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Smart Home · head to head

Arlo vs Nest

Arlo logo

Arlo

Smart Home

Wire-free security cameras with cloud intelligence

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Nest logo

Nest

Smart Home

Google's smart home hardware and software ecosystem

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Arlo without an Arlo Secure subscription the cameras are limited to live streaming and two-way audio, with no cloud video history; Nest pricing not published in support documentation; individual product prices vary significantly
  • They diverge on capability: Arlo covers Wire-Free, Nest covers Learning Thermostat.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Arlo and Nest actually diverge.

Attributes where Arlo and Nest differ
AttributeArloNest
Pricing modelsubscriptionone-time
PlatformsIOS, Android, Web, Smart DisplaysHardware, Mobile, Web
Founded20182010

Identical on both: starting price (On request), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Smart Home).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Arlo

  • Wire-Free
  • 4K Video
  • AI Detection
  • Color Night Vision
  • Alexa
  • HomeKit
  • SmartThings
  • Smart Displays support

Only in Nest

  • Learning Thermostat
  • HD Cameras
  • Smart Alerts
  • Energy Savings
  • Google Assistant
  • Third-party apps
  • Works with Nest
  • Nest Hub support

Both cover

  • Google Home
  • IOS support
  • Android support
  • Web support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Arlo

  • Wire-free home security cameras, video doorbells and floodlight camerasnot Nest
  • Cloud recorded video history with person, vehicle and package detectionnot Nest
  • Professionally monitored home security through the Arlo appnot Nest

Nest

  • Households already invested in Google Home ecosystem seeking integrated smart thermostat, camera, and door locknot Arlo
  • Users wanting unified control of temperature, security, and entertainment across multiple devicesnot Arlo
  • Organisations deploying Google-based smart building solutions with Nest hardwarenot Arlo

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Arlo

  • Without an Arlo Secure subscription the cameras are limited to live streaming and two-way audio, with no cloud video history
  • Video history, Activity Zones and Advanced Detection require the paid Arlo Plus plan
  • 24/7 Professional Monitoring and 24/7 Emergency Response are only on the Premium plan
  • 24/7 continuous recording is an add-on to Premium and covers up to three cameras only
  • Unlimited camera plans apply only to Arlo cameras at a single residential location on the same account
  • Cameras must be bought as hardware before any plan applies, and the included plan is a trial that ends

Nest

  • Pricing not published in support documentation; individual product prices vary significantly
  • All Nest products require Google Home ecosystem integration for full functionality
  • Smart home devices operate only within the Google Nest ecosystem; limited third-party interoperability
  • Support and product documentation dispersed across Google support rather than centralised Nest site

Pricing, plan by plan

Arlo

On request
  • Arlo Secure$2.99/month
    • 30-day cloud
    • AI detection
    • 1 camera
  • Arlo Secure Plus$14.99/month
    • Unlimited cameras
    • 24/7 recording
    • E911

Nest

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Nest review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Arlo if

  • You need wire-free.
  • You work on IOS, Android, Web, Smart Displays.
  • You also want 4k video.
Arlo review

Choose Nest if

  • You need learning thermostat.
  • You work on Hardware, Mobile, Web.
  • You also want hd cameras.
Nest review

Questions people ask

Is Arlo or Nest better?
Neither clearly leads. Arlo starts at On request and Nest at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Arlo or Nest?
Arlo starts at On request and Nest at On request.
Does Arlo or Nest run on more platforms?
Arlo runs on IOS, Android, Web, Smart Displays. Nest runs on Hardware, Mobile, Web.
What is Arlo best used for?
Arlo is most often used for wire-free home security cameras, video doorbells and floodlight cameras, cloud recorded video history with person, vehicle and package detection, professionally monitored home security through the arlo app. Of those, wire-free home security cameras, video doorbells and floodlight cameras and cloud recorded video history with person, vehicle and package detection are not what Nest is typically brought in for.
What can Arlo do that Nest cannot?
Arlo covers Wire-Free, 4K Video, AI Detection, Color Night Vision. Nest covers Learning Thermostat, HD Cameras, Smart Alerts, Energy Savings. Both handle Google Home, IOS support, Android support, Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Arlo: What are typical hardware prices for Arlo cameras?

Hardware prices vary: Pro 6th Gen Camera starts at $159.99, Essential Indoor 3rd Gen at $29.99, and home security systems from $149.99. These are discounted prices from regular retail.

Source
Nest: Where can I find Google Nest pricing?

Google Nest pricing is available on the Google Store website (store.google.com), but the main category page requires first selecting your region and language. Specific product prices appear on individual product pages after region selection.

Source
Arlo: Does Arlo offer subscription services?

Yes, Arlo offers Arlo Secure and Arlo Secure Plus subscription plans, though specific pricing and details for these subscriptions are not disclosed on the homepage.

Source
Arlo: Can I save money by bundling cameras?

Yes, the Build My System option offers up to 15% off when you create your home's ideal security setup through bundled purchases.

Source
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