Google is selling a battery-powered smart camera, the new Nest Cam, with similar specifications to Amazon’s Ring Spotlight Cam and these two resourceful tech giants each have excellent solutions, making the choice a difficult one. An exploration of the features and specifications, along with a brief comparison of each subscription plan for expanded service should help shoppers identify which is the best match for their particular needs.

Ring is a smart home technology manufacturer that was founded in 2013 and bought by Amazon five years later. Under the Ring brand, Amazon sells security and monitoring cameras, and its Ring Protect cloud service stores video and offers more advanced features, including professional security monitoring. Ring partners with some local law enforcement agencies and shares video recordings captured by those participating in its Neighbors program, which is on by default but comes with an opt-out option.

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Google’s new Nest Cam is currently available to pre-order and shipping is expected to begin in August of 2021. Priced at $180, it is a complete and intelligent, rechargeable, indoor and outdoor camera that is quick and easy to set up. Amazon’s Ring Spotlight Cam ships immediately and costs $200, offering similar specifications as the Nest Cam, but includes a spotlight and a 110 decibel siren in the base model. Google will offer a model that includes two floodlights for $280, but no availability date has been given yet. The siren and floodlight give an immediate advantage to Amazon’s camera but Google excels in other areas. Both offer 1080p resolution with night vision and two-way communication is possible with either battery-powered smart camera solution.

Nest Vs Ring: Smart Cam, Intelligent App

As might be expected, Google wins in the best app department and has the smarter artificial intelligence processing. The Nest Cam can identify the difference in vehicles, animals, and people, instead of just alerting the owner to every motion. The Nest Cam stores video events including any that occurred in the past three hours for free. The app allows a uniquely adjustable detection zone that uses a polygon with movable handles for precise control of which portion of the view will trigger alerts. With Nest Aware, Google’s cloud storage solution, expanded storage is available starting at $6 per month. The base level of Nest Aware adds the ability to identify familiar faces, so users are alerted to who arrived instead of simply knowing that someone is there.

Amazon’s Ring Spotlight Cam has a wider 140-degree field of view versus Google’s 130 and detects motion in an impressive 270-degree field compared to the 110 degrees for the Nest Cam, which means Amazon’s solution can trigger its floodlight before the camera can see what caused the movement. Whether this is a benefit or a problem depends on individual usage. Unfortunately, the app options are where the Ring Spotlight Cam falls short. Amazon’s camera detects motion but doesn’t identify the cause unless a Ring Protect subscription is added which will refine the alert to show people detection. Ring Protect starts at $3 per month and is required to capture video of events. Without the subscription, the Ring Spotlight Cam can only show live video.

Summing up, Amazon’s Ring Spotlight Cam is an excellent hardware package, including a floodlight and siren at the $200 base price. It lacks video capture unless subscribing, but the cost per month is very low. Google’s Nest Cam is another solid battery-powered smart camera for $180 that can capture the past three hours of events and identify people, animals, and vehicles even without a subscription. For those looking for protection from theft and vandalism, the Ring Spotlight Cam is probably the best option. For those looking for a more versatile indoor and outdoor smart camera, Google’s Nest Cam is the more intelligent solution.

Source: Google, Amazon

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About The Author


Alan Truly
(1144 Articles Published)

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Alan is a Tech Writer living in Nova Scotia, Canada. A tech-enthusiast since his youth, Alan stays current on what is new and what is next. With over 30 years experience in computer, video and photo equipment, you can expect useful tips and insights in his writing. Alan has a degree in programming, many years focused on design, editing, and animation. A period of managing logistics and e-commerce operations for a mobile accessories company rounds out a diverse background. Alan is a true jack of all digital trades in this ever-changing computer-enriched world. To stay flexible in mind and in body, he practices yoga, light cardio, and eats a whole food diet, based on minimally processed plants.

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