Securing your home’s exterior is a top priority for any homeowner, and outdoor security cameras are a powerful first line of defense. Google’s Nest ecosystem offers a versatile range of outdoor cameras designed to fit different needs, from simple monitoring to integrated floodlight systems. This roundup breaks down the key features and benefits of the best Nest outdoor cameras, helping you choose the right model to protect your property and give you peace of mind.
Whether you need a wired solution for constant recording or a battery-powered camera for flexible placement, there is a Nest camera built for the job. Modern features like person detection, high-definition video with night vision, and integration with the Google Home app make monitoring straightforward. We’ve compiled the current lineup to highlight what makes each model stand out for your home security strategy.
Our Recommended Nest Outdoor Security Cameras
- Google Nest Cam Outdoor – 1st Generation
- Google Nest Cam Outdoor or Indoor, Battery – 2nd Gen
- Sensi Smart Thermostat, Wi-Fi, Data Privacy, Programmable
- ecobee3 Lite Smart Thermostat – Programmable Wifi Thermostat
- Google Nest Cam with Floodlight – Outdoor Camera
- Google Nest Cam (Outdoor or Indoor, Battery) – 2nd Gen
- Google Nest Cam Outdoor (2nd Gen) – Wired Outdoor Camera
- Google Nest Cam Floodlight – Wired Camera with Floodlights
Google Nest Cam Outdoor – 1st Generation
As a foundational model in the Nest lineup, this wired outdoor camera provides reliable 24/7 surveillance. Its 1080p HD video and a 130-degree wide-angle view ensure you get a clear picture of your yard or driveway. The camera is built for the elements, with a fully weatherproof design that includes a protective cable and power adapter.
Effective night vision illuminates the entire scene after dark, so activity is visible at any hour. The two-way audio feature allows you to listen and speak directly through the camera via your phone, which is useful for greeting visitors or deterring unwanted activity. This model offers a solid, continuous recording security solution for key areas of your property.
Google Nest Cam Outdoor or Indoor, Battery – 2nd Generation
This versatile battery-powered camera offers maximum installation flexibility, as it doesn’t require a nearby power outlet. Its built-in intelligence can distinguish between people, animals, and vehicles, sending relevant alerts to your Google Home app without a subscription. You can check 1080p HDR video with night vision from anywhere, and it includes 3 hours of free event video history.
Designed to handle outdoor temperatures, it comes with a mounting plate suitable for various surfaces, including brick. A helpful feature is its local storage capability; if your Wi-Fi or power fails, the camera can save up to an hour of event recordings so you don’t miss important activity during the outage.
Sensi Smart Thermostat, Wi-Fi, Data Privacy, Programmable
While not a camera, the Sensi Smart Thermostat is a notable device for comprehensive home management, which often pairs with a security system. It emphasizes user privacy with a commitment not to sell personal information to third parties. Its design focuses on easy do-it-yourself installation, with a built-in level and clear app instructions, and it works without a common wire in most homes.
As an ENERGY STAR certified device, it can help reduce HVAC energy use by about 23% through features like flexible scheduling and remote access via your mobile device. Providing usage reports helps you understand and manage your home’s energy consumption effectively.
Learn More About This Thermostat
ecobee3 Lite Smart Thermostat – Programmable Wifi Thermostat
Another excellent home automation companion, the ecobee3 Lite thermostat focuses on comfort and savings. It is designed to help save up to 23% annually on heating and cooling costs compared to maintaining a constant temperature. You have full remote control from your iOS or Android device, allowing you to adjust your home’s climate from anywhere.
Its system is expandable with optional SmartSensors, which can be placed in specific rooms to manage hot or cold spots. This ensures enhanced comfort in the rooms you use most, making your entire home more efficient and comfortable alongside your security setup.
Google Nest Cam with Floodlight – Outdoor Camera
This device combines a high-quality security camera with powerful integrated floodlights, creating a strong deterrent for your property. It features the same intelligent alerts that identify people, animals, and vehicles without a subscription. The 1080p HDR video with night vision provides clear footage, and you get 3 hours of free event history, with options to expand recording via a Nest Aware Plus subscription.
The built-in floodlights activate upon detecting motion, brightly illuminating the area and capturing clearer video. Like other newer Nest Cams, it includes local storage for events during Wi-Fi or power outages. This model is ideal for driveways, backyards, or other dark areas where both visibility and lighting are important.
Google Nest Cam (Outdoor or Indoor, Battery) – 2nd Generation
This is the general listing for the versatile battery-powered Nest Cam. It offers the same core benefits as the specific pack listed earlier: wire-free installation, intelligent alerts for people, animals, and vehicles, and 1080p HDR video with night vision. Its ability to operate in a wide temperature range makes it a robust choice for outdoor use.
The flexibility to use it indoors or outdoors allows you to move it as your needs change. With free event history and the option for more storage via subscription, it provides a adaptable security solution for monitoring various spots around your home without the hassle of wiring.
Google Nest Cam Outdoor (2nd Gen) – Wired Outdoor Security Camera
This model represents the updated, wired-only version of the outdoor Nest Cam. It provides constant power and reliable 24/7 streaming without needing to recharge batteries. Expect the advanced features of the second generation, including improved video quality, smarter alert systems, and a sleek design built to withstand weather.
As a wired camera, it’s an excellent set-and-forget solution for permanent placement on your home’s exterior. It integrates seamlessly with the Google Home ecosystem, giving you a constant feed and intelligent notifications for activity around your home’s perimeter.
Google Nest Cam Floodlight – Wired Camera with Floodlights
This listing encompasses the powerful combination of a wired security camera and bright floodlights. It is designed for homeowners who want a permanent, hardwired security light with advanced camera capabilities. The unit provides both illumination and surveillance, activating lights upon detecting motion to deter intruders and capture clear footage.
With wired power, you never have to worry about battery life, ensuring the lights and camera are always ready. It includes all the modern Nest intelligence for alert filtering and reliable performance, making it a comprehensive security fixture for key outdoor areas.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Nest Outdoor Camera
When I’m looking to secure my home’s perimeter, picking the right outdoor camera is a big deal. It’s not just about grabbing the first one you see; you need to think about what your specific home and lifestyle require. Since I’ve spent a lot of time with these gadgets, let me walk you through the key things I consider. This will help you figure out which of the 8 best Nest outdoor cameras for home security is the perfect match for your front door, backyard, or driveway.
First, think about power. Do you have an outdoor outlet near where you want to mount the camera? If so, a wired model like the Nest Cam (wired) gives you constant power and usually includes 24/7 video history with a subscription. No outlet? A battery-powered camera, like the Nest Cam (battery), offers ultimate flexibility for placement. Just remember, you’ll need to recharge it every few months, and some features might be tuned to save battery life.
Next up is video quality and field of view. I always want to be able to see faces and license plates clearly, so 1080p HD is my absolute minimum, with 2K or higher being a great bonus. A wide field of view, say 130 degrees or more, lets a single camera cover a larger area like a full backyard. Also, check for HDR (High Dynamic Range). This is a game-changer for seeing details in both bright sunlight and dark shadows in the same shot.
Don’t forget about smart features and subscriptions. All Nest cameras send alerts to your phone, but what happens next is important. Look for features like person, vehicle, and animal detection to cut down on false alarms from leaves or shadows. Most advanced features, like familiar face alerts or continuous video recording, come with a Nest Aware subscription. I factor this monthly or yearly cost into my decision from the start. Finally, consider your weather. Make sure the camera has a good IP weather-resistance rating (like IP54 or higher) to handle your local rain, snow, and heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Nest outdoor cameras require a subscription to work?
No, they don’t require one to function as live-view cameras and motion sensors. You can still get live video and basic motion alerts on your phone without paying monthly. However, to get the most out of your camera—like accessing video history, intelligent alerts that tell you if it’s a person or a package, and continuous recording—you will need a Nest Aware subscription. It’s what makes the system truly smart.
What’s the main difference between battery-powered and wired Nest outdoor cameras?
The core difference is flexibility versus consistency. Battery cams are super easy to install anywhere, with no wires to run. They’re great for spots far from an outlet. Wired cams need to be plugged in, but because they have constant power, they can offer features like 24/7 streaming and, with a subscription, uninterrupted video history. Some battery models also offer the option to use a weatherproof cable for permanent power if you change your mind later.
Can I use a Nest outdoor camera without other Google/Nest devices?
Absolutely. You can use the camera completely on its own with just the Google Home app on your phone or tablet. It works as a standalone security device. That said, if you do have other compatible devices like a Nest Hub or Google Home speaker, you can do more things, like streaming the camera feed directly to your smart display with a voice command.
How well do Nest cameras work at night?
In my experience, they work very well. All Nest outdoor cameras have high-quality night vision, typically using infrared LEDs to see in total darkness. The video is in black and white during night mode. The better models often have enhanced features, like a built-in spotlight that provides full-color night video when motion is detected, which can be really useful for identification.
Are Nest outdoor cameras difficult to install?
Generally, they are designed for DIY installation. The battery-powered models are the simplest—you just mount the bracket with screws (usually included) and click the camera into place. Wired models require you to be near an outdoor outlet and might involve a bit more planning to hide the power cable. The Google Home app provides clear step-by-step instructions for all models to guide you through the setup.