If you searched for “Nest security system,” here’s the hard truth: Google killed Nest Secure in 2020 and has never built a replacement. Six years later, there’s still no Nest alarm system — and based on Google’s camera-only strategy, there probably never will be. Nest still makes excellent cameras, but cameras alone don’t protect your home. Let’s break down exactly what happened, what Nest offers today, and what to buy instead.
What Happened to Nest Secure? (Complete Timeline)
Google’s Nest Secure was a sleek alarm system with the Nest Guard base station, Nest Detect sensors, and Nest Tag key fobs. It launched at $499, competed briefly with Ring Alarm and SimpliSafe, then vanished. Here’s the full story:
| Year | Event | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Google acquires Nest Labs for $3.2 billion | Nest becomes part of Google hardware |
| 2017 | Nest Secure launches at $499 starter kit | Compact design, Google Home integration |
| 2019 | Hidden microphone controversy — undisclosed mic found in Nest Guard | Major trust breach; Google calls it “an error” |
| 2019 | Nest brand merged into “Google Nest” | Nest loses independent identity |
| 2020 | Google discontinues Nest Secure — pulled from stores | No replacement announced |
| 2021 | New Nest cameras launched (battery/wired) — no alarm system | Confirms camera-only strategy |
| 2022 | ADT Self Setup launches using Nest cameras + ADT alarm | Google partners with ADT instead of building own alarm |
| 2023–2026 | No Nest alarm system exists — cameras only | Google has fully abandoned the security system market |
Why Google Killed Nest Secure (The Real Reasons)
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Hidden microphone scandal | An undisclosed mic was discovered in Nest Guard in 2019 — Google claimed it was “never intended to be a secret.” Devastating for a security product where trust is everything. |
| Low market share | Ring dominated with Amazon distribution; SimpliSafe owned TV ads. Nest Secure never gained significant traction at its $499 price point. |
| Monitoring complexity | Running a 24/7 monitoring center requires CSAA certification, UL listing, and liability infrastructure — Google didn’t want to build or manage this. |
| Camera margins are better | Cameras + Nest Aware subscriptions generate recurring revenue without monitoring center costs, insurance liability, or false alarm management. |
| ADT partnership | Google invested $450M in ADT in 2020, outsourcing the alarm business while keeping cameras in-house. |
What Google Nest Offers in 2026 (Cameras Only)
Google Nest makes solid cameras — but they are not a security system. No alarm panel, no door/window sensors, no siren, no professional monitoring, no entry delay countdown.
| Product | Type | Resolution | Power | Night Vision | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Cam (battery) | Indoor/Outdoor | 1080p HDR | Battery or wired | IR + HDR | ~$180 |
| Nest Cam (wired) | Indoor | 1080p | USB-C | IR | ~$100 |
| Nest Doorbell (battery) | Doorbell | 960p (3:4) | Battery or wired | IR + HDR | ~$180 |
| Nest Doorbell (wired) | Doorbell | 1080p HDR | Hardwired 16-24V | IR + HDR | ~$180 |
| Nest Cam with Floodlight | Outdoor | 1080p HDR | Hardwired | Floodlight + IR | ~$280 |
Nest Aware Subscription Plans
| Plan | Monthly | Annual | Video History | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | $0 | 3-hour snapshots | Person/vehicle/animal alerts |
| Nest Aware | $8 | $80/yr | 30 days event | Familiar faces, activity zones, intelligent alerts |
| Nest Aware Plus | $15 | $150/yr | 60 days event + 10 days 24/7 | All features + continuous recording |
The problem: Even with Nest Aware Plus ($15/mo), you get camera recordings — not security. No one is dispatching police when your door gets kicked in at 3 AM. You’ll wake up to a notification that someone was in your house.
Cameras vs. Security Systems: The Critical Gap
Cameras record crimes. Security systems prevent them. This is the fundamental problem with relying on Nest cameras for home protection:
| Security Feature | Nest Cameras | Complete Security System | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Door/window sensors | ❌ | ✅ | Detect entry the moment it happens — before intruder is inside |
| Dedicated motion sensors | Camera-only | PIR sensors | PIR sensors work in darkness, use less power, cover hallways |
| Loud siren (85-105 dB) | ❌ | ✅ | Audible alarm deters 60%+ of burglars immediately |
| Professional monitoring | ❌ | ✅ (optional) | Dispatch police/fire when you can’t respond |
| Entry delay countdown | ❌ | ✅ | Gives you time to disarm; alerts station if you don’t |
| Cellular backup | ❌ (Wi-Fi only) | ✅ | Works even if intruder cuts internet or power |
| Two-way voice to monitoring | ❌ | ✅ | Monitoring center can listen in and verify alarm |
| Crash & smash protection | ❌ | ✅ (some) | Alert sent even if panel is destroyed before countdown |
| Geofencing auto-arm | ❌ | ✅ | System arms automatically when you leave — never forget |
| Smoke/CO monitoring | ❌ | ✅ | Fire department dispatched even when you’re away |
| Water/flood sensors | ❌ | ✅ | Alert before $10K+ in water damage |
| Insurance discount | Rarely | 5-20% typically | Monitored systems earn $175-700/yr in savings |
What About ADT Self Setup? (The Google-ADT Partnership)
In 2020, Google invested $450 million in ADT to create ADT Self Setup — a system that uses Nest cameras with ADT’s alarm platform. But this is not a Nest security system. It’s an ADT product with Nest cameras bolted on.
| Feature | ADT Self Setup | What You’d Expect from “Nest Security” |
|---|---|---|
| Alarm hardware | ADT-branded hub + sensors | Google-designed, Nest-branded |
| Cameras | Nest cameras | Nest cameras ✅ |
| App | ADT+ app (separate from Google Home) | Google Home app |
| Monitoring | ADT monitoring ($5.99-$24.99/mo) | Google-run or self-monitoring |
| Contract | No contract (Self Setup) | No contract |
| Smart home | Google Home, Alexa | Full Google ecosystem |
| 3-Year cost | $436-$1,100 + equipment | N/A — doesn’t exist |
Verdict: ADT Self Setup is decent but overpriced for what you get. The dual-app experience (ADT+ for security, Google Home for cameras) is clunky. There are better options.
Best Nest Secure Replacements in 2026
1. Abode — Best Overall (Our #1 Pick)
Abode is what Nest Secure should have become. It’s the only security system that works with Google Home, Amazon Alexa, AND Apple HomeKit. Plus Z-Wave, Zigbee, and Matter support for maximum smart home flexibility. And yes — it works beautifully alongside your existing Nest cameras via Google Home.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Self-monitoring | Free forever — no subscription required |
| Pro monitoring | $6-$20/month, no contract |
| Equipment starter kit | Smart Security Kit — $199 |
| Camera | Abode Cam 2 — $35 (best value in market) |
| Smart home | Google Home + Alexa + HomeKit + Z-Wave + Zigbee + Matter |
| Cellular backup | ✅ (Connect+ and Pro plans) |
| Geofencing | ✅ — auto arm/disarm by phone location |
| Contract | None — cancel anytime |
Why Abode for Nest users: Both live in Google Home. You can say “Hey Google, arm Abode” and “Hey Google, show me the Nest Cam” from the same app. It’s the seamless experience Google should have built but didn’t. Visit goabode.com →
2. Ring Alarm — Best Budget Option
Ring Alarm is the most affordable complete security system. Ring Protect Plus ($20/mo) covers the alarm system AND unlimited cameras — excellent value if you’re already in the Amazon/Alexa ecosystem.
The catch for Nest users: Ring doesn’t play nicely with Google Home. You’d need to use the Ring app for security and Google Home for Nest cameras — two separate ecosystems. If you’re willing to switch cameras to Ring, it’s a solid all-in-one. If you want to keep Nest cameras, Abode is the better choice.
3. SimpliSafe — Easiest Setup
SimpliSafe is the easiest system to set up and use. Their Fast Protect monitoring with video verification is excellent for quick police response. Basic Google Home integration works for voice arming.
The catch: No free self-monitoring tier (starts at $19.99/mo for any monitoring), no HomeKit, no Z-Wave/Zigbee smart home protocol support. SimpliSafe lives in its own ecosystem.
Full Replacement Comparison
| Feature | Abode | Ring Alarm | SimpliSafe | ADT Self Setup |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Home | ✅ Full | ❌ Limited | ✅ Basic | ✅ Via Nest cameras |
| Apple HomeKit | ✅ Only system | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Amazon Alexa | ✅ | ✅ Deep | ✅ | ✅ |
| Free self-monitoring | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ ($19.99/mo min) | ❌ ($5.99/mo min) |
| Pro monitoring | $20/mo | $20/mo | $29.99/mo | $24.99/mo |
| Cellular backup | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Geofencing | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Z-Wave/Zigbee | Both | Z-Wave | Neither | Neither |
| Contract | None | None | None | None |
| Works with Nest cams | ✅ via Google Home | ❌ Separate apps | ✅ via Google Home | ✅ Native |
| Equipment cost | $199-$400 | $199-$330 | $249-$510 | $200-$480 |
| 3-Year monitoring | $0-$720 | $0-$720 | $720-$1,080 | $216-$900 |
| 3-Year total | $199-$1,120 | $199-$1,050 | $969-$1,590 | $416-$1,380 |
Can You Use Nest Cameras With a Security System?
Absolutely — and you should. Your Nest cameras handle video surveillance while a proper security system handles intrusion detection, alarms, and monitoring. Here’s how each pairing works:
| Pairing | How It Works | Control Experience | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abode + Nest | Both in Google Home — arm Abode and view Nest from one app | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Seamless | Best pairing — also works in HomeKit and Alexa |
| Ring + Nest | Ring app for security, Google Home for cameras — two apps | ⭐⭐⭐ Workable | Better to switch cameras to Ring for unified experience |
| SimpliSafe + Nest | Both in Google Home for voice, but SimpliSafe app for full control | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good | Works well — Google Home ties them together for voice |
| ADT Self Setup + Nest | Nest cameras native; alarm in ADT+ app | ⭐⭐⭐ Split | Cameras great, alarm experience mediocre |
If You Still Own a Nest Secure: Upgrade Guide
If you’re still running a Nest Secure system in 2026, it technically still functions — but here’s why you should upgrade now:
| Risk | Details | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| No software updates | No security patches since discontinuation — vulnerabilities accumulate | 🔴 High |
| No replacement parts | Nest Detect sensors are unavailable — if one breaks, you can’t replace it | 🔴 High |
| No monitoring available | Nest Secure never had professional monitoring — still doesn’t | 🟡 Medium |
| Cellular module aging | Nest Guard’s cellular backup uses older LTE bands that carriers may deprioritize | 🟡 Medium |
| App support uncertain | Google could drop Nest Secure from the Google Home app at any time | 🟡 Medium |
| No smart home evolution | No Matter, no Thread, no new integrations — frozen in 2019 | 🟢 Low |
Migration Steps
| Step | Action | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Order Abode Smart Security Kit ($199) + extra Mini sensors to match your Nest Detect count | 5 min |
| 2 | Place Abode hub centrally (where Nest Guard was works great) | 10 min |
| 3 | Install Abode sensors on all entry points — peel-and-stick adhesive | 20-30 min |
| 4 | Connect Abode to Google Home — appears alongside your Nest cameras | 5 min |
| 5 | Set up geofencing to auto-arm when you leave | 5 min |
| 6 | Activate monitoring plan if desired ($6-$20/mo, no contract) | 5 min |
| 7 | Factory reset and recycle Nest Secure (e-waste) | 10 min |
Total migration time: About 1 hour. Keep your Nest cameras — they continue working in Google Home alongside Abode.
Nest Secure vs. Modern Systems (Why There’s No Comparison)
| Feature | Nest Secure (2017-2020) | Abode (2026) | Ring Alarm (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Status | ❌ Discontinued | ✅ Active | ✅ Active |
| Software updates | ❌ None | ✅ Regular OTA | ✅ Regular OTA |
| Sensor availability | ❌ Impossible to find | ✅ Full catalog | ✅ Full catalog |
| Pro monitoring | ❌ Never offered | ✅ $6-$20/mo | ✅ $20/mo |
| Cameras | ❌ None integrated | ✅ Abode Cam 2 ($35) | ✅ Ring ecosystem |
| Smart home protocols | Weave only | Z-Wave + Zigbee + Matter | Z-Wave + Matter |
| Voice assistants | Google only | Google + Alexa + Siri | Alexa (+ limited Google) |
| HomeKit | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Cellular backup | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Geofencing | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Water/flood sensors | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Smoke/CO listening | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
The Lesson: Don’t Build Your Security on a Tech Company’s Side Project
Nest Secure’s death teaches an important lesson: when a tech giant treats home security as an experiment, customers get abandoned. Google’s core business is advertising and cloud services — home security was always a side project.
| Company | Security = Core Business? | Discontinued Products | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google/Nest | ❌ Side project | Nest Secure, Dropcam, Works with Nest API | 🔴 High |
| Amazon/Ring | ⚠️ Strategic investment | Ring Always Home Cam (delayed), some Blink models | 🟡 Medium |
| Abode | ✅ Only business | None — security is all they do | 🟢 Low |
| SimpliSafe | ✅ Only business | None — security is all they do | 🟢 Low |
Bottom line: Choose a company where home security is the mission, not an experiment. Abode exists solely to protect homes — and they’ve never discontinued a product line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Google still sell Nest Secure?
No. Discontinued in 2020 with no replacement. If you find one for sale anywhere, it’s old stock with no update guarantee and replacement sensors are impossible to find. Don’t buy it.
Will my existing Nest Secure still work?
Existing systems technically still function but receive no software updates, no security patches, and no replacement parts. Google could drop support from the Google Home app at any time. We strongly recommend upgrading to Abode — the migration takes about an hour and your Nest cameras keep working.
Why didn’t Google build a Nest Secure replacement?
Google chose to partner with ADT instead ($450M investment in 2020). Running alarm monitoring requires CSAA certification, UL listing, false alarm management, and police dispatch relationships — infrastructure Google didn’t want to build. Cameras are higher margin with less liability.
Is ADT Self Setup a Nest security system?
No. ADT Self Setup uses Nest cameras but the alarm system is ADT hardware running ADT software with ADT monitoring. You need the ADT+ app for security and Google Home for cameras — it’s not a unified Nest experience.
What’s the best security system for Google Home users?
Abode offers the deepest Google Home integration of any DIY security system — full arm/disarm, device status, and routines. It’s also the only system that works with HomeKit and Alexa, so you’re never locked into one ecosystem. Visit goabode.com →
Can I keep my Nest cameras if I switch security systems?
Absolutely. Your Nest cameras are independent devices — they work regardless of which security system you use. With Abode, both live in Google Home so you can control everything from one app. With Ring or SimpliSafe, you’ll use separate apps but everything still works.
Related Resources
- Nest Security Cameras Review 2026 — every camera rated
- Ring vs Nest 2026 — full ecosystem comparison
- Abode Home Security Review 2026 — our #1 pick
- ADT Review 2026 — including Self Setup
- Best Security Cameras 2026
- Smart Home Security Guide 2026
- HomeKit Home Security 2026
- Best No Monthly Fee Security Systems
William is a tech buff and former corporate security officer turned cybercrime analyst. Computers have few secrets left for him, but home security and alarm systems… Well, those have plenty of secrets for their users, which William is now uncovering and explaining. His articles on home security helped many people take the matter seriously, invest in highly performing systems, and avoid becoming victims of burglaries.
Kaleb says
Nest seems to be on a role. I like their equipment and wouldn’t mind upgrading to other items made by them if it is all seamlessly integrated on their app. I may wait until they are a version or two deep so I don’t have to deal with bugs and constant updates on their first security system.