Nest Secure vs Ring Alarm

Google and Amazon are two of the biggest tech companies right now, with each having a stake in different smart home and home security markets. Google owns Nest, the smart home brand that offers smart thermostats and security cameras, while Amazon owns Ring, the well-known video doorbell brand that has since expanded into security cameras and home security systems.

In this review, I’m going to put those two brands head-to-head, comparing home security systems from each. However, I’m going to do things a little differently this time. Rather than announcing the winner at the end, I’ll tell you upfront who the clear winner is: Ring.

Now, I’m not biased towards Amazon and Ring. I actually like products from both Google and Amazon’s sides of the fence. My verdict purely comes from the fact that the Ring security system is still available today, whereas the Google Nest Secure from Google has been discontinued since 2020.

Still, we can learn from this comparison why Ring is the last man standing, and why it might be a good choice for you if you’re looking for a DIY home security system.

Key Similarities of Nest Secure Vs. Ring Alarm

Before I get into the review, I want to talk about how Nest Secure and Ring are similar. After all, they’re both newer security companies owned by tech giants; they must have something in common!

• Minimalist systems: both the Ring and the Nest Secure systems include only five components each.
• Professional monitoring not required: Neither company requires that you sign up for 24/7 professional monitoring.
• Flexible contract options: Both companies offer a month-to-month contract if you do choose to get professional monitoring.
• DIY installation: whether you get the Nest Secure or the Ring Alarm security system, you’ll install it yourself.

Both systems have flexibility, which I love, but if you’re looking for a system that professionals install, you might want to check out our review of the Vivint security system. But I digress.

Key Differences of Nest Secure Vs. Ring Alarm

The systems’ differences are ultimately what is going to determine your buying decision. Here’s a quick preview:

• Monitoring in-house: While Nest outsources its professional monitoring to Brinks, Ring offers monitoring in-house.
• Customer support: Ring has better customer support than Nest.
• Mobile apps: The Ring— Always Home app has higher customer ratings than the Nest app.

Okay, now we’re ready to see what each system actually entails.

System Components of Nest Secure Vs. Ring Alarm

Both the Nest Secure and the Ring Alarm security systems I purchased include a base station, called “Nest Guard” under Nest, and motion detectors, called “Nest Detector Sensors” under Nest. The Nest Secure system also includes two Nest Tags, which are basically key fobs that allow you to arm or disarm your security system.

The Ring Alarm security system also gives you a keypad, contact sensor, and range extender.

Keep in mind that Ring has great options like the Ring Stick Up Cam Wired if you’d like a security camera with your system. If you’re leaning towards Nest, check out our review of the Nest Cam Indoor.

Installing Nest Secure Vs. Ring Alarm

Since both systems have DIY installation, it’s important that they’re not too complicated to set up. Let’s talk about my experiences.

Installing Ring Alarm

Installing Ring took a bit longer than I thought it would. This could be for a couple of reasons— maybe my network connection was slow, or maybe because I was trying to sync up multiple things at once.

Basically, I had to plug in my base station and connect to Wi-Fi, although there’s also an ethernet cable if you prefer. Next, I had to sync up my keypad, contact sensors, motion sensor, and range extender one at a time. The contact sensors and motion sensor were all peel-and-stick, which was easy. My advice? Just follow the installation video tutorials in the app. You’ll be a lot happier than I was when setting up this system!

>> Learn More: See our full Ring Alarm Review

Installing Nest Secure

So, installing the Nest Guard couldn’t be easier. You start by setting up the Nest Guard, the system’s base station that will connect all of its components. Once you plug it in, the Nest Guard lights up all pretty, and the Guard literally tells you to look to your Nest app. From there, you scan the Guard’s QR code and set up your passwords, as well as any passwords or access for friends and families.

Setting up the Detect Sensors and the Nest Tags works exactly the same way. All you have to do is scan the QR codes and follow the step-by-step instructions on the Nest app. Praise!

>> Learn More: See our full Nest Secure Review

Top System for Installation

Nest Secure has easier installation than Ring, although the two are pretty neck-in-neck if you don’t try to sync up multiple things at once with Ring. One point to Nest Secure!

Professional Monitoring with Nest Secure Vs. Ring Alarm

Both Nest Secure and Ring give you the flexibility to decide whether or not you want 24/7 professional monitoring. You can self-monitor your system through your mobile app if you’d like. However, you’ll have to depend on yourself for your home’s security completely, and god knows that you’re not just sitting at home eating bonbons all day (and if you are, bless you). How can you ensure that your home is protected even when you’re preoccupied?

Professional monitoring means that a team of people will be monitoring your home’s security 24/7. It doesn’t matter if you’re in the kitchen, at your office, or flying over the Atlantic— if something goes wrong, the team will check it out for you. From there, they can contact police, medical services, or the fire department if necessary. Let’s talk about your professional monitoring options with Nest Secure and Ring.

Nest Secure and Ring Alarm Monitoring Options

Ring – Monitoring/Storage in One Plan

Nest Secure System

Nest Secure Vs. Ring Alarm Customer Support

No one likes to ask for directions, least of all me. If you just give me some more time I can figure it out on my own, I’ll insist after hours of struggling. But sometimes you have to bite the bullet and call customer support. And when that day comes, I want to make sure that I’m dealing with a supportive support system.

Both Ring and Nest Secure feature customer support through the phone and online help centers. However, nest takes it a step further with live chat and Twitter options. Clearly, Nest is marketing towards the millennial crowd, who cringe at the sound of a human voice. Just kidding— partially.

Although both Nest and Ring have decent Google ratings, they also share poor Better Business Bureau customer ratings. Neither company received more than two stars from BBB customers, which is a bit concerning. All of the Nest BBB customer reviews that mentioned customer support were negative, with many complaining of uninformed agents and long hold times. The same went for Ring.

On a more positive note, I was glad to see that the Ring Alarm system has a 4.5 rating on Amazon as well as an A+ overall rating from the BBB compared to the Nest’s D-. One customer was particularly happy with the service he received,

“The customer service reps were very knowledgeable and could walk me through my problem and fixed it on the spot. Hold times were less than 1 minute. I always got a follow-up email from the rep after the call with links to usable content as well the ability to respond via the email to re-engage with the same rep,”

wrote Keith Philips in a five-star Amazon review.

Top System for Customer Support

This was a tough call, as neither Nest or Ring kills it when it comes to customer support. However, I’m going to have to give Ring the prize due to its superior Better Business Bureau overall rating and its awesome Amazon rating. Still, I’m disappointed that Nest and Ring customers had mostly negative things to say about their respective customer support systems. Oh well!

The Nest and Ring Apps

Whether you choose self or professional monitoring, you’ll monitor and adjust your security system through your mobile app. Let’s look into each app and see what it does and what customers think of it.

The Nest App

The Nest app is where you’ll arm and disarm your security system, view event history, livestream footage, receive notifications, and send email invitations to guests.

While it received a pretty good rating of 3.8 from the Google Play store, iPhone users only gave it a 2.1! It makes sense that the Nest app works better on Google, as Google owns Nest, but I’m surprised that they have such a low rating on the Apple store. Hey, iPhone users are people too!

The Ring— Always Home App

Ring’s app allows you to livestream footage, control any connected devices, receive notifications, and check out your neighborhood’s crime and safety alerts.

The Ring app was much more consistent than the Nest app, with 3.3 ratings from both iPhone and Android users. While it’s not a fantastic rating, at least it’s not below average.

Top System App

This was a close one. While Ring had decent but consistent ratings, Nest had good Google Play ratings and pretty dismal Apple ratings. Overall, Ring’s app was higher rated, so they win the crown again for their mobile app! But don’t cry, Nest Secure— it was definitely a close call.

Recap of Nest Secure Vs. Ring Alarm

Congratulations on making it to the end of the review! After taking a time machine back to 2020 when both the Nest Secure and Ring Alarm were both still available, let’s go back to the present. Today, only the Ring Alarm system remains, and right now, it has become one of the best DIY security systems. Its prices might have gone up – for example, professional monitoring now costs $20 per month – but with Ring’s ever-expanding lineup of home security devices, security cameras, and video doorbells, it’s an all-around great option.

How about Google? Well, Google still remains a strong brand that offers smart home products and really great security cameras. You can read my Google Nest Cam (battery) review to see what kind of technology it offers now. Spoiler: We really like its facial recognition technology.

While Google no longer offers a home security system, it partnered with ADT. ADT provides monitoring and sensors for home security, while Google Nest provides security cameras. And as you probably know, ADT is an industry-leading home security brand. So if you’re not satisfied by what the Ring Alarm offers, or if you’d really rather go with Google products, ADT is a wildcard option that might just put a smile on your face. Check out our latest ADT review or if you want, compare ADT and Ring here.