Arlo vs Nest: Which Brand Offers the Best Smart Home Security Products?
Smart home security systems have become increasingly popular in recent years, and two of the most popular options on the market are Arlo and Nest.
Both companies offer a range of products, including cameras, doorbells, and alarms, but there are some key differences between the two that are worth considering before making a purchase. In this article, we’ll compare Arlo vs Nest in terms of features, price, and overall value.
Arlo and Nest Overview
Arlo and Nest are both well-known brands in the smart home security market. Arlo is owned by Netgear, while Nest is owned by Google. Both companies offer a range of products that are designed to make it easy to monitor and protect your home. Arlo’s product line includes cameras, doorbells, and alarms, while Nest’s product line includes cameras, doorbells, alarms, and a smart lock.
Camera Features
When it comes to cameras, both Arlo and Nest offer a range of options. Here are some key features to consider:
Resolution
Arlo cameras offer up to 4K Ultra HD resolution, while Nest cameras offer up to 1080p HD resolution.
Field of View
Arlo cameras have a wider field of view than Nest cameras, with some models offering up to 180 degrees of coverage.
Night Vision
Both Arlo and Nest cameras have night vision capabilities, but Arlo cameras generally offer better low-light performance.
Motion Detection
Both Arlo and Nest cameras have motion detection capabilities, but Arlo’s motion detection is generally considered to be more advanced.
Two-Way Audio
Both Arlo and Nest cameras offer two-way audio, allowing you to communicate with anyone who is near the camera.
Smart Features
Both Arlo and Nest cameras offer a range of smart features, such as facial recognition and activity zones.
Two popular security cameras from each brand:
Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera
The Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera is an impressive addition to any smart home security system. With its wide 160° diagonal viewing angle lens, this camera can easily cover medium to larger spaces. What sets it apart from other cameras is its ability to record in clear 2K HDR footage, allowing for clear zooming in on moving objects.
The integrated spotlight is also a great feature, providing color night vision and making it easier to ward off unwelcome guests.
Setting up the Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera is a breeze, with no hub or wiring required. With an Arlo Secure plan, users can receive smarter notifications for people, vehicles, packages, and animals, allowing for quick reactions right from their phone’s lock screen.
The camera is also weather-resistant, able to withstand heat, cold, rain, or sun, and can be easily managed through Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings. Overall, the Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera is a reliable and feature-packed option for anyone in need of a smart home security camera.
Google Nest Cam
The Google Nest Cam is a great option for those looking for a reliable and smart home security camera. With its built-in intelligence, it can differentiate between people, animals, and vehicles and send alerts through the Google Home app, with no subscription required.
It offers 24/7 monitoring with 1080p HDR video and night vision, and comes with three hours of free event video history. With a Nest Aware subscription (sold separately), you can get up to 60 days of video history.
The Nest Cam is battery-powered and can be placed anywhere, inside or outside. The magnetic mount makes installation a breeze, and you can even set up activity zones to receive phone notifications about specific areas of your home.
The Nest Cam also has a built-in speaker and mic, allowing you to talk and listen to visitors or call emergency services directly from the Google Home app (Nest Aware subscription required).
Doorbell Features
Arlo and Nest both offer doorbell cameras, which allow you to see who is at your door even when you’re not home. Here are some key features to consider:
Resolution
Arlo’s doorbell camera offers up to 1080p HD resolution, and same with Nest’s doorbell camera which also offers up to 1080p HD resolution.
Field of View
Arlo’s doorbell camera has a 180-degree field of view, while Nest’s doorbell camera has a 160-degree field of view.
Night Vision
Both Arlo and Nest doorbell cameras have night vision capabilities.
Motion Detection
Both Arlo and Nest doorbell cameras have motion detection capabilities.
Two-Way Audio
Both Arlo and Nest doorbell cameras offer two-way audio.
Smart Features
Both Arlo and Nest doorbell cameras offer smart features, such as facial recognition and pre-recorded messages.
Arlo Essential Video Doorbell
Arlo Essential Video Doorbell is a nice wireless security camera that is easy to install and recharge. The 180-degree wide field view captures the entire front door area, ensuring you can see people and packages clearly.
HD video with HDR produces high-quality footage even in low-light conditions. The Arlo Foresight feature captures video prior to every motion-triggered recording, ensuring that you don’t miss any action.
And two-way audio allows you to communicate with visitors, and the pre-recorded quick reply messages come in handy when you’re busy. The wireless security camera is weather-resistant and can withstand any weather condition.
The Arlo Essential Video Doorbell can be integrated with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings to upgrade your smart home security system. With an Arlo Secure plan, you can receive notifications for people, vehicles, and packages, allowing you to react quickly.
The secure local storage option lets you store your videos on your Arlo base-station or Smarthub for easy access.
Google Nest Doorbell
The Google Nest Doorbell is a wired doorbell that offers advanced features such as object detection and free event video history. The device can differentiate between people, packages, animals, and vehicles, so you receive alerts about what matters most to you without requiring a subscription.
The wired setup ensures that you don’t have to worry about recharging batteries and can check your video doorbell 24/7. You can also use the Google Home app to access three hours of free event video history, with options to upgrade to 30 days of event video history and familiar face detection with a Nest Aware subscription.
This device is beautifully designed to complement any home and is made with 43% post-consumer recycled materials, making it an environmentally friendly choice. It’s important to note that the Nest Doorbell requires a compatible chime and transformer, which are sold separately.
Pros and Cons
Here are some pros and cons to consider when choosing between Arlo and Nest:
Arlo Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Advanced motion detection
- Wider field of view
- Better low-light performance
- Cheaper alarm system
Cons:
- More expensive cameras and doorbells
- No smart lock
Nest Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Higher resolution cameras and doorbells
- More integrated ecosystem
- Smart lock available
Cons:
- More expensive alarm system
- Narrower field of view
About Arlo
Arlo Technologies, Inc. is an American manufacturer and marketer of home security cameras and smart home security solutions. The company was spun off from Netgear, Inc. in 2018, and it’s headquartered in San Jose, California.
Arlo’s products include wire-free smart Wi-Fi and LTE-enabled security cameras, video doorbells, smart floodlights, and other security-related devices. Arlo products can be controlled and monitored through an app on a smartphone or other smart devices, and some models can be integrated with smart home platforms such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.
Arlo focuses on delivering high-quality products that are easy to install and use, with features like HD video, night vision, motion detection, and two-way audio communication. The company also offers cloud-based storage options for their cameras, allowing users to access and review video footage from anywhere.
Overall, Arlo has become a leading brand in the smart home security market, known for their innovative products, reliable performance, and user-friendly interfaces.
About Nest
Nest is a company that specializes in developing and manufacturing smart home devices, including thermostats, cameras, doorbells, and alarm systems. The company was founded in 2010 by Tony Fadell and Matt Rogers, both of whom were former Apple engineers.
In 2011, Nest introduced its first product, the Nest Learning Thermostat, which quickly gained popularity for its sleek design and advanced features. The company was later acquired by Google in 2014, and has since expanded its product offerings to include a wider range of smart home devices.
Nest’s products are known for their user-friendly interfaces and seamless integration with other smart home devices. The company’s devices are designed to learn and adapt to users’ preferences, making them more efficient and effective over time. Nest also prioritizes sustainability in its product design, using recycled materials and working to reduce energy consumption.
Conclusion
Both Arlo and Nest offer high-quality smart home security products that are worth considering if you’re looking to protect your home. Arlo is a good option if you’re looking for advanced motion detection and better low-light performance, while Nest is a good option if you’re looking for higher resolution cameras and a more integrated ecosystem.
Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your specific needs and budget.
FAQs
Can I use Arlo and Nest together?
Yes, but you need to use separate apps to control them.
Do Arlo and Nest offer cloud storage for recorded video?
Yes, both Arlo and Nest offer cloud storage for recorded video.
How easy is it to install Arlo and Nest products?
Both Arlo and Nest products are designed to be easy to install, with most products requiring only basic DIY skills.
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