Ring Vs Nest Doorbell Which Subscription Plan Is Less Predatory

Smart doorbells have become a standard in modern home security, offering convenience, visibility, and peace of mind. Among the top contenders, Ring and Nest (now under Google’s umbrella) dominate the market. Both offer compelling hardware, but the real differentiator—and often the most controversial aspect—lies in their subscription models. For many homeowners, the question isn’t just about which doorbell works better, but which company demands a fairer price for continued access to essential features. So, when it comes to Ring vs Nest doorbell, which subscription plan is less predatory?

This article dives deep into both ecosystems, comparing pricing structures, feature accessibility, data policies, and long-term costs. The goal is not just to compare specs, but to evaluate which service respects user ownership more and avoids locking users into expensive, mandatory subscriptions for basic functionality.

Understanding “Predatory” in Smart Home Subscriptions

In the context of smart home devices, a “predatory” subscription model refers to one that:

• Limits core features behind a paywall after an initial trial
• Increases prices without proportional feature upgrades
• Uses fear-based marketing (e.g., “You’re not safe unless you subscribe”)
• Makes local storage or offline use difficult or impossible
• Locks video history behind short retention periods without payment

Both Ring and Nest have faced criticism in these areas, but the severity and structure differ. Let’s break down each brand’s approach.

Ring Subscription Plans: Value or Vendor Lock-In?

Ring offers two primary subscription tiers: Protect Basic and Protect Plus. While the hardware functions as a doorbell without a subscription, critical features like cloud video recording, event history, and person alerts require payment.

Feature	No Subscription	Protect Basic ($3.99/mo or $39.99/yr)	Protect Plus ($10/mo or $100/yr)
Live View	Yes	Yes	Yes
Cloud Video Recording	No	60-day retention	Unlimited retention
Video Sharing	No	Yes	Yes
Professional Monitoring	No	No	Yes (with Ring Alarm)
Warranty Extension	No	No	Yes (3-year)
Multiple Devices Covered	N/A	Per device	All home devices

The biggest issue with Ring’s model is its per-device billing for Protect Basic. If you own a Ring Doorbell and two Ring Cams, you’ll pay $3.99 × 3 = $11.97/month—nearly the cost of Protect Plus, which covers unlimited devices at a single address. This structure pushes users toward the higher tier, even if they don’t need professional monitoring or extended warranties.

Tip: If you have multiple Ring devices, skip Protect Basic and go straight to Protect Plus—it’s more cost-effective in the long run.

Risking controversy, Ring has also reduced free trial periods over time and shortened default video retention from 60 days to 30 days for non-subscribers during trials. These changes suggest a pattern of increasing dependency on paid access.

Nest Subscription Model: Simpler, But Still Restrictive

Nest Aware, Google’s subscription service for Nest devices, takes a different approach. Unlike Ring, Nest devices do not record events without an active subscription. No free tier exists for video history—only live view remains accessible.

Feature	No Subscription	Nest Aware ($8/mo or $80/yr)	Nest Aware Plus ($15/mo or $150/yr)
Event Video History	No	30-day rolling	60-day rolling + package detection
Continuous Video Recording	No	No	Yes (24/7 recording)
Person Alerts	No	Yes	Yes
Intelligent Alerts (Familiar Face Detection)	No	No	Yes
Multi-Home Coverage	N/A	No	Yes

The absence of any free video storage is arguably more aggressive than Ring’s model. Even with a high-end Nest Doorbell (wired), you cannot review past events unless you pay. However, Nest does offer longer retention windows and advanced AI features like familiar face detection and package alerts at the higher tier.

“Google’s ecosystem rewards loyalty with deeper integration, but penalizes privacy-conscious users who want local control.” — Marcus Tran, Smart Home Security Analyst

One advantage Nest holds is consistency: all devices use the same subscription tiers, and pricing doesn’t scale per device. A single Nest Aware Plus subscription covers all Nest cameras and doorbells at one location, making it scalable for larger homes.

Comparative Analysis: Which Is Less Predatory?

To determine which brand’s subscription is less predatory, we assess based on four criteria:

1. Minimum Functionality Without Payment: Ring allows live viewing and manual snapshots without a subscription. Nest disables all recordings. Advantage: Ring.
2. Pricing Scalability: Ring charges per device on lower tiers, creating hidden costs. Nest bundles all devices under one plan. Advantage: Nest.
3. Retention Periods: Ring offers 60 days on Basic; Nest caps at 30 on standard Aware. Advantage: Ring.
4. Transparency & Long-Term Trust: Nest has raised prices twice since 2020. Ring has quietly reduced free features. Both lack local-only options. Tie.

If forced to choose, **Nest’s model is structurally fairer** for multi-device households, while **Ring’s appears more deceptive** due to per-device billing and gradual erosion of free features. However, neither offers a truly ethical alternative to full subscription dependency.

Tip: Consider third-party solutions like self-hosted NVR systems or open-source platforms (e.g., Frigate) if avoiding recurring fees is a priority.

Real-World Example: The Johnson Family’s Dilemma

The Johnsons installed a Ring Video Doorbell and two indoor cams in 2021. Initially, they used the 30-day free trial of Ring Protect Basic. After it expired, they canceled, thinking live view was enough. Six months later, their porch was robbed. They discovered too late that without a subscription, no footage existed—only a timestamped alert with no video.

They re-subscribed immediately, this time opting for Protect Plus at $100/year. While they now have full coverage, they feel frustrated. “We paid for hardware upfront,” said Sarah Johnson, “but we’re still being charged to access what should be our own recordings.”

Their experience highlights a common trap: consumers assume purchasing the device grants full functionality. In reality, both Ring and Nest treat the hardware as a gateway to ongoing service revenue.

Actionable Checklist: Minimizing Subscription Costs

Whether you own a Ring or Nest doorbell—or are deciding between them—use this checklist to avoid unnecessary expenses:

• ✅ Audit how many devices you own or plan to install
• ✅ Calculate total annual cost under each brand’s tiered model
• ✅ Prioritize services that bundle devices (e.g., Protect Plus, Nest Aware Plus)
• ✅ Check for bundled deals (e.g., Amazon Prime includes Ring Protect Basic)
• ✅ Explore local storage options (some third-party doorbells support microSD cards)
• ✅ Set calendar reminders for subscription renewals to avoid auto-price hikes
• ✅ Review your usage: Do you really need 60-day retention or continuous recording?

Step-by-Step: Choosing the Right Plan for Your Needs

Follow this decision path to select the least costly, most appropriate subscription:

1. Inventory Your Devices: List all current and planned doorbells/cameras.
2. Determine Must-Have Features: Do you need person alerts, package detection, or 24/7 recording?
3. Estimate Monthly Budget: Decide your comfort level with recurring fees.
4. Compare Total Cost: For Ring, multiply Protect Basic by number of devices. Compare to Protect Plus. For Nest, compare Aware vs Aware Plus.
5. Check for Discounts: Amazon Prime members get Ring Protect Basic free. Some ISPs offer Nest Aware discounts.
6. Test Before Committing: Use free trials fully—simulate events, check app responsiveness, test sharing.
7. Set Up Auto-Cancel Reminder: Use a tool like Trim or Truebill to monitor renewal dates and cancel if terms change.

FAQ: Common Questions About Ring and Nest Subscriptions

Can I use Ring or Nest without any subscription?

Yes, but with severe limitations. Ring allows live view and manual snapshots. Nest allows live view only—no event history or recordings. You won’t receive saved clips of motion or doorbell presses without paying.

Do either company offer local storage?

Not officially. Neither Ring nor Nest supports microSD cards or direct-to-NAS recording. All video is designed to go to the cloud. This forces reliance on subscriptions for any meaningful playback.

Have prices increased over time?

Yes. Nest Aware doubled in price from $10/year to $80/year in 2020, then split into two tiers. Ring has maintained pricing on paper but reduced free trial lengths and removed features from non-subscribers. Both show signs of monetization pressure.

Conclusion: A Call for Ethical Smart Home Design

When weighing Ring vs Nest doorbell subscription plans, the verdict isn’t clear-cut. Ring offers slightly better baseline access but uses per-device pricing that feels exploitative. Nest provides cleaner bundling but denies all video history without payment—making it feel more like a rental than ownership.

The truth is, both models reflect a broader industry trend: selling hardware at near-cost to lock users into lifelong subscriptions. Until consumer demand forces change, true ownership of smart home devices remains an illusion.

If minimizing predatory practices is your goal, consider this: the fairest subscription is the one you don’t need. Support brands that offer local storage, open APIs, and transparent pricing. Vote with your wallet. And until then, use the strategies outlined here to protect your budget and your rights as a homeowner.

💬 Have you switched from Ring to Nest or vice versa? Share your experience with subscriptions—what worked, what didn’t? Join the conversation and help others make informed choices.