Nest Aware is Getting More Expensive – What You Need to Know

Google’s Nest Aware subscription service has been a staple for Nest camera users seeking enhanced security features such as continuous video recording, smart alerts, and activity zones. However, many longtime users have recently noticed a significant increase in subscription costs. If you’re a Nest Aware subscriber or considering signing up, understanding these price changes and how they affect your home security budget is important.

Why Is Nest Aware Getting More Expensive?

Google officially announced price increases for Nest Aware subscriptions, which took effect in 2023 and continue into 2024. The main reasons cited for this adjustment include:

• Improved Features and Technology: Nest Aware has evolved with advanced AI-driven features like person, vehicle, and animal detection. These upgrades require ongoing investments in technology and cloud infrastructure.
• Expanded Cloud Storage: Longer video history and higher resolution recordings demand more storage capacity, leading to higher operational costs.
• Market Alignment: Subscription prices are aligning more closely with industry standards among smart home security services.

New Pricing Breakdown

The updated pricing for Nest Aware is segmented based on the number of cameras and subscription level:

• Nest Aware Basic: Around $6 per month (or $60 per year) for 30 days of event video history.
• Nest Aware Plus: Approximately $12 per month (or $120 per year) for 60 days of event video history plus 10 days of continuous video history.
• Additional Camera Fees: Prices may increase with each additional camera linked to your subscription.

Previously, some paid less than $5/month, so this is a substantial increase especially for multi-camera households.

What This Means for Nest Users

The price hike impacts both new subscribers and existing customers when their current plans renew. Here’s what you should expect and consider:

• Increased Monthly or Annual Costs: Subscriptions that were once affordable may now feel costlier, especially for users with multiple Nest devices.
• Decision Time for Current Subscribers: You’ll need to evaluate if the feature upgrades justify the additional investment.
• Impact on Budgeting for Smart Home Security: Increased subscription fees mean considering the total cost of ownership when purchasing smart cameras and services.

Benefits of Nest Aware Despite the Higher Cost

Though the prices are rising, the enhanced value of Nest Aware can still make it a worthwhile investment:

• Advanced AI Detection: More accurate alerts reduce false alarms by distinguishing people, pets, and vehicles.
• Longer Video Storage: Access up to 60 days of event history and up to 10 days of continuous video, allowing you to review incidents well after they happened.
• Smart Alerts and Activity Zones: Tailor notifications to specific areas to focus on key parts of your property.
• Integration with Google Ecosystem: Seamless control via Google Home, voice commands, and Google Assistant makes managing security easier.

Practical Tips to Optimize Your Nest Aware Subscription

If you decide to continue with Nest Aware despite the price increase, here are a few tips to maximize your investment:

• Evaluate How Many Cameras You Need on Your Plan: Sometimes removing rarely accessed cameras from your subscription can save money.
• Use Activity Zones: Draw specific zones within your camera’s view to limit alerts and reduce unnecessary event recordings, helping conserve storage.
• Choose Annual Billing: If possible, opt for annual billing to save compared to month-to-month payments.
• Turn Off Continuous Video Recording When Not Needed: If you don’t require continuous history, stick with event-based recording to reduce costs.
• Monitor Promotions: Google occasionally offers discounts or bundles that might make upgrading or renewing your plan more affordable.

Case Study: How a Family Adapted to Nest Aware Price Changes

Meet the Johnson family, a household with three Nest cameras covering front door, backyard, and child’s playroom. They initially subscribed to Nest Aware Plus for $10/month but saw the renewal jump to $12/month.

Their response:

• They downgraded one camera to event-only recording without continuous history to save on subscription costs.
• They utilized activity zones on all cameras to reduce irrelevant alerts, optimizing their video storage.
• They enrolled in annual billing, saving roughly 15% over the monthly plan.

As a result, the Johnsons maintained enhanced home security while keeping the increased Nest Aware fees manageable.

Firsthand Experience: What Users Are Saying

Feedback from the Nest community highlights mixed reactions to the price increase:

• “The new AI features are great, but the extra cost is tough on our budget.” – Sarah M.
• “We appreciate the longer storage, especially with kids’ activities, so the higher fee feels justified.” – James L.
• “It’s frustrating to pay more when the basic features used to be more affordable.” – Priya K.

Overall, many acknowledge the value but also urge Google to consider flexible pricing or tiered options.

Is Nest Aware Still Worth the Price?

With the subscription fee increase, it’s natural to question whether Nest Aware is still the best choice for your smart security needs. Here are some factors to consider:

• Location and Risk Profile: If you live in an area requiring tight security and detailed monitoring, the advanced features and extended history might be invaluable.
• Number of Cameras: Larger systems incur higher costs; smaller setups may find the price increase less impactful.
• Alternative Solutions: Other smart security services like Ring Protect or Arlo offer different pricing and features-comparing them might yield better value.
• Value of Convenience: If you are integrated into the Google ecosystem, Nest Aware offers unmatched seamless control and reliability.

Conclusion

While Nest Aware is undeniably getting more expensive, the increases reflect an evolving smart home security landscape where enhanced AI-powered features and greater cloud storage come at a cost. For many users, the benefits still outweigh the expense, especially when optimizing usage through smarter settings and subscription plans.

Whether you decide to continue with Nest Aware or explore alternatives, staying informed about pricing changes and available features will help you make the best choice for your home’s safety and your wallet.

Remember, smart security is not just about having the latest tech-it’s about using it wisely and effectively.