Our favorite smart doorbell we tested is the Google Nest Hello Smart WiFi Video Doorbell. It excels at delivering alerts right away from over WiFi when you’re at home or cellular data when you’re out and about. This doorbell also offers the best video and audio quality of any doorbell we tested, facial recognition alerts for familiar faces, package delivery notifications, and more useful features that will make you feel secure.
Video quality is one of the most important features to look for in a smart video doorbell, and the Google Nest Hello really delivers on that front. A smart video doorbell is just like having a home security camera, so you want the quality to be superb, and the Google Nest does not disappoint. The Nest Hello captures video in 4:3 format, whereas Ring records in a 16:9 format (more of a wide-screen look). The advantage that Nest has, according to Google, is that this view is “designed to show people head to toe.”
Within the Nest app, you have the option to control the night vision settings. When night vision is on, the video records in black and white. Even so, the video is clear and it’s easy to make out what’s going on outside the front door. As for the audio, we were able to clearly communicate with whoever was at the front door without any audio issues while at home and out and about. The doorbell also comes with several pre-recorded responses, available in 13 different languages, that you can select if you're unable to get to the door.
And, although a paid Nest Aware subscription is required to access some of these features, the plan really enhances what this doorbell can do. Currently, Nest Aware subscriptions start at $5 per month or $50 for one year of 24/7 continuous recording and five-day storage per camera. However, a new Nest Aware subscription will be available starting in 2020 starting at $6 a month or $60 annually for one home, instead of per camera. The paid service also includes intelligent alerts (like facial recognition) and the ability to create clips and timelapse videos to review or share with friends and family. Like Ring and Eufy, you can customize activity zones to avoid any false motion detection alerts.
For more, check out our roundup of the best smart doorbells.