Nest Secure vs Ring Alarm

Editor’s Note: Google’s Nest Secure has been discontinued since 2020. But, you can still buy Google Nest products, you just can’t buy a Nest Secure subscription. Google has partnered with ADT to offer a full-suite of home security services like professional installation and 24/7 monitoring.

We recommend Ring Alarm over Nest Secure, considering Google discontinued the latter. We still find value in comparing these two systems. After all, Google Nest products continue to compete with Ring’s offerings.

In our experience, Ring Alarm’s value is in its security camera range and flexible subscription services. Nest Secure’s subscription model might no longer be available, but knowing how it worked highlights Ring Alarm’s value. For the latest details on Ring’s system, see our Ring Alarm review.

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: Ring offers in-house professional monitoring. Nest outsourced its service to Brinks before discontinuing the system.
• 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 our Ring system took about 45 minutes from start to finish. We found it straightforward, though syncing multiple devices at once can slow things down.

We started by plugging in the base station and connecting it to Wi-Fi. Next, we synced the keypad, contact sensors, motion sensor, and range extender individually through the app. The adhesive strips meant we didn’t need to use any tools to mount them.

>> 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

Neither company is going to win awards for customer service. The availability of multiple support channels and generally faster response times give Ring the advantage. We still think both companies could improve their customer service experiences.

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

Ring wins this category with more consistent performance and higher overall ratings. The app’s intuitive interface, regular updates, and unique features also top Google Home’s security features.

Recap of Nest Secure Vs. Ring Alarm

Ring Alarm stands out as one of the best DIY security systems on the market. We think the devices, cameras, and doorbells offer reliable home protection that justifies the cost.

Google still has a presence in home security with its Nest cameras and smart home devices. The latest Nest Cam lineup features advanced AI capabilities, including facial recognition and intelligent alerts. You can learn more about these features in our Google Nest Cam (battery) review.

Google might no longer offer standalone security systems, but its partnership with ADT was the right move. ADT now handles the traditional security components and monitoring, while Google Nest provides cutting-edge cameras and smart home integration. If you’re looking for an alternative to Ring, we suggest checking out our latest ADT review or compare ADT and Ring here.