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Ring vs Nest vs Arlo, which security camera is the best for my home? Which is smarter and safer for homeowners? And which blends a perfect operational efficiency and enhanced user experience for someone like me who is not tech whizz?
Well, these are some questions that should pop up if you are ready to smarten your home. The trio is some of the best brands that you should consider if you want to enter the futuristic times that our forefathers promised.
Of course, it’s already here with us. So, you need to first forget about the Terrafugia TF-X and other future concept systems you heard of, for now.
Comparison table
Ring, Nest, and Arlo already have something tangible. As top home automation companies, they have been helping homeowners to manage their home safety while at the same time reducing energy consumption and entertaining.
Since they’re all in the rush to build their customer base, though, their way of operating is different. Hence, you should take that advantage to make sure what you pick is a system that serves your need perfectly and satisfactorily.
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An Overview on Ring, Nest, and Arlo Technologies Company
Nest
Compared with the other three, Nest is the oldest as an individual company. Originally Nest Labs, the home automation company debuted in 2010 through the efforts of its cofounders Tony Fadell and Matt Rogers.
Fadell was the inventor who fathered iPod that featured portable video games and music player [which was undoubtedly cool at the time]. So, even with Nest Labs, he was hoping to help the homeowners solve their common problems using an easier and more efficient way.
This was proved in Nest’s first three years of operations, whereby it focused on creating safety systems. It launched a high-end Learning Thermostat to control the temperature and a Smoke Detector that can alert you of even the slow, smoldering fires.
In 2014, Google Company acquired the automation brand. Despite the new owners, though, Nest still functioned independently but now it was able to expand its operations. The company acquired Dropcam, which opened the way for them to deliver home security solutions to its clients.
By 2018, both co-founders of the Nest Labs had existed and Google took total control of its operation. It rebranded its daughter to Google Nest and transferred all the products to Google Store, Connected home category.
Ring Inc.
While it began serving its customers in 2013, Ring Inc. debuted in 2011 through its founder Jamie Siminolf and his four engineers. At the time, the tech entrepreneur and his skeleton crew didn’t even have enough funds or a standard place they could use. So, they turned a home garage into their workshop.
Through their undying determination and innovativeness, the team was finally able to create the ring video doorbell. And just as its inventor has foreseen, the Doorbot [at it was called then] was “cool and important]. The homeowners can now answer their front door from anywhere using their smart devices, like a smartphone.
For the year that followed, Ring continued perfecting the new-gen’ doorbell but in 2015, they opted to give their consumers more. They released their first “stick-Up Cam” that delivers both video and audio recording.
Since 2018, Ring Smart Home Company has been a subsidiary of Amazon, where it offers DIY security systems for suburban homes and apartments.
Arlo Technologies
On its end, Arlo technologies began its operations in 2014. It started as a division of Netgear Inc that will be providing security and video monitoring solutions to homeowners. During the very first year of its debut, Arlo introduced their first product that made history for the first 100% wire-free High-Definition security camera.
In less than a year, Arlo had shipped over 100,000 pieces of these monitoring devices, meaning the product was in high demand. Needless to say, the CCTV delivered quality 720p HD images, which was quite a superior resolution at the time.
For the fact that the camera was battery powered and transmitted footage by Wi-Fi, the users believed the camera had everything they needed.
By 2018, Arlo security camera company had a notable position in the video surveillance industry. They had already created two other variants of the original camera, plus several other products line, including Arlo Q.
At that same time [2018], Arlo technologies break loose from the Netgear and became a brand of its own. The move was to allow it to compete with other giants in the video surveillance industry, including Ring and Nest.
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Comparing the Features and Capabilities of Ring, Nest, and Arlo Security Camera System
Design
As we have said over and over, the design is almost everything of a surveillance camera. It can determine where, how, and what to install with.
Between Ring vs Nest vs Arlo, the latter is the only versatile brand when it comes to design. So far, Arlo has its surveillance cams in four different sleek stylings. Amongst the four, there is the Bunny-like model which primarily is to help keep an eye on your baby while doing other chores.
Whether you want to monitor inside or outside your compound, these three brands have several versions of weatherproof cams. As such, you don’t have to worry about installing in the open compounds.
Image Quality
For this one now, Arlo and Nest are the only with might since they have already introduced 4K UltraHD resolutions. With a 4K sensor, it means the footage you get is bright, plus with vivid details and clarity. The high resolution allows you to even zoom distant objects [up to 60 feet] and still capture their essential details.
As for the Ring Cameras, the highest resolution in the market is 1080p HD, which is also clear but 4times lower than 4K quality.
However, all the three surveillance cams have used the advanced HDR [high dynamic range] technology to balance the image quality in different contrasts. They also come with infrared night vision to allow optimal visibility in darkness.
Nonetheless, every camera comes with its individual properties. So, how clear the captured image is will depend on the camera you’re using. By the way, Arlo has a model [Arlo Pro 3 cam] that delivers even color night vision for clearer images in darkness.
Audio Functions
Although audio surveillance is not always legal, security cameras that support the function can be very useful. You can collect credible evidence that can lead to faster capturing of the intruders and the recovery of your lost items.
Fortunately, there is no much difference when comparing Ring vs Nest vs Arlo for audio function. They all support the feature but in different ways.
Some of the systems come with one-directional audio to capture footage with sound. And others have the two-way audio that can record sound and also allow a smooth two-way talk as with a walkie-talkie.
With the two-way audio, you can even scare away the potential burglar using the speaker built into the camera. Thereby, having a chance to stop a crime before it happens.
Extra Analytics
Audio and video analytics are two crucial functions that you ought not to ignore. They help enhance your user experience while at the same time heightening your security measures.
For the video analytics, there is the motion detection function that is in [almost] every security camera nowadays. Arlo and Nest, nonetheless, have gone beyond that and introduced person alerts and [familiar] face detection.
The duo has even incorporated audio analytics that allows the respective cameras to detect specific sounds and send alerts. In simple words, it means you can still know of an ongoing criminal activity even when the camera’s lens is not showing anything.
As for the Ring Company, there were speculations they will add facial recognition technology into their security cams. At the time of writing this article, though, Amazon’s sub-brand has not yet launched the technology, but we hope they will soon.
Storage
With a surveillance camera, it’s not every time you will have your viewing screen at hand. As such, it’s usually best you pick a surveillance device that supports live streaming and also has the playback function.
Sadly, Ring, Nest, and Arlo cameras [except pro 3] don’t come with a slot of a microSD card. They all have the cloud storage that saves your recordings online. Of course, this is nice as you can remotely playback past activity from anywhere. But it also means you won’t have video recordings in case the internet is down.
With the cloud storage, Arlo charges about $ 4.99/ mo for a single camera and 14.99/ mo if you have 5 cameras. If you have a thin wallet, the brand also has a free 7-day cloud storage plan that allows you to playback and also downloads the recorded footage.
Also, Nest does have a limited free cloud storage plan that records motion and audio-activated snapshots of up to 3 hours in the past. Its renewable Nest Aware subscription starts from as low as $6/ month for the activity video history of all cameras.
On its end, Amazon’s Ring cam doesn’t have free cloud storage. For you to continue using the playback function, you, therefore, have to pay $3/mo for each camera that you have. Or else, choose the Protect plan that costs around $10/ mo for an unlimited number of cameras.
A Comparison Table between Ring vs Nest vs Arlo Security Cameras
| Facts | Ring | Nest |
| Company Founded | 2011 | 2010 |
| Image Quality | Up to 1080p HD | Up to 4K UltraHD |
| Night Vision | Yes [Black and White] |
Yes [Black and White] |
| Audio Functions | Yes [two-way talk] |
Yes [two-way talk] |
| Sound Detection | No | Yes |
| Video Analytics | Motion detection | Motion detection Familiar face recognition Person detection |
| Continuous Video Recording | Yes [with Active Protect Plan] |
Yes [With Nest Aware] |
| Local Storage | No | No |
| Free Cloud Storage | No | Yes [up to 3 hours] |
| Power Option | Battery Solar Wired |
Only wired |
| Hands-free Control | Yes [supports Alexa, ] |
Yes [supports Google Assistant, |
Nest vs Arlo
| Facts | Nest | Arlo |
| Company Founded | 2010 | 2014 |
| Image Quality | Up to 4K UltraHD | Up to 4k UltraHD |
| Night Vision | Yes [Black and White] |
Yes [colored, Black and White] |
| Audio Functions | Yes [two-way talk] |
Yes [Two-way talk] |
| Sound Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Video Analytics | Motion detection Familiar face recognition Person detection |
Motion detection Person detection |
| Continuous Video Recording | Yes [With Nest Aware] |
Yes [with AC power plug-in] |
| Local Storage | No | Yes [for Arlo Ultra] |
| Free Cloud Storage | Yes [up to 3 hours] |
Yes [up to 7 days] |
| Power Option | Only wired | Battery Wired |
| Hands-free Control | Yes [supports Google Assistant, |
Yes [Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit] |
Arlo vs Ring
| Facts | Arlo | Ring |
| Company Founded | 2014 | 2011 |
| Image Quality | Up to 4k UltraHD | Up to 1080p HD |
| Night Vision | Yes [colored, Black and White] |
Yes [Black and White] |
| Audio Functions | Yes [Two-way talk] |
Yes [two-way talk] |
| Sound Detection | Yes | No |
| Video Analytics | Motion detection | Person detection Motion detection |
| Continuous Video Recording | Yes [with AC power plug-in] |
Yes [with Active Protect Plan] |
| Local Storage | Yes [for Arlo Ultra] |
No |
| Free Cloud Storage | Yes [up to 7 days] |
No |
| Power Option | Battery Wired |
Battery Solar Wired |
| Hands-free Control | Yes [Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit] |
Yes [supports Alexa, ] |
Now that you know what differentiates Ring vs Nest vs Arlo from each other, here are some of their top systems to check out.
Ring Spotlight Cam Wired HD Surveillance Camera
- Connect your Ring camera with Alexa then enable announcements to be alerted when motion is detected....
- Lets you see, hear and speak to visitors from your phone, tablet and PC.
Overall, this is the best CCTV on our list. Not because it has a 5-star rating but due to its packed features. It has a modest design, with a sturdy weatherproof casing to enable outdoor use without damage.
The surveillance cam has a wide field of vision and a 1080p HD sensor to record crystal images while covering a large space. Still, it has a superior infrared night vision that ensures your nighttime recordings are as clear as during the day.
This function works alongside an integrated LED light that lights up to a brightness of 375 lumens. The LEDs only light when the built-in sensor detects movement. Hence, it works as a deterrence while at the same time promoting clearer recording in the darkness.
If the movements were from an unknown visitor, you can use the built-in two-way audio to communicate before opening the door.
Key Features:
- It allows you to monitor your properties in sharp, crystal videos
- Features a superior night vision
- Has a built-in spotlight and siren to scare away the burglar
- Supports Alexa for hands-free control
- Comes with a built-in mic and speaker to record audio and enable two-way talk
- Features an advanced, customizable motion detection
- It can send motion-activated alerts to your smart device or PC
- The wireless camera has a DIY installation to enhance cost-effectiveness.
What we don’t like about it:
The only thing we don’t like about this cam is by the fact it doesn’t have the means to record locally. It can only record to the Ring cloud, which can be inconvenient when the internet is down.
Arlo Pro 3 Wire-Free Security Camera System
- Zoom in to see sharp details - See and record video in 2K with HDR for a clearer, undistorted...
- See colorful at night - See features like faces or license plates in full color, even at night, with...
This is a great alternative piece that you can use inside or outside in an open environment. It has a superior image sensor that delivers crisp 2k videos, with vivid details and clarity. With such a high resolution, it means you can even zoom distant objects and still see them.
If it’s at nighttime, the surveillance cam offers both infrared and colored night vision. The colored option is enhanced by the integrated spotlight that lights up when the sensor detects movements.
Coming to the setup, this surveillance camera runs on batteries and transmits the footage via Wi-Fi.
As such, the entire installation is quick and effortless since you don’t need to do any cabling.
Key Features:
- It has a 4MP image sensor that delivers quality images, rich in details
- Features the advanced HDR technology to balance image color in dark and high contrast backgrounds
- Supports colored night vision for clearer images in darkness
- Has a 160° super-wide field of vision
- Includes two-way audio and an intelligent spotlight to deter crime
- Allows you to customize the motion detection to your most important areas
- It comes with a magnetic mount to enable straightforward installation
- The wireless camera has a robust, weatherproof construction to support outdoor use.
What we don’t like about:
After the first activation, the Arlo Pro 3 offers you a free 3-month cloud recording. After that, you’ll have to subscribe to a renewable plan. It doesn’t have an efficient local recording means or even the 7-day free cloud plan like the presiding Arlo cameras.
Google Nest IQ 4100US Outdoor Security Camera
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Before it’s on the wall ad working, this Nest cam look so ordinary in its white shell. Upon installing, however, it changes one’s imagination into fidelity, starting with what seemed “simple” design.
After powering the cam, you’ll notice the stunning LED ring [surrounding the lens], which now lights up blue to imply it’s on. Once you complete the quick and easy setup with the free Nest app, you’ll now start viewing your home in 4k quality.
The resolution is not as clear as the “TRUE” 4K UltraHD, for sure. But it’s sharper and with richer details than 1080p and 2k super HD. As such, you can even zoom the objects at a distance without drastically lowering their image quality.
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For even better, the cam has advanced motion detection that includes a close-up tracking view and recognition of familiar faces. As for the motion tracking, the camera lens can detect the person in motion, then follows him or her till out of sight.
Key Features:
- It features a superior sensor and HDR technology to record sharp and clearer images
- Has an extra-wide field of vision to cover a broader area
- Includes an excellent infrared night vision
- Can record audio and also support two-way talk
- Has advanced motion detection and familiar face recognition
- The wireless cam can rotate up to 360 degrees in its axle for higher efficiency.
What we don’t like about it:
Although it’s a spectacular surveillance cam, the Nest product doesn’t support Google Assistant or Alexa. This means no hands-free control or the advantage of multitasking.
Arlo Pro Wireless Home Security Camera
- Works with Alexa for voice control (Alexa device sold separately)
- 100 percent Wire free : Free of power cords and wiring hassles
This is another alternative that is 100% wire-free: running on batteries and transmits files over a wireless network. With one of them, you can mount at any location, including even areas inaccessible to the wired power.
The camera has a 720p HD image resolution, which is quite lower, but still dependable, of course. Its viewing angle is 110-degree wide, meaning you can view your compound with minimal blind spots.
For the nights, the surveillance system does have high-performance infrared LEDs that support visibility up to 20 feet. In the event of a potential burglary, the cam has a smart siren that can help disrupt whatever is about to happen.
If not the siren, you can use the included 2-way audio to hear what the uninvited guest has to say. The audio function is also useful in the recordings since you’ll get to receive video footage that you can listen to.
Key Features:
- It delivers a 720p resolution, which is enough for general-purpose surveillance
- Allows you to monitor a large area of your compound
- Has an excellent 2-way talk
- Features free short-term cloud storage and backup local storage [with USB drive]
- Includes a smart siren to scare away intruders before the crime
- Supports voice control with Alexa and Google Assistant
- The camera is 100% wire-free. Hence, effortless to install and setup.
What we don’t like about it:
The video surveillance system is good but its technical support team is terrible. Some customers have reported making contact several times but with no avail.
Google Nest Cam Outdoor {NC2100ES}
- 24/7 live video: 130 Degree view shows your home in 1080P HD day and night
- Weatherproof: Camera cable and adapter are all weatherproof
For this one, you get to enjoy crystal-clear images of up to 1080p HD quality during the daytime. The camera even allows you to zoom the distant objects up to 8x, which of course won’t affect your image quality.
In case it’s during the night, you get to receive black and white pictures but which are clear enough to distinguish your pooch from Coyote. The function relies on the eight fitted infrared LEDs that can enhance visibility up to 30 feet [or more] in well-lit environments.
To make it even more promising, the wireless cam has a smart motion detection that includes setting activity zones. And also sending alerts when its lens detects a person within its view.
In case the sent alerts are from your kids, you can use the two-way audio to say hello. If the alarm is from a burglar, you can use the audio function to scare off the fella before breaking into your property.
Key Features:
- It delivers high-quality images that you can even zoom without drastically lowering the clarity
- Has a 130-degree wide field of vision to cover a larger space
- You can record audio and also enjoy a seamless two-way talk
- Allows you to set activity zone s of your most important areas
- Features magnetic installation, which is quick and super-easy
- The wifi camera is IP65 weatherproof to last long.
What we don’t like about it:
Just like other Nest cameras, this outdoor cam doesn’t have a local storage option. As such, you have to rely on the limited free cloud storage or upgrade to the paid Nest Aware plan.
Arlo Pro 2 Wireless Home Security Camera
- Zoom in to see sharp details - See and record video in 2K with HDR for a clearer, undistorted...
- See colorful at night - See features like faces or license plates in full color, even at night, with...
If the Arlo Pro doesn’t have the perfect resolution for your needs, this upgraded VMS4230P version can do the magic then. It records 1080p HD videos, which you can view up to 30 feet clearly and in detail.
The camera has a spectacular night vision and advanced motion detection that guarantees no movements ever go unnoticed. As for motion sensing, the system relies on a PIR sensor that can only detect humans, animals, and [sometimes] cars.
With the system, you can even set the activity zones to only receive motion/ sound alerts from specific zones. If alerts from an opportunistic burglar go off, you can use the included smart siren to scare him off.
In case the burglary succeeds, you still have a chance to playback the past recordings. This is so as the camera features free cloud storage that can keep an activity history of the past 7 days.
Even so, the free storage only offers sound or motion-activated videos that may be unreliable in some scenarios. Therefore, you will need to upgrade for the premium plan if you’re hoping to keep nonstop recordings in your cloud account.
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Key Features:
- It records crisp high dimension video and audio
- Allows you to set the activity zones of your most important areas
- Come s with a built-in siren to deter crime
- Has a smooth 2-way talk
- Gives you an option for wired or battery powering
- Has a free short-term cloud recording
- The surveillance cam does support hands-free control for higher efficiency.
Arlo Ultra VMS5240 4K Wire-Free Security Camera Kit
- UHD video quality - Zoom in to see sharp details with Arlo Ultra’s 4K & HDR advanced image quality...
- 180 Degree diagonal field of view - See more with a wider angle lens that has auto image correction...
For once, Arlo responded to the desires of their esteemed clients. The brand designed this one with everything to make your surveillance simpler but securer.
To begin with the basics, the camera claims to have a 4K resolution and HDR technology. This tells you can even zoom the distant objects and also get well-balanced image colors in areas with dark and high contrast.
Following its super high resolution, the wireless cam has a super-wide field of vision to cover wider scenes with high-quality images. Still, the system has an outstanding night vision that includes both colored, as well as black and white recording.
Furthermore, the Arlo cam has a smart motion detection that includes auto zoom and tracking that focuses the lens on the moving objects. The last product from nest vs ring vs Arlo security camera comparison.
Key Features:
- It delivers sharp and crystal images, with vivid details and clarity
- Has a 180° super-wide field of vision
- Features colored night vision for enhanced visibility in dark spaces
- Includes a micro SD card slot for local recording
- Has a built-in mic and speaker to enable two-way talk
- Supports control with simple word commands
- Features an intelligent motion detection, with auto zoom and tracking
- The wire-free security camera is fast and easy to install by yourself.
What we don’t like about it:
The product has had a few issues with its software. Its base station tends to take longer to sync with the cameras than with the other presiding Arlo versions. Also, the surveillance system can’t work with the base stations of its predecessors. Hence, you can’t use as an add-on camera.
FAQ
Okay, that depends on several things. It does depend on your preference, budget, and the features you’re looking for.
If your focus is on image clarity, for instance, Arlo supports up to 4k quality and has colored night vision. Ring, on the other hand, has up to 1080p HD [for now] and doesn’t have color night vision.
Similarly, that will depend on your individual taste and the features you’re looking for. For instance, Arlo does have better night vision and its free cloud storage is quite spectacular than its peers. On the other hand, the Nest has better video analytics. It offers person alerts and familiar face recognition.
Every security camera can be stolen, for sure. How you install it, nonetheless, can help prevent it or make it difficult to steal. For instance, you can mount at a high position that is not easy to access or else connect to the mount with a security chain. You can even use silicone skin that will decrease the cam’s visibility by blending it with your wall, ceiling, or nature.
In the majority of Arlo products, you have the advantage of free 7-day cloud storage. For your footage to remain longer in the servers or get the continuous recording, however, you’ll have to subscribe to the Smart Plan. The package plans are available differently, with the cheapest going for $2.99/ month and the highest $14.99/ month.
Mm… at some point it’s. If you’re hoping to get sharper images, the camera can come in handy. Also, the surveillance has a ready-to-use local storage option and a colored night vision for enhanced monitoring of the dark areas. Nonetheless, Arlo overvalued the product in the pricing and that’s why it flopped in the market.
Yes, you can but only with the security cams before Arlo Pro 3. These supported cameras come with free cloud storage that allows you to playback recording history up to 7 days.
Conclusion
While there are others we’ve left out, these are all the crucial details that differentiate Ring vs Nest vs Arlo from each other. The trio has various lines of surveillance cams that you can use to watch over your property anytime, anywhere.
Although all three are smart home systems, Nest has worn our highest glory following its fantastic A. I can detect a person and also recognize your daughter. Of course, the brand has had several drawbacks but its numerous positives have kept it glowing.
If you need a system that you can mount at any position, however, Arlo qualifies for that one using its wire-free products. The brand’s cameras [except the latest Pro 3] even come with free cloud storage that you can playback 7-day old history.
As such, you can view live streams and past activities that you might have missed. For sure, isn’t that amazing?
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