Google is hoping that AI will make its smart home security camera subscriptions worth the cost. The idea is that AI will give you clearer notifications, almost like having a friend tell you what’s happening. Instead of sifting through hours of video, AI could give you quick summaries of your day. Sounds promising, right? But the reality isn’t matching the hype.
After testing the Nest Cam Outdoor (wired, 2nd gen), I found the AI features were disappointing. The notifications often misidentified my pets and described events inaccurately. Instead of useful updates, I received a surreal account of my household as if it were hosting a party. Unfortunately, this didn’t justify the high price of the Google Home Premium (formerly Nest Aware) subscription. Without it, the Nest Cam Outdoor pales in comparison to less expensive alternatives that don’t rely on cloud storage.
What about the Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd gen)? It shares some of the same AI flaws, but could still be a worthwhile option if you’re deeply integrated into the Google Home ecosystem. If you’re not, it might be better to look at other brands.
Design and Features
The Nest Doorbell has a sleek design that stands out against bulkier options from competitors like Ring. Its camera offers a 2K resolution and a wide 166-degree field of view, which is great for capturing details. The video quality is vibrant during the day and clear at night thanks to infrared technology. It also allows two-way audio via a built-in microphone and speaker. Quick notifications about who’s at your door add to its convenience.
However, installation can be tricky. You need existing doorbell wiring, and setup requires a QR code that’s easy to lose, complicating the process. Once installed, it functions like other video doorbells, alerting you when someone visits or when it detects people, pets, or vehicles.
Subscription Costs
To access full features, you must subscribe to Google Home Premium for $10 or $20 a month. This subscription adds more cloud storage and advanced features like facial recognition—but it feels steep, especially compared to competitors that offer local storage for free. The Nest Doorbell retains recorded events for only six hours without a subscription, far less than what others like Eufy provide.
AI Performance
The AI features may be more accurate with the doorbell than the outdoor camera, perhaps due to the wider, clearer view of foot traffic. Yet misidentifications still occur. In my experience, the AI sometimes confused my cat with a dog but did recognize deliveries correctly.
Many users have voiced frustration over the limitations of Google’s AI. A recent survey revealed that 63% of smart home device owners feel that AI features often fail to deliver expected performance, leading to disappointing experiences.
Conclusion
In summary, the Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd gen) offers decent features for those deeply embedded in the Google ecosystem. If you’re already paying for a Google Home Premium plan and want to enhance your setup, it’s definitely worth considering. However, if you’re exploring options or looking to save money, alternative video doorbells with better storage solutions might be the smarter choice.
To learn more about smart home technology and options, check out sources like CNET’s Home Security Guide.
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