Google Nest Doorbell (Battery)
VERDICT
This is the best doorbell for people who hate monthly subscriptions. Its on-device AI is incredibly smart, distinguishing between packages, people, and animals for free. The vertical video format is perfect for seeing deliveries on the ground, and it looks beautiful on any home.
The Big Picture
Most video doorbells are annoying. They notify you when a tree branch moves. The Nest Doorbell is designed to be calm. It processes video on the device itself, not in the cloud. This means it only bothers you when something actually important happens. Plus, its "Head-to-Toe" aspect ratio means you can see if a package was left right at your doorstep.
📦 Intelligent Alerts (Free)
The Magic: You don't need a "Nest Aware" subscription to get smart alerts.
What it sees: It can tell you "Package left at door" or "Person seen." It ignores cars passing by in the background. This granular filtering is a paid feature on Ring, but standard here.
📱 The Google Ecosystem
If you have a Nest Hub or Android TV, this doorbell shines.
Integration: When someone rings the bell, the video feed automatically pops up on your kitchen display or your TV. You can tap "Talk" to answer without reaching for your phone. It’s a seamless experience.
✅ The Pros
- Smart AI detection (Package/Person/Animal) is free.
- Vertical 3:4 aspect ratio shows packages on the floor.
- Works on battery (easy install) or wired charging.
- Sleek, minimalist design (available in 4 colors).
❌ The Cons
- Battery life suffers in very cold climates.
- You only get 3 hours of video history for free (need sub for more).
- Resolution (960x1280) is lower than competitors like Eufy/Ring.
🤔 Should you buy it?
YES if you use Google Home/Android and want smart alerts without a monthly fee.
NO if you are heavily invested in Amazon Alexa (Ring is better) or want 24/7 continuous recording (Battery model can't do this).
See the showdown: Google Nest Doorbell vs. Ring Battery Doorbell Plus