Google Nest Doorbell - (Wired, 2nd Gen) - Wired Video Doorbell Camera - Doorbell Security Camera - Ash

We’ve had this doorbell for a few months now, and I’m really happy with how it’s been performing. The dark ash color fits seamlessly with the modern aesthetic of our house. I appreciate the sleek, understated look that doesn't scream "Look at me! I'm a Smart Doorbell". It fits in with the look of my home without obnoxiously standing out and it compliments the black accents on our exterior.Here’s what’s been great about it:Tall Aspect Ratio: This is a game-changer. Although I miss out on the wide left to right field of view of a traditional camera - for a doorbell I have found this to be a preferred and optimal choice. With its vertical design, I can see more than just someone standing at the door. I’m able to spot packages on the ground, which has been a lifesaver with the number of deliveries I get, and it’s easier to catch visitors' (head to toe) as they approach.Custom Alerts: I really appreciate how specific the alerts are. The algorithms baked in to the detection software are able to discern between a person, vehicle, animal, or package crossing the field of view, and I get a notification for exactly what I need to know. Beyond just identifying a person, the Nest Aware software goes a step further to recognize familiar faces and tells me if it is someone I know, or an unrecognized person. This makes a huge difference in cutting down on unnecessary alerts, like when a passing car triggers a motion warning. It also makes sure I take notice when its an unknown person at the door and not just one of my kids running around. Although the advanced Nest Aware package costs 15 dollars a month, I find the 24x7 coverage and advanced detection features to be worth the piece of mind it provides.Video History: The 3-hour free video history is perfect for those that just want to check in on missed events. Personally I chose to step up to the 10 days of 24x7 coverage to provide full access to events and surrounding video coverage. Its always better to have it and not need it, then to need it and it not be there. The video quality is crisp enough to clearly identify people or events, which is reassuring when something’s off at the door or front yard. I also love that I can check and manage all of this through the Google Home app anytime.Easy Setup: It replaced our old wired doorbell without any issues. It simply requires two wires for the power, and two screws to attach it to the wall in front of my door. My transformer was already compatible and provided the right amount of power to run the doorbell. Just like a regular doorbell, a press of the button activates my doorbell chime. This doorbell goes even further though by also announcing the event and playing a chime through my google home speakers and sending a push notification (with video) to my phone. I like this because I can clearly know when someone is at the door no matter where I am at in the house.Some notes:Disappointingly it doesn't support the Nest app which is where I have typically managed my other Nest cameras I have installed around the house (so if used to that interface, it’s a bit of an adjustment), but the Google Home app has been easy to use, and I was able to transition all of my legacy Nest devices over.If Homekit is the preferred smart home over Google - there is a way to integrate the doorbell and camera feed through either a custom homebridge server or through an additional device called Starling Home hub. I personally have the Starling device and it allows the doorbell to integrate perfectly into my existing Homekit Smart Home setup - including alerts, notifications, and live video feed.For anyone looking for a simple, reliable doorbell camera with great video quality and custom alerts, this has been a solid pick. I would definitely recommend it if you're into a more modern, functional design that works out of the box with Google or Alexa devices.

If you're thinking of buying this to install in Ireland (or the UK), I can confirm that it works. The only thing is that if you're coming from the 1st generation wired Nest Hello doorbell, as I was, you may need to upgrade your transformer. The 1st gen required 12V whereas this one needs 16V. I bought this one from Amazon UK and it works perfectly.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08XQ2TXVQAs for the doorbell itself, the image quality is slightly better, but bear in mind that the aspect ratio is now 3:4 instead of 4:3. The main advantage is that the notification time is much faster. Installation was pretty easy. The screw holes for the base plate are the same as the 1st gen, which is handy. My only tip is that the wires need to fit within the hole in the base plate. If they don't, you won't be able to attach the doorbell.

Much bigger than the original model it’s replacing and with more features. Easy install and set up. Video quality is good. Video displays in portrait and this is the current model which only works with Google Home.

Updated ReviewI was disappointed to learn this product does not integrate well with 2 of my Google TVs and an older Chromecast device on another. There are no notifications when the doorbell is pressed. If I ask my TV to display the front door camera, it recognizes the command and doorbell, and indicates it is streaming the device. It looks like it is connecting, but instead of the camera feed, it displays a camera icon with a slash through it. You can see it in one of the images I posted. I can still access the camera by using the Google Home app on the TV, it will pull it up that way, so it’s not the end of the world. Just pretty disappointing. Otherwise, it’s truly a nice camera. I adjusted the zones to the point where I eliminated false positive notifications and only get notified now exactly when, how and where I want. Read my original review for more information.Original ReviewVery simple to install. The mounting plate lined up perfectly with my regular doorbell which was an unexpected bonus. I just swapped out the 2 wires and was done, not even 5 minutes. I have google speakers throughout my house, and a couple of Google TVs. I do use the Google Eco System but also have Alexa products. I looked at differences between this product and Ring, watched and read plenty of reviews, and landed on this wired product. I did not want to be concerned with batteries. I have an old house, wasn’t sure if the transformer had the power for this but I took a chance and it worked out.I did install the chime module that comes with it, and that too was simple to install in my electronic door bell. Two wires as well, you just have to make sure you are connecting the chime to the right place, meaning front or back door bell. The app walks you through it and explains everything you need to do. Anyone can install this if you’re of sound mind and body.The best part of this are the zones you can setup for notification and the type of notification. I only needed 2 zones, one for people and one for packages. Anything outside of those two zones will record people but not alert me. You can choose and select options on when and what you want to get notified for.It has very good, crisp and clear video images. I included images of what livestream looks like using the Google Home app, some of the events it captured, the 2 zones I created, and not but capture, which is also high quality but unlike daytime, night time is black and white.After 1 day of use, I can honestly say I think this is a fantastic product. I received notification that a package was left, and to my surprise, after I retrieved it, there was a notification on my phone that the package was missing. Of course it captured me retrieving it, but I thought that was fantastic and didn’t recall reading about that feature or seeing it in reviews. Of course I could have just missed it but it’s nice to know you can go back and see porch pirates that are out there.Earlier I mentioned I have google speakers throughout the house. I chose which ones to alert when the doorbell is pressed. There are a lot of options and customization. I highly recommend this product, well worth the $99 deal I got on n Amazon for a wired 2nd Gen doorbell.