Video doorbells have become a cornerstone of modern home security, transforming how we monitor and interact with visitors. In this detailed comparison, we'll examine two popular options: the premium Google Nest Hello and the budget-friendly Wyze Video Doorbell v2.
Since the Nest Hello's debut in 2018 and Wyze v2's release in 2022, smart doorbells have evolved from simple video intercoms into sophisticated security devices. Today's models incorporate AI-powered detection, HDR imaging, and integration with broader smart home ecosystems.
The Wyze v2 leads with 2K resolution (2048 x 1536), while the Nest Hello offers 1600 x 1200 HD video. However, raw numbers don't tell the whole story. The Nest's HDR (High Dynamic Range) processing often delivers better real-world results, especially in challenging lighting conditions like bright backlighting or deep shadows.
Both cameras handle nighttime viewing well, offering color night vision when there's ambient light and switching to infrared black-and-white in complete darkness. The Nest's 850nm infrared LEDs provide slightly better nighttime clarity compared to Wyze's 940nm system, though the difference is minimal in typical use.
A doorbell's field of view determines how much of your entryway you can see. The Nest Hello provides a generous 160° diagonal view, while the Wyze v2 offers 166.8°. In practice, both capture enough area to see visitors head-to-toe and packages on the ground, though the Nest's 4:3 aspect ratio often provides more useful vertical coverage.
Both doorbells require existing doorbell wiring (16-24V AC), making them unsuitable for homes without traditional doorbells. The installation process is similar for both:
The Nest Hello includes more mounting accessories, including a wedge for angled installation, which can be crucial for optimal viewing angles on some entryways.
The Nest Hello shines with its advanced AI features:
The Wyze v2 offers:
Both doorbells work with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, but the Nest Hello's integration with Google's ecosystem is notably more polished. You can view your doorbell feed on Chromecast-enabled displays and get announcing capabilities through Google Home speakers.
The Nest Hello typically retails for $180-230, while the Wyze v2 costs just $45-60. This dramatic price difference extends to subscription costs, with Wyze's Cam Plus being significantly cheaper than Nest Aware.
Total cost over 2 years:
In daily use, both doorbells perform well, but there are noticeable differences:
The Nest Hello generally offers faster notification and live view loading times, typically 1-2 seconds versus Wyze's 2-3 seconds. This small difference can matter when responding to time-sensitive events like package deliveries.
Both companies regularly update their devices' firmware, adding features and improving performance. The Nest Hello has received several significant updates since its launch, including improved HDR processing and new AI detection capabilities. Wyze has similarly enhanced the v2 with improved motion detection and additional smart features.
The Nest Hello and Wyze v2 represent different approaches to video doorbells. The Nest Hello offers premium features and superior AI capabilities but at a higher cost, while the Wyze v2 delivers impressive value with good-enough performance for most users.
For most homeowners, the Wyze v2's combination of features and value makes it the smarter choice. However, if you're deeply invested in the Google ecosystem or require the best possible AI features and video quality, the Nest Hello's premium experience may justify its higher price.
Remember that both options require existing doorbell wiring, so factor installation costs into your decision if your home needs electrical work to support these devices.
| Google Nest Hello Video Doorbell | Wyze Video Doorbell v2 |
|---|---|
| Resolution - Higher resolution means clearer identification of people and details | |
| 1600 x 1200 HD with HDR | 2K (2048 x 1536) without HDR |
| Field of View - Wider angles show more of your entryway and porch | |
| 160° diagonal with 4:3 aspect ratio | 166.8° diagonal (135° horizontal, 103° vertical) |
| Night Vision - Critical for clear viewing after dark | |
| 850nm IR LEDs with color and B&W modes | 940nm IR LEDs with color and B&W modes |
| Storage Options - Determines how much footage you can keep | |
| Cloud only, 3-hour free history | Local microSD (up to 256GB) + 12s cloud clips |
| Subscription Costs - Ongoing expense for advanced features | |
| $6/month (30 days) or $12/month (60 days) | $1.99/month for Cam Plus |
| AI Features - Helps reduce false alerts and identify important events | |
| Advanced person, package, facial recognition (with sub) | Basic motion, person detection (with sub) |
| Power Requirements - Determines installation needs | |
| 16V-24V AC wired connection | 16V-24V AC wired connection |
| Weather Rating - Indicates durability in outdoor conditions | |
| IP54 weather resistance | IP65 weather resistance |
| Smart Home Integration - Important for ecosystem compatibility | |
| Full Google Home/Nest ecosystem, Alexa support | Basic Google Assistant, Alexa support |
| Response Time - Affects how quickly you can answer the door | |
| 1-2 second notification delay | 2-3 second notification delay |
| Price - Initial investment required | |
| $180-230 MSRP | $45-60 MSRP |
The Google Nest Hello offers superior AI features and better integration with smart homes, while the Wyze Video Doorbell v2 provides better value with 2K resolution at one-fourth the price. For most users, the Wyze v2 offers sufficient features at a much better price point.
The Nest Hello costs $180-230, while the Wyze v2 is priced at $45-60. Including subscription costs, over two years the Nest costs about $324-374 total, compared to Wyze's $93-108.
Both doorbells can display video on TVs through smart home devices. The Nest Hello works seamlessly with Chromecast and Google TV devices, while the Wyze v2 requires an Alexa Show or Google Hub device for display.
Both offer color and black-and-white night vision modes. The Nest Hello uses 850nm IR LEDs providing slightly clearer nighttime images, while the Wyze v2 uses 940nm IR LEDs with good but slightly less detailed night vision.
Yes, for full features. The Nest Hello requires Nest Aware ($6-12/month) for extended history and facial recognition. The Wyze v2 needs Cam Plus ($1.99/month) for person detection and continuous recording.
The Wyze v2 offers higher 2K resolution, but the Nest Hello provides better HDR processing for challenging lighting conditions. The Nest often produces more usable footage despite lower resolution.
No, both the Nest Hello and Wyze v2 require standard doorbell wiring (16-24V AC). Neither offers a battery-powered option.
The Nest Hello offers superior package detection with its advanced AI system, while the Wyze v2 provides basic package detection with its Cam Plus subscription but may miss some deliveries.
The Wyze v2 offers local storage via microSD card plus cloud options, while the Nest Hello is cloud-only. Wyze provides more flexibility and lower ongoing costs for storage.
The Nest Hello typically responds in 1-2 seconds, while the Wyze v2 takes 2-3 seconds. This small difference can matter when quickly responding to visitors.
Both work with Google Assistant and Alexa, but the Nest Hello offers deeper integration with Google Home devices. The Wyze v2 provides basic smart home functionality but less seamless integration.
The Wyze v2 has a higher IP65 weather rating compared to the Nest Hello's IP54 rating, making it technically more resistant to dust and water. However, both are sufficiently weather-resistant for normal outdoor use.
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 - youtube.com - cnet.com - youtube.com - tomsguide.com - wyze.com - why.wyze.com - youtube.com - youtube.com - why.wyze.com - youtube.com - wyze.com - youtube.com - forums.wyze.com
