The Nest Hello Video Doorbell is a smart home device that has taken the market by storm. With its sleek design, high-resolution video, and advanced features, the Nest Hello has become one of the most popular video doorbells available. But is it really worth the hype? In this article, we’ll take a comprehensive look at the Nest Hello Video Doorbell and give you our honest opinion.
Design
Let’s start with the design of the Nest Hello. The device is compact and sleek, with a simple, minimalist design. It measures 1.7 x 4.6 x 1.0 inches and weighs just 4.28 ounces, making it easy to install and use. The doorbell comes in a white or black finish, so you can choose the one that best matches your home’s aesthetic.
The Nest Hello’s design also includes a camera that records in 1080p HD video, as well as a speaker and microphone for two-way communication. There is also a built-in chime that can be customized with different sounds, so you can choose the one that best suits your preferences.
Installation
Installing the Nest Hello is relatively easy, but it does require some technical knowledge. You will need to have a wired doorbell and a 16-24 VAC, 30VA transformer to power the device. If you don’t have an existing wired doorbell, you will need to hire an electrician to install one for you.
Once you have the necessary wiring in place, the Nest Hello can be installed in just a few simple steps. First, you will need to download the Nest app and follow the instructions to set up your device. Then, you can mount the doorbell on your door frame and connect it to the wiring. The app will guide you through the rest of the setup process, which includes connecting the doorbell to your Wi-Fi network.
Video Quality
One of the key selling points of the Nest Hello is its high-resolution video quality. The camera records in 1080p HD video, which means that you can see everything clearly and in great detail. The camera also has a 160-degree field of view, which means that you can see a wide angle of your front porch and surrounding area.
The Nest Hello’s camera also includes advanced features such as HDR and night vision. HDR (high dynamic range) helps to balance the lighting in your video so that you can see both bright and dark areas clearly. Night vision uses infrared technology to provide clear video even in low light conditions.
Smart Features
The Nest Hello is not just a video doorbell; it is also a smart home device. The doorbell can be integrated with other smart home devices, such as the Nest Thermostat and the Google Home, so that you can control your entire home from one central location.
One of the most useful features of the Nest Hello is its facial recognition technology. The device can be trained to recognize the faces of people who visit your home regularly, such as family members or friends. When someone rings the doorbell, the Nest Hello will announce who is at the door based on the person’s name. This can be especially useful if you have a large family or receive a lot of visitors.
The Nest Hello also includes motion detection technology, which can be customized to send alerts to your phone when it detects motion outside your door. You can even set up “activity zones” within the camera’s field of view so that you only receive alerts when there is motion in specific areas.
Another useful feature of the Nest Hello is its ability to record and save video footage. The device includes a built-in DVR (digital video recorder) that can store up to three hours of video footage. If you want to save more footage, you can sign up for a Nest Aware subscription, which gives you access to more advanced features such as continuous video recording, intelligent alerts, and cloud storage.
Price
The Nest Hello is priced at $229, which is on the higher end of the video doorbell market. However, the device’s advanced features and high-quality video justify the price tag for many consumers. Additionally, the cost of a Nest Aware subscription starts at $6 per month, which is a reasonable price for the added features and storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High-resolution video with HDR and night vision
- Facial recognition technology
- Motion detection with activity zones
- Integration with other smart home devices
- Built-in DVR with option for cloud storage
- Customizable chime sounds
Cons:
- Requires existing wired doorbell and transformer
- Higher price point compared to other video doorbells
- Facial recognition technology can be inaccurate in some cases
- Nest Aware subscription required for advanced features and more storage
Overall, the Nest Hello is a high-quality video doorbell with advanced features and customizable options. Its high-resolution video and integration with other smart home devices make it a great choice for those who want to control their home from one central location. However, the higher price point and the need for existing wiring may make it less accessible for some consumers.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the market for a video doorbell and are willing to invest in a high-quality device, the Nest Hello is a great choice. Its advanced features and sleek design make it a standout option in the market. However, if you’re on a tight budget or don’t have existing wiring, you may want to consider other options. Ultimately, the Nest Hello is a top-performing device that is worth considering if you’re in the market for a high-end video doorbell.
