Nest Cameras: Comparison Chart & Overview

Nest is one of the more recognizable brands in the smart technology industry, with their main claim to fame being the Nest Learning Thermostat. However, the company has since expanded into a number of other industries, one of which being smart security cameras.

There are several different Nest cameras on the market that offer quality monitoring for the inside and exterior of your home. Newer releases in the lineup have introduced new features, improved performance, and better smart controls.

Looking for more information on Nest-brand Cameras, including how they work and whether or not they are worth the buy? Read on down below.

Does Nest Work With Alexa?

The short answer is yes, Alexa does integrate with Nest smart devices.

As of now, Alexa fully supports the following Nest devices such as Thermostats, Video doorbell, and Cameras.

So by using Amazon Alexa, you can have hands free control over Nest smart devices that will further enhance your smart home user experience.

Nest’s support for technology such as Alexa lets you have multiple ways of controlling your Nest home when you’re present and even when you’re away!

Using Alexa’s voice commands you can ask what temperature your home is at, check the live-feed in the living room, and more, so having this handy assistant working together with your Nest devices is a good idea.

Today we’re going to talk about the devices which integrate with Alexa, as well as how to go about connecting Nest to Alexa, so read on to find out more!

Does Nest Work With HomeKit?

Nest products such as thermostats, cameras, doorbells and more, continue to remain widely popular in most smart homes due to their aesthetically pleasing design and impressive functionality.

Nest also integrates pretty well with Alexa voice commands when paired up with Echo Show and Echo Spot, as well as Google Hub, allowing you to control your home in a truly smart and efficient way.

However, when it comes to the question of whether Nest works with HomeKit, the answer is both yes and no, and we will explain the reason why. There are quite a few opinions as to why Nest doesn’t want to fully work with Apple HomeKit to its full extent, even though there have been speculations that it could possibly change in the future.

It’s worth to note that you can still use and control Nest Smart Devices from most iOS devices and other Apple products such as iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch via the Nest app. So you can adjust the temperature on the thermostat, unlock the door, or even check in on your live-feed.

The only thing you can’t do is use Siri in order to control your smart devices or take advantage of accessing all your devices through the HomeKit app, however, there is a way around that which we will talk more about below.

Helpful Alexa Nest Commands

Control your smart home using just your voice!

You can use voice control on a daily basis to help you with your most basic tasks, that can end up saving time and be quite fun too!

Nest’s continuous support for amazing technologies such as Alexa provides you with even more useful ways with which can control your Nest devices both at home or remotely.

Every single day, an increasing number of ‘skills’ are added to Amazon Alexa, giving her, even more, usefulness and functionality. Alexa Nest commands are very useful for you and your home, allowing you to have full control if you wish. In this article, we’re offering to your attention the list of Nest Alexa Commands that you can use.

Protect America vs. ADT

In an industry where more and more companies are starting to offer their own take on home security, Protect America and ADT are some of the most established brands on the market. With both companies having offered security systems for over 20 years, have they kept up with the smart tech revolution? Or are they stuck in the past? Overall, the two brands have a ton in common, but we feel that Protect America does a better job at offering a customer-friendly model.

These days, there are a large number of options for adding in home security for cheap — without the complicated install, high fees, and long term commitment. ADT still struggles a bit to ditch the dated installation model while Protect America has kept up with the times by offering a self-install option. With that said, these two models are quite similar, and ADT may be a viable option for those who don’t want to deal with setting up equipment themselves.

Below we go into detail on the similarities and differences of the ADT vs. Protect America security system. However, feel free to use our navigation bar to jump directly to the sections that interest you most.

Vivint Home Security Review

Vivint is perhaps best known for products like solar panels and high-speed internet, but Vivint Home Security is a more recent entry into the alarm system industry that offers a more unique approach to keeping your home protected. Rather than opting for a traditional plan that is restrictive and with pre-determined packages, Vivint is all about user choice. Choose as many sensors, cameras or smoke detectors as you’d like and create the security system best suited for your home. Home automation is also a major priority for the brand, and you’ll be able to remotely control all the features that Vivint has to offer.

When compared to some competing brands, Vivint is pretty expensive. For homeowners looking for more basic protection, the equipment and fees may be cost-prohibitive. However, the brand remains a competitive option for those looking for a system that revolves around home automation and comprehensive protection.

SimpliSafe vs. ADT

SimpliSafe and ADT are two quality brands with a history of providing excellent smart monitoring to thousands of homes around the world. But how do you know which is best? The truth is, ADT has some of the best protection around, but you’ll be locked into a long-term commitment and rack up some serious expense in the process. SimpliSafe, on the other hand, offers a quality DIY solution with no ongoing obligations.

ADT is one of the biggest names in home security, and the company has been protecting homes long before the idea of “smart tech” was a thing. Unfortunately, it seems that old habits die hard, as ADT continues to lock buyers into long-term contracts while charging a premium for service. SimpliSafe lacks some of the features that ADT offers, but with a much lower cost to entry and month-to-month contracts, we feel that it definitely has the edge.

Below we go into detail on the similarities and differences of SimpliSafe vs. ADT. Alternatively, feel free to use the navigation bar to jump directly to the sections that interest you most.

SimpliSafe vs. Vivint

Nowadays, there’s a huge selection of smart security systems available on the market. Ranging from the most basic to the most premium protection, there’s something available for pretty much anyone. In the case of comparing SimpliSafe vs. Vivint, there’s actually a lot that these two systems have in common. The main aspect that sets these two alarm systems apart is that SimpliSafe is designed with DIY in mind, while Vivint has a professional handle every step of the process. Neither is necessarily better than the other, it just really depends on what you’re looking for.

It may seem like a great thing to let the pros handle your security installation and monitoring. After all, you want your system to perform flawlessly, right? Unfortunately, that professional touch comes with a premium price tag that makes Vivint non-viable for a lot of homeowners. SimpliSafe offers a lot of the same features, and if you’re comfortable following some simple directions, you can save a lot of money for minimal time investments.

Below we go into detail on the similarities and differences between these two security systems. Alternatively, you can use the navigation bar to jump directly to the sections that interest you most.

Fortress vs. SimpliSafe

Keeping your home protected is serious business, and you want some serious technology working to keep you and your family safe. Fortress and SimpliSafe are two major brands that offer a comprehensive security setup, but which option is best for you and your home? For professional 24/7 monitoring, SimpliSafe is the brand to beat, but Fortress is the best bet if you’d prefer to self-monitor your home.

With so many brands on the market at this point, homeowners have a lot of choice in terms of the features that matter to them most. does a great job of protecting your home and exceeds the benefits of SimpliSafe in a lot of ways, but at this point, it forces you to rely on third-party monitoring services rather than offering the protection themselves. SimpliSafe is a little more expensive month-to-month, but that extra expense is put to good use with some of the best 24/7 monitoring around.

Below, we go into detail on the similarities and differences of Fortress vs. SimpliSafe. Alternatively, you can use the navigation bar to jump directly to the sections that interest you most.

iSmartAlarm vs. SimpliSafe

When it comes to keeping your home protected, a quality home security system can be the difference between feeling vulnerable and feeling safe. iSmartAlarm and SimpliSafe cater to different markets, with the former being best for simple and affordable coverage, and the latter being a more professional system that requires a bit more of an investment.

Each homeowner is unique in the type of protection that they feel they need, and these two systems offer different levels of security at different price points. While there’s no doubt that the coverage offered by SimpliSafe is a little more comprehensive, but when that protection comes with a relatively-expensive monthly fee, are the benefits really worth it?

Below we go into detail on the similarities and differences of iSmartAlarm vs. SimpliSafe. However, if you’d rather jump to a specific section, feel free to use the navigation bar to check out the information that interests you most.

Scout vs. SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe has been on the market for quite some time at this point and was one of the first smart home security systems to make a splash. Recently, relative newcomer now also offers a competitive product as well, bringing in an innovative control mechanism that promises convenience and ease of use. In this case, however, we feel that there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. SimpliSafe’s more traditional control scheme is difficult to beat, and we feel that it still has the edge due to its support for a keypad.

When comparing Scout vs. SimpliSafe, you’re essentially comparing a product that offers something new and innovative versus a tried and true upgrade of a more traditional security system. Scout has a very unique way of arming and disarming the system, but in its current implementation, it seems to fall short of what the creators intended. While SimpliSafe is not without its issues, there’s some truth to the saying “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”

Below we go into detail on the benefits and drawbacks that these two systems have to offer. If there are specific aspects of the products that you’re specifically interested in, however, feel free to use the navigation bar to jump right down to the appropriate section.

SimpliSafe Review

If you’re in the market for home security, some cursory research makes it obvious that there are a ton of options out there to keep your property protected. From traditional security systems built into your home wiring, to basic DIY options that offer simple protection for bargain prices, there are options out there to suit pretty much anyone’s needs. If you’re looking for easy access to comprehensive security, a one-box solution like SimpliSafe may be just what you need.

While SimpliSafe may not be a household name at this point, they are actually a pretty huge name in the smart security industry — having been around for more than 10 years and with a valuation of over $1 billion.

The third-generation SimpliSafe system has recently hit the market, so there’s no better time than the present to dive into what this security solution has to offer.

With superior design and better integration with third-party products, the new SimpliSafe system is the brand at its best.

Wyze Cam vs. Nest Cam

When comparing Wyze Cam vs. Nest Cam, one of the most obvious differences is the way that they are priced. The Wyze Cam is significantly less expensive than the Nest Cam, which makes it a more budget-friendly option.

Nest has been in the smart home game for quite some time now, with their most recognizable product being the Nest Learning Thermostat. However, over the past few years we’ve started to see a lot of releases from the brand that all work together for a more convenient home. The Nest Cam Indoor is a quality product, despite being a little pricey. While the Wyze Cam has a lot of features at a pretty attractive price, while still providing high quality.

Below, we go into detail on what sets these two cameras apart from one other. Read on for the full picture, or use the navigation bar to jump to the sections you care about most.

Nest Cam Indoor vs. Nest Cam IQ

Nest is perhaps one of the most recognizable brands when it comes to smart products. Their Nest Learning Thermostat makes them a force to be reckoned with in the industry. However, their expansion into security and video monitoring has also been well received, and the Nest Cam Indoor and Nest Cam IQ are two incredibly popular products. Ultimately, we do feel that the Nest Cam IQ is the better product from a technical standpoint, but it’s also significantly more expensive. In most situations, the regular Nest Cam Indoor will get the job done just fine.

The main attraction with the Nest Cam IQ is the inclusion of Google Assistant in the device itself, and there’s no denying that that’s a useful feature. However, for those who already have a Google Home or are looking to purchase a standalone model in the future, it’s difficult to justify the extra expense. The Nest Cam Indoor has pretty much everything we look for in a security camera — all for a much more affordable price.

Below we break down the details in a comprehensive comparison of Nest Cam Indoor vs. Nest Cam IQ. Read on for a full overview, or jump directly to the section that interests you most using our navigation bar.

Wink vs. SmartThings Gen 3

Smart technology is more prevalent than ever before, and products that were once reserved for the wealthy techie have become accessible to pretty much any homeowner. Now more than ever before, it’s a real possibility to have a home that is connected, convenient, and that responds to your whims.

There are hundreds of smart products on the market that offer utility or entertainment to your home, but what really separates a smart home from a jumble of technology is the smart home hubs. These bases communicate with your different technology and allow them to work together seamlessly, providing a cohesive experience rather than forcing you to deal with a bunch of self-contained devices.

Below we take a look at the Wink vs. SmartThings Gen 3 to help you get a sense of which smart home controller might be best for your home. Each brand offers their own take on the connected home, but is one better than the other? The answer might not be so simple.

Read on below for a detailed breakdown of what each device has to offer.

Nest Protect vs. First Alert Onelink Safe & Sound

Back in the 1970s, it would normally take about 30 minutes for a fire to completely engulf a room. Today, it can happen in less than 5. Having a smart smoke and carbon monoxide detector can literally be a lifesaver due to its safety features and cutting edge technology. Add in some quality-of-life features like a warning before the alarm goes off — or even a night light to help guide your way to the exits in the dark — and it becomes clear that a smart alarm is a worthwhile investment.

Below, we take a look at the Nest Protect vs. First Alert Onelink Safe & Sound. Over 1,000,000 homes in the United States experience high levels of carbon monoxide each year, and an uncontrolled fire can quickly wreak havoc on a home if it’s not brought in check. Make sure you’re equipped with the information to make the right decision when it comes to outfitting your house with intelligent and accurate smoke alarms.

LIFX vs. LIFX Plus vs. LIFX Mini

The LIFX vs. LIFX Plus vs. LIFX Mini comparison can be difficult, as they are all excellent products in their own right. Which one is best for you will depend on your priorities when it comes to lighting, and we’ll break down the details of each model below.

Let’s dive into the similarities and differences between all three models to make it easier to decide which bulbs are the best choice to light up your life!

Emerson Sensi Touch vs. Nest

Being able to control your home environment with your voice, and even have a house that reacts to your whims automatically (while saving on energy costs!) is now a possibility that’s accessible to most everyone. Most people just think of devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Home when it comes to home automation, but there are a surprising amount of products that interface well with these voice controllers and add a lot of functionality, convenience, and even savings to running your home.

One important device to consider when outfitting your home with smart tech is a smart thermostat. These products offer a large amount of control over the temperature of your home, and can even save lots of money over time with the increased energy efficiency that most models provide.

In this comparison, we’ll be taking a look at the Sensi Touch vs. Nest Learning Thermostat to try to give you a sense of which product will work best for you. Let’s get into it!

Honeywell Lyric T5 vs. Nest Learning Thermostat

The utility of a smart home can extend far beyond comfort, and actually save homeowners money in the long run. For a small initial investment, a smart thermostat can go a long way towards some serious savings on your monthly energy bill. There are several features that can accomplish this goal, and one of the most exciting is the idea of “geofencing”.

This article focuses on a comparison of the Honeywell Lyric T5 and the Nest Learning Thermostat — two devices that feature the technology to adjust temperature control on the fly. With the ability for schedule planning or reactive adaptation, both thermostats offer a truly “hands-off” experience that offers optimal comfort and great savings.

Below, we’ll go over some of the key differences and try to give you a sense of which product is right for you and your lifestyle. Let’s get started!

Honeywell Smart Thermostat vs. Nest

As technology continues to advance, so too do the applications of “smart” devices. It’s now more realistic than ever before to build a house that’s totally automated and anticipates your whims. Light bulbs that react to your presence, security systems that provide real-time updates, and smart hubs to control each aspect of your home environment make for the ultimate in comfort and convenience.

Smart homes had a reputation for being relatively expensive, but are now getting more and more affordable. Though there’s a decent amount of setup involved to achieve a comfortable level of automation and convenience, the setup is well worth the cost. And automating your home may actually save you money in the long run. Which brings us to smart thermostats.

We’re going to look at two popular smart thermostats: the Honeywell Smart Thermostat and the Nest. We’ll take a look at the major differences, and try to give you a sense of which device is right for your needs. So, let’s get into it!

Nest vs. Nest E Thermostat

As of September, Nest has released a brand new thermostat: the Nest E. And with its release have come a lot of questions, mainly, “What’s the difference between the Nest and Nest E?” To keep it short, the main differences are that the Nest E has a lighter price tag, a few less features/connectivity, a little less choice in cosmetics, and is a little smaller in comparison to the Nest Learning Thermostat. So, you could probably leave the article now if you just wanted to be someone in the know. However, if you’re looking to decide which one to get, we’d suggest reading about the differences below.

Wink vs. SmartThings

Choosing between Wink vs. SmartThings is like choosing between iOS and Android — they’re both great and offer a lot of smart features. But, there are a few minor differences between the two that we think are worth being mentioned.

Ecobee3 vs. Ecobee4 vs. Nest

As of May 2017, Ecobee has moved on from the ecobee3 thermostat, and has released the all-new ecobee4 thermostat. And now that Nest has become a household name, we felt the need to compare these three smart thermostats to find out the differences between them. So, let’s compare ecobee3 vs. ecobee4 vs. Nest to help you choose the right smart thermostat for your smart home.

Osram Lightify vs. Philips Hue

When someone talks about smart home lighting, the first thing that usually comes to mind is Philips Hue. Yet, Philips Hue is far from being the only option on the market. The Internet of Things offers us a great variety of smart home lighting solutions, like: Lutron dimmers, GE Link, LIFX, Lightify bulbs, and way more we cannot list. And even though Philips Hue is reputable and very well-known, in some cases it’s better to choose other brands of light bulbs over them. So, today we’ll compare Osram Lightify vs. Hue by Philips to help you make the right choice.

Insteon vs. Wink

Every year that passes, more smart home devices get released. And it’s incredibly important to have a great hub that lets you easily control them all. So, when it comes to choosing between Insteon vs. Wink, for us the choice is obvious. And to make it easier for you, let’s guide you through the differences between these two smart home hubs.

To begin with, let us clarify that as of now Insteon offers 3 types of hubs: original Insteon 2242, Insteon Pro hub 2243, and the new Insteon hub 2245. The original one and the new one are very similar, and even though the original Insteon hub is officially discontinued, you can still buy it from Amazon. To learn more about the differences between the old and new Insteon hub, please refer to this article: Insteon 2245 vs. 2242 — What’s the Difference?

And then there’s a Pro version 2243. The Pro hub is very different from the original and the new one. The Insteon Pro hub is designed to be used specifically for Homekit devices. You can still control a few Insteon devices, but you’ll need to sacrifice Insteon cameras, motion and leak sensors in favor of Homekit. For a comparison with the Wink hub, we’ll take the most complete and absolute version of the Insteon hubs — the new Insteon hub 2245.

Wink hub also has two versions which are the Wink hub and Wink hub 2. As it usually happens, the newer version has better features and aspects, plus it’s been around for a while already. So, for our comparison with Insteon, we’ll take Wink hub 2. And if you’re interested in reading the differences between the two Wink hubs in detail, feel free to check out our Wink Hub comparison article: Wink Hub vs. Wink Hub 2: What’s the difference?.

Insteon vs. WeMo

As smart home automation becomes more popular, more companies integrate smart home solutions. Nowadays, it’s easy to control your home remotely from your smartphone. But as it becomes more popular, it gets harder to choose between home automation systems.

Overall, it all comes to compatibility issues and number of options. Before buying a smart home automation system for your home, make sure it’s compatible with all your smart home appliances. So, as a result, you can control everything from one app, instead of downloading apps for each device separately.