Which Google Nest Cam Model Is for You?
There’s no denying that home security is incredibly important. However, with advancements in smart technology, it’s now a more affordable option for many households—much different from the pain of having a professional alarm system installed.
Google, one of the world’s most well-known companies, offers three different types of security cameras: Nest Cam (outdoor/indoor, battery), Nest Cam with floodlight, and News Cam (indoor, wired).
While it’s all well and good having plenty of choices, it’s necessary to understand the differences between each camera so you can choose the best model (or models) for you.
Let’s take a look at the key features, differences, and similarities of the Google Nest Cam lineup so you’re able to make an informed decision.
Nest Cam (outdoor/indoor) vs. Nest Cam With Floodlight (wired) vs. Nest Cam (indoor)
Before we take a look at each of thelatest lineup of Google Nest camerasindividually, here’s a clear comparison of all three models at a glance.
Nest Cam (outdoor or indoor, battery)
Nest Cam with floodlight (wired)
Nest Cam (indoor, wired)
Requires Google Home App
Smart floodlight
Weather-resistant
Motion, people, vehicles, animals
1080p HD video
24/7 live streaming
60-day video event history (Nest Aware)
24/7 video history (Nest Aware Plus)
No (only when wired)
Talk and listen
Records with no Wi-Fi
Yes (1 hour)
Power source
Battery or wired
Field of view
130 degrees
135 degrees
Voice assistant
Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa
Although many of the specifications are similar, it’s time to dive into a more in-depth look at the features each camera has to offer.
TheNest Cam (outdoor or indoor, battery)is the most versatile Google Nest camera since it can be placed indoors or outdoors, as the name suggests. Since it’s battery-powered, you can install the Nest Cam easily wherever you want by snapping it onto its mount.
The camera’s battery will last on average around 3 months. With heavy use (up to 25 events recorded each day), you’re able to expect around 1.5 months. When it comes to charging the Nest Cam, you can use the included 7.5W AC adapter and charging cable, which will take around 5 hours to fully charge. However, there’s also the option to hardwire the camera, so you won’t have to rely on batteries at all.
As you might expect, the Nest Cam works with other Google smart home devices, like the Google Nest Hub. This means you can get a live feed of what your camera is seeing—from your kitchen, living area, or wherever you keep your hub.
With two-way talk, you can interact with anyone that’s in range of the Nest Cam. So, if you’ve got a delivery, you can use the camera’s built-in speaker and mic via the Google Home app to talk to your visitors.
If you have a yard or front porch, theNest Cam with floodlight (wired)could be a great option thanks to its two dimmable 2,400-lumen LEDs. These lamps sit on arms that are attached to the camera, offering optimal coverage with 130 degrees diagonal field of view.
The camera is housed within an IP54 weatherproof enclosure, featuring a 2-megapixel sensor, 6x digital zoom, and up to 1080p video recording at 30FPS. During the darker hours, the Nest Cam with floodlight (wired) kicks into night vision in HDR, with up to 20 feet of illumination, giving you a clear picture of your surroundings.
Since the Nest Cam with floodlight (wired) can be controlled via Wi-Fi, you can connect the device to your Google Home app. From here you can activate the daylight sensor (which triggers the floodlights when a certain level of light is reached), enable motion triggers, see live video streams, and more. Similarly, you can use Google Assistant to issue voice commands to the device.
Although everything looks good on paper, and the Nest Cam with floodlight (wired) undeniably offers clear 1080p video, you won’t be able to view videos more than 3 hours old unless you sign up for a Nest Aware plan. This is disappointing considering you’ll be forking out almost $280 on this security setup. WhileGoogle has made some improvements to its free camera plans, there’s still more to be done.
However, if you’re not bothered by viewing video history, then the Nest Cam with floodlight (wired) is a great investment if you want to protect the outside of your home—potential burglars and intruders won’t be hidden in those bright lights.
Although the cheapest of the bunch at $99.99, theNest Cam (indoor, wired)still delivers exceptional picture quality and versatility. This is thanks to its 2-megapixel color sensor, 135 degrees diagonal field of view, 6x digital zoom, and up to 1080p video at 30FPS.
Unlike the Nest Cam (outdoor or indoor, battery) which can be used indoors or outdoors, the Nest Cam (indoor, wired) is powered by a 10-foot USB-A power cable. This restricts placement somewhat, but since it’s an indoor camera, you should still be able to get wide enough coverage where it’s needed.
Compared to many competitor cameras, the Nest Cam (indoor, wired) manages to retain clear color capture without feeling washed out. Night vision can offer up to 15 feet of illumination, and thanks to the IR lights, the camera does well in low or no light conditions. This makes it a solid contender to use as a baby camera to monitor your sleeping child, or even for indoor businesses, shops, cafés, and so on.
With a clear and sensitive microphone, the Nest Cam (indoor, wired) allows speech to be directed clearly through the camera. Even whispering can be picked up via the sensors and relayed back via the Google Home app. From here, you could decide whether you want to receive notifications when movement is detected, adjust motion zones, toggle the camera on/off, video quality, night vision, and more.
It’s an affordable indoor camera that is as clear during the day as it is at night, and supports 5GHz Wi-Fi bands resulting in high-quality live streams.
Google Nest Cameras: There’s Something for Everyone
Smart security cameras are a big investment. Not only are they costly, but choosing the right one is important. You need to make sure you get the right level of security required for your home, smart features for convenience, and of course, the right type of camera for your desired placement.
Google Nest cameras offer a range of versatile devices. The Nest Cam (outdoor or indoor, battery) is perfect for those who want the flexibility to install their security cameras inside or outside. The Nest Cam with floodlight (wired) offers a high level of security with its bright lights and clear video recording; ideal for backyards and the grounds around your home. But, if you want a more affordable solution, the Nest Cam (indoor, wired) is a great place to start. It produces clear, crisp video and audio, app controls, and can double up as a baby monitor.
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