Google is one of the leaders in home security systems. The company has a line of products called Google Nest, which aims to build you a “helpful home”. The Google Nest line has several home security packages and products for you to choose from.

With so many choices both inside Google and in the general home security market, choosing the right security system for your house might seem like a very daunting task.

To help you with this major decision, let's explore reasons you should select a Google home security system.

1. Guaranteed Privacy

In the era of social media and oversharing, many people underestimate the importance of privacy. However, your privacy is something you should never compromise.

In 2018, Canadian news channel, CBC News, highlighted the fact that, unbeknown to the homeowners, hundreds of live home security cameras were streaming online. This was because some security cameras still used their default passwords, leaving them vulnerable to hackers who stripped these system owners of their privacy.

Google’s home security system places a significant level of importance on your privacy. According to Google, “a helpful home is a private home”, and they do deliver on their promise of privacy. Google’s security system keeps your feed private with video encryption, two-step verification, and protected video history.

Related: How to Stop Your Google Nest Speaker From Spying on You

Google also provides a “home and away routine” option, which automatically turns your cameras off when you're home and on when you’re away, so you can have greater control over your privacy.

Google goes even further by outlining some privacy and security principles they follow, including:

  • Being clear about what data they collect and why.
  • Never selling a user's personal information.
  • Making it easy for users to control their privacy, by ensuring that every Google account has on/off data controls.
  • Empowering users to review, move, or delete their data.

2. Google’s Smart Features

Google has several unique security features, classified as “security with smarts”. One of the main smart features is the activity zone, which lets you customize the alerts that you get when your security camera identifies something that you’re interested in; for example, a familiar face, packages, or vehicles.

Another smart feature of Google’s security system is the ability to leave prerecorded messages for your visitors.

A not-so-unique (but nonetheless handy) smart feature is the ability to see and talk directly with your visitors through your doorbell.

The major disadvantage to accessing some of Google’s smart features is that it will cost you more money. To use features such as the activity zone, you’ll need to purchase a subscription for Nest Aware. Nest Aware gives you access to more video history, smart alerts, and other smart features.

3. Diversity of Nest Security System Options

Google gives you the option of having a battery-powered or wired Nest Doorbell (formerly known as Nest Hello). Google’s family of cameras includes the battery-powered Nest Cam, the wired Nest Cam, and the wired Nest Cam with floodlights. It's completely up to you, but it is always great to have choices.

Related: Types of Security Systems for Your Home or Apartment

So how easy is it to install each of these options? Fortunately, they're all very simple.

How to Install a Google Nest Doorbell Cam

The battery-powered Nest Doorbell has a built-in rechargeable battery. This doorbell comes with a baseplate, a release tool, wall anchors and screws, a charging cable, a 20-degree wedge, and a start guide.

To set up the battery-powered Nest Doorbell, you’ll need a Google Account, the Google Home app, a compatible mobile device, and access to a Wi-Fi network with broadband.

Installation begins in the Google Home app, where you’ll add the doorbell using the QR code located at the back of the device. The next step is to charge the battery-powered Nest Doorbell with the charging cable in the box. Now you can connect the doorbell to your Wi-Fi network, ensuring that the mobile device you intend to use is on the same network.

The physical installation begins with the baseplate, which you’ll install by your front door using the wall screws. Then you’ll attach your battery-powered Nest Doorbell to the baseplate, ensuring that the camera is at the top and the button at the bottom.

Setting up the wired Nest Doorbell is a little different. This device comes with a chime connector, 15-degree wedge, a base, extension wires, a release tool, wall anchors and screws, a masonry drill bit, and a start guide.

To set up the wired Nest Doorbell, you’ll need a compatible mobile device, the free Nest app, and a Wi-Fi network with a broadband internet connection. Given that the wired Nest Doorbell requires interaction with electric wires, it’s recommended that you get a professional installer using Google’s online pro-finder, who will check your wiring and setup.

There’s a 22 percent price difference between the Nest Doorbell devices, and this is possibly because the wired Nest Doorbells comes with a chime and the battery-powered one doesn’t. So, to get a chime for the battery-powered Nest Doorbell, you’ll have to buy it separately, which should even out the price.

4. Nest Packages

Every homeowner has a set of different security needs, which means requiring a combination of different security products. Google allows you to pair different Nest home security products to unlock unique features. For example, if you want to see and communicate with your visitors through the Nest Doorbell, you can simply pair this device with the Nest Hub display security product.

Google has also created custom packages to meet your security needs. If you’re in the market for a complete system, you can try Google’s total security package. This includes a Nest Hub Max, a battery-powered Nest Doorbell, and two battery-powered Nest Cams.

If you buy each product in Google’s total security package separately, you will pay $80 more than what you’ll get for the package.

5. All-Round Security

It is obvious, but the main attribute that every home security product or system needs to provide is security. And Google’s does this.

Google’s home security system provides high video quality in any light, and they even have the wired Nest Cam with floodlights for any area that gets a little too dark at night. Google’s Nest Aware subscription gives you access to 10 days of 24/7 video history. So, in the unfortunate event that something does happen, you can go back and view it.

Related: The Best Hidden Cameras for Protecting Your Home

Opting for a Nest Aware subscription with your Google home security system will give you access to a sound sensing feature, which will notify you when your smoke alarm goes off, whether you’re home or away.

With this subscription, you can also dial 911 from your Google Home app, and the app will contact the call center closest to your home address.

However, this option has a few weaknesses: it's not available in all areas, and can prove unreliable as it relies on unpredictable internet connectivity.

Google Home Security System Requires Good Internet Connection

A common requirement in the setup of any Google home security product is a stable internet connection. It is impossible to install Google’s Nest Doorbell or any Nest Cam without access to the internet.

To upload your security cam video feed, you’ll also need a stable connection, but a poor internet connection doesn’t disrupt all security products.