Full review
Longer notes from the same comments we summarized above.
What people reported
Owners appreciate the sleek, minimalist design of the Google Nest Doorbell (Battery), noting it can be a good option for renters as door holders are available to install it without drilling. Some users found the Nest Aware subscription for 2nd gen devices to be affordable. The doorbell offers person detection and, for some, facial recognition features. A few owners reported the doorbell working great, with one noting "Battery drains faster during winter which is to be expected but beyond that, no complaints... The Home app had had some updates which also has improved the experience."
Problems people mention
A major and frequent complaint concerns battery performance, especially in cold weather. Owners report the battery draining quickly, with some saying it "will not stay charged and eventually shutdown until it is charged inside via USB C" when temperatures drop below freezing. Google reportedly did not disclose this at launch, leading to a class action lawsuit.
Many also reported issues with inconsistent notifications and lag when trying to view live footage. One user noted their Nest cam (battery) sends notifications "only some of the time. It's inconsistent which makes it tough to pinpoint what's wrong."
The doorbell also faces criticism for its app integration and ecosystem limitations. It primarily uses the Google Home app, not the older Nest app, which causes confusion. There is no option to view camera feeds on a PC or web browser, forcing users to monitor on a phone. Casting to Chromecast or Google TV is inconsistent, despite conflicting information from Google support. Furthermore, the battery version may not ring on Nest Mini speakers, and the microphone volume through the doorbell is often too low for clear communication. Without a paid subscription, features are limited to about three hours of event recording, and users cannot save videos to their phone. Some find the "welcome sound" it makes upon detecting someone annoying, with no option to disable it. Owners also mention that the portrait mode video sometimes misses more of the exterior compared to other brands.
Where owners disagree
While many express frustration with battery drain in cold weather, some owners in cold climates still say their device is "still working great." There's also conflicting information regarding the ability to cast to Chromecast and Google TV, with some reporting it's possible with specific commands, and others stating they cannot.
Who it's for
The Google Nest Doorbell (Battery) is best for users primarily within the Google Home ecosystem who do not need continuous video recording, are comfortable relying on the Google Home app for all viewing, and live in consistently warm climates. It may also appeal to renters due to its flexible installation options. Buyers in cold regions, those needing consistent notifications, or those who prefer viewing feeds on a PC should consider other options.
