Smart home security has significantly changed over the years. There was a time when we saw traditional simple lock and alarms protecting the houses. Today in 2025, smart door outdoor cameras including Arlo and Nest are well established brands. They offer extensive features which enhance our convenience and safety. So we can adopt smart home systems that integrate well with our new gadgets in our smart homes.
Finding a security in the market which fullfils all your needs is quite difficult. So, in this guide we are going to compare the top two brands Arlo vs Nest outdoor camera. This guide will definitely help you out in making your decision.
Table of Contents
Both brands are the trusted names in smart home security market. Arlo is known for its video quality and wire free connectivity. While when we look at Nest, its part of Google home. It stands out with integration of google assistant. It supports powerful AI features. But we need to compare both in detail to know the better choice for you smart home. So lets explore both in detail.
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Arlo vs Nest Outdoor Camera: Detailed Comparison
In comparison of Arlo vs Nest outdoor Camera, we will explore each feature including the video performance, storage, pricing and smart features they offer. Below we will compare each feature in detail.
1. Design and Build Quality
Both Arlo and Nest outdoor cameras have sleek design. They are both weather resistant cameras design.They have been built to withstand rain, heat and even snow.
Arlo cameras like the Arlo Pro 5S and Arlo Ultra 2 available in a compact white body. It has magnetic mounts, which allows the easy installation. This camera is fully wireless. It is rechargeable. With this outdoor camera you dont have to deal with the complex wiring.
On the hand when we see Nest Cam, its also features an elegant design with a smooth matte finish. Nest Cam can be used in both configurations wired or wireless. It supports the magnetic mount which definitely makes it installation easy. The camera feels premium. It fits well in modern smart homes and doesnt feel a misfit.
| Feature | Arlo Outdoor Camera | Nest Outdoor Camera |
| Design | It is Compact, modern | It is Minimal, sleek |
| Power | It supports Rechargeable battery | It is Battery or wired |
| Weatherproof | Yes (IP65 rating) | Yes (IP54 rating) |
| Mounting | It supports Magnetic and flexible | It supports Magnetic and simple |
Both are the best outdoor cameras in build quality. In this comparison Arlo offers slightly better flexibility. It offers more mounting options.
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2. Video Quality and Night Vision
Video clarity is the feature where comparison debate heats up in Arlo vs Nest outdoor camer.
In our first option, Arlo Ultra 2 offers 4K HDR video recording. It supports a wide 180° field of view. The footage is exceptionally clear. It gives a good result even in low light. The Arlo Pro 5S provides 2K resolution. Which is still sharper than the most available competitors in the smart home security systems market.
On the other hand, Nest Cam records footage in 1080pixels HD. It lacks the sharp detail. Which we get in Arlo 2K or 4K models available. However, Nest HDR technology and night vision deliver the best balanced lighting. Which reduces glare and shadow in the recordings.
| Feature | Arlo Ultra 2 | Nest Cam (Battery) |
| Resolution | It offers 4K HDR | It offers1080p HDR |
| Field of View | It offers180° | It offers130° |
| Night Vision | It supports Color Night Vision | It supports Infrared Night Vision |
| Zoom | It supports 12x digital | It supports 6x digital |
If we give our final opinion in Video quality and Night vision, Arlo wins in video quality with 4K resolution. It offers wider field of view. Which makes it ideal for the large areas like backyard.
3. Smart Features and AI Detection
Lets look at the smart features and the AI functionality in both outdoor security cameras. Because in smart homes, mostly users prefer IoT in smart home automation.
Arlo offers AI based detection for people. It supports vehicles, animals and even packages detection. These features are offered through Arlo Secure subscription. Arlo also includes activity zones. It sends smart alerts. It is able to trigger the built in sirens. It can even activate external devices when the motion is detected in front of its lense.
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Nest Cam is powered by Google AI. Which delivers object detection very smartly. It can differentiate between people and animals. It also supports detection of vehicles without a subscription, which is its plus point. It also integrates with Google Home. It also supports Voice Assistant. Which allows the real time voice alerts. It can send automated triggers.
| Feature | Arlo Secure | Nest Aware |
| Person Detection | Yes Available | Yes Available |
| Package Detection | Yes Available | Yes Available |
| Activity Zones | Yes Available | Yes Available |
| Facial Recognition | Not Available | Yes Available in Nest Aware only |
| Integration | It supports Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google | It supports Google Home only |
In our final comments we will say Nest leads with its built in AI. It supports Google ecosystem. While on the other hand; Arlo supports the broader smart home automation.
4. Storage Options Cloud vs Local
Both outdoor security cameras, Arlo and Nest offer cloud storage. The pricing and features they offer vary.
Arlo Secure subscription starts from $4.99/month per camera. Which gives you a 30 days of cloud recording. It also supports smart notifications. Arlo also allows the local storage via SmartHub. This is a great feature for the users who do not prefer the cloud for privacy reasons.
On the other hand, Nest Aware starts from $8/month. It covers all Nest cameras in your smart home. Nest Aware offers 30 days of video history. If we look at Nest Aware Plus which costs around $15/month; it offers up to 60 days of history. It also offers the 10 days of continuous video recording. This option available in the wired models.
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| Plan | Arlo Secure | Nest Aware |
| Monthly Cost | It costs $4.99 per camera | It costs $8 (all cameras) |
| Cloud Storage | It supports 30 days | It supports 30–60 days |
| Local Storage | Yes Available | Not Available |
| Continuous Recording | Not Available | Yes only in Wired Models |
Arlo gives flexibility with local storage. It comes with cheaper plans. On the other hand Nest provides a simpler model. All in one model.
5. Pricing and Subscription Value
In Arlo vs Nest outdoor camera comparison, the cameras cost play an important role in selection..
The Arlo Ultra 2 costs us around $299 which is per camera. While Arlo Pro 5S comes around $249. The Arlo Secure plan adds $4.99 per camera monthly.
Nest Cam retails for about $179. With the Nest Aware plan at $8 per month for all the cameras.
| Camera Model | Retail Price | Subscription (Monthly) | Main Advantage |
| Arlo Ultra 2 | $299 | It costs $4.99 per camera | It supports 4K video, flexible storage |
| Arlo Pro 5S | $249 | It costs $4.99 per camera | It supports 2K video, great battery life |
| Nest Cam (Battery) | $179 | It costs $8 for all cameras | It supports AI detection, Google integration |
Nest offers a more affordable initial setup. While on the other hand Arlo provides better flexibility.
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Arlo vs Nest Outdoor Camera: Which one Should We Choose?
We have made the table for comparison.
| Category | Winner |
| In Video Quality | Arlo |
| In Smart Features | Nest |
| In Storage Options | Arlo |
| In Integration | Arlo |
| In Pricing | Nest |
| In Battery Life | Arlo |
Final Thoughts on Arlo vs Nest Outdoor Camera
Arlo vs Nest outdoor camera , the decision depends on your preferences and the installed ecosystem. Arlo delivers us unmatched resolution, longer battery life and best integration with smart home security systems. While Nest also shines with its AI detection technology and Google Home integration.
Both outdoor security cameras are excellent and reliable. Their design is really good ad both offer privacy controls. If you prioritize video quality along with flexibility then go with Arlo outdoor security camera. But If you want smart detection and Google automation support; then Nest will be your best need.
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In this detailed guide on Arlo vs Nest outdoor camera, we discussed all the features of both cameras. Its your decision to go with the best one. In case of any suggestion or query, we will be happy to help you out. Please leave us a comment, we will get back to you soon.
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