Updated October 2026
Data from the official Arlo and Google sites.
2026 verdict
Homeowners whose door already has doorbell wiring will get more from the Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd Gen) than from the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell.
The Nest records 2K with HDR, keeps 6 hours of event clips and a 1-hour offline buffer for free, sorts people, packages, animals and vehicles without a plan, lets you draw motion zones and connects on 2.4 or 5 GHz. The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell is the more affordable of the two and the one that runs wire-free on a battery, with a very wide 180 degree view and Apple Home support through an Arlo SmartHub, but it has no local storage, and its recordings, smart alerts and motion zones need Arlo Secure. Both work with Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings and Home Assistant. Choose the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell for a door without wiring, and the Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd Gen) for a wired one.
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz
vs
Winner
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi 2.4/5 GHz
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| Feature | Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell | Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd Gen) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.99 | $199.00 | Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell |
| Rating | 4.1 | 4.4 | Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd Gen) |
| Connectivity | 2.4 GHz WiFi | 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi | Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd Gen) |
| Integrations | Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant | Google Home, Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant | Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell |
| Storage | Cloud | Internal, Cloud | Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd Gen) |
| Alerts | Motion, People, Packages, Animals, Vehicles | Motion, People, Packages, Animals, Vehicles, Familiar Faces | Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd Gen) |
| Customizable Motion Zones | Subscription required | YES | Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd Gen) |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year | Tie |
| Voice Changing | NO | NO | Tie |
| Automatic Replies | NO | NO | Tie |
What the differences mean
What works without a plan
The Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd Gen) keeps 6 hours of event clips, buffers an hour offline and sends person, package, animal and vehicle alerts for free. The Arlo has no local storage, and recordings, smart alerts and even motion zones need Arlo Secure.
Power
The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell runs on its battery, with wiring optional. The Nest needs doorbell wiring and has no battery.
Picture and view
The Nest records 2K with HDR in a tall 166 degree diagonal view. The Arlo records HD with a wider 180 degree view. Both see in black and white at night.
Apple Home and Wi-Fi
The Arlo reaches Apple Home through an Arlo SmartHub, which the Nest cannot do at all. The Nest connects on 5 GHz as well as 2.4 GHz; the Arlo is 2.4 GHz only.
Which one to buy if
- your door has no doorbell wiring
The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell runs on its battery; the Nest is wired only.
- you want smart alerts without a monthly fee
The Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd Gen) tells people, packages, animals and vehicles apart for free.
- you want to read a face or a label on the doorstep
The Nest records 2K with HDR against HD on the Arlo.
- you already pay for Arlo Secure on other cameras
The Arlo joins the same plan and app as your existing Arlo system.
$129.99
- + Price: $129.99
- + Integrations: Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant
- - Rating: 4.1 vs 4.4
- - Connectivity: 2.4 GHz WiFi vs 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi
Winner
$199.00
- + Rating: 4.4
- + Connectivity: 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi
- + Storage: Internal, Cloud
- - Price: $199.00 vs $129.99
- - Integrations: Google Home, Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant vs Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant
What owners say
Owners of both doorbells say their subscription is the thing to know about before buying, though they mean different degrees of it. Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd Gen) owners single out a 2K picture sharp enough to read labels, accurate alerts for people, packages and vehicles, near-instant live view and a 20-minute install, and their complaint is that 24/7 history and familiar faces need Nest Aware, with no chime in the box and pauses in deep freezes. Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell owners like the clear picture and voice, prompt alerts, the wide view, setup with no hub and solid battery life, but many report that after the trial they cannot view or record anything without Arlo Secure, and some describe Arlo disabling older devices through app updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nest vs Arlo doorbell: which is better, the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell or the Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd Gen)?
The Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd Gen) for a wired door: 2K HDR, free smart alerts and 6 hours of free event clips. The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell is the choice for a door without wiring, as long as you accept Arlo Secure.
What is the biggest difference between the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell and the Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd Gen)?
Power and the subscription. The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell runs on battery but needs Arlo Secure for recordings; the Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd Gen) needs wiring but does much more for free.
Do both work with Google Home and Alexa?
Yes. The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell and the Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd Gen) both work with Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings and Home Assistant. Only the Arlo reaches Apple Home, through an Arlo SmartHub.
Which has the wider view?
The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell, at 180 degrees diagonal, against 166 degrees on the Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd Gen), whose tall frame shows a visitor head to toe.
Who should buy the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell?
Arlo Secure subscribers and homes without doorbell wiring that want a battery doorbell with a very wide view.
Who should buy the Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd Gen)?
Wired homes, above all Google Home households, that want 2K HDR video and accurate smart alerts without paying for the basics.
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