Are Nest Cameras Wireless?

In August of 2021, Google Nest released four new Nest cameras: an indoor/outdoor security cam, an indoor-only cam, an outdoor cam complete with floodlights, and a doorbell cam.

But before Nest launched into manufacturing security cameras, it was more known for its lines of security systems and smart thermostats.

Once Google bought the company, Nest diversified into making security cameras. But there hadn’t really been any changes since 2017.

That all changed in 2021. The Nest Hello doorbell cam debuted in 2018 and, despite being a pretty decent product, was limited in its scope of capabilities.

The pre-built door chime system requirement isolated people who did not live in homes with traditional doorbells.

The new Nest Doorbell that debuted last year changed all that.

As of 2021, the Google Nest Cameras were given wireless options. The Google Nest Doorbell and Nest Cam (for indoor/outdoor use) both give you wired and wireless options. Having this option added on makes these cameras more versatile than they ever were before.

Sure, you can go with the wired format, but the wireless Nest Doorbell packs in smart speakers ad/or a smart display powered by Google.

The wired one does require you to have a pre-built door chime, but this one does not.

But do any of the other types of Nest Cams released in 2021 have wireless options? Is there a wireless Nest option for all of them?

How is Nest Camera powered anyway?

Like you, I had these questions in mind before I decided to invest in one for my apartment.

I knew I was going to have to go wireless if I bought a doorbell, but just how easy would the setup be?

Would I have to plug anything in at all? Let me share with you exactly what I discovered.

Does Nest have wireless cameras?

Alas, Google Nest now has wireless camera options if, like me, you do not live in a home already outfitted with a doorbell chime.

These are called the IQ models.

You can still buy a wired version if you have a pre-built doorbell at your home, but if not, you will have to get one of the wireless options if you want to get the doorbell.

You can also get a wireless version of the Google Nest Cam for indoor/outdoor use.

They both essentially do the same thing; the only real difference is how they are powered.

Do all Nest cameras need to be plugged in?

Prior to the release of the wireless options in 2021, there were battery-powered models that could last for around six months on the battery charge but still required that they be plugged in.

The wired models do, of course, need to be plugged in.

If you ever wish to power it off, you can just simply unplug it.

But when you do this, you will not be able to control the camera or watch its video stream with the app.

What are the advantages of going with a wireless Nest camera?

The most obvious advantage of owning a wireless version of the Nest camera is that it does not have any wires getting in the way.

This wireless design makes it even easier to install than the wired version.

Also, these wireless models of the indoor/outdoor Nest Cam are waterproof, so you can rest assured that nothing will happen to them when the weather goes south.

Also, these cameras operate on dual-band WIFI, so you know that your dual-band WIFI modem will work seamlessly with the camera.

You shouldn’t get much in the way of interference from any devices within your home, and they have a fairly long range, which is helpful if you are using a Nest camera outside.

What are the advantages of sticking with a wired Nest cam?

The wired Nest cam is easy enough to set up, especially if you do have an abundance of outlets available for use with multiple cameras inside of your home.

You just might want to covertly cover them so that, if someone does break into your house, they won’t be looking for the outlets.

You also won’t need to worry about putting new batteries in, which is something that can be an annoyance with the wireless models.

What are the price differences between these Nest cameras?

If cost is something of a concern for you, you might want to consider your options here, especially if you plan on buying multiple cameras.

The Google Nest Cam Indoor goes for $129 while the Google Nest Cam Outdoor retails for $199.

Going up to the Google Nest Cam IQ Indoor brings the price up to $299, and the Google Nest Cam IQ Outdoor costs $399, making it the priciest option.

You do have some bundle options available.

You can go for the Nest Cam IQ (2-pack) or spring for a 5-pack Nest Cam Indoor.

There is an option for a combination of 2 Nest Cams and Hello Doorbell, plus another for the combination of 1 Nest Cam Outdoor and 1 Nest Cam Indoor.

How does the Nest subscription work?

Speaking of costs, you might be worried that you will have to buy into the Nest Aware subscription service.

While it does offer some perks, it is not required that you pay for some contractual subscription that you might not really want.

But getting it does give you 24/7 recording, as well as the ability to access your video from anywhere.

It does feel somewhat essential for the IQ models so that you can utilize their facial recognition technology.

Compared to other plans for similar devices, the Nest subscription offerings are considerably affordable.

Closing Thoughts

The Google Nest cameras make for smart additions to your home.

If you are worried about potential break-ins or vandalism, then the Nest should give you some peace of mind.

And springing for the wireless IQ models might cost more, but they come with additional features and fewer wires to wrangle.

If you need to use a wireless setup for your home, then the Google Nest IQ cameras might be what you need to beef up your home security.

Are Nest Cameras Wireless?