TLDR Review: Nest Cam Outdoor/Indoor 2nd Gen
Verdict
This Google Nest Cam Outdoor or Indoor 2nd Gen offers solid 1080p video performance, flexible wireless installation, and smart detection features, making it suitable for those already invested in Google's smart home ecosystem. However, its limited local storage, somewhat clunky app interface, and higher price—especially with subscription fees—may push some users to consider more affordable or feature-rich alternatives like Arlo. If you need a truly seamless, reliable security camera with minimal fuss, this device checks many boxes, but if detailed video or extensive footage storage are priorities, it’s worth exploring other options.
- Top pro:
- Fully wireless, battery-powered design offers flexible indoor and outdoor placement without constant power dependency
- Top con:
- Video resolution, while decent, is behind some competitors like Arlo, and detail can be lacking for distant objects or zoomed-in views
Pros
- •Fully wireless, battery-powered design offers flexible indoor and outdoor placement without constant power dependency
- •Crisp 1080p video with good color accuracy and a wide 130° field of view, suitable for most security needs
- •Smart detection for people, vehicles, animals, and packages reduces false alarms and unnecessary notifications
- •Local storage records up to an hour of event footage during Wi-Fi outages, ensuring footage isn’t immediately lost
- •Easy installation with magnetic mount and screws, making setup quick and straightforward
- •Strong infrared night vision provides clear images in low light, with decent shadow balancing via HDR
- •Seamless integration with Google Home ecosystem allows for automation and voice control
- •Two-way audio functions well, enabling clear communication with visitors or intruders
- •Advanced machine learning features improve facial and object detection, especially beneficial for privacy setups
- •No app advertisements, providing a clutter-free user experience
Cons
- •Video resolution, while decent, is behind some competitors like Arlo, and detail can be lacking for distant objects or zoomed-in views
- •Limited event storage—only 3 hours of clips with a subscription or 1 hour local during outages—may not suit users needing extensive footage history
- •Notifications and live view can experience delays, particularly when running on battery power on Apple devices
- •Interface for reviewing footage is clunky, involving extensive swiping and lacking features like motion snapshots for quick review
- •Limited compatibility outside Google ecosystem—no Alexa support or IFTTT integration
- •Magnetic mount, while convenient, poses a theft risk if not secured properly, especially since the included power cable is short
- •High price point and premium features often require a paid subscription for full functionality
- •Video quality may struggle in shadowed or complex lighting conditions, and HDR, while helpful, isn’t perfect
- •App management and advanced features can be hard to find or access, making the user experience less intuitive
- •Optional accessories like floodlights are costly but enhance outdoor security
We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. How ShopSavvy makes money
How we researched this
About this review: it summarizes the professional reviews and customer ratings ShopSavvy collected for this product, alongside prices from ShopSavvy's price data.
📚More About Nest Cam Outdoor/Indoor 2nd Gen
Download ShopSavvy App
Compare prices across tens of thousands of stores, set price alerts, watch for deals by keyword, and much more.
Install ShopSavvy Browser Extension
Compare and track prices automatically while you shop online at thousands of websites.
