Best Google Nest Alternatives In 2024

Technology now controls all aspects of our lives, taking a lot of stress off our shoulders.

We adorn our homes with cool gadgets like thermostat controls, security cameras, video doorbells, smart locks, and smart speakers and control them through our smartphones or voice commands thanks to brands like Google Nest.

But even as it’s liberating to have these gadgets at our disposal, we can’t overlook how pricey they are, especially if you’re working with a budget.

Aside from that, it’s also worrisome how much of your data Google consumes. This certainly puts your security in jeopardy and I’m sure you don’t want that.

Thankfully, other brands offer more budget-friendly smart home devices that are highly secured as well. Some of the best Google Nest alternatives include Hive Home, Ring, Netatmo, Arlo, Honeywell Home, and Wyze.

I’m going to analyze each of them including what makes them stand out, the apps they use, and if there are any ongoing subscriptions you need to key in to.

Make sure you read to the end to figure out which of the alternatives to go for.

Let’s dive right in!

Best Google Nest Alternatives

1. Honeywell Home

Honeywell Home is one of the top brands that offer different smart products like doorbells, security cameras, and lights to make your home comfortable and secure.

Like Google Nest, you get both wireless and wired doorbells so that you never miss a buzz at the door again! You’ll always be in the loop.

You also don’t have to worry about the installation procedure. It’s as easy as pie, but if you prefer, you can always seek assistance from a professional. There are also air purifiers that help to keep your home free from dust and pollutants.

The humidifiers on the other hand balance the humidity levels in your home. They come in different types including whole-house humidifiers, evaporative humidifiers, and steam humidifiers depending on your needs and preferences.

The best part is that these products require little maintenance although you have to be careful not to mishandle them.

With Honeywell cameras and doorbells, you can stay watchful to ensure that nothing goes by in your home unnoticed. It’s so easy to connect these cameras to your phone, watch live footage, and receive alerts if anything is up.

Honeywell Home’s website is designed to categorize each item for easy identification. All the products come with a warranty.

Unlike Google Nest, Honeywell Home has a separate app known as Resideo that supports all its products. The app can be downloaded from either the Play Store or the Apple Store.

2. Kasa Smart

The name alone already suggests that you’ll be making your home as smart as it can be. You have all kinds of cool gadgets like smart plugs, switches, cameras, bulbs, and lights at your disposal.

You’d be surprised at how easy it is to set up these devices. They are designed to be super easy, with simple instructions on the installation process.

Whether you’re adding new ones or replacing the old ones, you’ll get that done in a snap.

After setting up, you should connect them to your home WI-Fi and control them with your smartphone from wherever you are. If you’re feeling fancy, you can use the voice commands to get things done around the house.

For example, you can say something like “Switch off the lights,” and it gets done immediately. It’s such a stress-free way to live.

I also noticed that while the devices can be controlled with the Kasa Smart app, you can also easily connect them to other popular platforms like Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings.

To get started after purchasing and installing the smart device, just download the Kasa Smart app from the Apple Store and Play Store.

Also Read: HOOBS vs Homebridge

3. Wyze

Wyze is a great choice if you want to have a smart home without breaking the bank. Their products are very affordable especially when compared to their other competitors, Google Nest included.

The good thing is that even with a price that is accessible to all, their smart devices are still up to par in terms of quality. You’ll get some of the best smart cameras, plus bulbs, locks, and more in the platform.

These devices can be controlled and monitored through the Wyze app which is available for download on both iOS and Android devices. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first time using the app, you can navigate with ease as it is highly user-friendly.

Aside from the app, you can also control your smart devices with voice commands. Thankfully, Wyze ensures that all their products are compatible with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

Interestingly, the brand also offers cloud storage where you can save all the recorded footage from your security camera. This way, you can always access and review past events even if you weren’t actively monitoring your camera at the time.

4. Hive Home

Hive is another brand that ensures that high-quality smart technology is accessible to a lot of consumers. The company is headquartered in London and is widely known for providing sleek and modern products.

No doubt, you’d get your money’s worth whether you’re buying a smart thermostat, smart plugs, smart cameras, smart bulbs, or smart lights.

However, unlike Google Nest, Hive Home is more prominent for its thermostat control. They are highly energy-efficient and also help you reduce your utility bills.

One of the ways it achieves this is by sending you instant alerts on the amount of energy you’re using.

You can make more informed decisions about your energy consumption, like knowing how much money you’re spending on your heating bills and how you can save more.

Although Hive allows its users to access their smart devices through a mobile app, they have also been integrated with other popular smart home platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.

You need to create an account with a username and password to purchase products from the website.

Unlike Google Nest products, you don’t need to have a functional Google account to access smart home devices.

The Hive app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and Apple Store.

5. Netatmo

Netatmo promises to turn your basic home into a smarter, safer, and more comfortable home. From indoor and outdoor security cameras to smart thermostats, smart doorbells, and weather stations, you have enough devices to enhance your comfort and security at home.

One of the features that stands out with Netatmo’s products is its focus on environmental monitoring. You have access to weather stations that give you a clear insight into the air quality, temperature, and humidity level of your environment – both indoors and outdoors.

The data is in real-time so you have updated information to help you make better decisions regarding your home environment. Google Nest doesn’t have this feature, unfortunately.

Netatmo devices are also known for their sleek and modern design as well as their durable construction. They are all crafted to endure extended periods of usage, plus they are updated regularly to last longer.

While Google Nest products seemingly have access to your full info since it requires owning a Google account, Netatmo emphasizes privacy and data security. This helps you to have full control over your personal information at all times.

Aside from that, all communications, like your recorded footage, are encrypted and secured. Your mind will be at rest knowing that your data is protected.

Once you purchase any Netatmo smart device, you don’t need to pay any subscription fee. There are also no hidden costs involved.

The products are compatible with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant.

6. Ring

Ring is a well-known brand when it comes to smart home security solutions, whether you’re looking for video doorbells, home security cameras, alarm systems, or smart lighting.

You need a strong home Wi-Fi network and a Ring app to use any of their smart products. The capacity of the Wi-Fi network should be between 2.4 to 5 GHz.

That means that your mobile phone hotspot isn’t enough to provide a strong internet connection.

The Ring app on the other hand allows you to properly monitor and control all devices in one place. You can get the app from either the Play Store or Apple Store.

Security-wise, Ring doorbells and security cameras have full video monitoring capability. This means that there’s an in-built camera and two-way talk that allows you to hear and speak to any visitor at your door through your Ring App. It’s quite an interesting feature.

Aside from that, the video doorbells come with motion sensors that trigger and notify you whenever motion is detected. This ensures that you’re constantly aware of the potential security threats and suspicious activity around your home.

Additionally, you don’t need any subscription plan to use Ring devices. Once you set up your camera or doorbell and integrate it with your Ring app, you can view the real-time video recordings and also attend to doorbell notifications as they pop up.

However, if you want to download the footage for future use, you need to subscribe to the Ring Protect Plan. It isn’t expensive at all and goes for just $3.99 per month or $39.99 per year. There’s also a 30-day free trial to get you started.

7. Arlo

Arlo takes your privacy personally whether you’re going for their security cameras, smart lighting, or doorbells. They are all beautifully designed to seamlessly integrate into your home.

The fact that the security cameras are wireless means that installation and replacement are as easy as pie. You’ll have more freedom and flexibility to monitor your home both indoors and outdoors.

Arlo smart devices are also known for providing the highest video quality. Not only are you receiving 4k resolution videos but can also zoom 12 times on every image to make out faces and even license plates.

The wide lenses and night vision also contribute to providing clear and detailed footage. Arlo’s advanced motion detection is also an admirable feature.

As an “All-in-one-Sensor,” the devices embody up to eight smart detection functions to ensure that you’re able to keep an eye on everything happening in your home.

You’ll also receive alerts on your smartphone or tablet whenever something unusual happens. All these can be controlled from the Arlo Secure mobile app.

You can monitor your entire home and take immediate action right from your phone’s lock screen. The app is available for download on the Apple Store and Play Store.

You can get started with the Arlo free plan but if you want additional features like footage download, 24/7 video recording, advanced detection, and notification, you have to upgrade to a paid plan.

Also Read: Hoverwatch Review

8. Eufy by Anker

Eufy’s goal is to make your life much easier and more convenient. That’s why it offers a diverse range of smart home products beyond just security cameras and thermostats.

One of its prominent products is the robotic vacuum which is designed to suck up dirt from the floors and carpets automatically. Its long battery life allows you to clean larger areas on a single recharge.

Eufy also comes with smart scales that will help you track your health and fitness goals more effectively. You’ll get to know your exact weight and even sync it with other fitness apps.

Surprisingly, Eufy products offer all features without the need for an ongoing subscription fee. This is unlike Google Nest which requires a subscription for advanced features and cloud storage. You’ll end up saving more with Eufy.

I also noticed that Eufy’s products are user-friendly and have a simple setup process. So, if you’re not tech-savvy, you should consider getting your smart devices from this brand.

Finally, you need to integrate your devices with the Eufy Security mobile app available on both Google Play Store and Apple Store.

9. August Home

If you always forget your keys either while going out or returning home, August Home has the best smart locks and doorbell cameras for you.

It’s the dream of never having to fumble with your door keys again that makes these devices stand out. You can gain entry to your house without them.

Unlike Google Nest, August Home takes your security and privacy seriously. It has the strongest encryption standards to ensure that your home and data stay secure.

The best part is that installing these devices is as easy as baking a cake. If you’re a homeowner, you can use it just inside of your door and leave the outside untouched. You can keep using your keys until you rent the place out.

It’s also easy to keep track of who’s coming in or going out of the house. If you’re not around but have unexpected guests, that’s not a problem. You can share your virtual keys with them and equally revoke access when necessary.

All of these can be controlled right from your smartphone. You simply need to download the August mobile app from the Google Play Store or Apple Store.

Overall, with August Home, your peace of mind and convenience are guaranteed.

Also Read: Hearth Display vs DAKboard

10. Lutron Caseta

Unlike Google Nest, you’ll only get smart lights from Lutron Caseta. They come with ultra-reliable switches and dimmers that turn your ordinary bulbs into smart bulbs.

So, rather than flipping the switch every time you want to turn on the light, you just need to tap on the Lutron app that controls it to turn it on. Alternatively, you can use the required smart remote or a voice command assistant.

This will work well if you’re not at home but want to give the illusion that you’re around. You can randomly turn on the light from the app no matter where you are.

Additionally, if you’re having a special night with your loved ones like a game or movie night, and want to create the right mood for it, you can achieve this with a few taps.

Aside from creating these custom scenes, you can schedule your lights based on the setting of the sun so that your house becomes well-lit and lively.

The most interesting part is that these lights work even without an internet connection. Even when it does, it doesn’t slow down your Wi-Fi and also never needs a password.

Get the Lutron app for your iOS and Android devices here.

Conclusion

As you have seen, there are a lot of great alternatives to Google Nest.

While some of them specialize in specific smart gadgets, others offer a wide range of these devices from smart bulbs, cameras, and lighting to thermostats.

Of all the brands reviewed above, Netatmo is my favorite. There are no hidden fees involved, not even subscription fees.

Once you purchase any of their devices, you’re good to go once you install it and set up the app. For a brand that offers different smart devices, I think this is a good deal.

That said, feel free to check out other brands and choose the one you find most fascinating.