Google Nest Cam IQ Outdoor Review

Google Nest Cam IQ Outdoor Review

Nest Cam IQ Outdoor is one of the best outdoor security cameras you can get, but you’ll have to spend extra if you want it to reach its potential.

We are committed to sharing unbiased reviews. Some of the links on our site are from our partners who compensate us. Read our disclosure policies to learn more.

The Nest Cam IQ Outdoor Cam has been discontinued. But you can still check out the Nest Cam Outdoor.

The Nest Cam IQ Outdoor takes what’s great about the IQ Indoor and Nest Cam Outdoor and combines them to make one of the best outdoor security cameras out there today.

This thing does everything. It’s weatherproof. It has high-end picture quality, combining 1080p HD resolution with a 4K image sensor and HDR. And it packs next-level features like Supersight and facial recognition into an all-new design.

That said, all these high-end, high-tech benefits come with a high price tag. And if you want the Nest Cam IQ Outdoor to perform at the highest level, you’ll have to fork over more money for a monthly subscription.

Pound for pound, the Nest Cam IQ Outdoor is one of the best outdoor security cameras, but we don’t recommend it for everyone—especially if you’re looking for security on a budget.

Nest Cam IQ Outdoor specs and standouts

The Nest Cam IQ Outdoor improves on the first-gen Nest Cam Outdoor in almost every way, with better picture quality, more durability, and a better overall design.

Tech specs

• Resolution: 1080p HD + 8-megapixel (4K) image sensor
• FOV: 130°
• Operating temperature: –40° to 113°F (–40° to 45°C) IP66 rating
• Power source: Indoor AC power outlet
• Night vision: High-power 850 nm infrared LEDs
• Dimensions: 5 in. x 3.17 in. x 3.17 in.
• Weight: 20 oz.

The standout upgrade for the Nest Cam IQ Outdoor is easily the 1080p video + 4K sensor combination. The addition of a 4K sensor allows you to zoom in on an image without losing quality, You know in the movies when the detectives keep telling the IT person to enhance the image so they can see the bad guy’s face? It’s kinda like that, but in real life.

The Nest Cam IQ Outdoor does not record video footage in 4K resolution. The 4K image sensor helps the camera recognize movement and facial details with greater accuracy, and it makes it possible to zoom in without losing quality.

Another noteworthy improvement from the Nest Cam Outdoor is the expanded operating temperature range. The IQ Outdoor can withstand temperatures almost 40° (F) colder and 10° hotter than its predecessor, which makes it a much better choice for extreme weather climates.

We’ve come to expect improvement in design and functionality from every Nest product we review, and the Nest Cam IQ Outdoor definitely doesn’t disappoint.

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Nest Cam IQ Outdoor user experience

The Nest Cam IQ Outdoor isn’t the easiest to install. You will mostly likely have to drill holes in your wall to get this up and running.

Setup and installation

It’s pretty. It’s powerful. But it’s a pain to install. Nest got rid of the hideous exposed power cable from the Nest Cam Outdoor (you know, the one someone could easily cut to disarm your camera?) and went with a cleaner hidden cable design.

While we greatly appreciate the new design, we were pretty bummed to learn that the AC power adapter is designed only for an indoor power outlet. That means it’s not weather resistant, which really means you’re going to have to drill holes in your house to properly install this thing.

This kind of security camera installation is pretty common, but it’s still a pain. Nest has provided a How-To video if you want to install the IQ Outdoor yourself. Take a look below.

If you don’t want to go through the rigamarole of installing the Nest Cam IQ Outdoor yourself, you can have a professional do it for you. Nest offers a pro finder tool that hooks you up with a third-party contractor in your area.

Keep in mind—these aren’t Nest employees. They’re just handy people nearby that can drill through your wall so you don’t have to.

Notable Features

Supersight

Supersight is Nest’s exclusive new feature for its IQ Cams. The resolution from the 4K image sensor allows Supersight to detect and zoom in on a person’s face and then follow their movement using digital zoom. It actually feels a lot like a pan-tilt-and-zoom camera, even though the IQ Outdoor doesn’t have that capability.

If you’re like us, Supersight alone makes the Nest Cam IQ Outdoor worth the sticker price. But keep in mind that Supersight does require a Nest Aware subscription to work, which means you’ll have to pay extra to get it.

Not all features work without a Nest Aware subscription.

Familiar face alerts

The Nest Cam IQ Outdoor uses its 4K image sensor to hone in on specific facial features, and it actually learns who to expect and who is a stranger. At first, you’ll receive alerts every time the camera senses a person.

You can then select whether that person is a “familiar face” or not, which allows Nest to learn when it should send you notifications.

Cloud storage

Nest offers two cloud storage plan options through its Nest Aware subscriptions (which cost $6–$12 per month). Nest Aware is technically not a required service, but if you decide to go without, Nest allows for only three hours of free cloud storage.

Data effective 11/20/2020. Offers subject to change.

Think of it this way: You head to a Star Wars movie that has a two-and-a-half-hour run time (or longer). Your phone buzzes with a video alert as you’re heading into the theater, but since you’re a polite moviegoer, you decide not to check it. By the time you get out of the theater and check your phone, the footage is gone.

Paying for Nest Aware will give you access to recorded footage for 30 to 60 days before the video is automatically deleted to make room for more. You can also save video clips to the cloud if you need to hang on to footage for longer, but you will have to manually select the clip you want in the Nest app.

If you’re considering a Nest Cam for your home, plan on paying extra if you want any kind of accessible cloud storage.

Nest Cam IQ Outdoor integration

Nest didn’t exactly pioneer IFTTT (If This Then That) technology, but it certainly took it to the next level when the Nest Thermostat was introduced. Connecting household devices together is something Nest does extremely well, and its cameras are no different.

The Nest Cam IQ Outdoor integrates with all things Nest through the Nest app. Our favorite feature, however, is the ability to tell Alexa (Amazon’s smart home voice assistant) to display a live video feed from your Nest Cam. Keep in mind, this feature only works with an Amazon device capable of displaying video, like an Echo Show or an Amazon Fire TV.

Blink Cameras Review 2022

For the price, Blink cameras are good quality. And they have really long battery lives.

We are committed to sharing unbiased reviews. Some of the links on our site are from our partners who compensate us. Read our disclosure policies to learn more.

Blink cameras are for people who want high-quality video in an affordable, minimalist package. All three of Blink’s current camera models are small, powerful, and easy on your wallet. Plus, they have long battery lives that don’t require much maintenance.

The most expensive Blink camera costs less than $100 and lasts two years on a couple of AA batteries.

Amazon.com List Prices (as of 06/09/2022 8:22 PST) Full disclaimer
* For the add-on model. A camera kit (with the Blink Sync Module 2) costs $10 more.

What to look for in a security camera

The best home security cameras are easy to install, affordable, and delivers a clear video picture.

Features to look for in home security cameras:

• A good balance of cost to features
• Requires simple and easy installation
• Provides clear, high-quality video
• Has a great battery life

To get the most out of your money, the cameras must have features to match the price. If you want a "cheap camera", you might get 1080p picture and a small storage. But if you get a quality camera, expect to get HD video and backup storage.

A good security camera will only require a simple and easy install. And no matter what video quality resolution your camera might have, it should still provide you with a clear picture.

Lastly, no one wants to recharge their camera once per week. At least every other month is manageable, and every few months is even better.

Blink cameras overview

Blink has three camera models, and they’re pretty similar to each other, and all three work with Amazon Alexa

Blink’s big claim to fame is its impressively long, two-year battery life. With just two AA batteries (you probably have them somewhere in your house right now), you can power a Blink camera till the mid-2020s.

With such a long battery life, you might expect Blink cameras to be, well, kind of crummy. But, amazingly, they’re not!

Despite their long battery life and low price point, Blink cameras produce high-quality video, clear audio, and customizable settings that will make it easier to watch your property. Plus, all of Blink’s cameras work with Amazon Alexa (but not much else).

Easy installation

All three of Blink’s cameras are a piece of cake to set up. The Blink Outdoor and the Blink Indoor don’t have any wires or plugs to worry about, so you can put them just about anywhere. And the Blink Mini uses an optional swivel stand for easy positioning.

Blink’s cameras are also uniformly lightweight and pretty small in size, so you can hide them easily if you don’t want potential thieves to spot your spy.

Affordable prices

We’ve spent enough time talking about the Blink cameras’ battery lives and not enough talking about Blink’s low price point. Security cameras are much more affordable than they used to be, but we’d still expect to pay more than Blink asks for.

The Blink Outdoor is the highest-priced model at about $100 for the starter kit, and the Blink Mini is a wallet-dropping $35.

Blink Outdoor camera features

Amazon.com List Prices (as of 06/09/2022 8:22 PST) Full disclaimer
* For the add-on model. A camera kit (with the Blink Sync Module 2) costs $10 more.

The Blink Outdoor is the model you want for backyard/front yard/driveway monitoring. This wire-free camera can go on a wall, ceiling, or even in a tree, so you can get the positioning just right. The Blink Outdoor comes with a swivel mount you can use to put the thing on a wall and an extension you can use to hang it from a ceiling.

Blink Outdoor cam features:

• Wire-free design
• IP65 weather rating
• -4º to 113º F (-20° to 45° C) operating temperature
• 110º field of vision
• 2-year battery life
• AA battery-powered
• Cloud storage and local storage
• 1080p HD resolution with 30 fps
• Night vision
• Two-way audio
• Adjustable motion zones
• Up to two privacy zones
• Amazon Alexa integration
• 2.4 GHz network compatibility
• 1-year limited warranty

IP65 weatherproof rating

The Blink Outdoor is really similar to Blink’s indoor camera, except for weatherproofing. While the Blink Indoor doesn’t offer much protection from the elements, the Blink Outdoor comes with an IP65 rating that will keep this little beauty safe from rain, snow, and dust.

While the Blink Outdoor’s operating temperature makes it suitable for most snowy or sunny locales, people who live in extreme environments might want to check the numbers. If your town regularly gets colder than -4º Fahrenheit or hotter than 113º Fahrenheit, then you’ll need a hardier outdoor camera.

The Blink Outdoor lets you set up custom temperature alerts, so it can tell you if the backyard is getting too hot for one little cam to take. Temperature alerts are also handy if you have a pet you need to bring inside during the heat (or cold) of the day.

(Mostly) good two-way audio

Two-way audio lets you talk to people in your yard and hear what they say back to you. The Blink Outdoor’s two-way audio is decent—it doesn’t sound like a robot is speaking to you through a tin can.

But, if it’s windy outside, the Blink Outdoor’s incoming audio suffers. This camera doesn’t have noise cancellation, so you’ll hear every gust of the wind running across the microphone.

(Mostly) good image quality

The Blink Outdoor records in 1080p HD resolution, which is high enough to show you crisp details on your neighbor’s shirt or the expressions on your kids’ faces. Its night vision, on the other hand, is not so great.

This camera has a bad habit of washing out faces in night vision mode, so you can’t tell your spouse from a burglar. The Blink Outdoor’s night vision also doesn’t stretch very far. Everything starts to look extra fuzzy when it’s more than about 10 feet away from the camera.

Blink Indoor camera features

Amazon.com List Prices (as of 06/09/2022 8:22 PST) Full disclaimer
* For the add-on model. A camera kit (with the Blink Sync Module 2) costs $10 more.

The Blink Indoor camera is a lot like the Blink Outdoor but without the weatherproofing. This camera is a bit cheaper than the Outdoor, but it’s meant to stay inside.

Other than that, you’ll have a very similar experience with both. Both the Blink Indoor and the Blink Outdoor record in the same resolution, offer the same app settings, and have the same battery life.

Blink Indoor camera features:

• Wire-free design
• 110º field of vision
• 2-year-battery life
• AA battery-powered
• Cloud storage and local storage
• 1080p HD resolution with 30 fps
• Night vision
• Two-way audio
• Adjustable motion zones
• Up to two privacy zones
• Amazon Alexa integration
• 2.4 GHz network compatibility
• 1-year limited warranty
• 32º to 95º F (0º to 35º C)

Wire-free design

Just like the Blink Outdoor, the Blink Indoor has no wires to speak of. That’s especially great for an indoor camera because it means you can put it on any flat surface (or wall or ceiling) you want, without worrying about power cords.

Set the Blink Indoor on a bookshelf, mount it above a doorway, put it in a toy box—take your pick.

Amazon Alexa integration

The Blink Indoor works with your favorite Amazon Echo device to let you view the arm and disarm the camera, as well as view the livestream. If you don’t want to pick up your phone and open the app, then your Alexa Show can give you an inside view.

Blink Mini camera features

Amazon.com List Prices (as of 06/09/2022 8:22 PST) Full disclaimer

The Blink Mini uses the same app and recording functionality as the Blink Indoor and Blink Outdoor cameras, but it comes in a smaller package, and it doesn’t need any batteries.

Blink Mini features:

• Camera removable from swivel stand
• 110º field of vision
• Cloud storage and local storage
• 1080p HD resolution with 30 fps
• Night vision
• Two-way audio
• Adjustable motion zones
• Up to two privacy zones
• Amazon Alexa integration
• 2.4 GHz network compatibility
• 1-year limited warranty
• 32º to 95º F (0º to 35º C)

Uses a power cord

The snack-sized Blink Mini camera has a power cord, which is a plus if you don’t want to change batteries. It’s also detachable from its included swivel stand, which effectively gives you a mini version of the regular Blink cameras (hence the name).

On the flip side, that power cord has some drawbacks. While the cord means you don’t have to go searching for extra AA’s, it also means you can’t put this camera anywhere you want. It has to be within reach of a power outlet, and you might have to awkwardly string the cord up a bookcase or across a room.

Doesn’t work with Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit

All of Blink’s cameras work with Amazon Alexa, but none of them work with Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit, including the Blink Mini. That’s because Amazon owns Blink, and Amazon and Google sometimes refuse to play nice.

The Blink Mini doesn’t work with Apple HomeKit either, but Apple fans are pretty used to that. But if you want a security camera that works with your Google Home, there are tons of other options out there. In the meantime, we’ll keep pleading with Jeff Bezos and Sundar Pichai to kiss and make up.

Other Blink camera products

Blink only has three cameras, but it does have one other device you might want: the Blink Sync Module 2.

This little square is the thing that lets you store footage on a flash drive instead of paying for Blink’s cloud-subscription plan.

The Sync Module 2 comes included if you buy a Blink “camera kit.” Without a kit, you’ll pay around $35 to buy the module separately.

Recap: What are the best Blink cameras?

All three of Blink’s cameras are pretty good. They’re cheap and discreet, they don’t use a lot of energy, and they’re easy to install. Whichever model you choose, you’ll get a decent camera for not a lot of money.

• Blink Outdoor: The Blink Outdoor camera runs for two years off two AA lithium batteries, and you don’t have to string a single wire. This Outdoor camera is weatherproof and easy to position on a wall, ceiling, or flat surface.
• Blink Indoor: The Blink Indoor is basically the Outdoor camera minus the weatherproofing. You’ll have the same HD recording, night vision, and two-way audio, but this model stays inside. Just like the Outdoor, it’s easy to install and has a two-year-long battery life.
• Blink Mini: The Blink Mini is the little sibling of the other two cameras. It has most of the same features, including 1080p resolution, night vision, and motion detection—but the Mini uses a power cord instead of batteries.

If you want a discreet, low-maintenance security camera that won’t cost an arm and a leg, then it doesn’t get much better than Blink. Blink cameras bring new meaning to the phrase “set it and forget it.”

Methodology

We research, test, and compare home security cameras based on these two categories: price and features.

To decide which home security camera is the best, we looked at a balance of cost to features, innovative technology, smart home integrations, reliable video, and professional monitoring.

No, Blink cameras are a totally separate system from Ring cameras, and they don’t work together. But, the Blink Home Monitor App does work with Ring’s Neighbors program, so you can see clips other camera users have captured in your neck of the woods.

Last we checked, you couldn’t post Blink footage directly to the Neighbors app from your phone. You have to save the video first and then upload it manually.

Only one Blink camera is water-resistant: the Blink Outdoor, which has an IP65 weather rating. Blink’s indoor cameras are not waterproof, and we don’t recommend leaving them out in a rainstorm or dropping them in a bathtub.

Currently, no. Google and Amazon (Blink’s parent company) are always squabbling, and their devices don’t always work together. Blink is currently caught in the tech wars crossfire, and you’ll have to look elsewhere for a camera that works with your Google Home.

Because Blink cameras are trigged to turn on using motion detection, the cameras will record short clips based on movement. Depending on if you have a Blink subscription plan, you can choose to have the cameras record while the system is armed, or manually record using the Live View.

Yes, all three of Blink’s cameras are technically wireless, but only two of them are wire-free. Camera terminology can be confusing, and wireless just means they connect to your internet network “wirelessly.”

If you want a “true” wireless camera (a.k.a. wire-free), then you’ll want to get the Blink Indoor or Blink Outdoor. They run off batteries and don’t have any cords. The Blink Mini camera uses a power cord.

You can use your Blink camera without a subscription and get the standard features. But if you want to use cloud storage, then yes, Blink cameras require a subscription. But you can skip the subscription in favor of local storage if you get the Blink Sync Module 2. It stores your footage on a flash drive, and you don’t have to pay a monthly fee. (You do have to pay for the flash drive, though. It’s not included.)

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon.com. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Reviews.org utilizes paid Amazon links.

Mindy has been writing about technology for seven years. She covers all things smart home for Reviews.org, and keeps track of the latest robot gadgets. Mindy attended the University of Utah and her work has been featured on the likes of Parents.com, Digital Care, Hostfully, and more.

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