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Doorbells · Head to head

Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell vs Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd Gen)

Full Smart Doorbells comparison in 2026

Updated September 2026
Data from Amazon and official Arlo and Google sites.
2026 verdict
Want smart alerts without a monthly bill?
Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd Gen)
Winner
Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd Gen)
$149.95$179.9917% OFF
Buy on Amazon USACheck price
The Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd Gen) takes this video doorbell comparison on its higher rating, dual-band connectivity, storage and alerts, delivering free on-device person, package, animal and vehicle detection, a 3-hour free clip history and a 1-hour offline buffer, plus custom ringtones and customizable motion zones. The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell counters with a lower price, SmartThings support, and the flexibility of battery or wired power (the Nest here is wired-only), but it hides every recording and smart alert behind an Arlo Secure plan with no offline buffer. Both are 1080p and skip HomeKit and Matter. Pick the Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd Gen) for subscription-free smart alerts and Google Home integration on existing wiring; pick the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell if you need wire-free installation and already pay for Arlo Secure.
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FeatureArlo Essential Wireless Video DoorbellGoogle Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd Gen)Winner
Price$56.00$149.95Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell
Rating4.34.4Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd Gen)
Connectivity2.4 GHz WiFi2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFiGoogle Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd Gen)
IntegrationsGoogle Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home AssistantGoogle Home, Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, Home AssistantArlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell
StorageCloudInternal, CloudGoogle Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd Gen)
AlertsMotion, People, Packages, Animals, VehiclesMotion, People, Packages, Animals, Vehicles, Familiar FacesGoogle Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd Gen)
Customizable Motion ZonesSubscription requiredYESGoogle Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd Gen)
Outdoor Custom RingtoneNOYESGoogle Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd Gen)
Indoor Custom RingtoneNOYESGoogle Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd Gen)
Warranty1 year1 yearTie
Voice ChangingNONOTie
Automatic RepliesNONOTie
Winner
Google

Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd Gen)

17% OFF
$149.95
$179.99
Buy on Amazon USACheck price
  • + Rating: 4.4
  • + Connectivity: 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi
  • + Storage: Internal, Cloud
  • - Price: $149.95 vs $56.00
  • - Integrations: Google Home, Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant vs Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant

Frequently Asked Questions

Which video doorbell is better, the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell or the Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd Gen)?

The Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd Gen) is better overall and better rated, offering free on-device people, package, animal and vehicle alerts plus dual-band Wi-Fi. The cheaper Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell locks its alerts and recordings behind an Arlo Secure subscription.

What is the biggest difference between them?

Free smarts versus wire-free install. The Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd Gen) gives subscription-free smart alerts and a free clip history but must be hardwired, while the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell runs on battery or wired power but requires Arlo Secure for any alert or recording.

Which one can be installed without wiring?

The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell, which runs wire-free on a rechargeable battery (wiring optional). The Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd Gen) is wired-only and needs an existing doorbell circuit, so it fits homes that already have doorbell wiring.

Do both need a subscription for smart alerts?

No. The Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd Gen) detects people, packages, animals and vehicles on-device for free and keeps 3 hours of clips at no cost, while the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell requires an Arlo Secure plan for all of that.

Who should buy the Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd Gen)?

Google Home households with existing doorbell wiring who want fast, accurate subscription-free smart alerts, dual-band Wi-Fi and a free clip history, with the option of Nest Aware for longer storage.

Who should buy the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell?

Buyers who need a wire-free, battery-powered install with SmartThings support and are already paying for Arlo Secure, since the Arlo can't record or show video without it.

Full comparison table

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