There is perhaps no other question the modern consumer is faced with more than Amazon or Google? The two tech behemoths have been competing against each other in almost every field imaginable. If either were to release an alcoholic seltzer then there would truly be no battleground left unexplored. It is no surprise then that the two have found another arena to face off in: home security.
Amazon purchased Ring in 2018 and since then the product has grown exponentially alongside the very market it helped popularize. Google similarly acquired Nest Labs in 2014 and introduced their first outdoor camera monitoring system three years later.
The two have become the go-to choices for consumers seeking the security and sense of safety promised by each service.
The question of which is better, has become a hotbed of debate and discussion as of late.
The Ring Ecosystem
Ring essentially offers just this, an ecosystem in which all devices are linked and work in compatibility to provide the most rounded service available. With their wireless light setup that runs off solar or battery power, Ring is looking to distinguish themselves as not only the safest option, but the most convenient.
Long List of Accessories
Their line of products now includes their wired or wireless Ring video doorbell options, as well as a lighting rig complete with spotlight, floodlights and path lights for your driveway or footpath.
These devices can all be linked together and are equipped with motion sensors that when triggered, will alert all linked devices to the disturbance.
The triggered motion sensor will also alert the doorbell to begin recording to ensure that if an incident occurs, it will be caught in its entirety. This means that the lighting rig not only serves to improve camera visibility, but also solves ring’s previous issue with their doorbell camera struggling to capture incidents from beginning to end, which had been a source of criticism for them in the past.
The keeper of all these devices is the Ring Bridge, all devices run through this console, and this serves basically as your security’s central hub.
The Ring doorbell camera line also boasts HD video with night vision, along with total compatibility with Alexa, adding to the growing list of smart home accessories.
One of the most raved aspects of Ring’s services is their app. The Ring app allows you to control all aspects of your Ring ecosystem, such as grouping devices together to coordinate which lighting should go together and the ability to completely customize your dashboard, display, and privacy settings.
Google Nest Hub
Google’s own Nest Hub boasts their easy-to-install doorbell camera and a long line of products that includes outdoor security cameras, air monitors, and keypad locks, all of which can be run through Google Assistant. Nest Hub seeks to be more of an all-inclusive experience that serves a hand in each aspect of your home life. From temperature setting to sleep tracking features to music streaming, the Nest hub focuses as much inside the home as outside. While Ring also works in compatibility with Alexa, Nest Hub seeks to provide a slightly more immersive smart home experience.
Camera Quality
The Google Nest Hello camera uses 2K HD video with HDR that allows for total visibility and clarity of your front perch area. Ring tends to focus more on a sweeping view that will cover more ground, but this often comes at the sacrifice of clarity. Their latest model utilizes a 16:4 aspect ratio which has faced criticism for cutting off the view of people’s heads and feet when they’re within a certain distance.
Meanwhile Nest uses a 3:4 ratio allowing for a full view of each figure. While Ring’s more extensive gaze may seem appealing for those only interested in purchasing a doorbell alone, those seeking to invest in an expansive system may favor the focused lens of the Nest.
Nest also boasts the ability to distinguish different sources of noises separating sources such as cars, people, and pets, cutting down on unnecessary alerts and providing a more accurate notification of an event. In terms of audio output each option provides two-way communication with visitors.
Subscription Services
Each company offers a subscription service, which is optional but allows for far more control and accessibility.
Ring’s doorbell camera will function without a subscription to their service, and you will still have access to the live feed from your doorbell, but you will not be able to record footage or share it without others. This can have a massive impact on the overall performance of the camera as previously mentioned, one of Ring’s biggest features is its online app that offers features such as “Neighbor”, in which event footage and alerts can be shared with other users in your local area.
Ring’s subscription services begin at $3 a month which allows recording for one camera.
Their Plus option which is $10 a month allows for recording for all Ring devices.
And finally, their Ring Protect Pro plan for $20 a month which allows for all recording on all devices and 24/7 professional monitoring, as well as a slew of additional services.
Nest is slightly more freeing without a subscription. They will allow you to record and save event footage, however it will be automatically deleted after three hours.
Their Nest Aware subscription service costs $6 dollars a month and will provide you with 30 days of recorded footage storage.
Their Nest Aware Plus plan costs $12 a month and increases this storage space to 60 days.
This applies to all Nest cameras within the home and provides intelligent alerts, utilizing their sound differentiation technology in order to provide the most accurate reports possible. Both plans also include Google’s “familiar face detection” service which equips Nest cameras with the ability to recognize the faces of those who may frequent your home, providing a personalized alert to their presence.
Decisions Decisions….
Overall, the question of Google Nest vs Ring simply relies on what exactly you are searching for from your home security system. Ring’s power comes in the variety and connectivity of its huge range of products. Ring’s lighting rig and camera range, when operating in unison, provide a level of outdoor security that is difficult to beat. Meanwhile Nest offers the opportunity to save on subscription fees, with the ability to temporarily save footage and a more rounded smart home experience. As each product steadily becomes available below the $200 mark, the accessories and product versatility will likely become the deciding factor in this faceoff.
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