The Google Nest Cam (Battery) - 2nd Generation is pretty versatile since you can use it both inside and outside your home. It's battery-powered, so you don't have to worry about placing it near an outlet, giving you more flexibility. But let's get into how it stacks up against other security cameras based on our research.
Key Features and Performance
The Google Nest Cam offers a 1080p video resolution with a 130-degree field of view, which means you get clear footage and a wide view of your surroundings. It also has night vision, so you can keep an eye on things even in the dark. Plus, the two-way audio lets you talk to visitors or delivery folks remotely.
These features are pretty standard for high-end cameras, but how it performs in real life can vary. According to our research, people generally like the video quality and the two-way audio feature for communication.
Battery Life and Connectivity
However, battery life and Wi-Fi connectivity can be hit or miss. The manufacturer says battery life will depend on your settings and usage. But if there's a lot of activity or motion alerts, you might need to recharge it every couple of weeks, which can be a hassle. Other cameras sometimes offer longer battery life or wired options for continuous power.
Connectivity is another thing to think about. If the camera is far from your router, you might experience unstable Wi-Fi, leading to missed alerts or delayed notifications. Some other models offer dual-band Wi-Fi for better coverage over larger areas.
App Functionality and Subscription Costs
The camera now works with the Google Home app instead of the old Nest app, and feedback has been mixed. The setup is straightforward, but the new app doesn't have all the features the old one did, especially when it comes to viewing historical footage.
Without a subscription, you only get three hours of event storage, which might not be enough if something big happens outside that window. To get continuous recording and extra features, you'll need a Nest Aware subscription, which means extra cost.
Conclusion
In the end, the Google Nest Cam (Battery) has some great things going for it, like excellent video quality, a flexible wireless setup, and smart home integration if you're already using other Google products.
But there are some downsides to consider. The battery life could be better, and the new app might not meet everyone's needs unless you're okay with paying for extra storage and features.
If ease of use and a subscription for enhanced features sound good to you, the Google Nest Cam is a solid choice. But if you want a camera with better free features and longer battery life, you might want to check out other options.
