Google has announced the new Nest Doorbell (battery), which competes with popular existing video doorbells like Amazon's Ring Video Doorbell 4. Both of these are great options for users who want to keep an eye on their door at all times. They also come with some really nice features that combine ease of use and security into one package. When looking for a new video doorbell, figuring out which one to buy can be a bit of a challenge.
Since the first Ring Video Doorbell, keeping tabs on the front door has become the norm among smart homes. With a live view and video playback, whenever someone approaches the door everyone connected to the Ring Doorbell is notified, making it easier to answer for packages or neighbors. In comparison, the existing Nest Doorbell can do some of the same useful things. It can detect motion and sound as well, but with Google's processing capabilities it was also able to determine the presence of people. That little touch made it even easier to stay in the loop no matter where the user was.
The new Nest Doorbell packs a few additions that further improve its capabilities. Unlike the previous version, the Nest Doorbell (battery) has a built-in battery that's rechargeable, which can come in handy when there is no existing doorbell power source. With 24/7 live-streaming 3:4 video, the Nest Doorbell can specifically detect people, packages, and animals. The new Nest Doorbell also allows for talking and listening through the doorbell, all while showing a live feed in HD. In contrast, the Ring Video Doorbell 4 also packs a rechargeable battery with the option to wire it in. It records and streams live HD video but in a wide-view aspect ratio. Similarly, it can also utilize live conversations even when the user isn't at home.
Better To Go With Google Or Amazon?
While both doorbells have really great features, the choice between them comes down to a few key factors. Firstly, Google's Nest Doorbell can be a little more helpful in the event that the user can't check the live stream for various reasons. Whether there is no signal or the homeowner is in a meeting, the Nest Doorbell will notify the user (to the best of its ability) what the scenario is. For example, if a package is being left then that will be the information conveyed to the homeowner. If a familiar face shows up, Google can detect that person and will push a notification that someone the user knows is at the door. This can be a game-changer for people who don't have time to constantly check who's at the door. The Ring Doorbell 4 doesn't have the ability to scan for certain people or objects, making it more of a straightforward camera.
Depending on the smart home assistant in place, whether it's Alexa or Google Assistant, some extra usability can affect the decision. Since the Ring Doorbell is built under Amazon, it works well with Alexa and can be a little more efficient if Alexa is already in use in the home. In contrast, if Google Assistant is in use and the homeowner has a Nest Hub, video playback and control can be accessed from that interface, making the Nest Doorbell a highly versatile tool. In the case of the Ring Doorbell, there is the ability to "Pre-Roll" video recordings, meaning the user can hit record and the Ring Doorbell will add a few seconds of extra recording to the beginning to account for times when the user hits the record button a little too late. This does mean that the record button has to be activated, whereas the Nest Doorbell records a three-hour event history that can be saved. Some of these features require a subscription to either Ring or Nest Aware, neither of which are expensive.
One important feature that both of these doorbells have is battery and wire-in hookups. Both come with a battery that allows the homeowner to place the doorbell anywhere on the house. If a wired installation is preferred, either one can be plugged into existing doorbell wires. With the Nest Doorbell, consumers can check compatibility to see if it is the right solution for them. Wiring a doorbell will allow the user to forget about battery levels and rest easy knowing that the doorbell is always up and running. If a battery is in use, both doorbells will send a notification when it needs to be recharged. In terms of the price, both doorbells are similar in cost. The Ring Video Doorbell 4 comes in at $199 and the Google Nest Doorbell (battery) costs $179. Whichever one a consumers opts for, both the Google Nest Doorbell (battery) and Ring Video Doorbell 4 are great smart devices to have and come with important features that can help keep a home safe and secure.