By Taylor Bennett 
Google Nest Cam with Floodlight Review
In today’s world, home security is more important than ever. Enter the Google Nest Cam with Floodlight, a smart outdoor security solution designed to provide peace of mind and enhanced protection for your property. Let’s dive into a comprehensive review of this feature-packed device.
Detailed Review
The Google Nest Cam with Floodlight aims to be a comprehensive security solution, combining a high-quality camera with a powerful floodlight. Right out of the box, the promise of smart features is apparent. The camera boasts intelligent detection capabilities, distinguishing between people, animals, and vehicles, sending targeted alerts directly to the Google Home app. This feature alone significantly reduces the number of false alarms you might otherwise receive from a standard motion sensor.
Setting up the Nest Cam with Floodlight requires some electrical knowledge, as it’s designed to replace an existing outdoor light fixture. If you’re not comfortable working with wiring, it’s best to hire a licensed professional. Once installed, the camera offers 24/7 live HD video streaming at 1080p with HDR, ensuring clear footage day and night. Night vision further enhances visibility in low-light conditions.
A standout feature is the free event video history, providing up to 3 hours of recording. While this might be sufficient for some users, those seeking continuous recording or longer storage periods will need to subscribe to Nest Aware. The subscription options offer more extensive recording periods, including 10 days of 24/7 recording or 60 days of event video history with the Nest Aware Plus plan. In the event of a Wi-Fi outage or power failure, the camera can store up to an hour of recorded events, ensuring minimal downtime in security coverage.
The two integrated LED floodlights are bright and can be customized via the Google Home app. Users can adjust the brightness and set schedules for the lights to turn on or off automatically. Integration with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa allows for hands-free control, such as streaming live video or turning on the floodlight with voice commands. The built-in speaker and microphone facilitate two-way communication, allowing you to talk to visitors or deter potential intruders.
However, the Nest Cam with Floodlight isn’t without its limitations. It requires a Google Account and the Google Home app, making it incompatible with the older Nest app or website. Also, features like familiar face alerts are unavailable in Illinois due to legal restrictions. The necessity of a Nest Aware subscription for certain features, such as familiar face detection and emergency calling, adds to the overall cost.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Intelligent alerts (person, animal, vehicle detection) | Requires Google Account and Google Home app |
| Bright, customizable LED floodlights | Installation requires electrical wiring knowledge |
| 1080p HDR video with night vision | Limited free event video history (3 hours) |
| Two-way communication (speaker and microphone) | Nest Aware subscription required for some features |
| Offline storage in case of power or Wi-Fi outage | Familiar face alerts not available in Illinois |
| Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa Integration | Can be expensive with subscription costs |
Excellent Alternatives
- Ring Floodlight Cam Pro: Offers similar floodlight and camera functionality with Ring’s established ecosystem.
- Arlo Pro 4 Floodlight Camera: A wireless option with excellent video quality and smart home integration.
- Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera: A more affordable alternative with decent performance and long battery life.
Final Verdict
The Google Nest Cam with Floodlight is a solid choice for homeowners looking to enhance their outdoor security. Its intelligent features, bright floodlights, and seamless integration with the Google Home ecosystem make it a compelling option. However, potential buyers should consider the installation requirements and ongoing subscription costs before making a purchase. If you are already invested in the Google ecosystem, it is a worthy investment.
Our Rating
★★★★☆ 4/5