Quick verdict from our Google Nest Doorbell review: the Google Nest Doorbell (Battery) is the best doorbell for Google Home users without doorbell wiring. It gives you free event history (which most Ring doorbells don’t), smart alerts and a tall view for packages. Its video is lower resolution than the newest rivals, though. If you have doorbell wiring, the Nest Doorbell (Wired, 3rd Gen) adds 2K video and a wider view.
How we put this review together: written by Md. Enamul Arafath for TopSmartGear, using Google’s specifications, retailer listings and published expert and owner reviews. We have not tested this doorbell hands-on. Sources include 9to5Google’s report on the Nest Mini and Nest Audio. Read how we review.
Battery vs Wired (3rd Gen)
| Nest Doorbell (Battery) | Nest Doorbell (Wired, 3rd Gen) | |
|---|---|---|
| Video | HD, tall 3:4 view | 2K HDR (2048 x 2048) |
| Field of view | 145 degrees diagonal | 166 degrees |
| Power | Rechargeable battery, or wired | Wired only (16-24 VAC) |
| Gemini features | With Google Home Premium plan | With Google Home Premium plan |
Pros and cons
- Good: free event history without a plan; person, package, animal and vehicle alerts; tall view shows packages; can keep recording briefly during Wi-Fi outages; works with Google Home and Nest Hub displays.
- Watch out: lower video resolution than 2K rivals; free history is short; Gemini camera features need a paid plan; recharging needed every few weeks to months depending on activity.
Free features vs Google Home Premium
Without a plan, Nest doorbells keep a short history of recent events, which is more than Ring offers for free. Google Home Premium Standard extends history to 30 days and adds Gemini AI features; Advanced adds 24/7 recording and more. It covers all Nest cameras at your home.
How it compares
- Ring Battery Doorbell Plus: sharper 2K head-to-toe video and an easier swappable battery, but no free video history. See our review.
- eufy doorbells: save video locally with no monthly fee. See eufy vs Ring.
- Ring Wired Doorbell Pro: Retinal 4K for Alexa homes with wiring. See our review.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Google Nest Doorbell need a subscription?
Basic alerts and live view work without one. Longer video history and AI features need Google Home Premium.
Can the Nest Doorbell (battery) be wired?
Yes. It runs on its built-in battery or connects to existing doorbell wiring to stay charged.
Does the Nest Doorbell work with Apple Home?
No. It is built for Google Home and Google Nest displays.
Verdict
Choose the Nest Doorbell (Battery) if your home runs on Google and you don’t have doorbell wiring; it’s often well below list price. With wiring, the 3rd Gen Wired model is the better buy. Installing either? Read how to install a video doorbell, and compare more in best video doorbells.
