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If you’re looking for a video doorbell that can reliably distinguish between people, animals, and other objects, the Google Nest Doorbell might be worth a look, especially with the current sale price of $99.99 (down from $179.99). This wireless model comes with a built-in rechargeable battery that reportedly lasts up to two and a half months on a single charge and stores up to an hour of recorded events if there’s a power outage and your wifi goes down. That said, to hear a chime, you’ll need to pair it with a Nest Mini (sold separately, which will add to your cost)—or you have the option to wire it to your existing doorbell.
The Nest Doorbell has a 145-degree field of view and records HD video in a vertical 3:4 aspect ratio, giving you a top-to-bottom view of everything at your door—even at night, with up to 10 feet of night vision supported by four infrared LEDs, as noted in this PCMag review. You can use its two-way audio to talk to visitors or select a quick response from its preset menu. It automatically starts recording when motion is detected or the button is pressed, and these recordings are stored in the cloud for free, though only for three hours. If you want a longer video history, you’ll need a Nest Aware subscription ($12/month), which also sends you Familiar Face alerts when it recognizes someone from your library.
This device doesn’t work with Apple HomeKit or other smart home systems, relying solely on the Google Home app (and Google Assistant for voice commands). If you’re after broader compatibility across different platforms, the Arlo Essential Video Doorbell might be a better option, and it’s also more affordable at $76.44.
