Nest VS Ring
Ring and Nest are popular providers in the DIY home security space. Compare their features to find the best solution for your home.
Ring vs. Nest Overview
Ring and Nest are DIY home security options for customers who want to self-install their home security systems. While Ring is more affordable and offers a variety of smart lighting and camera equipment, Nest is great if customers are seeking features like optional professional installation, 24/7 continuous video recording, and smart home products like smart thermostats or smart locks. See what these two providers have to offer to help you protect your home.
Compare Ring vs. Nest
Price
Ring wins our round for pricing since Ring’s services is less expensive than Nest’s. You can purchase the 5-piece Alarm Security Kit for $199, and that includes the base station, keypad, a motion detector, contact sensor and range extender. The cost of professional monitoring is $10.00/mo. if you choose to pay monthly and $100.00/yr. if you choose to pay annually. Ring would be the better option if you’re on a budget.
You could get the Nest Secure Package for $399 and professional monitoring for $19.00/mo. with a 3-year contract. If you’re not wanting to enter into a contract, Nest gives you the option to pay $29.00/mo. for professional monitoring on a month-to-month basis.
Installation Options
With Nest, you can install your security system on your own if you’re comfortable. A DIY installation gives you more flexibility with the placement of equipment in your home. You’re also able to avoid paying an installation fee. But, if you’re not comfortable with a DIY installation, Nest gives you the option to hire a Nest Pro who will make sure that your equipment is properly installed and ready to use.
Ring allows you to self-install your home security system, but you do not have the option of hiring a professional if you need assistance.
Indoor/Outdoor Security Cameras
Both providers win this round as each offers indoor and outdoor security cameras. With an indoor security camera, you’ll be able to keep an eye on activity in your home, and an outdoor security camera will allow you to monitor activity on your property.
With Ring, the Stick Up Cam comes wired or battery-powered and features HD video, night vision and two-way talk so that you can see clearly as well as communicate with visitors from your smartphone. With Nest, you can get the Nest Cam IQ for indoor use or outdoor use. The Nest Cam IQ also boasts HD video, two-way talk, and motion-activated alerts.
Smart Lighting Options
If you’re looking for multiple smart lighting solutions for your home, we recommend Ring. With Ring, you can choose from a range of smart lighting solutions to include floodlights, pathlights, step lights and spotlights. You can control your smart lights through the Ring App and even have them turn on whenever motion is detected. Another unique perk is that you can also group several smart lights with Ring Bridge and create your own custom uses.
Nest doesn’t offer a range of smart lighting options, but you can purchase smart lighting that works with Nest. Two Nest products that have a lighting feature are Nest Protect and Nest Detect. Both of these feature Pathlight which is a night light that turns on when you walk by.
Video Recording
With Nest, you’ll be able to get 24/7 continuous video recording through a Nest Aware subscription, and you can review your video history for up to 30 days. One of the perks of continuous video recording is that you’ll be able to play back and see what’s happened over time versus only reviewing video clips that were taken when activity was detected. You can get 24/7 video recording for as little as $5.00/mo. or $50.00/yr. by subscribing to Nest Aware. Just make sure you have a Nest camera.
Ring does not use data continuously but only when triggered by an event or when live video is accessed through the Ring app. Ring will save your video recordings for up to 60 days for your reviewing. If you’d like to view them beyond this time period, you’ll need to download them.
Home Automation
Both providers win this final round with home automation as each has stand-out features that will enhance your home’s security. Ring offers video doorbells for tighter security at your front door and smart lighting to help light your way. With the Ring Video Doorbell, you can answer your door without having to get up from your smartphone and you can ask Alexa to show you the front door so you can see who’s outside.
Nest offers smart thermostats, a smart lock and video doorbell. With the Nest Learning Thermostat, you can come home to a comfortable environment as it learns your habits and programs itself. You can also save on your energy bill with the Nest Learning Thermostat.
Provider Summary: Ring vs. Nest
Ring and Nest both have standout features as DIY home security providers. Ring is great if you’re working from a budget and want additional options with smart lighting. Nest is great if you don’t mind paying a little more and want additional smart home features for temperature control, door locks and more.
Want to learn about other DIY home security providers? Compare their highlights and features here.
Ring & Nest FAQs
Do either Ring or Nest offer professional installation?
Ring does not offer professional installation as an option – you’ll have to set up your own security system. Nest offers professional installation if you’d prefer it instead of performing the installation yourself. You can search to find a Nest Pro in your area and you’ll receive their estimate within 48 hours.
Do Ring and Nest require a contract?
Neither Ring nor Nest require entering into a contract for their services. Ring does not offer the option to into a contract, but if you would like to get professional monitoring for $19.00/mo. with Nest, you’ll have to enter into a 3-year service agreement.
What types of packages do Ring and Nest offer?
Ring offers three packages that you can choose from: the 5-piece Alarm Security Kit, 10-piece Alarm Security Kit, and the 14-piece Alarm Security Kit. Each kit varies with equipment. If you have a larger home, we would recommend purchasing a kit with additional equipment. Nest offers four packages that you can choose from with the base package being the Nest Secure Alarm System. You can opt for either of the other packages that include either an outdoor camera, doorbell or lock.
What professional monitoring options do Ring and Nest have?
With Ring you can get professional monitoring for $10.00/mo. with the Protect Plus Plan. With Nest, professional monitoring ranges from $19.00/mo. – $29.00/mo. depending upon the plan you choose.
