This family of products is beautifully designed, simple to set up, and controlled by one easy-to-use app. Nest is also good at thoughtful upgrades like two-in-one devices or adding nightlights to motion sensors.
The Nest Secure kit comes with all the essentials.
The Nest Guard
The Nest Guard is the brain, keypad, and alarm of the system, as well as a motion sensor.
Nest Tag
The Nest Tag arms and disarms the Nest Guard with a tap.
Nest Detect
The Nest Detect monitors motion when placed on a wall, or it can be used with a magnet or adhesive strip as a window or door sensor.
The multitalented Nest Guard hub is an alarm, keypad, and motion sensor. You can arm and disarm it through the nine-button keypad on top, the Nest app, Google Assistant, or your handy key fob.
The included Nest Tag key fobs are easier to use than punching in a number on your keypad or fumbling with your phone. More and more security companies are offering these because they make it much easier to arm and disarm your home as you’re coming in with a handful of groceries or kiddos on your arm. If you need more fobs than the two included in the Nest Secure kit, you can order more for $25 each.
The Nest Detect sensors can be used as door and window sensors or as simple motion detectors. They have built-in nightlights too—a simple upgrade to safely light your way to the door.
All the reporting and controls go through the Nest app, leaving you in charge of monitoring your system and additional smart devices.
Other Google Nest equipment that works with Google Nest Secure
Nest Protect
The Nest Protect is a combination smoke and carbon monoxide detector that will alert you by voice or alarm if there’s a problem.
Nest Thermostat and Nest Thermostat E
Nest thermostats save you money and energy by adjusting your home temperatures automatically to your preferences.
Nest Cam and Nest Cam IQ
Nest's cameras include indoor and outdoor versions of the Nest Cam and Nest Cam IQ can help you keep an eye on things at home.
Nest Hello
Equipped with facial recognition technology, the camera in the Nest Hello Doorbell can tell your Google Home who is at the door.
Nest x Yale
The Nest x Yale keyless deadbolt allows you to lock and unlock your door from your smartphone.
Nest-compatible smart products
- Google Home
- LIFX Smart Lights
- Philips Hue lightbulbs
- Lutron dimmers and switches
- Chamberlain garage door openers
The Nest app brings all your Nest smart home devices together in one spot. You can check reports, schedule changes, and control the whole system from your fingertips—and you can always add new devices.
You can add and control a Nest Secure kit, camera, or Nest Protect through the same app. The products speak to each other to protect your family in an emergency too. The Nest Learning Thermostat can shut off the furnace or forced air if the Nest Protect detects smoke or carbon monoxide, for example.
One of our favorite smart home devices Nest offers is the Nest Hello video doorbell. The Nest Hello snaps clear HDR video of anyone who comes by your home. Plus, you can watch and speak with visitors through the two-way audio on the camera and app. It’s a great way to know if your latest online purchase has arrived or to check in with the dog walker.
Nest has also teamed up with appliance companies like JennAir and Whirlpool to create products like oven ranges that communicate with your thermostat to keep your house temperature comfortable. Smart capabilities in large appliances like these can keep your kitchen from overheating and even remind you when you’ve left the oven on.
Nest has two series of cameras: the Nest Cam and Nest Cam IQ. Both come in outdoor and indoor models to keep tabs on everyone coming in and out of your house. All four cameras stream a live feed to your phone in crystal clear 1080p HD and impressive night vision. The audio is some of the best we’ve heard too—we were able to have conversations through the cameras with ease.
For an extra monthly fee, you can get a Nest Aware subscription that gives you access to more footage history and features like Person Alert with face recognition. Read our full Nest Cam IQ review to see if this might be a good addition to your security system.
Nest Cam hacking
During our original research in 2019, we found reports of Nest Cams being compromised by hackers. While Nest itself was not compromised, these intrusions were the result of weak password requirements.1,2,3 The company has since taken steps to improve security options. Learn more about how to protect your home automation from hackers.Tips to protect yourself:
- Use long, strong passwords
- Avoid reusing passwords
- Opt for two-step authentication
Nest Protect and Nest Thermostat
The Nest Thermostat and Nest Protect smoke detector put this security company on the map almost a decade ago. Today, these products are still on the market with more smart capabilities than ever.
The Nest thermostat can adjust your heating and cooling according to your schedule. If you like to sleep in a chilly room, Nest will catch on and drop the temperature automatically. It also has settings like “Away” and “Eco” to save you energy throughout the day.
The Nest Protect smoke and CO alarm knows better than to bother you with chirps or false alarms. It sends alerts directly to your phone, allowing you to cancel the alarm when dinner burns or someone takes a long shower. On the other hand, you’ll know about an emergency if you’re home or away.
Nest makes installing a home security system a snap. To get going, just download the Nest app on your iPhone or Android, scan the QR code on the Nest Guard hub, and follow the instructions in the app.
Once the Nest Guard is up and running, set up the Tags, then the Nest Detect sensors. If you add new devices down the road, repeat these steps and connect the new devices through the app.
If you’re installing the Nest Detect in a corner, grab a tape measure, Phillips screwdriver, flathead screwdriver, and 3/32 in. drill bit to help you mount it. You can install these door, window, and motion sensors in most other places using adhesive strips, screws, or magnets.