Nest Hello vs. SkyBell HD

When comparing the Nest Hello vs. SkyBell HD, there are a number of differences that make each model better suited for different homeowners. Each smart doorbell offers a combination of convenience and security, but protecting your home is a personal decision and there’s no one clear answer. So let’s find out which is the better smart doorbell for you by taking a look at what these doorbells have in common, as well as what sets them apart.

About Nest and SkyBell

Nest offers a line of smart home and automation technologies that give you greater convenience in your home. With products that are easy to customize and that anticipate your needs, Nest covers products ranging from thermostats and cameras, to security systems and smart doorbells.

SkyBell is focused on providing smart doorbells that increase security and convenience for homeowners. And while Nest has a line of products that encompass a wide range of capabilities, SkyBell instead chooses to focus on providing one of the best doorbell experiences on the market.

When comparing Nest and SkyBell, it’s important to note that the products can actually mesh together – allowing you to choose to utilize both companies while upgrading your smart home. Whether it’s integrating the SkyBell with a Nest camera or with the entire security system, these technologies play nice with one another rather than clashing.


Nest Hello vs. SkyBell HD — Differences

Skybell HD smart video doorbell

  • Difference #1: Aspect Ratio – One primary difference between the Nest Hello and SkyBell HD is the aspect ratio. While it’s tempting to decide that one is superior to the other, it’s more accurate to say that they excel in different areas.

    The SkyBell HD offers a 16:9 aspect ratio, which is pretty standard as far as smart cameras and video doorbells go. This aspect ratio ensures that the field of view is wide enough to cover the majority of your front yard. Despite this wide view, however, it doesn’t exactly have a large vertical capability, and this can make it difficult to get a full picture of your visitors from head to toe.

    The Nest Hello, on the other hand, does a better job of showing a vertical view with a 4:3 aspect ratio, which means that you’ll see a full picture of who is visiting.

    Overall, you’ll see a better vertical view with the Nest Hello and a more all-encompassing view of the surrounding area with the SkyBell HD. Both products offer excellent aspect ratios depending on what you’re looking for.

  • Difference #2: HDR – HDR, also known as High Dynamic Range, allows cameras to produce a picture with lighting that is more true-to-life. While cameras without HDR may be overly dark or bright, the Nest Hello’s HDR capabilities make sure you’re seeing an image that is strikingly similar to what you would see with your own eyes.

    The SkyBell HD, while definitely capable of some excellent image quality, does not come with any sort of HDR capabilities.

  • Difference #3: Color Night Vision – As a way to increase security around your home, it’s important that your cameras are able to deliver high-quality footage regardless of the time of day.

    One way in which the SkyBell HD has an advantage over the Nest Hello is through the color night vision. Both cameras can record in low light, but the extra detail from a color recording does give the SkyBell model a slight advantage in this category.

  • Difference #4: Field of View – The Nest Hello Field of view is listed as 160° diagonal, while the SkyBell HD is measured differently at 180° horizontal. It’s a little bit difficult to compare diagonal and horizontal fields of view and takes a bit of math, but you’ll generally have a slightly better field of view with the SkyBell HD.

    As mentioned above, the Nest Hello is better at showing the entire picture of a guest at your doorstep, but the SkyBell HD gives a better view of the entirety of your yard. Which is better is a matter of personal preference, but the SkyBell HD does give an overall wider view of its surroundings.

  • Difference #5: Video Storage – Keeping stock of your surroundings at all times of day is a key advantage of the Nest Hello. While it requires an additional subscription, it does afford you the ability to take continuous video at all hours of the day, as well as the ability to rewind at will in order to take a look at suspicious behavior.

    While the SkyBell HD doesn’t offer support for 24/7 CVR, it does have the upper hand when it comes to free cloud storage. With the SkyBell HD, you’ll have access to seven days of video clips – a perfect option for when you’re away from home and want to check on the goings-on around your doorstep. The Nest Hello offers 3-hour snapshots which is a good start, but it doesn’t quite come close to the storage support you’ll get with the SkyBell HD.

  • Difference #6: Pre-recorded Responses – The Nest Hello comes equipped with pre-recorded responses, allowing for customizable options to respond to visitors at your door. For the times when you’re not available to speak to your guests directly, or perhaps when you’re away from home, it’s definitely a convenient perk.

    This feature does not come with the SkyBell HD.

  • Difference #7: Motion & Sound Detection – One of the ways that the Nest Hello and SkyBell HD differ from one another is in how they approach motion and sound detection.

    With the Nest Hello, there are options to set motion zones with an optional Nest Aware subscription, allowing you to further customize the tracking of your camera.

    While the SkyBell HD doesn’t ship with this feature, it does include adjustable motion sensitivity. This allows you to ensure that your doorbell isn’t over sensitive and won’t trigger accidentally, and you can adjust it at will based on whether you’re home or away.

    The Nest Hello does excel in several other areas when compared to the SkyBell HD as well, with support for Person Alerts, Facial Recognition, and Sound Detection.

    Overall, the Nest Hello does come with a few more features when it comes to motion and sound detection, but the utility of adjustable motion sensitivity should definitely not be discounted.

  • Difference #8: Geofencing & Schedules – Geofencing is a feature of the Nest Hello that allows the camera to adjust dynamically to your presence in and outside the home. With the ability to sense whether you’re home or away, the security options can be adjusted based on the differing security needs.

    If dynamic geofencing is not sufficient, the Nest Hello does offer support for schedules – a useful option for when you’re out of the house or indisposed at predictable times of the day, such as when you’re going to work or turning in for the night.

    The SkyBell HD doesn’t offer these features yet.

  • Difference #9: Push Notification – Both the Nest Hello and the SkyBell HD offer support for Push notifications, although the Nest does have the upper hand as it will include a snapshot of activity with the notification rather than a simple alert.

  • Difference #10: Compatible Networks – The SkyBell HD supports 2.4 GHz 802.11 b/g/n networks. The Nest Hello, on the other hand, has a little bit more robust support with compatibility with 2.4 or 5 GHz Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth Low Energy, or an 802.15.4 connection at 2.4GHz.

    If you’re worried about connectivity with your network, the Nest Hello may be your best bet. However, a gigabit router (like the ASUS RT-AC68U) can give you a lightning fast connection that will interface seamlessly with both the Nest Hello and SkyBell HD.

  • Difference #11: Operating Temperature – While both doorbells will operate successfully in a wide variety of temperatures, there are some differences when comparing the Nest Hello and SkyBell HD.

    The Nest Hello functions well at temperatures ranging from 14° to 104°F (–10° to 40°C), while the SkyBell HD is a little more hardy with a -40 – 140°F (-40 – 60°C) operating range.

    If you live in extreme conditions, the SkyBell HD may be the better option. Both doorbells will work well for the majority of users, however.

  • Difference #12: Warranty – As a smart doorbell is a bit of an investment, it’s important that the device will operate as intended for years to come. Fortunately, both the Nest Hello and SkyBell HD offer a warranty.

    The Nest doorbell offers two years of coverage, while the SkyBell HD offers one year. Both companies stand behind their devices, but those who are worried about the integrity of their doorbell after that initial year may be better suited with the Nest Hello.

    In addition to these warranties, both doorbells are covered by a theft replacement policy. With the Nest Hello, providing a copy of the police report will jumpstart the process and usually get your doorbell replaced. The SkyBell HD offers a comparable service, ensuring that your doorbell will be offering convenience and security even after a burglary.

SkyBell SH02300BZ HD WiFi Video Doorbell, Bronze
774 Reviews

Nest Hello vs. SkyBell HD — Comparison Chart

Nest Hello SkyBell HD
Video Resolution HD UXGA 1600 x 1200 Full HD 1080P
FPS 30 FPS 30 FPS
HDR video Yes No
Color Night Vision No Yes
Field of View 160° diagonal 180° horizontal
Live View Motion Triggered Yes Yes
Live View On Demand Yes Yes
24/7 CVR Subscription Only No
Two-Way Audio Yes Yes
Pre-recorded Responses Yes No
Motion Detection Yes Yes
Motion Zones Subscription Only No
Adjustable Motion Sensitivity No Yes
Sound Detection Yes No
Person Alerts Subscription Only No
Facial Recognition Subscription Only No
Zoom Yes Yes
Geofencing Yes No
Silent Mode Yes Yes
Schedules Yes No
Free Cloud Storage 3 Hours Snapshots Only 7-day of video clips
Video Recording Subscription Only Yes
Video Sharing Subscription Only Yes
Timelapse Subscription Only No
Phone Apps iOS and Android iOS and Android
Web App Yes No
Push Notification With snapshot Without snapshot
Compatible Networks – 2.4 or 5 GHz Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac;
– Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
– 802.15.4 at 2.4GHz
2.4 GHz 802.11 b/g/n
Power Options Hardwire to existing doorbell kit only Hardwire to existing doorbell kit only
Requires Existing Door Chime Yes Yes
Compatible Doorbell Transformers 16-24 VAC; requires a 10VA transformer 10-36 VAC; requires a 10VA transformer
Operating Temperature 14° to 104°F (–10° to 40°C) -40 – 140°F (-40 – 60°C)
Size 4.6 in x 1.7 in x 1.0 in
(11.7 cm x 4.3 cm x 2.6 cm)
2.8 in x 2.8 in x 0.9 in
(7.1 cm x 7.1 cm x 2.3 cm)
Colors Black & White,
skins available
Brushed Aluminum,
Oil Rubbed Bronze
Theft Replacement Yes Yes
Warranty 2 Years 1 Year

Nest Hello vs. SkyBell HD — Things in Common

Skybell HD Doorbell

Nest Hello and SkyBell HD smart doorbells both shoot high-quality video at 30 FPS which is pretty amazing when compared to other smart doorbells, like the Ring Pro with its 15 FPS. Both devices also feature two-way audio, affording you the convenience of listening and interacting with visitors.

The Nest Hello and SkyBell HD have Motion detection, which sends alerts when someone approaches your door, and both devices also feature “Live View” through motion triggering and on demand. Both products provide a zoom functionality, as well as a silent mode for when you don’t want to deal with the doorbell’s audio.

The Nest Hello and SkyBell HD are built to accommodate video recording, video sharing, and include free cloud storage – although the Nest Hello does require a subscription for some of those features.

Finally, as one of the primary uses for the doorbells is to increase security over your home, they are both protected by warranties as well as both having a theft replacement policy.


Nest Hello and SkyBell HD’s Accessories

Nest Hello Power Kit

Both the Nest Hello and SkyBell HD are capable products as is, but both companies offer accessories that may improve the functionality or aesthetic of these smart doorbells.

The Nest Hello offers more customization in terms of doorbells, with a variety of colorful skins that allow you to adjust your doorbell to suit your aesthetic.

Another accessory that sets the Nest model apart is the optional power supply kit. While both devices can hook into an existing doorbell power supply, the optional add-on kit will allow you to install the Nest Hello on any door that is close to an outlet. When looking for comprehensive security of your home, the ability to install your Nest Hello on any entrance or exit is definitely a major boon.

The SkyBell HD, on the other hand, has a number of options that are focused on making the installation process as customizable as it can be. The wall mount allows you to easily relocate your doorbell at will, the wedge mount affords your camera a wider viewer angle, and the digital doorbell adaptor allows your device to work with a wider variety of chime setups.


Nest Hello vs. SkyBell HD — Our Thoughts

Nest Hello

When comparing the Nest Hello vs. SkyBell HD, it’s easy to see that both doorbells do an excellent job of adding security and convenience to your home. However, as mentioned above, both devices excel in different ways.

With the SkyBell HD, you’ll enjoy more comprehensive storage options with no additional costs, support for video recording and sharing by default, and more finishes such as brushed aluminum and oil rubbed bronze. Not to mention that its wider field of view gives you a more comprehensive look over the front of your home.

On the other hand, the Nest Hello has better smart features, though they come at additional cost, like: 24/7 CVR, person alerts, facial recognition, and motion zones. While it’s missing options like color night vision support and a wider field of view, the extra quality-of-life features make it a very competitive option when shopping for a smart doorbell.

Overall, both devices have their benefits and drawbacks. The Nest Hello has fancier features, but you’ll need to pay a monthly subscription to use them. The SkyBell HD comes with fewer features, but is a solid doorbell and works right out of the box. With that said, regardless of choice, each device will serve you well when it comes to securing your home.

SkyBell SH02300BZ HD WiFi Video Doorbell, Bronze
774 Reviews

Last update on 2024-03-28 at 21:04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

3 thoughts on “Nest Hello vs. SkyBell HD”

  1. Skybell does NOT stand behind their product! I contacted their customer support 48 days ago about my unit NOT providing and storage since day 1. They responded ONLY AFTER repeatedly sending multiple emails with “a handful of users are experiencing this issue and our engineers are working on the fix” 48 days later still no resolve, in fact after searching the net this has been an ONGOING issue since 2016!!!! They were lying to me solely so that I would be stuck with this worthless device past the 30 day return window as they have repeatedly ignored any emails asking for a resolution/refund on this crap doorbell. DO NOT BUY FROM THIS SHADY COMPANY THEY DO NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT AND CUSTOMER SERVICE IS NOT EXISTENT ON RESPONDING, don’t take my word for it, their lack of response is all over the net!

    Reply
    • Oh damn, sorry to hear you’ve had such a horrible experience with them Wayne. But big thanks for sharing it so that others can do their due diligence on the company before purchasing.

      We’ll be sure to look into it as well!

      – Joseph

      Reply
  2. SkyBell took great care of me and even replaced my first generation with a second generation for no charge. The free 7 day DVR has been more than enough for our uses and the local police. I also prefer the SkyBell to my neighbors Ring for both bright light and low light times. Our homes face east/west across a busy street and the Ring just doesn’t keep up with the sun. The SkyBell is also better at false alarms facing streets than the Ring in our experience. I can’t say enough good things about SkyBell vs Nest.

    Reply

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