Ring’s entry-level systems are more affordable than Nest’s. You can purchase the 5-piece Ring 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. or $100.00/yr. if paid annually. The similar Nest Secure Package costs $399 with an additional $19.00/mo. for monitoring services and a three-year contract. You could also skip the long-term contract and pay $29.00/mo. for professional monitoring on a month-to-month basis.

Both Ring and Nest allow you to install your security system on your own, which gives more flexibility with equipment placement and saves you the hassle of scheduling an unnecessary appointment. However, Nest also presents the option of hiring a Nest Pro who will make sure that your equipment is properly installed and ready to use.

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, all configurable through the Ring app. Nest doesn’t offer a range of smart lighting options, but you can purchase smart lighting that works with Nest, and some of its products have automatic night light settings.

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. With continuous video recording, you can play back unbroken footage versus only reviewing video clips that were taken when activity was detected. 24/7 video recording starts at $5.00/mo. or $50.00/yr. by subscribing to the Nest Aware service for your Nest camera.

On the other hand, 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. To view them beyond this time period, you need to download them first.

Ring and Nest are neck-and-neck in this category, because they both offer competitive indoor and outdoor security cameras. 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.

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. It also helps you save on your energy bill.