Google Nest currently features an equipment package you can purchase for a retail price of $399.00. You can purchase your equipment upfront or opt for financing through Google Store Financing. Compared to other providers, the Google Nest Alarm Secure System is competitively priced for the basics like the hub/keypad, sensors, and tags for arming/disarming.

Professional monitoring is optional for your Google Nest Secure Alarm System. You can get monitoring through Brinks Home Security for as low as $19.00/mo. If you want cheaper monitoring, you’ll have to sign a 3-year contract with Brinks Home Security. If you only want to be on a month-to-month plan, professional monitoring will cost $29.00/mo. Compared to other providers, monitoring for Google Nest is on the cheaper end. This security system is definitely a great option if you are on a budget and don’t want to be tied down to a contract.

Google Nest offers stand-out features like the ability to use voice commands, and facial recognition with a Nest Aware subscription. You can also get 24/7 continuous video recording with a Nest Aware subscription. Through Google Assistant (and even Amazon Alexa) you can issue voice commands to manage smart devices like Nest cameras, the Nest Hello video doorbell and Nest thermostats.

If you want to arm or disarm your Nest alarm system, you can issue voice commands through Google Assistant. Simply say, “Hey Google, set Nest Secure to Home and Guarding” when you’re on your way out the door. One advanced feature that you’ll find with Nest is facial recognition. Your Google Nest alarm system will be able to tell strangers from family if you opt into a Nest Aware subscription. You can get this feature with the Nest Hello video doorbell, Google Nest Cam IQ Indoor camera and the Google Nest Cam IQ Outdoor camera. Nest Aware subscriptions range from $5.00/mo. – $30.00/mo., and offer various additional features.

The new Nest Aware Plus Plan ($12/mo.) provides 10 days of 24/7 continuous recording. This means that your camera will always capture what happens before and after an activity that might warrant your attention. In addition to activity alerts, you’ll also be able to view a continuous timeline to see the footage that’s been captured. The old Nest Aware plans (5-Day, 10-Day, and 30-Day) still offer continuous recording as well.

The Google Nest Alarm Secure system is sleek, modern and comes with convenient features that are easy to use. With Google Nest, you’ll find an array of security cameras for video surveillance, Nest Tags for easy arming/disarming and motion sensors that can provide light and be silenced whenever needed.

If you want video surveillance, you’ll be able to choose from four cameras with Google Nest:  the Nest Cam Indoor, Nest Cam Outdoor, Nest Cam IQ Indoor and the Nest Cam IQ Outdoor. If you want video capability for your front door, go with the Nest Hello video doorbell. You’ll have access to two-way video and audio. By purchasing a Nest Aware subscription for the IQ cameras, you can get access to Supersight with zoomed in tracking and familiar face alerts.

One device that is specific to Google Nest is the tag. Add this small device to your keychain and swipe in to disarm your system and swipe out to arm your system – it’s that’s simple! If you’d prefer to use a PIN-code for arming and disarming, you can still do that too.

One last device that’s unique to Google Nest is the Nest Detect motion sensor — a motion sensor with illumination capability and silencing capability. If you’re coming in late, the Nest Detect motion sensor features Pathlight, making it easier for you to see in low-lighting. This device can also be silenced, which is especially helpful if you have an infant or family members you don’t want to wake up when coming or going.

If you’re looking for a DIY home security system, Google Nest is a great option. Some general perks you’ll find with a DIY security system are:  more flexibility of equipment placement in your home, easy installation not requiring many tools and not having to commit to a contract. With Google Nest, you can easily place equipment where you deem is best in your home, and you don’t have to lug a toolbox. You can peel and stick the motion sensors, set the Nest Guard hub on a level surface and attach your Nest Tags to keychains — then done!

Setup of the Nest alarm system is simple since it’s done through the Google Nest mobile app. Be sure to install the mobile app on your phone, and then follow through the instructions from there on how to set up your Nest Secure Alarm System. If you have any questions on installation, you can review a tutorial as well as check out the installation guide here. If you’re not comfortable with installing the Nest Secure alarm system on your own, you can always find a Nest Pro to help.

If you are unsatisfied for any reason with your Nest products, you can return them within thirty days for a full refund, as long as they are in their original condition. This period is comparable with other providers’ return periods since the typical trial length is thirty days. Google Nest also has a two-year warranty on most products, so your products can be repaired or replaced. You can read more about the warranty terms on Nest’s website.