Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd gen) vs Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (2nd Gen)
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Facts and prices checked
The short answer: Google's smarter wired doorbell versus Arlo's cheaper battery-or-wired option
Buy the Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd gen) if you have working doorbell wiring and use Google Home. It records 2K video in a square 2048 x 2048 frame with a 166-degree view and lists for $179.99, and with Google Home Premium it adds familiar-face alerts and Gemini event descriptions. Buy the Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (2nd Gen) if you have no doorbell wires or want to spend less: it runs on battery or wiring, covers 180 degrees in a 1536 x 1536 frame and lists for $129.99, often selling near $66 to $80. The deciding factor is power. Without wiring, the Arlo is the only one of the two you can install. Both rely on a plan for recorded history.
Key differences
| Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd gen) | Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (2nd Gen) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $179.99 list at Google; Amazon has sold it for $139.99. | $129.99 list; Best Buy $65.99 to $79.99. |
| Video | 2K, 2048 x 2048 square frame. | 2K, 1536 x 1536 square frame with HDR, according to security.org. |
| Field of view | 166 degrees. | 180 degrees. |
| Power | Wired only. | Wired or battery, rechargeable over USB-C. |
| Free features | Live view and alerts; 9to5Google reports 10-second event clips kept for up to 6 hours without a plan. | Live view and motion alerts; no free cloud video history. |
| Subscription | Google Home Premium Standard $10 a month or $100 a year; Advanced $20 a month or $200 a year. | Arlo Secure Plus from $7.99 a month billed annually for one camera. |
| Smart features with a plan | Familiar-face alerts; Advanced adds Gemini event descriptions, 60-day history and 10 days of 24/7 video. | Person, package, vehicle and animal detection with Arlo Secure. |
Choose Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd gen) if…
- Choose the Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd gen) if you have doorbell wiring and use Google Home or Nest displays.
- Choose the Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd gen) if you want Gemini event descriptions and searchable history on Google Home Premium Advanced.
- Choose the Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd gen) if you already pay for Google AI Pro, which includes Google Home Premium Standard.
Choose Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (2nd Gen) if…
- your door has no doorbell wiring.
- you want a wider 180-degree view for a lower price.
- you already have Arlo cameras on a Secure plan.