The DropCam Pro vs Nest Cam is a great comparison that potential customers look up just before they buy a home security system from either of the popular brands. Just below, take a look at this comparison and find out which unit is best for you. We’ve done all of the heavy lifting for you and by the time you leave this page, you should be well aware of which model you should go with.
DropCam – Click here to see price
Nest Cam – Click here to see price
DropCam vs Nest Cam: Which Indoor Camera Should You Buy...?
Size and Design
Nest Cam
On the other hand, the Nest Cam is an embodiment of flair and functionality. Produced by the current owners of the DropCam franchise, this camera is an upgraded and more modern version of the DropCam Pro. An all-glass lens is connected to a magnetic pivoting base via a much slimmer frame than the DropCam Pro, and the overall effect is quite eye-appealing.
They both come in a black finish, and when placed side by side, have roughly the same height and width. However, the DropCam Pro is a little bit lighter than the Nest Cam.
Mounting Options
Both cameras have a detachable base or stand, thus making it possible for them to be placed on tables, window sills, shelves and dressers. The Nest Cam however has more mounting options due to its stand being magnetic. This means you can place it on any metallic surface, such as the fridge, and not worry about it falling off.
If you feel like mounting yours on the wall, the cameras come equipped with mounting screws and plates. Just take off the detachable stand and follow the mounting instructions.
Power and Wi-Fi Connection
For live streaming, both cameras must be continuously supplied with power. They come packaged with a 10ft USB cable and a USB power adapter similar to most smartphone chargers. Just like your smartphones, they make use of direct current (DC) with a very low voltage of 5v.
To function, both cameras must be connected to a Wi-Fi of 2.4GHZ or 5.0GHz.
Installation, Setup and Operation
The installation and setup of these cameras is quite easy and fast. To setup the DropCam Pro, connect the camera to your PC via the USB cable. The camera software would automatically load on your PC. Follow the instructions and input your Wi-Fi password where necessary. Once you are done, you can safely disconnect the camera. Proceed to mount it in your preferred location and connect it to a power supply. You can also set it up with your smartphone by pairing the camera to your phone using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). Then log into your home’s Wi-Fi with your phone.
For the Nest Cam, all you have to do is download the Nest App on your smartphone. Follow the prompts and instructions. Once done, mount your camera, plug it to a power supply and you are good to go.
Both cameras can be operated and their settings changed remotely using their mobile apps or through Bluetooth. Nest Cam users make use of the Nest App, while DropCam Pro users can make use of either the DropCam App or the Nest App. It is however advisable for current DropCam users to migrate to the more modern Nest App.
Click here to get more details on the DropCam
Click here to get more details on the Nest Cam
Video and Picture Quality
DropCam Pro
Both cameras have a field of view of 130o, which simply means their range of coverage is quite large. If properly placed, they can give a sufficiently adequate view of a room. Both cameras can be zoomed to magnify the picture 8 times its original size. However, some users complained of getting a blurry view when they tried magnifying the image.
While the DropCam Pro has a resolution of 720p HD, the Nest Cam boasts of a higher resolution of 1080p. However, the higher resolution of the Nest Cam comes at a cost, as most customers complained that it increased their data usage. On the bright side, you have the option of decreasing the resolution of your Nest Cam video via the Nest App.
Audio Quality and Talk-Back Feature
The audio quality of both cameras have been commended by several customers, as being loud and clear without any interfering static. They also feature a two-way communication system, commonly known as the talk-back feature, whereby owners can talk to their kids or pets at home from any location through the in-built camera and microphone. However, the talk-back feature does not work when night-vision mode is on.
Live Streaming and Cloud Service
The cameras stream secure live footage to your computers and smartphones for your viewing pleasure. However, while you can view these videos, you cannot save them to your computer or a memory card for viewing at a later date. Both cameras offer a cloud service subscription whereby you pay a monthly fee for your videos to be stored in the cloud and viewed later. This unarguably is the biggest bone of contention among users and intending buyers. Majority are of the opinion that it is a greedy business tactic to keep consumers paying even after buying the camera, while a minor few seem to be okay with the monthly stipend for secure storage.
On purchasing the Nest Cam, you get a free 30-day trial on Nest Aware (Nest’s cloud subscription service). Nest Cam also offers an added advantage of a 10-day subscription for the same price of DropCam’s 7-day subscription, and a slight discount in subscription price for every additional camera purchased. With Nest Aware, you also have the ability to view video footage for the past 3 hours for free. A Nest Aware subscriber can enjoy the added benefits of time-lapse videos for summarizing the day’s events as well as activity zones for reducing the occurrence of false alerts.
Alerts and Notifications
The cameras are designed in such a way that instant alerts are sent to your phone or mail once motion or sound is detected. Several users complained of receiving these ‘alerts’ a long time after the detection and not immediately as claimed by the manufacturers.
Outdoor Use
Both cameras are strictly to be used indoors. However, some outdoor enclosures specifically designed for these cameras are available for those who would like to use them as outdoor cameras. While the DropCam Pro has no outdoor counterpart, the Nest Cam has a model for specific outdoor use.
Durability and Performance
The common theme of the negative feedback gotten from these products is the supposed non-durability of the cameras. Several users claim that both cameras work fine for the first two years, then internet connection problems begin to plague them, followed by video buffering and streaming delay.
Click here to check reviews and ratings for the Drop Cam
Click here to check reviews and ratings for the Nest Cam
Pros and Cons of the DropCam Pro
Pros
- Good video and picture quality
- Great audio quality
- Talk-back feature
- Detachable stand
Cons
- Limited pivoting options
- Talkback feature and night-vision are not compatible.
- Not as sleek in design as the Nest Cam
- Limited mounting options
- Payment for video storage
- Delayed notifications
Pros and Cons of the Nest Cam
Pros
- Increased pivoting options
- Sleek and modern design
- Detachable magnetic stand, resulting in increased mounting options
- Excellent video and audio quality
- Superior picture quality than that of DropCam’s
- Free subscription trial for the first month and other benefits of using Nest Aware.
Cons
- Payment for video storage
- Delayed notifications
- Talkback feature and night-vision are not compatible.
Summary and Recommendation
If I were choosing between the DropCam Pro and the Nest Cam, I would most certainly go with the NestCam. The NestCam in my opinion offers the superior features from the stylish exterior, magnetic stand, and varied pivoting options. It also comes with a superior picture quality and a free month subscription to NestAware (video cloud service). That’s not to say that the Drop Cam is without it’s own benefits, perhaps a sale price will make the DropCam more appealing for you when you are ready to make your purchase.