CNET

Nest Doorbell (battery) review: Google outsmarts the competition — mostly

Google’s newest video doorbell boasts great value and serious smarts. Plus, it dodges most of the criticisms that take down other doorbell cams on the market. But a $6 monthly fee for Nest Aware subscribers and a few missing features put a damper on its success. See it here: Read CNET’s written review: 0:00 Intro…

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Google’s newest video doorbell boasts great value and serious smarts. Plus, it dodges most of the criticisms that take down other doorbell cams on the market.

But a $6 monthly fee for Nest Aware subscribers and a few missing features put a damper on its success.

See it here:

Read CNET’s written review:

0:00 Intro
0:33 The basics
1:04 Features that slap
1:45 The aspect ratio problem
2:56 Features that fall flat
3:40 Who should and shouldn’t buy it

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84 Comments

  1. Lorenzo L.

    August 24, 2021 at 2:49 pm

    The title brought me here! 😆

  2. Alex

    August 24, 2021 at 3:02 pm

    3 hours is way too short 🤦😔

    • tomdotcom4

      August 24, 2021 at 9:57 pm

      It’s 3 hours of storage, not 3 hours since the time it was recorded. He was wrong in the video. Still short, but better that what this guy said

  3. Ladybugg Luv

    August 24, 2021 at 3:12 pm

    No comment on how big, long and ugly it is? It’s huge! Is there more colors available beside the grey shown?

    • Will Kivinski

      August 24, 2021 at 5:29 pm

      There are 4 color options.

    • Dagnis Ābols

      August 24, 2021 at 10:01 pm

      @Will Kivinski only in USA, in Europe… Only white!

  4. disciprine

    August 24, 2021 at 3:13 pm

    Forgot to mention that one benefit of the ring doorbell 4 is that it has a hot swappable battery. I hated having to bring in my doorbell in to charge on my original OG ring doorbell. Does this one have that?

  5. Seltinus Julio

    August 24, 2021 at 3:37 pm

    Who dis? Secret Number

  6. Mossien Awadh

    August 24, 2021 at 3:57 pm

    Do they have a bigger nest doorbell?

  7. Rodrigo Valentim

    August 24, 2021 at 4:04 pm

    From what I understood so far, the 3h event is for memory usage, not for the last 3h of the day, as you said in the video… Which one is correct?

    • Rocky Smith

      August 24, 2021 at 5:47 pm

      You are correct, this guy is not. It’s 3 hours of “event based” storage. If you get one alert at 2am while you’re sleeping, you’ll still be able to go back and see what happened during that time. (unless there is an additional 3h of other activity that occurred while you were sleeping…which probably means you have bigger issues to deal with)

    • feedbacker

      August 24, 2021 at 10:45 pm

      @Rocky Smith yeah thanks for clearing that up. what the video said didn’t make sense at all.

    • James Schmidt

      August 24, 2021 at 11:08 pm

      Thank you! I just came on here to say the same thing. Would be worthless if it was the last 3 continuous hours and not 3 hours of individual events.

    • Jeremy Havlin

      August 25, 2021 at 12:42 am

      Yea, I spoke with Google and had them clarify before I purchased… The guy in the video is wrong and Google Support cleared that up for me…

  8. Dedu Tedy

    August 24, 2021 at 4:11 pm

    180 for a dorbell that you can “fix” with a 10buc spray can 🤕😅

  9. Vic Singh

    August 24, 2021 at 4:14 pm

    No comparison to Eufy?

  10. Bobby Crissman

    August 24, 2021 at 4:15 pm

    Some actual video quality samples in the review would have been nice instead of reading off features announced weeks ago.

    • Gc Vi

      August 24, 2021 at 7:46 pm

      they are isheep, what u expect?

  11. Will

    August 24, 2021 at 4:45 pm

    The whole reason I use Nest is for the 24/7 recording. This defeats the purpose for me. This is a step backwards for Nest, in my opinion.

  12. MsCrystal

    August 24, 2021 at 4:55 pm

    Who DIS??

  13. Ng Roy

    August 24, 2021 at 5:42 pm

    Does it support local net storage?

  14. dudlydoright11

    August 24, 2021 at 6:04 pm

    You really should add the Eufy Doorbell to your comparison. Similar or features, no monthly fees, etc.

  15. Christian Öhrn

    August 24, 2021 at 6:13 pm

    How big is the back part? On some site it looks like there is a bulge?

  16. Bill George

    August 24, 2021 at 7:44 pm

    It seems no reviewers of door security cams discuss the obvious weakness that doorbell security cams can be easily and rapidly removed from wherever they are “mounted”. A person comes to your door in a hoody and face mask and tears your security cam from its flimsy mount. HOW DO YOU PREVENT THEFT? Couldn’t a security door cam be designed so the lens could be attached to the body through the door peep hole and the electronics is attached to the lens and hangs inside the door? Also, blue tooth motion activation and could reduce the need for long storage, if the device only recorded when there was motion in the area.

    • Shane Roach

      August 24, 2021 at 11:05 pm

      There is such a door cam called the ring peephole

  17. John P

    August 24, 2021 at 8:00 pm

    Yeah just look at Arlo’s fish eye lens. Sick dude. Great point

  18. meredith monday

    August 24, 2021 at 8:22 pm

    Can you use the doorbell with the google home app? Or do we have to have a separate display?

    • Who Nahhdahh

      August 25, 2021 at 12:38 am

      yes

  19. sean hynes

    August 24, 2021 at 8:37 pm

    That has to be the ugliest doorbell I’ve ever seen in my life

  20. David DeLuna Jr

    August 24, 2021 at 10:19 pm

    that head joke………do u think 5 year olds are watching doorbell review videos?

    • Fahad Al Subeaei

      August 24, 2021 at 10:39 pm

      Some people just never grow up

  21. Bike Dawg

    August 24, 2021 at 11:05 pm

    WHY IS THERE NO COMMENT ON BATTERY LIFE?!??!?

  22. Mr Taylor

    August 24, 2021 at 11:09 pm

    google nest is garbage “slow as f*** picking up people at the door”

  23. ruukusanla

    August 24, 2021 at 11:24 pm

    I thought it was 3 hour “event” storage. So if no one activates it over night but someone approaches your door at 4am for 5 Minutes that is saved based on motion.
    Not 3 hours continuous recording and rewriting.

    Correct me anyone?

    • Jeremy Havlin

      August 25, 2021 at 12:43 am

      You’re correct, the guy in the video is wrong

    • David Priest

      August 25, 2021 at 2:42 pm

      Per Google, “[It is] three hours of event video history, not three hours of events (that would be a very long time—about three week’s worth of history). I’ll chat with our support team to make sure this is coming across clearly.” So, you’re right that the device is not continuously recording, but you do lose access to events

    • Ajay Xavier

      August 26, 2021 at 1:03 am

      I believe you are right.

  24. Simon

    August 25, 2021 at 12:27 am

    $180 USD is $248 Australian dollars however google are selling this device for $329 in Australia! That’s just gouging so I won’t be buying this currently.

    • hyperdelta

      August 25, 2021 at 2:21 am

      Things are more expensive here, I still got it though cause you get a nest hub for free.

  25. Who Nahhdahh

    August 25, 2021 at 12:40 am

    If they swipe if off the door wouldn’t the camera catch the whole thing???? just seems silly to me but i guess… IDK

  26. SunnyD

    August 25, 2021 at 1:57 am

    Looks like a doorbell Apple would create

    • Ike Gold

      August 25, 2021 at 5:09 pm

      Apple has a doorbell well made by Logitech for HomeKit use only

  27. dylpkl7573

    August 25, 2021 at 2:30 am

    Awkward…

  28. sooo0kie

    August 25, 2021 at 2:33 am

    It’s too expensive for what it does.

  29. Paxis

    August 25, 2021 at 3:15 am

    Does the doorbell make a sound when it’s triggered? Like not when clicked, but when it detects someone walking by.

    • David Priest

      August 25, 2021 at 2:44 pm

      No, it doesn’t. I didn’t notice a feature allowing for that, either — but I’ll have to dig into the settings more to see if there is one I missed.

  30. Chris Schneider

    August 25, 2021 at 3:28 am

    The 24/7 recording is available in nest aware.

    • Madblaster6

      August 25, 2021 at 4:54 am

      Can you confirm with a link or an article?

    • Craig G

      August 25, 2021 at 5:07 am

      This wireless doorbell cannot record 24/7.

    • Madblaster6

      August 25, 2021 at 5:22 am

      @Craig G Thanks. I just watched a few vids and read some articles. Not only does it not have 24/7 recording but it doesn’t use the Nest app. Deal breakers. Kinda sucks because I already pay for nest aware but live in an apartment until I buy a house. So no options for wiring.

    • Chris Schneider

      August 25, 2021 at 9:33 pm

      @Craig G LoL, it’s didn’t say that when I bought it… Darn it. O well events are the important think really.

  31. Madblaster6

    August 25, 2021 at 4:53 am

    I already pay for Nest but not having 24/7 recording is a deal breaker.

  32. Sandy Antipas

    August 25, 2021 at 5:15 am

    As long as it’s good definition event based storage I’m good with 3 hours free. Will be keen to see how accurate the event recording is on events. May need to experiment with sensitivity.

  33. Noel Jenkins

    August 25, 2021 at 5:29 am

    not in os $320 to costly

  34. Mr. X

    August 25, 2021 at 6:51 am

    Can I talk through it

    • David Priest

      August 25, 2021 at 2:47 pm

      Yes

    • Mr. X

      August 25, 2021 at 10:06 pm

      @David Priest blessed

  35. Mr. X

    August 25, 2021 at 6:53 am

    Is this motion sensor

  36. James Bromley

    August 25, 2021 at 12:10 pm

    It does not look like a doorbell! Your visitors won’t know they should press that thing.

  37. Naiv

    August 25, 2021 at 1:20 pm

    couldnt a thief just rip this off the door and then take the batteries out and format it for resale?

  38. Julianne Roe

    August 25, 2021 at 5:06 pm

    You said it doesn’t have 24/7 recording even with a subscription, but you didn’t say what it DOES. If not 24/7, what is it???

    • TechToyTV

      August 25, 2021 at 6:24 pm

      Motion based event recording. It will only record a snippet of video for a set length of time when motion is detected.

  39. Luigi Bonacci

    August 25, 2021 at 5:43 pm

    how long is the battery life? how good is it in the winter cold temperatures?

    • Yusef Lopez

      August 26, 2021 at 11:10 pm

      I was waiting for battery life

  40. Dave Morris

    August 25, 2021 at 7:41 pm

    I think I missed the point of this video because all I want to know is where can I get that shirt

  41. Matt

    August 25, 2021 at 8:33 pm

    Been waiting for this review Thanks!

  42. Campbell

    August 26, 2021 at 1:45 am

    I would almost guarantee that google spies on who is coming to the door

  43. J.Hollo

    August 26, 2021 at 3:30 am

    Fair review. Thx!!

  44. Trixie Speed

    August 26, 2021 at 7:27 am

    I like it! Got it on my door today!

  45. Felix Five

    August 26, 2021 at 7:52 am

    Anti theft device not included.

  46. Chris Laidlaw

    August 26, 2021 at 12:47 pm

    Wish they’d had reviewed the portion that rings the chime indoors? Unless there isn’t and you need a nest mini or phone to hear the bell.

  47. Ragshnak

    August 26, 2021 at 1:25 pm

    Unfortunately in Sweden we’re not allowed to have a wide field of view so the vertical is better for us. Also continious filming is mostly not allowed either unless it doesn’t film any public space or your neighbours house. So this seems fairly good for us here. Wish it was easier here with this type of tech here. =/

  48. Kevin

    August 26, 2021 at 1:54 pm

    Nah, Google is tweakin’.

  49. egc128

    August 26, 2021 at 3:00 pm

    People place this too low on the wall beside the door. Wouldn’t it make more sense to place on door at eye level above door handle. If someone rings, you can open phone to see them before opening door. Video recording not that important.

    • egc128

      August 26, 2021 at 3:10 pm

      If you really want video recording, then just get a camera and mount it high on wall. A simple door bell with peep hole in door is adequate for security, no app required.

  50. Shel Thomas

    August 26, 2021 at 3:10 pm

    Why not just get a camera? They all have two way talk, a better field of view? What is the advantage of a “doorbell” vs a camera ( for less $ )

    • beige fox

      August 27, 2021 at 12:00 am

      I’m pretty sure your visitors will prefer pressing a traditional button, than just knocking or staring at a camera up the ceiling.😂 Besides home owner after a few days of installation will likely not be responding to camera events as opposed to hearing an actual chime from the door bell.

  51. ShaySlay

    August 26, 2021 at 3:54 pm

    Please dont say “slap” anymore, that was so cringy and felt forced lol.

  52. Pavlin Petkov

    August 26, 2021 at 4:38 pm

    This is called Spy hole!

  53. CFL-Tech

    August 26, 2021 at 5:28 pm

    Doesn’t look very secure and also easily smashable. Looks like the team that designed this is living in an artificial world. Still a cool device, but they may need to tweak the security end of things.

  54. G K

    August 26, 2021 at 6:42 pm

    This or the Eufy 2k? The Eufy battery life is better by far and better resolution but you don’t need the homebase with this. I’m guessing the nest is quicker to respond to two way conversations.

  55. Brandon F

    August 26, 2021 at 8:46 pm

    never say “which features slap” ever again.

  56. Yusef Lopez

    August 26, 2021 at 11:10 pm

    Yeah no 24/7 is a deal breaker. I would buy right now if it had it

  57. cbj324jkl234jk234

    August 27, 2021 at 1:13 am

    “I’ll talk about which features slap” was a little cringe

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