Dropcam Vs. Nest Cam Vs. Dropcam Pro: Which One You Should Pick?

All three products- Dropcam, Nest cam and Dropcam Pro now belong to the same brand that is Nest as Nest has bought Dropcam. All three devices have a common Nest app and are quite similar in their appearance and features. However, you can also use the Dropcam app for Dropcam cameras but Nest recommends your Nest app over it.

We tested all three products and found out the differences between them. In our write up, you will get an idea of what makes these three cameras distinct from each other and would further help you decide anyone of them for your house.

Here are some differences and similarities between these three products. Hope that our comparative analysis would be helpful to you.

Our Verdict

We would recommend you choose Nest Cam and Dropcam Pro over Dropcam basic model. In the case of Nest cam and Dropcam Pro, you can upgrade your video resolution to 1080p with the help of the Nest app which is not available in Dropcam. It also lacks other upgraded features that are there in the other two models.

If you have to choose between Nest cam and Dropcam Pro, we would say that both products are equally good with almost equal features. They only differ in their brand names. So you would be wasting time if you upgrade your Pro model with Nest Cam.

But if you do not have the camera yet and you are planning to buy then Nest Cam would be the most suitable option for you. It is because it is the latest model. Nest would anyway take over Dropcam cameras and replace it with Nest Cameras shortly. Keeping that in mind, a more advanced and upgraded product would be the most suitable option.

Comparison Chart: Dropcam Vs. Nest Cam Vs. Dropcam Pro

Differences

1. Size

All three devices differ in their sizes. Nest Cam is 4.5” * 2.9” * 2.9 whereas both Dropcam and Pro are 4.5” * 3.15” * 3.15 because they belong to the same brand. So in case of accessibility, Nest Cam wins as it is smaller in size and handy.

2. Weight

In terms of weight, Nest appears to be slightly heavier than the Dropcam and Pro. Nest cam is 7.5 oz whereas both Nest cameras are 5.7 oz.

3. Video Quality

The video quality of both Dropcam cameras is 720p at 30 frames per second. Nest Cam offers 1080p HD at 30 frames per second. But since Nest bought Dropcam, now you can also upgrade its video quality to 1080p via the Nest app. But unfortunately, this facility is only available in Dropcam Pro and not the standard Dropcam version. So, it is advisable to choose the Pro version over the standard one.

4. Installation

When it comes to mounting, all three devices have similar mounting features. You can place them on a table or desk and use them. The Nest cam comes with an additional advantage of magnetic plates. You can mount a magnetic plate and mount your Nest camera on the surface. With these plates, you can also install your Nest camera on the wall, ceiling or non-metallic surface.

The Dropcam standard version and Pro do not have magnetic plates. But they have mounting hardware for their easy installation. You can also buy a universal mount magnetic and suction cup. It would add convenience to your camera. But this kit is only compatible with the Pro version. So if you have the Dropcam standard version, it is advisable to upgrade it soon.

5. Field Of View

All three cameras offer a wide field of view. They not only cover the front zone but also try to cover the surrounding area. Their field of view differs. The Dropcam standard camera has 107 degrees diagonal field of view. It is lesser as compared to both Dropcam Pro and Nest Cam with 130 degrees diagonal field of view.

6. Zooming

Dropcam can zoom up to 4 times whereas Nest cam and Dropcam Pro can zoom up to 8 times. The other two cameras are better in zooming facility than the Dropcam standard version.

Similarities

1. App Control

All three devices offer app control. All three of them can be operated through the Nest app. Dropcam standard and Pro have their Dropcam app but it is not that popular. You can easily install the Nest app on both Android and iOS devices and control these smart cameras remotely from anywhere you want.

2. Camera Lens

All three devices- Dropcam, Nest and Dropcam Pro have the same camera lens that is 1/3 inch and a 1-megapixel sensor.

Features And Technical Specifications Of Dropcam

• Has 107 degrees diagonal field of view
• Camera resolution is 720p with 30 frames per second
• Has a high powered infrared LED for clear night vision
• Power usage is 5VDC, 1.0A
• Its AC adapter has input- 100-200V at 50-60Hz AC, 0.2A and output- 5VDC, 2.0A
• Its language is the same as Nest app that is English, German, Italian, French, Spanish and Dutch
• Requires network band of 2.4GHz
• Has a speaker as well as an audio facility
• Requires high-speed internet DSL, Cable, and FiOS
• Suitable operating temperature is 32 degrees F to 104 degrees F
• Suitable storage temperature is -4 degrees F to 113 degrees F
• It offers a one-year warranty
• Items in the box:Dropcam camera (main model), Wall mounting hardware, 10-foot USB cable, Aluminum stand, USB power adapter, Installation guide

Features And Technical Specifications Of Nest Cam

• It is available in black color
• It uses AC power adapter
• The languages are- English, German, Italian, French, Spanish and Dutch
• Power input is 100-240 V AC 0.2A
• DC output is 5VDC 2.0A
• Its camera input is 2VDC 1.0A
• Can be operated through Bluetooth low energy
• Requires a wireless network that is 802.11 a/b/g/n. And it has a dual-band with 2.4GHz and 5GHz
• Video resolution is 1080p with 30 frames per second
• It has 8 high-power infrared LED’s with IR cut filter for a clear night vision
• Suitable operating temperature is 32 degrees F to 104 degrees F
• Has a speaker, microphone and RGB LED light
• It offers 2 years limited warranty
• Items in the box: Nest Cam indoor camera (main model), Nest screws, 10-foot USB cable, USB Power adapter, Wall-mounting plate, Aluminum Stand, Window decal, Quick start guide

Features And Technical Specifications Of Dropcam Pro

• Has 8-high power infrared LED’s for clear night vision
• Has 130 degrees diagonal field of view
• Video resolution is 1080p at with 30 frames per second
• Can also be set-up through Bluetooth low energy, Windows, or Mac
• Wi-Fi connection requirement is 802.11 b/g/n
• Has dual network band of 2.4Ghz and 5GHz
• Power usage is 5VDC, 1.0A
• It has both speaker and microphone
• AC adapter has input- 100-200V at 50-60Hz AC, 0.2A and output- 5VDC, 2.0A
• It has a micro USB port
• Requires high-speed internet DSL, cable, and FiOS
• Its suitable operating temperature is 32 degrees F to 104 degrees F
• Its suitable storage temperature is -4 degrees F to 113 degrees F
• Offers one year warranty
• Items in the  box:Dropcam Pro HD camera (main model), Wall mounting hardware, 10-foot USB cable, Aluminum stand, USB power adapter, Installation guide

FAQ’s

Bottom Line

Buy the smart cameras that suit all your interests. Take help from this post but you must do your research before making up your mind. All the three camerasare great but we would suggest you to go for Nest cam or Dropcam Pro as they have advanced technology and features.If you’re picking nest cam make sure you do check the nest cam comparison with wyze.