Do you want to monitor your home from the comfort of your couch, or even when you’re away? The Nest Doorbell is the perfect solution for you. Whether you decide to go with the traditional Nest Doorbell Wired or the more flexible Nest Doorbell Battery option, you will have peace of mind knowing that your home is protected.
In this Nest doorbell wired vs wireless blog post, we will compare the two and help you decide which one best suits your needs. We’ll explore the features, pros, and cons of each, so you can make an informed decision and enjoy the convenience of a smart doorbell.
Nest Doorbell wired Overview
The Nest Doorbell Wired (second-generation) is a wireless doorbell from Google Nest that takes the features of its predecessor, the Nest Hello, and adds some improved features. It provides three hours of event video history, 2K video resolution, two-way audio communication, and Familiar Faces technology for identifying who is at the door.
The additional features of the wired version are 24/7 recording, which can double as a security camera or wildlife watcher, and more flexible mounting and easier installation than the battery-powered version. The Nest Doorbell Wired is an ideal choice for smart homeowners looking for a reliable and secure doorbell.
Design and installation
The design of the Nest Doorbell (Wired) is sleek and modern with four color options: snow white, ash gray, linen beige, and ivy green. It includes standard drill holes for easy installation into an existing doorbell system.
To install the wired Nest doorbell, you will need a 16 to 24V AC transformer and an internal chime to provide sound alerts without relying on speakers powered by Google Assistant.
Professional installation options include paying for a professional service through Google Store, retailers, or a local electrician. Delivery and a 30-day return period are also available.
Main features
The Nest Doorbell wired is a connected doorbell with impressive features and a price of $179.99. It features a 6x digital zoom, 145° diagonal field of view, 960 x 1280 pixel video, and a high-quality speaker and microphone for two-way audio with noise cancellation.
It also has a night vision mode that can see up to 10 feet away and works with compatible Google Home and Amazon Alexa-enabled devices. This doorbell requires a 16-24VAC, 10VA, 50/60Hz doorbell transformer and operating temperatures between -4°F to 104°F (-20°C to 40°C). It comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
Video quality and performance
The Nest Doorbell (Wired) has excellent video quality with a resolution of 960 x 1280 and a 3:4 aspect ratio that allows you to see visitors from head to toe. It is also equipped with HDR which helps to keep images balanced and clear in differing lighting conditions.
Additionally, it has a 145-degree field of view and can provide sharp, well-exposed lighting with details that are not obscured by shadows. It can also send notifications quickly to Google devices and smartphones, making it a great security option.
Nest Doorbell Battery Overview
The Nest Doorbell Battery is a great choice for those who want an easy, cost-effective way to monitor their home. It boasts the same features as the wired version, but in a battery-powered form with a sleek matte design available in four colorways.
Installation is easy since there’s no wiring required, and the device features three free hours of event history, as well as other features like motion detection, two-way audio, and facial recognition.
While this version of the Nest doorbell is not equipped with 24/7 recording history or the 2-second preview and extended clips feature, it still makes an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable, wireless security solution.
Design and installation
When installing a Nest doorbell battery, there are several design and installation considerations to take into account. The Nest doorbell battery has a modern and elegant design that is well-suited for contemporary homes and comes in multiple colors. Furthermore, the device comes with a built-in battery, making the wireless version slightly heavier than the wired option.
For installation, the wireless doorbell is easier to install since you can simply screw it onto the wall outside the house with the help of an angle wedge.
On the other hand, the wired version requires a 16 to 24V AC transformer and an internal chime for sound alerts without depending on Google Assistant-powered speakers. Professional installation services are also available, but the cost can be expensive.
Overall, the Nest doorbell battery is a great choice for those looking for a modern and stylish design that can be easily installed and removed. It is also low maintenance and offers no interference between other wireless connections, making it a great addition to any smart home.
Main features and price
The Nest Doorbell battery is a convenient, AI-powered smart home doorbell that offers impressive features such as recording, familiar face recognition, smart alerts, and compatibility with Google Home and Amazon Alexa. It has a compact and attractive design, but it requires low-voltage wiring to function.
The Nest Doorbell battery comes with a 1-year limited warranty and is available for purchase for around $179.99 or more depending on the retailer.
The Nest Doorbell battery is a convenient, AI-powered smart home doorbell that offers impressive features such as 24/7 recording, familiar face recognition, smart alerts, and compatibility with Google Home and Amazon Alexa.
Video quality and performance
The Nest Doorbell battery offers excellent video quality with a resolution of 720p and a 145-degree field of view. The 3:4 aspect ratio ensures that visitors are seen from head to toe or any packages on the front porch.
The HDR feature allows for greater color and light stability in both low and bright lighting conditions. In addition, the night vision quality may be lower than the daytime performance, however, it still captures more than enough detail when someone is within 10 feet of the camera.
For a wider field of view, we suggest getting an outdoor camera with a bigger lens as it usually has better night vision than a doorbell camera
The differences between Nest Doorbell Wireless and Wired models
Nest Doorbell Wired vs Wireless: Price
The Nest Doorbell (wired) and Nest Doorbell (battery) models both cost around $180, making them both very affordable options for a video doorbell.
While the Nest Doorbell (wired) comes with certain features that are missing from other options, such as higher video recording resolutions and a wider field of view, the Nest Doorbell (battery) offers more free alerts, more flexible mounting options, and a lower price.
Nest Doorbell Wired vs Wireless: Audio quality
The audio quality between the Nest Doorbell Wired and Wireless models differs significantly. The wired Nest Doorbell is equipped with audio detection and can detect loud noises, while the wireless Nest Doorbell is unable to detect low sounds.
The wired Nest Doorbell also offers superior audio quality compared to the wireless model, which only offers basic audio capabilities. In terms of features, the Wired Nest Doorbell provides a chime that the Wireless Nest Doorbell lacks.
Nest Doorbell Wired vs Wireless: Installation
Installation instructions for the Nest Doorbell Wired and Wireless model:
Nest Doorbell Wired:
- Begin by checking the voltage compatibility of the doorbell circuit. You will need a 16 to 24V AC transformer to install this doorbell.
- Next, disconnect the existing doorbell’s power supply, and remove the existing doorbell.
- Attach the Nest Doorbell to the wall using the provided screws and angle wedge.
- Connect the transformer to the doorbell’s power terminals.
- Finally, you can connect the doorbell to the internal chime, if required, to provide sound alerts.
Nest Doorbell Wireless:
- Start by attaching the angle wedge to the wall where you want to install the doorbell.
- Next, take the Nest Doorbell and align the mounting holes with the wedge bracket.
- Use the screws provided and tighten the doorbell to the bracket.
- Connect the doorbell to the Wi-Fi network and the Nest App.
- Finally, enjoy the convenience of the wireless Nest Doorbell.
Both of these doorbells offer similar features and specifications, but the installation process is different. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can choose either option.
Nest Doorbell Wired vs Wireless: Motion detection
The Nest Doorbell Wired and Wireless models both feature motion detection and alerts, however, they differ in terms of video recording quality and field of view. Additionally, the Nest Aware subscription unlocks the Face Detection feature on both models, however, it is more useful on the wired version.
Nest Doorbell Wired vs Wireless: Video footage
Nest’s line of doorbells provides excellent video recording capabilities, which can help you know who is at the door. In terms of video quality, the wired Nest doorbell delivers sharp images with well-exposed lighting and details that are not obscured by shadows, while the wireless version records well-balanced and clear videos that are overall of inferior quality compared to those taken by the wired doorbell.
Moreover, the wire-free Nest doorbell comes with the convenience of being able to be easily installed and removed, while the wired one is more suitable for those looking for a device with impressive video recording capabilities.
Nest Doorbell Wired vs Wireless: Chime
The Nest Hello wired doorbell comes with a dedicated chime which requires wiring. The Nest Doorbell (battery) does not include a chime, but it can be connected to a separate device, such as the Nest Mini, which acts as a chime.
Nest Doorbell Wired vs Wireless: Connectivity
The Nest Doorbell Wired and Wireless models both offer several connectivity features, but with a few differences. Both models are compatible with Wi-Fi for streaming live footage, as well as built-in Bluetooth for connecting to other devices. The wired model also offers a chime, while the battery-powered version does not.
Nest Doorbell Wired vs Wireless: App integration
When choosing between a wired and wireless Nest doorbell, one of the most important factors to consider is the integration of the Nest Doorbell app. The wired Google device is managed using the Nest app, while the battery-powered one can be controlled with the newer Google Home app.
The Nest app is a bit easier to use than Google Home, especially when it comes to finding recorded videos, and the company has announced plans to combine the best features of both apps into a single one in the future.
The Nest Doorbell (wired) has no built-in storage or recording and requires a Nest Aware subscription in order to access the advanced features it offers, such as 30-day event history, people and package detection, and Familiar Face detection.
The Nest Doorbell (battery) features up to three hours of recordings stored locally, on-device object detection, and works with Google Assistant smart devices only.
In terms of the integration of the Nest Doorbell App, the wired model is better integrated with the Nest app, while the wireless model is better integrated with the Google Home app. However, if your smart home revolves around Google Home, then the Nest Doorbell (Wired) would be the no-brainer choice.
On the other hand, if you need a wireless solution, then the Nest Doorbell (Battery) may be the better option. You should also consider the cost of a Nest Aware subscription when making your decision, as the advanced features unlocked by the subscription will greatly improve your experience with either product.
Pros of Nest Doorbell Wired over Wireless battery-powered Nest Video Doorbell Camera
The Nest Doorbell Wired offers a number of advantages over the Wireless battery-powered Nest Video Doorbell Camera. Firstly, it has continuous power due to being wired into your existing doorbell wiring.
This means that the doorbell can be triggered even when the battery is low or completely drained. Secondly, the wired Nest Doorbell offers a higher video resolution compared to the 720p resolution of the wireless version.
It also has a wider field of view at 180 degrees versus 145 degrees for the wireless one and records videos in landscape mode, unlike the second-generation wireless version which records in portrait mode. Finally, the wired Nest doorbell is more expensive than its wireless counterpart but is more reliable and offers more features in return.
Pros of Nest Doorbell Wireless over Nest Doorbell camera wired
The pros of the Nest Doorbell (Wireless) over the Nest Doorbell (Wired) include the:
- Easy installation and removal as it does not require professional help.
- Cost-effective compared to its wired counterpart.
- Records video in 1080p Full HD resolution.
- Has a 145-degree field of view.
- Records videos in portrait mode.
- Can be taken down for charging.
- Compatible with Google Assistant.
- Can be paired with a Nest speaker to act as a chime.
Nest Doorbell Wired vs. Battery: Which model of Nest Doorbell is best for you?
When it comes to choosing between the Nest Wired and Battery Doorbell models, there are a few key differences to consider. The Nest Wired model has an advantage in terms of video resolution, as well as a chime, but the Battery model has a couple of extra features like more alerts and the ability to keep recording in a power cut or Wi-Fi outage.
The Nest Wired model is more expensive and requires installation, while the Battery model is cheaper and easier to install. The Battery model also has the advantage of being able to run without needing to be recharged, while the Wired model requires regular charging.
Ultimately, it will come down to preference as both models are very similar in terms of features and specifications. If you want continuous surveillance, the Wired model is best, while if you want convenience and flexible installation options, the Battery model is your best bet.
FAQ
What is the battery life of the Wireless Nest Doorbell?
The Nest Doorbell (Battery) is a great choice for those who don’t want to be tied to a power outlet and offers a great deal of convenience. It has an average battery life of 2.5 months when 13-16 events are recorded per day and can last up to six months depending on how often the doorbell records videos.
To extend battery life, users can adjust their battery preferences in the Google Home app. Additionally, the Nest doorbell is weather resistant and works in temperatures between -4 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit with an IP rating of 54, which should be sufficient for most climates.
Is it better to have a wired or wireless doorbell?
When it comes to choosing between a wired or wireless doorbell, it all comes down to personal preference. Both the Nest wired and wireless doorbells offer different advantages and are suitable for various needs. For easy installation, removal, and overall convenience, the wireless doorbell is the better option.
However, those who are looking for a device with impressive video recording capabilities should opt for the wired doorbell. It offers 2K video recording and a wider field of view with a slightly higher price point.
Between the two Nest Doorbells, the wired one is the better choice. It offers slightly better video resolution and is faster at sending notifications. The downside is that it is more expensive and requires professional installation.
The Nest Doorbell (battery) is a great option for those who want convenience and flexible installation options, as it continues to record even during power and Wi-Fi cuts. It is also more affordable, especially considering there is no installation required.
No matter which option you choose, it is important to do your research and compare other manufacturers like Ring, Arlo, and more. It is also important to consider your own needs and budget. By doing so, you can make an informed decision and get the doorbell that is best for your home.
Can the Nest doorbell wired be wireless?
No, the Nest wired doorbell cannot be used wirelessly as it needs to be connected to an existing doorbell system in order to work. The Nest wired doorbell is designed to be hardwired and is equipped with features such as higher video recording resolution and a wider field of view, making it more expensive than the wireless variant.
Does the nest doorbell battery charge when hardwired?
Yes, the Nest Doorbell (Battery) can be hardwired to access power without constantly ringing the bell or creating a buzzing sound. The included wiring connectors allow the nest doorbell to access the power from the existing doorbell wiring, eliminating the need for the battery and allowing for continuous power even when the doorbell button is not pressed.
This setup also connects the doorbell to an existing mechanical chime inside the home, so it can work as a low-tech doorbell button when the video recording is not needed.
Can a nest doorbell be wired or battery?
Yes, the Nest doorbell can be wired or battery-powered. The Nest doorbell battery shares a similar design to the wired option and is powered by a rechargeable battery pack with the option to wire. If you go for the battery-only installation, you can just screw the doorbell onto your wall and connect it to your home Wi-Fi.
Alternatively, if you want to keep the battery topped up automatically, you can wire the Nest Doorbell (battery) to your existing doorbell circuit. The Nest Doorbell (wired) has no battery and must be wired.
