Google Nest Wired Doorbells: Which Generation Should You Get?

The newest model here is the Google Nest Doorbell (Wired, 3rd Gen) in the Snow color. Google calls its 2K HDR video the sharpest a Nest doorbell has offered. 2K means a higher-resolution picture than standard HD, and HDR (high dynamic range) helps keep bright skies and shaded porches both visible in the same shot. It also has night vision and an expanded 166-degree field of view, the widest listed in this group.

The big new feature is Gemini, Google’s AI assistant. With a Google Home Premium subscription, the doorbell can describe what it sees in notifications, such as “Person with flowers,” summarize what happened, and let you search your video history by asking for something. The listing notes that Gemini features need that subscription, with a one-month trial. Security features include encrypted video, two-step verification through your Google Account and a green LED that lights up while it is processing or streaming.

It is the natural pick for someone setting up a new Google Home system who wants the best picture. If you do not plan to pay for a subscription, the 2nd Gen model offers useful free alerts. For a wider look at Google’s lineup, see our guide to the Google Nest wired doorbell camera range.

This Google Nest Doorbell (Wired) is the model that used to be sold as Nest Hello. The listing says whichever name is on the box, the product inside is the same. It streams 24/7 and lets you look back through a 3-hour snapshot history. It sends person alerts, telling the difference between a person and an object even if they do not ring the bell, and it has HD Talk and Listen so you can speak to visitors or play prerecorded messages.

The HDR video with night vision uses a 4:3 frame, taller than a typical widescreen view, so you can see people from head to toe and packages on the ground. The most important detail is the app: this doorbell requires the Nest app and is not compatible with the Google Home app. Video recording and package detection need a Nest Aware subscription, sold separately. The listing gives an IP54 water-resistance rating, a measure of protection against dust and splashes. Its specs also list indoor use and a bedroom room type, which looks like a listing error for a doorbell.

This suits a household that already runs Nest cameras or thermostats in the Nest app. New smart home users are better served by the 2nd or 3rd Gen models, which use Google Home.

This Google Nest Doorbell (Wired) is sold through Amazon Renewed, meaning it is a pre-owned or refurbished unit. The description says renewed products are inspected and tested to work and look like new by Amazon-qualified suppliers, and they are covered by the Amazon Renewed Guarantee for replacement or refund.

Its feature list matches the formerly-Nest-Hello model above: 24/7 streaming, a 3-hour snapshot history, person alerts, HD Talk and Listen, HDR video with night vision in a 4:3 frame, and optional Nest Aware for package detection. It also requires the Nest app. There are some differences in the specs, though. This listing gives an IP65 rating and a metal enclosure, while the new listing gives IP54 and plastic. The listing does not explain the difference, so treat those details with caution.

It suits someone replacing a worn-out Nest Hello who wants the same app and features without buying new. Anyone starting fresh should consider a Google Home app model instead.

The Google Nest Doorbell (Wired, 2nd Gen) in Ash is a strong middle option. Without a subscription, it can tell a person, package, animal and vehicle apart and includes 3 hours of free event video history in the Google Home app, with 2-second previews and 5-minute clips. The field of view is 145 degrees diagonal in a 3:4 ratio, and the listing gives a 1.3 MP still resolution.

It requires the Google Home app and a free Google Account and is not compatible with the Nest app. Adding Nest Aware brings up to 30 days of event history and familiar face detection, and Nest Aware Plus adds up to 10 days of continuous recording. It works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa devices to stream live video, and compatible Nest and Alexa speakers can act as a chime. The listing is also clear that it replaces a wired doorbell and needs a compatible chime and transformer, so you may need to replace existing hardware.

Choose this if you want useful free alerts in the Google Home app and have compatible wiring. If you have no doorbell wiring at all, a battery model is simpler, as covered in our Nest doorbell wireless guide.

Best for: Nest x Yale Lock owners buying renewed

Pros

• Works with Nest x Yale Lock
• Familiar face alerts listed
• 24/7 streaming

Cons

• 720p only
• Renewed, IP54 listed

The Google indoor Nest Video Doorbell Camera is another renewed unit, with 720p video, the lowest resolution in this group. The word “indoor” in the title is confusing, since the description says it replaces your existing wired doorbell and the specs list an IP54 rating. The listing does not explain that label.

It works with the Nest app for live viewing and conversations or prerecorded messages, streams 24/7, offers color night vision, and uses a 4:3 frame for a head-to-toe view. It lists familiar face alerts and unusual sound alerts through Nest speakers or displays, and it works with the Nest x Yale Lock so you can see who is there and let them in. The listing mentions event clips with Nest Aware but does not spell out what you get without a subscription.

This fits someone who already uses a Nest x Yale Lock and the Nest app and wants a renewed replacement. Buyers who care about picture quality should choose the 2nd or 3rd Gen instead.