Google’s Newest Video Doorbell Is Now on Sale for Over 20% Off.
The Google Nest doorbell has dropped to $139.99 (originally $179.99), its lowest price yet, according to price-tracking sites . The design will be familiar to those who’ve seen Nest cameras before: a single camera module on top and an illuminated doorbell button on the bottom, housed in an IP65-rated enclosure that can withstand rain and dust without issue. It’s a hard-wired device, so it’s only worth purchasing if your home already has the necessary wiring or you’re willing to install it—this is doable if you’re comfortable working with low-voltage wiring (16-24V AC); otherwise, you might want to call an electrician.
The biggest improvement here is the video and software. You get 2K HDR video with a 1:1 square aspect ratio, allowing you to see the entire person at your door, from head to toe. This also makes it easier to spot packages left on the floor. Daytime video looks crisp, with natural colors and good detail. At night, it switches to infrared mode, which is clear enough to identify people but loses some detail. Motion alarms are triggered quickly, and the 166-degree field of view covers most entryways without stretching the image too much, according to a PCMag review . You can also communicate through it using two-way audio, and it works well with both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa if you want to display the image on a smart display.
Speaking of software updates, Google is leveraging Gemini AI features here, so the doorbell can now describe what it sees in plain language and allow you to search for recordings using these descriptions. You can type something like “package delivery” and quickly find the desired fragments, instead of scrolling through the timeline. This works well in practice, but the catch is that most of these features, as well as the full video history, require a Google Home Premium subscription for $10 per month. Without it, you only get short previews. There’s also no local storage or support for Apple HomeKit or IFTTT.
If you already use Google Home, this device will fit seamlessly into your system and add useful automation features, but if you’re looking for a one-time purchase with virtually all the same features and no ongoing fees, the TP-Link Tapo D225 is a worthy alternative.