Dropcam vs. Nest Cam vs. Dropcam Pro

Dropcam vs. Nest Cam vs. Dropcam Pro: how big is the difference among the three cameras? At a glance, it looks like there’s virtually no difference except for the style and price. Since Nest bought Dropcam, these three cameras run on the same app, making them have a lot in common. You can still use the Dropcam app, however Nest insistently recommends you switching to the Nest app.

Now, for a little backstory on the two companies; for anyone who doesn’t know, Dropcam sold their company to Nest, and the Dropcam CEO really regrets doing this. Why? Well, Dropcam was a great competitor, probably the strongest competitor to Nest and the company had the right mindset and product to succeed. Anyway, now that Dropcam is owned by Nest, we can only look at the difference in products now, because soon it’ll probably only be Nest branded cameras. So let’s look at the difference between the Dropcam, Nest Cam, and Dropcam Pro!

Dropcam vs. Nest Cam vs. Dropcam Pro — Differences

  • Difference #1: Mounting – All three cameras have nearly identical mounting. You can use them on a desk or table. The Nest Cam also comes with a magnetic plate. You can stick the magnetic plate to a metal surface and place the Nest Cam on it. Or, you can also install the magnetic plate and mount your Nest Cam on a wall, ceiling or any non-magnetic surface.

    The Dropcam and the Dropcam Pro don’t have magnetic plates. Yet, they still have wall mounting hardware. Plus, if you want to have more mounting options, they offer a universal mount magnetic and suction cup. It’s a wonderful, versatile addition to your smart camera. Just a heads-up: the universal mount kit is only compatible with the Dropcam Pro and Nest Cam. So, if you still have the standard Dropcam, it might be the time to upgrade it.

  • Difference #2: Size and Weight – The Nest Cam is slightly thinner. The Nest Cam is 4.5”H x 2.9”W x 2.9”D. Whereas, the Dropcam standard and Pro are 4.5”H x 3.15”W x 3.15”D. So, yes, Nest Cam, you win this one. Yet, the Nest Cam is slightly heavier than the Dropcams. So, if you plan on carrying the camera out on the town, I guess it’d be closer to a tie.

  • Difference #3: Video Quality – Both the Dropcam standard and Pro top out at 720p at 30 FPS. The Nest Cam provides 1080p video at 30 FPS. This is where it gets interesting: since Nest bought Dropcam, your Dropcam Pro can now stream 1080p Full HD video with the Nest app. Isn’t that amazing? So, I guess there are a few perks to that Dropcam acquisition.The standard Dropcam does not support this feature — so we’d recommend upgrading to the Dropcam Pro. Also, the Dropcam Pro and Nest Cam both have a 130-degree-wide angle lens, whereas the Dropcam is 107 degrees. To get a better idea of the differences, check out our chart below.


Dropcam vs. Nest Cam vs. Dropcam Pro — Comparison Chart

Dropcam Nest Cam Dropcam Pro
Camera lens ⅓-inch, 1-megapixel sensor ⅓-inch, 3–megapixel sensor ⅓-inch, 3-megapixel sensor
Video Up to 720p (1280 x 720) at up to 30 frames/sec, H.264 encoding Up to 1080p (1920 x 1080) at 30 frames/sec, H.264 encoding Up to 1080p (1920 x 1080) at 30 frames/sec, H.264 encoding
Field of view 107° diagonal field of view 130° diagonal field of view 130° diagonal field of view
Night Vision V6 (Late model) or 12 (Early model) High-power infrared LEDs 8 high–power infrared LEDs 8 high–power infrared LEDs
Size and weight Height: 4.5 inches (11.4 cm)
Width: 3.15 inches (8.0 cm)
Depth: 3.15 inches (8.0 cm)
Weight = 5.5 oz (156g)
Height: 4.5 inches (11.4cm)
Width: 2.9 inches (7.3cm)
Depth: 2.9 inches (7.3cm)
Weight: 7.5 oz (213g)
Height: 4.5 inches (11.4 cm)
Width: 3.15 inches (8.0 cm)
Depth: 3.15 inches (8.0 cm)
Weight: 5.7 oz (162g)
Depth of zoom 4x 8x 8x
Audio and lights Speaker and microphone
Talk and Listen
Speaker and microphone
Talk and Listen
RGB LED status light
Speaker and microphone
Talk and Listen
Network frequencies 2.4 GHz 2.4 and 5 GHz 2.4 and 5 GHz
Power usage 5VDC, 1.0A 5VDC, 1.0A 5VDC, 1.0A

Dropcam vs. Nest Cam vs. Dropcam Pro — Our Thoughts

Dropcam vs. Nest Cam

All three cameras are great, but, with the 1080p upgrade with the Nest app, we’d recommend upgrading from the standard Dropcam to the Dropcam Pro or Nest Cam. Know that the Dropcam Pro and Nest Cam are almost the same, so you’re basically picking the brand you’d prefer rather than the differences in specifications. If you already have the Dropcam Pro, don’t even bother upgrading to the Nest Cam — The money you spend for an upgrade is just not worth the new features you’ll get.

If you don’t have a home security camera and are choosing between Dropcam Pro vs Nest Cam — get the Nest Cam. The Dropcam Pro might be slightly cheaper, but it’ll probably be fully-replaced with the Nest Cam in the near future anyway. Plus, if you’re starting out new, you might as well start with the latest model.

Have you seen their storage pricing? For the 1st camera in your home (Dropcam, Nest Cam, or Dropcam Pro), you’ll be paying $100 a year for 10 days of video history. And for every additional subscription for cameras in the same home is $50 a year. Honestly, we think that’s insane. Plus, to make it even worse, there’s no local storage.

Before choosing between Dropcam vs. Nest Cam vs. Dropcam Pro, consider checking other smart home cameras as well. For example, Arlo Pro cameras. Unlike Nest, they offer a free plan for up to 5 cameras. The Arlo storage keeps last 7 days of your recording for free. Seriously, check it out.

Read more about Arlo vs. Arlo Pro: What’s the Difference?


Last update on 2024-03-28 at 07:03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

5 thoughts on “Dropcam vs. Nest Cam vs. Dropcam Pro”

  1. These are actually wonderful ideas in regarding blogging. You have touched some nice things here.
    Any way keep up wrinting.

    Reply
  2. wife and I are looking for a security system, like the Arlo Pro 2, but how many cameras. I would like 3 in front only because our driveway/garage is a 3 car garage and want to make sure we get enough coverage. Front door area wife wants the RING.

    Your thoughts and on a yearly basis cost of batteries

    Reply
    • Hi Bob!

      First of all, great choice on the Arlo Pro 2 cameras and the Ring doorbell. Their battery life pretty much depends on the usage — just keep in mind that live feed takes a lot of power.

      Though with both the Arlo Pro 2 and Ring 2 you don’t need to worry about the yearly battery cost since both devices use rechargeable batteries, which will last you for a few months per charge (depending on the usage). Plus, you can also get the Arlo Solar Panel to keep the Arlo Pro 2’s battery always charged.

      Good luck with your new setup!

      – Iryna I.

      Reply

Leave a Comment