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Nest Secure Shutting Down: Alternatives, What to Know
Google’s Nest Secure alarm systems will be deactivated on April 8, 2024. Here’s what that means for Nest users.
Dalia Ramirez Writer | Estate planning, home security
Dalia Ramirez writes about home services and estate planning for NerdWallet. She has a Bachelor of Arts in science and technology studies and critical theory from Wesleyan University. Her work has appeared in publications including The Washington Post, Bloomberg and The Associated Press. She is based in New York City.
Claire Tsosie Assigning Editor | Home services, Social Security, estate planning, credit cards, crypto, business software
Claire Tsosie is an assigning editor for the team responsible for expanding NerdWallet content to additional topics within personal finance. She has edited articles on a variety of topics, including home improvement, Social Security, estate planning, Medicare, crypto and business software. Previously, she was a credit cards writer at NerdWallet. Her work was featured by Forbes, USA Today and The Associated Press.
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On April 8, 2024, Google will stop supporting Nest Secure, an install-it-yourself home security system that hit the market in 2017, effectively making it nonfunctional. While the news of the discontinuation was announced a year ago, the looming deadline is forcing many users to consider their options.
Once Google stops supporting Nest Secure, users will no longer be able to control the equipment, which includes Nest’s keypad hub, sensors and key fobs, through the Nest app, and the products will no longer connect to the internet or send alerts.
Google stopped selling Nest Secure products in October 2020, shortly after announcing the brand’s partnership with longtime home security provider ADT.
Before it was discontinued, a Nest Secure starter kit — which included a Nest Guard hub, two Nest Detect sensors and two Nest Tag key fobs — used to cost around $400. Users could self-monitor their system for free or pay for professional monitoring through Nest partner Brinks Home. The system could also integrate with other Google smart home products, such as Nest cameras and video doorbells.
What alternatives are available?
In an April 2023 blog post, Google announced that existing Nest Secure users would receive an email from Google with a coupon code to purchase a Self-Setup System from ADT at up to a $485 value. The closest ADT package to this price is the “Starter” package at $389.96, which includes a Smart home hub, two door/window sensors, a Google Nest doorbell, and access to the ADT app. ADT’s monthly monitoring costs start at $24.99.
Switching to ADT is the most cost-effective option for Nest owners. And it's a relatively seamless choice, too, since it integrates with Nest cameras. ADT is one of NerdWallet’s top-rated home security systems.
"NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews."
"NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews."
Equipment cost
$194.98
Base kit comes with one ADT Smart Home Hub, one ADT Door/Window Sensor and the ADT+ app.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$24.99 and up
$59.99 with cameras. A monitoring plan is required with equipment purchase, but you can choose self-monitoring starting at $24.99.
Hazard detection
Add-on CO detector, smoke detector and water/temperature sensor.
View details
Key facts
ADT is a well-known home security provider, with well-reviewed professional monitoring services.
Pros
Owns its own monitoring stations.
Has a self-monitoring option.
Integrates with Nest cameras.
Cons
Has had a security breach.
Required monthly monitoring fee is on the expensive side.
Google’s email also included an option to receive a $200 credit on the Google Store instead of the ADT credit. If you plan to move to a different system completely, here are NerdWallet’s top home security system picks.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
Equipment cost
$249.96
Base kit includes one base station, one keypad, one entry sensor, one motion sensor. Sometimes you can get one free Smart Alarm wireless indoor security camera and a free trial of professional monitoring if they're running a promotion.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$29.99
Self-monitoring available for $9.99 per month. You can also access basic features with no plan.
Hazard detection
Add-on smoke/CO detector, water and temperature sensor.
Haven plan includes hazard sensors, alarm system, siren and panic button for $520.
View details
Key facts
SimpliSafe offers comprehensive packages at affordable prices with both self- and pro-monitoring subscription options.
Pros
Offers affordable packages with add-ons and a build-your-own-system option.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
Equipment cost
$199.99
Base kit includes Alarm Base Station, keypad, door/window contact sensor, motion detector, Alarm Range Extender and free 30-day trial of Ring Protect professional monitoring. "Pro" starter kit comes with a Wi-Fi router.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$20
Self-monitoring available with plans starting at $3.99 per month.
Hazard detection
Add-on smoke/CO detector and listener, flood and freeze sensor.
View details
Key facts
Ring offers affordable professional monitoring and a DIY system with high-quality cameras.
Pros
Lowest-priced professional monitoring service among competitors.
Offers a self-monitoring option.
Pro system includes a Wi-Fi router that can replace or extend your existing coverage
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
Equipment cost
$139.99
Base kit includes security hub, key fob and mini-sensor for door/window.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$24.99
Self-monitoring with extra features is $7.99 per month, but you can still use the alarm system for free.
Hazard detection
Add-on smoke alarm monitor and leak detector.
No smoke/CO detector.
View details
Key facts
Abode's security system is compatible with the widest range of smart home products including Amazon Echo, Google Home and Nest.
Pros
Has a self-monitoring option.
No record of security breaches.
Cons
Smart detection costs extra.
View details
Changes coming April 8, 2024
In an April 2023 blog post, Google confirmed:
Nest Secure (Guard, Detect and Tag) will stop connecting to the internet on April 8, 2024, and will no longer be functional or controllable through the Nest app.
Dropcam, an earlier version of Google’s smart camera, will no longer be supported on April 8, 2024. Dropcam will no longer work after this date, and if you want to save any videos, you’ll have to download them before then.
Nest x Yale Lock will no longer connect to Wi-Fi through the Nest Guard hub, so you won’t be able to lock and unlock your door through the Nest app (you’ll still be able to use the keypad). The lock will only connect to Wi-Fi with a Nest Connect device, which Google will send to eligible users for free as a replacement.
Nest cameras, video doorbells and life safety alert products still available for purchase on the Google store will still function normally and connect to the Nest app.
How do these changes affect new customers?
Nest Secure products haven’t been available for purchase since 2020; they’re not an option for new customers.
If you’re shopping for a home security system, Nest still offers high-quality cameras, doorbells and life safety alert equipment but does not offer alarm sensors.
To purchase a comprehensive alarm system that includes Nest products, you’ll need to choose an ADT alarm system package with Nest cameras.
If you want your individual Nest cameras professionally monitored, you’ll need to call ADT to set up the service.
