Nest Cam IQ indoor and outdoor, in box
You’ve probably heard of both Nest and Arlo. Google Nest and Arlo Home Security Systems are both effective solutions for protecting your home and family. We tested both systems for several days in our home, and today we’re covering the details regarding features, similarities and differences, installation, costs, and more to help you decide on which home security provider works best for you.
For the purposes of this comparison, we’re going to be looking at the cameras offered by both brands. Note that the Nest Secure system (with entryway sensors, keypad, the whole nine) has recently been discontinued. However, Google Nest still offers a handful of feature-rich security cameras. The question is… how do they stack up to Arlo, a leader in the home security camera arena? Let’s find out!
Main Features
Both the Arlo and Nest camera-based systems offer some of the latest technology for keeping your home safe and sound. Some options are both indoor and outdoor cameras, as well as the added ability to connect to any Google Home or Alexa device.
Did You Know? Being able to connect your Google Home or Amazon Alexa devices to your home security system allows you to use voice control. This means that you can control automation functions such as turning on your lights with the sound of your voice. Welcome to the future.
Nest Hello Installation
From there, you’ll also enjoy simple DIY setup on the wireless cameras. Arlo and Nest both incorporate artificial intelligence into a few of their cameras, allowing for advanced person detection. And of course, you’ll be able to access and control the cameras from pretty much anywhere using your smartphone. Add it up and you get feature-packed home security cameras with all the bells and whistles. Just don’t be too surprised if it’s not cheap, but we’ll get to that.
Differences Between Arlo and Nest
Although both security systems offer great functionality and ease of use, you’ll want to consider the differences between the two providers to find out which one offers the best fit for your home or rental. While both Arlo and Nest provide advanced technology in their home security cameras, there are some substantial differences that can dramatically impact your personal use.
FYI: Nest only sells four security cameras — two indoor cameras and two outdoor cameras. Arlo, on the other hand, has nine cameras to choose from.
The Nest Cam IQ devices come with AI-powered person detection. It also comes with a neat Close-Up Tracking feature that Arlo doesn’t offer. In the app, the camera will automatically zoom in (up to 12x) to follow the visitor or perpetrator. Nest Cam IQ also has daytime HDR with 4K quality. The Nest cameras are fairly easy to install, but Arlo is the simpler of the two options to get up and running. To learn more about Nest cameras, check out our hands-on Google Nest Cam review.
Arlo – 3 Cameras
To Arlo’s advantage is their build quality. The cameras just feel robust in your hand, perhaps slightly more so than Nest Cams. And Arlo has an impressive 180-degree field of view, compared to Nest Cam’s paltry 130-degree field of view. This means you’ll see more activity with Arlo versus Nest. Arlo also has cameras that stream and record in 4K. Overall, Arlo is a great home security camera system, just like Nest. You can read more about it in our full review of Arlo cameras.
Similarities Between Arlo and Nest
Arlo Pro 3, with magnetic charging cable
Arlo offers high-quality cameras, while Nest provides options to link your devices through the Google Home platform. Both home security providers offer DIY installation, which can be accomplished in about 20-30 minutes, as well as the freedom of having no long-term (or short-term!) contracts. While Arlo and Nest tend to be on the more expensive side of DIY security companies, their compatibility with cutting edge applications makes them desirable for those seeking high-end surveillance.
Did You Know? Even the best home security companies that require professional installation will also charge you for the installation. When you opt for a company that offers DIY installation, you’ll avoid those pesky installation costs. You will also have the freedom to install the equipment on your own terms and at your leisure.
Costs and Contracts
With both Nest and Arlo, you can expect to pay considerably more than you would with more affordable home security equipment like SimpliSafe or Ring. Thankfully, as mentioned, there are no contracts. Just shell out for the initial investment for your camera equipment and you’re good to go.
Nest’s cameras start at $129 for the Nest Cam Indoor and range upwards of $399 for the Nest Cam IQ Outdoor. This isn’t cheap, but keep in mind that the IQ cams come with advanced AI-powered facial recognition and other top features. Here are the latest prices and packages for Nest Cameras.
Nest Cam Costs
| Ring Camera | Power Source | Equipment Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Spotlight Cam Battery | Battery | $149.00 |
| Spotlight Cam Wired | Hardwired | $249.00 |
| Spotlight Cam Solar | Solar | $229.00 |
| Floodlight Cam | Wired | $249.00 |
| Stick Up Cam Battery | Battery | $79.99 |
| Stick Up Cam Plug-in | Wired | $79.99 |
| Stick Up Cam Solar | Solar Panel | $148.99 |
| Indoor Cam | Wired | $59.99 |
| Stick Up Cam Elite (2nd Edition) | Power over Ethernet (PoE) | $199.99 |
Arlo really isn’t any cheaper. You can spend up to $400 on a single Arlo camera, too. That said, similar to the Nest Cam IQ, you’ll get 1080p HD video quality with a 4K sensor, along with night vision, two-way talk, and even facial recognition on some cameras. Here’s a rundown of Arlo’s packages and pricing.
Arlo Camera Costs
| Arlo Model | Price | Video Quality | Field of View | Siren |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arlo Essential | $129.99 – $349.99 | 1080p HD | 130° | Built-in |
| Arlo Pro 2 | $179.99 – $529.99 | 1080p HD | 130° | In-base |
| Arlo Pro 3 | $499.99 – $649.99 | 2K HDR | 160° | Built-in |
| Arlo Ultra | $399.99 – $799.99 | 4K | 180° | Built-in |
Did You Know? The Arlo Ultra has built-in theft deterrent features like a siren. Coupled with 180-degree field of view and 4K video quality, this camera is built for fending off burglars and porch-pirates.
Choosing the Best to Fit Your Needs
Hopefully this comparison between Arlo and Nest home security systems has given you better insight as to which system will best fit your home security needs. Even with all of the information available, however, it can still seem overwhelming to decide on a system.
Nest IQ Indoor Equipment
If you are still struggling to choose the best home security system, try making a simple checklist. The first list that you should make will include the expectations that you have for your new home security system as well as any features and functions that you hope to have. Next, do some research to find which camera system seems to ‘check the boxes’. You should also ask yourself how much you’re willing to pay upfront. It’s important to have home protection, but not at the risk of going broke.
With that said, it’s best not to settle when choosing your home security system. When it comes to the safety and protection of your home, you might regret purchasing something that does not adequately provide the protection you need (and deserve!). Thankfully, both Arlo and Nest are more than up to the task of protecting your home and family. They’ll both do the job… in style.
Arlo vs Nest – Final Words
Whether you are renting a space or own your own home, both Arlo and Nest home security cameras offer the best technology for home monitoring without any contractual obligation. Of course, keeping in mind your ability to navigate DIY camera installation is important, but both of these security company providers have taken the time to dial-in their simple setup process. It couldn’t be easier.
Now, after having tested both camera systems, we’re a bit partial to Nest. We like the Google Home compatibility that Nest offers, and the Nest Cam IQ is probably the most feature-rich camera we’ve ever used. Also, you’ll get a two-year warranty with Nest, opposed to Arlo’s one-year warranty. But if we’re being honest, you really can’t go wrong either way. We think both camera options will go the distance when it comes to protecting your castle. Just be sure to bring your pocketbook or purse — you’ll need it.
