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Want a home security system that can connect to your smart thermostat, door lock, cameras and more? Nest Secure might be the security system for you. It offers attractive, modern equipment, and it’s easy to set up. But is Nest really worth its high price tag?
Article Overview
Nest Secure
Pros
- Stylish design
- 30-day money back guarantee
- Professional monitoring is optional
- Self-installation
- No-contract option available
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home
Cons
- More expensive than competitors
- Not compatible with as many devices as competitors
- Only one monitoring station (run by Brinks)
- You must pay 100% of the contract, even if you cancel
Key Features
- Has only one monitoring station (provided through Brinks)
- Broadband (internet) monitoring
- Customer service options: live chat, phone, community and Twitter
- BBB rating: A-
- Not accredited from the BBB, which is rare since most competitors are. There’s most likely one of two reasons for this:
- Nest has not sought out accreditation, or
- Nest does not meet BBB standards
- Not accredited from the BBB, which is rare since most competitors are. There’s most likely one of two reasons for this:
- Two-year warranty
- Four ways to arm/disarm the system: using the Nest Tag (key fob), Nest app, Google Assistant or entering a passcode
- Remind Me alerts to help you remember to arm your system
- Use Nest Tags for visitors and set times when they can enter your home (e.g., allow the dog walker in during dog walking hours)
- Smash protection: if an intruder destroys the base station, the distress signal still goes through
Battery Backup
If the power goes out in your home, battery backup will keep your Nest system on and your home protected. Nest has a 12-hour battery backup, which is shorter than the standard 24 hours in home security.
Nest sends a notification when there’s a power outage to keep you in the loop on the status of your system. The backup battery is rechargeable, so once power is restored, the battery will recharge back to 12 hours, so it’s ready for any future needs.
The entire system will continue to work during a power outage unless the equipment requires a high-speed internet connection (e.g., cameras). Door/window sensors, motion sensors, glass break sensors, etc., don’t require a high-speed internet connection, so they’ll work with battery backup and you’ll be informed of any triggers to these devices.
App Features
Below are functions you can control within the Nest Secure home security app. Please know that to use some of the features you must have certain equipment. For example, you cannot lock/unlock doors unless you have smart locks in place that are compatible with your security system.
System
- Arm/disarm entire system
- View detailed event history and alerts
Smart/Remote Controls
- Lock/unlock doors
- Control thermostat
- Control and schedule lights
Cameras
- Remote control cameras, including pan/tilt/zoom (if supported by camera)
- View live stream
- View recorded video
- View doorbell camera
Not Supported By App
- Geofencing, which automatically adjusts your security and automation equipment after you’ve left a set radius of your home or “geo-fence”
- Updated weather forecast
- Garage door controls
- Arm/disarm individual sensors
Price
Nest Secure (includes a Nest Guard (base station), two Nest Detects (door/window sensor and motion sensor) and two Nest Tags (key fobs) – $399.99
Additional Equipment
- Nest Detect – $49.99
- Nest Connect (Range Extender) – $69.00
- Nest Thermostat – $219.00
- Nest Temperature Sensor – $99.00
- Nest Cam (Indoor Camera) – $149.99
- Nest Outdoor Camera – $182.85
- Nest Protect (Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm) – $119.99
- Nest Hello (Doorbell Camera) – $229.99
Coupon
Monitoring Plans
Nest’s monitoring is provided by Brinks Home Security. Brinks is best-known for its armored trucks that transport large amounts of cash. In 2010, it merged with Tyco, the parent company of ADT, and began offering home security. Brinks monitoring is broadband with cellular as a backup.
- First month: free
- Three-year agreement: $19/month
- Month-to-month: $29/month
What Do People Think Of Nest Secure?
Positive Reviews
This device was super easy to install and works perfectly. Very user friendly. – Cbake88, Best Buy 5/22/2020
This alarm is super easy to install. If you have Nest Cameras it will turn them all of them on and start recording when the alarm goes off. Exceptional integration with other Nest products and you can use a Starling to connect it to Apple Home. – Jonny, Best Buy 5/19/2020
Negative Reviews
Worst alarm system ever. It doesn’t work, requires google account, we logged in with google account and were hacked the next day, it’s the opposite of security. Had to leave country for business for 2 months and plan to take it back to Best Buy. Hopeful they do the right thing and accept the return. – JFORD, Best Buy 3/26/2020
After 10 months the device is failing – i have false motion detection. The hub often doesn’t respond and the buttons fail to reliably activate/deactivate the system. The key fob has to be swiped multiple times before read. I suspect bad build quality from nest. Better options are out there. – NDSQLGUY, Best Buy 05/26/2019
How To Install Nest Secure
See how easy it is to set up your Nest Secure system.
Nest Secure vs Other Companies
See the key differences between Nest Secure and other leading home security companies (more comparisons coming! let us know who you’d like to see Nest Secure pit off against next.
Nest Secure vs Ring Alarm
- Ring is compatible with Z-Wave and Zigbee devices; Nest is not.
- Nest only has one monitoring station, while Ring has two.
- Ring’s control panel has 24-hour battery backup, while Nest’s is only 12 hours.
Compare Nest Secure and Ring Alarm
About Nest Secure & Its History
Nest Labs was initially founded in 2010 by two former Apple engineers, Matt Rogers and Tony Fadell. The first product released was the Nest Learning Thermostat. In 2014, Google purchased Nest Labs for $3.2 billion, and in 2017 it launched Nest Secure.
How Does Nest Compare?
Nest is more expensive than some of its competitors, but it’s a dependable system. We’re disappointed that it only has a single monitoring station, which is a key reason it’s not a top pick for us. Our experts recommend at least two monitoring stations to help keep you protected in case one experiences down time. You can read about Nest’s competition in our home alarm company reviews.
Would you buy Nest Secure?
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