| Full Google Home ecosystem, works with Assistant | Limited to Roku ecosystem |
| Power Requirements - Installation considerations | |
| 16-24V AC wired doorbell | 10-24V AC wired doorbell |
| Weather Resistance - Durability in outdoor conditions | |
| -4°F to 104°F operating range | -5°F to 120°F operating range |
| Price - Initial investment | |
| $229 (premium pricing) | $79 (budget-friendly) |
The Google Nest Hello Video Doorbell offers superior 1600x1200 HDR video quality that looks crisp even on large displays. The Roku Smart Home Video Doorbell has lower resolution that may appear pixelated on big screens.
The Nest Hello costs $229, while the Roku doorbell is priced at $79. The $150 difference reflects the Nest's advanced features and higher video quality.
Yes, but differently. The Nest Hello works seamlessly with Google TV and Chromecast devices. The Roku doorbell integrates naturally with Roku TVs and streaming devices.
The Nest Hello features superior 850nm infrared LEDs providing clear night vision up to 10 feet. The Roku doorbell offers basic night vision with more limited range and clarity.
Both require subscriptions for full features. Nest Aware ($6-12/month) offers more storage and AI features, while Roku's service ($3.99/month) provides basic video history.
The Nest Hello offers extensive integration with Google Home ecosystem and smart displays. The Roku doorbell has limited third-party compatibility.
The Nest Hello has dedicated package detection and a 160° field of view to see the ground. The Roku doorbell offers basic motion detection but may miss packages due to a narrower view.
Both require existing doorbell wiring, but the Roku doorbell has a simpler setup process. The Nest Hello installation is more complex but offers better guidance.
The Nest Hello allows playback of recorded footage on any casting-enabled display. The Roku doorbell limits playback to mobile devices and Roku TVs.
Both perform similarly in weather resistance, with the Nest Hello rated for -4°F to 104°F and the Roku doorbell rated for -5°F to 120°F.
The Nest Hello offers pre-recorded responses and video message capability. The Roku doorbell supports basic two-way audio but lacks video messaging.
The Nest Hello is superior for home theater use, with higher resolution video and better integration with media devices. The Roku doorbell works well with Roku devices but lacks advanced display 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 - beachcamera.com - youtube.com - cnet.com - walmart.com - jacksonsystems.com - shoplineusa.com - safehome.org - energywisemnstore.com - walmart.com - support.google.com - consumerreports.org - forums.wyze.com - community.roku.com - discussions.apple.com - consumerreports.org - ring.com - securitysystemsnews.com - community.roku.com - image.roku.com - droneupdelivery.com - lukoilmarine.com - roku.com
