Nest vs Vivint 2026: Google’s Smart Camera Lineup vs Premium Pro-Install Security — Full Comparison
Comparing Nest and Vivint is like comparing a camera company to a security company — because that’s exactly what they are. Google Nest makes excellent smart cameras and thermostats but has no dedicated alarm system anymore. Vivint is a full premium smart home security provider with professional installation and 24/7 monitoring.
So why do people compare them? Because both sit at the premium end of the smart home market. Let’s break down what each actually offers and what you’ll pay over 3 years.
| Feature | Google Nest | Vivint |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Smart cameras + thermostat | Full security system + smart home |
| Alarm system | ❌ Discontinued (Nest Secure) | ✅ Full system with sensors |
| Professional monitoring | ❌ No | ✅ 24/7 ($24.99-$49.99/mo) |
| Camera lineup | 5+ models (excellent quality) | 4+ models (good quality) |
| Video doorbells | ✅ Nest Doorbell (wired + battery) | ✅ Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro |
| Smart thermostat | ✅ Nest Learning Thermostat | ✅ (sells Nest via ADT partnership) |
| Professional installation | ❌ DIY only | ✅ Included (required) |
| Smart home hub | Google Home/Nest Hub | Vivint Smart Hub (proprietary) |
| HomeKit support | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Monthly cost | $0-$12/mo (Nest Aware) | $24.99-$49.99/mo |
| Contract | No contract | No contract (was 42-60 months) |
| Best for | Google Home users wanting cameras | Homeowners wanting premium full security |
Google Nest Pricing
Nest’s pricing is straightforward — buy cameras, optionally subscribe to Nest Aware for cloud features.
Nest Camera Products
| Product | Price | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Nest Cam (indoor, wired) | $99 | 1080p, night vision, 2-way audio |
| Nest Cam (outdoor/indoor, battery) | $179 | Wire-free, weather-resistant, magnetic mount |
| Nest Cam with Floodlight | $279 | 2400 lumens, HDR, intelligent alerts |
| Nest Doorbell (wired) | $179 | HDR video, 24/7 recording, hardwired power |
| Nest Doorbell (battery) | $179 | Wire-free, head-to-toe view |
Nest Aware Plans
| Plan | Monthly | Annual | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Aware | $8.00 | $80.00 | 30-day event history, all cameras, familiar face detection |
| Nest Aware Plus | $12.00 | $120.00 | 60-day event history + 10 days 24/7 continuous recording |
The big caveat: Google discontinued Nest Secure (their alarm system) in 2020 and never replaced it. If you want an alarm system — door sensors, motion detectors, keypads, monitoring — Nest can’t do it. You’re getting cameras only.
Vivint Pricing
Vivint is premium-priced with professional installation and mandatory monitoring. You won’t find their full pricing online — they customize quotes.
Vivint Equipment & Installation
| Item | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Starter Equipment | From $199 | Smart Hub, sensors, panel |
| Professional Installation | Included | Technician sets up everything |
| Additional cameras | $150-$400 each | Indoor, outdoor, doorbell |
| Smart locks, thermostat, etc. | $50-$250 each | Wide selection of smart home devices |
Vivint Monitoring Plans
| Plan | Monthly | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Security | $24.99 | 24/7 monitoring, app control, smart home automation |
| Smart Home Video | $39.99-$49.99 | Everything above + video storage, AI detection, smart clips |
3-Year Total Cost Comparison
| Setup | Hardware | Monthly | 3-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest 3-cam (no subscription) | $457 | $0 | $457 |
| Nest 3-cam + doorbell + Aware | $636 | $8 | $924 |
| Nest 3-cam + doorbell + Aware Plus | $636 | $12 | $1,068 |
| Vivint starter + Smart Security | $199 | $24.99 | $1,099 |
| Vivint + cameras + Smart Home Video | $599 | $44.99 | $2,219 |
| Vivint full home + video | $999 | $49.99 | $2,799 |
| Abode Smart Security Kit + Cam 2 + Connect | $299 | $6.00 | $515 |
Key insight: Nest is cheaper but gives you cameras only — no alarm system. Vivint gives you everything but costs $1,099-$2,799 over 3 years. Abode bridges the gap: a real alarm system + cameras for just $515 over 3 years, with HomeKit support neither Nest nor Vivint can match.
Security Capabilities
| Feature | Google Nest | Vivint |
|---|---|---|
| Intrusion detection (alarm) | ❌ | ✅ |
| Door/window sensors | ❌ | ✅ |
| Motion sensors | ❌ (camera-based only) | ✅ (dedicated + camera) |
| Professional monitoring | ❌ | ✅ 24/7 |
| Cellular backup | ❌ | ✅ |
| Battery backup | ❌ (cameras have batteries) | ✅ |
| Smoke/CO detection | ✅ Nest Protect | ✅ |
| Water leak sensors | ❌ | ✅ |
| Smart locks | Via Google Home (limited) | ✅ (wide compatibility) |
| Panic button | ❌ | ✅ |
If security is your priority, Vivint wins decisively. Nest is a camera system, not a security system. It cannot detect intrusions, alert monitoring stations, or dispatch emergency services. For actual home security, Vivint — or a more affordable alternative like Abode — is what you need.
Camera Quality Comparison
| Spec | Google Nest | Vivint |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080p (HDR) | 1080p-4K |
| Night vision | ✅ (excellent) | ✅ |
| AI detection | Person, vehicle, animal, package | Person, package, smart clips |
| Familiar face detection | ✅ (Nest Aware) | ❌ |
| Continuous recording | ✅ (Aware Plus, wired cams) | ❌ (event-based) |
| Two-way audio | ✅ | ✅ |
| Local storage | ❌ (cloud only) | ❌ (cloud only) |
Nest’s cameras are genuinely excellent — Google’s AI for person/vehicle/animal detection is best-in-class. Vivint’s cameras are good but not as refined. However, Vivint’s cameras integrate with an actual alarm system, which Nest cannot do.
Smart Home Integration
| Platform | Google Nest | Vivint | Abode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Home | ✅ (native) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Amazon Alexa | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ | ✅ |
| Apple HomeKit | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Z-Wave | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Zigbee | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Matter | ✅ | Coming soon | Coming soon |
Nest is deeply embedded in the Google ecosystem but locked out of HomeKit. Vivint works with Alexa and Google but also lacks HomeKit. Abode is the only security system that supports all three ecosystems — HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Home.
Who Should Buy Google Nest?
- You’re a Google Home power user
- You want excellent cameras with best-in-class AI detection
- You don’t need an alarm system — just video surveillance
- You want continuous recording capability
- You prefer low monthly costs ($0-12/mo)
Who Should Buy Vivint?
- You want a premium, full-home security system
- You prefer professional installation (don’t want to DIY)
- You need 24/7 professional monitoring
- Budget is secondary to comprehensive coverage
- You want smart locks, thermostats, and automation from one provider
Consider Abode Instead
Before committing to either, Abode offers what you’d get by combining the best of both — for far less money.
| Feature | Google Nest | Vivint | Abode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alarm system | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cameras | ✅ (excellent) | ✅ | ✅ (Cam 2 + HKSV) |
| Pro monitoring option | ❌ | $24.99-$49.99/mo | $20/mo |
| Free self-monitoring | ✅ (cameras only) | ❌ | ✅ |
| Cellular backup | ❌ | ✅ | $6/mo (Connect) |
| HomeKit support | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| HomeKit Secure Video | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| No contract | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| DIY install | ✅ | ❌ (pro install required) | ✅ |
| 3-year cost | $457-$1,068 | $1,099-$2,799 | $515 |
Abode’s Smart Security Kit gives you an alarm system Nest doesn’t have, at a fraction of Vivint’s cost, with HomeKit Secure Video for end-to-end encrypted footage. See all Abode plans →
FAQ
Does Google Nest still make a security system?
No. Google discontinued Nest Secure in 2020 and has not released a replacement alarm system. Nest is cameras-only. For a Google-compatible alarm system, consider Abode which fully integrates with Google Home.
Is Vivint worth the premium price?
Vivint offers a genuinely premium experience with professional installation and comprehensive smart home integration. However, at $1,099-$2,799 over 3 years, it’s 2-5x more expensive than comparable DIY systems like Abode.
Can I use Nest cameras with a different alarm system?
Yes. Nest cameras work independently via Google Home. You can pair them with Abode for the alarm system and use Nest cameras for video surveillance — getting the best of both worlds.
Does Vivint require a contract?
Vivint eliminated long-term contracts in 2023. You can now cancel monthly. However, if you financed equipment, you’ll still owe the remaining balance.
Which has better cameras?
Google Nest has better cameras overall, particularly for AI detection (person, vehicle, animal, package recognition) and continuous recording capability. Vivint’s cameras are solid but not as refined.
Can I combine Nest cameras with Abode?
Yes! Many users pair Abode (alarm system + Abode Cam 2) with additional Nest cameras. Both work with Google Home, creating a unified smart home with proper security monitoring that Nest alone can’t provide.
With over 20 years of experience evaluating home security technologies, Andrew is a trusted home security expert. He specializes in DIY home security systems, indoor and outdoor security cameras, doorbell cameras, and safety software such as password managers. Andrew uses in-depth research to provide accurate and actionable insights. His work helps you make better decisions to protect your home.
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