In the search for the best security system, we have come across Ring and Nest, the two most prominent names in the industry. In this article, we review the features, specifications, pros, and cons of both systems to cover every consideration you need to make before deciding on which to purchase.
Google or Amazon?
The technology behind Nest and Ring are two of the biggest tech companies leading the industry today. Google bought Nest for $3.2 billion back in 2014, while Amazon acquired Ring in 2018 for more than $1 billion.
Through their different technologies, both Nest and Ring have their ecosystems that each have separate compatibilities. All Nest products are tightly incorporated into the Google Home app and can be partnered with Google Assistant. On the other hand, Ring products are closely integrated with Amazon Echo speakers and can be used with Alexa.
And while they have their own set of features, users can incorporate the two different products with their apps. For example, you can pair a Nest Cam and ask Alexa to display real-time video feed into your Amazon Echo Show. Similarly, you can also pair a Nest Learning Thermostat with Alexa to control your HVAC system with your voice commands. However, Alexa isn’t able to arm your Nest Secure home security system on command.
At this point, more products can interact with Amazon Alexa compared Google Assistant, since Amazon was the first to offer its technology with other companies. However, Google is not far behind and has been working rapidly to make their connections to make their systems friendlier with available products.
Nest at a Glance
Nest differs from most home security systems available in the market because it was built with intuitive home automation options. It has been designed with your home in mind so that it completely complements your decor while being packed with intelligent features.
Key Features
Wireless Equipment
Wireless & Cellular Monitoring
Wi-Fi and 3G Cell Alerts
DIY Installation
Intrusion Protection
Home Automation
Environmental Protection
The Nest Guard has been integrated with a motion sensor, keypad, alarm, and a hub into an all-in-one streamlined device. It also pairs well with other smart home devices such as the Nest Hello Doorbell, which works with Google Home to make announcements whenever someone is at the door. Nest is also capable of providing a reliable power backup in case of internet or electricity failure.
Ring at a Glance
Ring is more than just a home security system, as it offers a comprehensive solution to all your needs, which can be installed in just minutes. Without the need for a plan, you can use Ring to monitor your home for free, and you have the option to pay for 24/7 home monitoring if you need. Professional home monitoring starts at only $3 per month, so protecting your home has never been more affordable.
Key Features
Wireless & Cellular Monitoring
Wi-Fi and 3G Cell Alerts
DIY Installation
Home Automation
Intrusion Protection
Environmental Protection
Low Monitoring Fees
An app that Ring offers which can’t be found anywhere else in the market is the Neighbors app, which serves as a neighborhood watch service that lets neighbors view real-time crime and safety alerts from others that have Ring equipment. This unique feature not only keeps entire neighborhoods safe but also opens the possibility of safer communities.
Features and Functions
The most distinctive features between Nest and Ring is how video is streamed and stored from their respective company’s cameras and the amount you pay for these services.
For Nest, their cameras stream video continuously and save everything for the whole subscription time you have with them. This is an advantage because it allows users to get a record of everything that the camera catches, whether its motion detectors were triggered or not. Nest also offers excellent tools for skimming through footage to find specific things that you’re looking for.
However, if you’re not subscribed to Nest Aware, then the Nest cameras will only stream video while you’re watching it live via a tablet, smartphone, or computer. Another disadvantage is how the Nest Cam can eat up hundreds of gigabytes of data per month, so be aware of your usage if you’re on a data cap.
On the other hand, Ring also requires a subscription to have it record and upload video, but it only does so when motion is detected. With this arrangement, the advantage is that Ring demands less from your home internet connection.
Pricing
While there isn’t much of a difference between the price tag on Nest and Ring, the gap gets wider as you order more add-ons that come with the systems. Both products come with optional subscription services, but both Nest and Ring are much less productive without them.
Ring has a standard charge of $3 per month to store videos from its home security cameras, while Nest charges its subscribers $5 per month for its Nest Aware services.
These fees also go higher with the more additions that you make. For instance, Ring’s price goes up to $6 per month to use two cameras and $9 for three. For another $10 per month, you can get support for all your cameras, along with professional monitoring for a Ring Alarm system if you signed up for one.
Nest Aware charges $5 for using one camera, and then users need to pay an additional $3 for each subsequent camera you have installed. And while you get more cloud storage with this service, it’s important to note that professional monitoring with Nest Secure can be quite pricey. It costs $19 per month if you sign up for a 3-year contract, or you can opt to pay monthly that you can cancel at any time but will cost you $29 each month.
Putting these costs aside, and considering other options that both companies offer, there are different packages you can look at when wanting to get your home protected. A professionally monitored Ring Alarm security system with three cameras and one video doorbell cost $10 each month. Similar services from the Nest Secure system be around $33 or $43 per month, so that’s quite a difference in pricing.
System Expansion Options
Nest is equipped with its thermostat and smoke/carbon monoxide alarm which is used separately or can be integrated into its Nest Secure system. Ring also employs a certified smoke/CO detector from First Alert in its Ring Alarm security system.
Also, Ring has also announced a smoke and CO listener, which is designed to send an alert when your home’s existing carbon-monoxide detectors are triggered. They also plan to introduce a flood and freeze sensor to alert you of water presence where there shouldn’t be and to warn you of freezing temperatures, which may lead to a burst pipe.
On the downside, Nest Secure doesn’t support smart lighting, so you can’t incorporate it into smart features of your home, and it won’t be able to turn on a smart bulb whenever a motion door or window is tripped. However, you can link the motion sensor in a Nest Cam to turn on lights of smart products from LIFX, Lutron Caseta, and Philips Hue.
The Ring Alarm hub is fitted with Z-Wave and ZigBee radios. However, they’re currently dormant, and there’s no way to pair smart lighting with the Ring Alarm system.
Finally, the Nest x Yale smart lock is fully integrable into a Nest Secure system, which means you can automatically disarm the security system when you unlock the door using the keypad. Meanwhile, the Ring app is compatible with many smart locks such as Kisi, LockState, Kevo, and Lockitron, but this functionality doesn’t allow for the disarming of a Ring Alarm system.
The bottom line
One might wonder, which is the better home security system: Nest or Ring? Through the head to head comparisons shown here, we can honestly say that Ring is the better choice. Not only does it give the best value for money, but it also beats Nest on every possible category to consider when wanting to buy a product that will protect your home.
Alexa can pair with more products compared to Google Assistant and remains true to this day. Whenever Google decides to catch up is up to them, but right now, Alexa is the home assistant to look for. Ring also provides a home security solution that will show you only the crucial parts captured when motion is detected so that it won’t eat up all your data.
Ring will also cost you substantially less compared to Nest when signing up for their services and additional equipment, which means you get more protection at home for less. With regards to the system options, you aren’t missing out on much if you opt for Ring since it provides just as many additional functions as Nest.
But should you want the best of both worlds, then there’s no need to fret, as you can pair your Nest devices with Alexa to assume control of the essential things you need to see. All in all, you get the value for money you deserve with Ring.
*Image credit goes to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4veUTAlaZ4