A video doorbell is a perfect security accessory or gift to watch your front door, porch, driveway and all around your place. Whether you're traveling, waiting for a package delivery, hosting family and friends -- or just want a gift for someone -- this Google Nest Doorbell is one of my favorite devices in home security. After reviewing a dozen doorbell models, I still use a version of it myself.
With Black Friday and Cyber Monday now here, retailers left and right are slashing prices, including Amazon. And right now, Amazon has cut the price of this doorbell almost in half. Both the wired and wireless options in all colors is now discounted to just $100. Considering the doorbell usually goes for $180, saving $80 is pretty impressive. Grab yours while the sale lasts. For more, here are the best home security systems and the best Black Friday deals under $50.
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Nest wins for object detection
A view through Nest Doorbell via the Google Home app (blurred for privacy).
My testing of video doorbells unveiled two very important qualities of the Nest doorbell. First is its AI-powered object detection. Most doorbells have them and many even offer them for free like Nest does. But I found Nest's doorbell recognition abilities to be especially accurate, able to recognize people and packages flawlessly while avoiding triggers from vehicles (you can also set motion zones to ignore passersby, etc.).
Now those AI recognition qualities are getting even better as Google incorporates its Gemini AI into Google Home. That now allows me (in the beta program, at least) to ask specific questions about when the trash was taken out, as well as getting AI descriptions of exactly what happened to trigger an event if I want them. Those are fascinating features if you're willing to pay for a Nest Aware subscription.
Nest doorbell video storage and features
Google's Nest Doorbells are effective, easy to install and don't nickel-and-dime you like some doorbells do.
I also love how Nest handles cloud video storage. I get 3 free hours of storage without needing a subscription before the video expires. That's unusual in the doorbell world and gives me plenty of time to check on an event even if I can't get to the live view right away. That makes this doorbell a solid pick for those who want to avoid monthly fees altogether.
Nest cams continue to get new features, including Google Home for the web that allows you to view the cameras through any online device. It's also tough enough to work in all kinds of weather. The doorbell isn't completely perfect -- the resolution is a bit low, for example, and I wish Nest would release a third-gen model -- but it's my preferred front door device so far.
Technical specs for the Google Nest Doorbell
- Dimensions: 0.95 x 1.8 x 6.3 inches
- Weight: 7.3 ounces
- Video resolution: 960x1280 pixels
- Video format: H.264
- Video frame rate: 30 fps
- Field of view: 145 degrees
Battery powered vs. wired connection
Many battery doorbells, this Nest Doorbell included, are available in both wired and battery forms, with the battery model usually costing a little bit more. In this case, it's no contest: I highly recommend getting a battery doorbell whenever possible. While wiring a doorbell in is usually easy (and gives you access to the built-in chime), a battery model allows you to adjust height and placement so you get the exact view you want.
Video doorbells usually need to be placed right beside the door, around 4 feet up. Not all doorbell wiring allows for this (my house doorbell certainly doesn't). Also the Nest Doorbell comes with an angled attachment you can use to point the doorbell away from nearby walls so it covers more of the action.
Will this Nest video doorbell camera gobeon sale during Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
Google's Home app makes managing the Nest Doorbell easy, especially if you have other Home devices.
Yes. It's already on sale, with one of the lowest prices we've seen for a Nest doorbell. That deal will likely extend throughout the Black Friday weekend to Cyber Monday, so you can keep checking it as long as supplies last. If the doorbell does go out of stock, there's a similar wired model you may be able to purchase as well. Keep track of the latest at our Black Friday and Cyber Monday pages.
Some of the models vary in prices slightly (we're talking pennies), so here's the breakdown:
Nest Doorbell - Battery
Nest Doorbell - Wired
For more home security savings, don't forget to review our best home security deals and stop by our guide to the best video doorbell cameras of 2024. We can also recommend whole home security systems on a budget. And don't forget to check out more early Black Friday deals at Amazon.
Also, check out all our great Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals to shop this holiday season.