Ring vs Google Nest: Amazon vs Google Smart Home Security
Last Updated: January 2026
Ring (Amazon) and Google Nest both offer cameras, doorbells, and smart home integration. We compare ecosystems, subscriptions, and who each is best for.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Ring | Google Nest |
|---|---|---|
| Alarm system | Yes; sensors, base, keypad | No; use with ADT for alarm |
| Cameras & doorbells | Wide variety | Smaller lineup, high quality |
| Ecosystem | Amazon Alexa, Ring app | Google Home, ADT+ |
| Pro monitoring | Optional via Ring Protect Pro | Via ADT when bundled |
| Subscription | Ring Protect (Basic, Plus, Pro) | Nest Aware |
Ring Overview
Ring provides a full DIY alarm (sensors, base, keypad) plus a broad range of video doorbells and cameras, all in one app. It's built around Amazon Alexa. Ring Protect adds cloud recording and optional 24/7 monitoring via Ring Protect Pro. There's no pro installation; everything is DIY. Ring has more camera and doorbell models than Nest and is a better fit if you want one vendor for alarm and video without involving ADT.
Google Nest Overview
Google Nest offers cameras, doorbells, and displays that tie into the Google Home app and, when bundled, the ADT+ app. Nest Aware adds detection and recording. There is no Nest-only alarm; for professional monitoring and sensors, you use ADT packages that include Nest devices. Nest hardware is often more expensive than Ring but is well designed and fits homes already using Nest thermostats, Hub, and Google Assistant.
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Ring if you want a single DIY alarm and camera system, prefer Amazon and Alexa, and want the most product choices. Choose Nest if you're in the Google ecosystem, are considering ADT, and want strong integration with Nest thermostats and displays.
FAQs
- Can Nest work without ADT?
- Yes. Nest cameras and doorbells work stand-alone with Google Home and Nest Aware. For an alarm and pro monitoring, you need ADT or another provider.
- Does Ring work with Google?
- Ring is focused on Alexa. Google Assistant support is limited compared to Nest.
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