The Nest camera is a popular home security device that allows users to monitor their homes remotely. With its advanced features and sleek design, it’s no wonder why many people are considering investing in a Nest camera. However, one question that often comes up is whether or not a subscription is required to use the device. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of Nest camera subscriptions and explore the benefits and drawbacks of each option.
Understanding Nest Camera Subscriptions
Nest offers two main subscription plans for its cameras: Nest Aware and Nest Aware Plus. Both plans provide additional features and benefits, but they differ in terms of pricing and storage capacity.
Nest Aware Subscription
The Nest Aware subscription is the basic plan offered by Nest. It provides users with 30 days of video history, which means that footage from the camera will be stored in the cloud for 30 days. This allows users to review and download footage as needed. The Nest Aware subscription also includes features such as:
- Person alerts: Receive notifications when the camera detects a person.
- Activity zones: Define specific areas of the camera’s view to receive notifications when motion is detected.
- Clip sharing: Share clips with friends, family, or law enforcement.
The Nest Aware subscription costs $6 per month or $60 per year.
Nest Aware Plus Subscription
The Nest Aware Plus subscription is the premium plan offered by Nest. It provides users with 60 days of video history, which is double the storage capacity of the Nest Aware plan. This plan also includes all the features of the Nest Aware plan, plus:
- 24/7 continuous recording: Record footage continuously, even when the camera is not detecting motion.
- 10 days of 24/7 video history: Store 10 days of continuous footage in the cloud.
The Nest Aware Plus subscription costs $12 per month or $120 per year.
Benefits of a Nest Camera Subscription
While a subscription is not required to use a Nest camera, there are several benefits to investing in a plan. Here are a few:
- Extended video history: With a subscription, you can store footage for up to 60 days, which can be useful for reviewing and investigating incidents.
- Advanced features: Subscriptions provide access to advanced features such as person alerts, activity zones, and clip sharing.
- Improved security: With continuous recording and 24/7 video history, you can have peace of mind knowing that your home is being monitored at all times.
Drawbacks of a Nest Camera Subscription
While a subscription can provide additional benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider:
- Cost: Subscriptions can add up in cost, especially if you have multiple cameras.
- Storage limitations: Even with a subscription, storage capacity is limited, which means that footage may be deleted after a certain period of time.
- Dependence on cloud storage: With a subscription, you are relying on cloud storage to store your footage, which can be a concern for those who prefer local storage.
Alternatives to Nest Camera Subscriptions
If you’re not interested in investing in a Nest camera subscription, there are alternative options to consider:
- Local storage: You can store footage locally on a microSD card or hard drive, which can provide more control over your footage and eliminate the need for cloud storage.
- Third-party storage solutions: There are third-party storage solutions available that can provide additional storage capacity and features.
Using a Nest Camera Without a Subscription
While a subscription is not required to use a Nest camera, there are some limitations to consider:
- Limited video history: Without a subscription, you’ll only have access to 3 hours of video history.
- No advanced features: You won’t have access to advanced features such as person alerts, activity zones, and clip sharing.
- No continuous recording: You won’t be able to record footage continuously, even when the camera is not detecting motion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while a subscription is not required to use a Nest camera, it can provide additional benefits and features that can enhance your home security experience. The Nest Aware and Nest Aware Plus subscriptions offer extended video history, advanced features, and improved security, but they also come with a cost. Ultimately, the decision to invest in a subscription depends on your specific needs and preferences.
| Subscription Plan | Video History | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Nest Aware | 30 days | $6/month or $60/year |
| Nest Aware Plus | 60 days | $12/month or $120/year |
By considering the benefits and drawbacks of each subscription plan, you can make an informed decision that meets your needs and budget.
Do I need a subscription for my Nest camera to work?
You don’t necessarily need a subscription for your Nest camera to work. The camera will still stream live video and send motion alerts to your phone, even without a subscription. However, some features like video history, person alerts, and activity zones will be limited or unavailable without a subscription.
If you’re looking for basic functionality, you can still use your Nest camera without a subscription. However, if you want to get the most out of your camera and access advanced features, a subscription is recommended. Nest offers different subscription plans, including the Nest Aware and Nest Aware Plus, which offer various features and benefits.
What features do I get with a Nest Aware subscription?
A Nest Aware subscription offers several features that enhance the functionality of your Nest camera. With a subscription, you get access to video history, which allows you to view recorded footage from the past 30 days. You also get person alerts, which notify you when the camera detects a person, and activity zones, which allow you to define specific areas of interest.
Additionally, a Nest Aware subscription also offers features like familiar face detection, which can recognize and alert you to familiar faces, and sound detection, which can alert you to unusual sounds. You also get access to 24/7 continuous recording, which allows you to record footage continuously, even when there’s no motion.
How much does a Nest Aware subscription cost?
The cost of a Nest Aware subscription varies depending on the plan you choose. The basic Nest Aware plan costs $6 per month or $60 per year, and it offers 30 days of video history. The Nest Aware Plus plan costs $12 per month or $120 per year, and it offers 60 days of video history, as well as 24/7 continuous recording.
It’s worth noting that you can also get a discount if you have multiple Nest cameras. For example, if you have multiple cameras, you can get a discounted rate of $12 per month or $120 per year for the Nest Aware plan, which covers all your cameras.
Can I try Nest Aware for free?
Yes, you can try Nest Aware for free. Nest offers a 30-day free trial for new subscribers, which allows you to try out the features and see if it’s right for you. During the trial period, you get access to all the features of the Nest Aware plan, including video history, person alerts, and activity zones.
If you decide to continue with the subscription after the trial period, you’ll be charged the monthly or annual fee, depending on the plan you choose. If you don’t want to continue with the subscription, you can cancel it before the trial period ends, and you won’t be charged.
Do I need a subscription for each Nest camera?
No, you don’t need a subscription for each Nest camera. If you have multiple Nest cameras, you can cover all of them with a single subscription. The Nest Aware plan, for example, covers all your cameras, and you get access to video history, person alerts, and activity zones for all of them.
However, it’s worth noting that the cost of the subscription may vary depending on the number of cameras you have. For example, if you have multiple cameras, you may be eligible for a discounted rate, which can help you save money.
Can I cancel my Nest Aware subscription at any time?
Yes, you can cancel your Nest Aware subscription at any time. If you’re not satisfied with the service or if you no longer need it, you can cancel your subscription and stop paying the monthly or annual fee.
To cancel your subscription, you can go to the Nest app or website and follow the instructions. You’ll still have access to the features and video history until the end of the billing cycle, but you won’t be charged again after that.
Is a Nest Aware subscription worth it?
Whether or not a Nest Aware subscription is worth it depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you want to get the most out of your Nest camera and access advanced features like video history, person alerts, and activity zones, a subscription is recommended.
However, if you’re on a budget or if you only need basic functionality, you may not need a subscription. It’s worth weighing the costs and benefits and deciding what’s best for you.