The Google Nest Cam serves as a wireless security camera for your home, with advanced capabilities to discern between humans, animals, and vehicles. It notifies you about events relevant to your security concerns, providing live footage of indoor and outdoor surroundings, and ensuring you stay informed around the clock.
With unparalleled AI capabilities and impressive battery life, the Google Nest Cam is the best. Users can access live HD video, replay recordings, engage with visitors, and perform other tasks directly from the Google Home app. To utilize Nest Cam, a free Google Account is necessary, as it isn’t compatible with the Nest app or home.nest.com.
Following its acquisition of Dropcam, the Nest Cam model series was introduced by Google. The following series include the Nest Cam Indoor, Nest Cam Outdoor, Nest Cam IQ Indoor, and Nest Cam IQ Outdoor. Despite their exceptional features, the initial four Nest Cam models are costly.
How Google Nest Cam Works
The Google Nest Cam sets itself apart from its predecessors with a host of advanced features characteristic of Nest security cameras. It notifies users upon detecting activity, automatically records footage, securely stores it in the cloud, and integrates with Google Assistant for easy control.
However, it possesses machine learning abilities directly on the device, unlike other models. This feature enables it to use its AI capabilities swiftly and securely without relying on Google’s servers. Additionally, the Nest camera is available in three variations. These include a battery-powered camera suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, a plugged-in indoor camera, and a wired outdoor camera complete with a floodlight.
Designs
The Nest Cam, whether used indoors or outdoors with its battery option, is versatile in its application. It’s rated at IP54, offering weather resistance but is not fully waterproof. Additionally, it’s available only in the snow color and can be placed either magnetically or using the provided wall plate, screws, and anchors.
For outdoor installations, the Nest Cam operates on batteries, but you can purchase a separate $35 weatherproof cable for a wired setup. It is slightly larger measuring 3.27 inches in width with enough coverage. However, for indoor usage, you can place it on a standalone stand available for $30, which includes a charging cable.
Battery Life
The battery life of smart home devices such as cameras, locks, and doorbells is often a crucial consideration. For the Nest Cam, battery life varies based on factors like activity, temperature, and camera settings. Google provides an estimated range of 1.5 to seven months for the battery to last, depending on these variables.
Within the Home app, users can adjust settings such as the frequency of event recordings, video quality, and length of clips for the Nest Cam. Additionally, three battery modes are available for selection, providing convenient preset power settings for those who prefer not to customize them individually.
Features
Even without a Nest Aware subscription, users will receive alerts directly through the Google Home app. The Nest Cam features a built-in Google Assistant controller with connectivity via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Users can easily check in from anywhere, 24/7 with 1080p HD video quality, night vision capabilities, a 130-degree diagonal field of view, 6x digital zoom, and two-way audio.
You can see what occurred during the past three hours by accessing the free video history. Moreover, extend your coverage with a Nest Aware subscription, offering access to up to 60 days of video history.
Security
The Nest cam ensures the security of your video footage by encrypting it both during transit and while stored on Nest servers. This helps to safeguard it during the most susceptible stages of the data lifecycle. Additionally, its machine learning chip manages Familiar Faces recognition by distinguishing between animals, people, and vehicles.
Furthermore, a green LED light signals when the camera is actively processing and streaming video to a viewer. If your camera is removed, a simple task done by the magnetic camera-to-base connection can be replaced at no cost to you. However, you must file a police report and furnish Google with a copy within 30 days to qualify for the free replacement.
Price
At the Google Store, individual Nest cams are available for purchase. However, for those seeking multiple cameras, a twin pack is offered at a discounted price of $329 through various retailers.
Additionally, there’s a distinct model of the Nest Cam priced at $99, which is available in multiple colors and officially termed the Google Nest Cam (wired). Furthermore, Google provides a specialized Nest cam with Floodlight priced at $279, designed to enhance visibility during nighttime.
How to Install Google Nest Cam
Installing the Google Nest cam is a straightforward process. Inside the package, you will find a plastic bracket with two screw holes. Simply fix this bracket to your desired location using screws, then mount and secure the included camera base onto it. The entire setup process can take less than 10 minutes.
Additionally, the bottom of the camera features offers a strong magnet that attaches to the base. Once connected, adjusting the camera angle is simple, by simply rotating it around the base. Moreover, the charging cable, with the camera, securely snaps into a proprietary groove located on the back of the device.
However, the 1-meter cable provided in the box is not weatherproof, limiting outdoor usage. To enable outdoor installation, you must purchase a separate weatherproof cable from Google. Typically, these cables are available in lengths of 5 meters for $34.99 or 10 meters for $39.99. In essence, this camera is designed exclusively for wireless indoor use.
Should I get Nest Aware with a Google Nest Cam
Google provides users with 3 hours of free cloud storage for the Nest Cam. In addition, any footage recorded beyond this timeframe is automatically deleted. While this offering surpasses some cameras that provide no free recording at all, it proves insufficient for a 24/7 outdoor security camera, rendering it essentially impractical.
The basic Nest Aware package, priced at $6 per month or $60 per year, grants access to up to 30 days of event recording. However, the Nest Aware Plus, priced at $12 per month or $120 per year, doubles the storage to 60 days of event recording. Additionally, Nest Aware Plus provides 10-day continuous recording for compatible devices.
Major Benefits of Google Nest Cam
The Google Nest Cam is the best home security camera, known for its exceptional quality. It’s compatible with the Google Smart Home platform, offering advanced features like facial recognition and clear night vision, particularly effective when combined with a Nest Aware subscription. Despite its higher cost and the requirement for a subscription to access all features, its advanced AI capabilities and adaptable power choices position it as the best smart security camera.