If you’re looking at indoor wireless security cameras, then you may find yourself locked into an in-depth analysis of one model versus another. A frequent three-way comparison is Logi Circle vs Nest Cam vs Arlo Q.
These three 1080p cameras are top players in the field of wireless security cameras.
Here, we’ll compare each camera in terms of storage and streaming capabilities, power source and set-up, reliability, and smart home integration.
Note that we will include features from both the Arlo Q and Arlo Q Plus, since they are similar versions of the same security camera.
| Logi Circle | Nest | Arlo Q | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | See it on Amazon | See it on Amazon | See it on Amazon |
| Video Quality | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p |
| Battery power | Yes, up to 12 hours. Also works on AC power | No | No |
| Free cloud storage | 24 hours | 3 hours of snapshots, no videos | 7 days |
| SD card and PoE | No | No | Yes, if you buy Arlo Q Plus |
| Timelapse | Yes, 30 second time lapse of the day | No | No |
| Works with | IFTTT, Alexa | IFTTT, Alexa, Google, Nest, Hue, LIFX, others | IFTTT, Alexa, Google, Nest, SmartThings, others |
Table of Contents
Logi Circle vs Nest Cam vs Arlo Q
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Taking a look at what the cameras have in common, all three have two-way talk, with a built-in speaker and microphone for communicating with anyone through the camera. This is an important feature so you can communicate with your kids, pets, housekeepers, or anyone at home.
They also all have night vision, 1080p quality, and push notification alerts.
These are all indoor cameras that plug in for power. If you want outdoor cameras, check out Arlo Pro or Nest Cam Outdoor.
Now let’s dive into the differences.
Storage and Streaming
Logi Circle
Cloud storage only – no option for an SD card. Continuous video recording mode. Previously, you could only view your history from the app. But starting in 2016, you can access your security footage from an internet browser as well. Only 24 hours of footage available for free in the cloud. Other paid storage plans available.
Nest Cam
Cloud storage only – no option for an SD card. 10 or 30 day cloud storage subscription plans available through Nest Aware. These offer continuous video recording, person alerts, activity zones, time lapses, and other features. Monitor your feed on the app or internet browser. Only 3 hours of footage is included for free, but it’s in snapshots, not video footage.
Arlo Q
Cloud storage only, unless you purchase the separate Arlo Q Plus, which has a PoE adaptor for SD card for backup storage. Decide between motion-activated recording (standard) or continuous video recording (additional fee separate from additional cloud storage). Monitor your feed on the app or internet browser. 7 days of history available at no charge. Other paid storage plans available.
Winner: Arlo Q
We are a big fan of Arlo’s generous cloud storage.
Users don’t have to dread ongoing fees associated with their cameras since they can use the cameras without paying monthly subscriptions. Since Arlo offers 7 days of free cloud storage, this is much more competitive than Logi’s 24 hours and Nest’s measly 3 hours of snapshots.
There are also paid plans available if you want 30 or 60 days of cloud storage, or Arlo Smart features like person detection and activity zones. Continuous recording will cost you extra, since it’s a separate charge from the monthly cloud storage.
Nest is a good alternative option when comparing Logi Circle vs Nest Cam vs Arlo Q, since its continuous recording is included with Nest Aware, so you are paying one subscription for all of the features.
Continuous recording is important for some customers who don’t want any delay between when motion is recognized and when the camera begins recording. The new Nest Cam IQ can also recognize faces if you pay for Nest Aware.
Power Source & Set-Up
Logi Circle
Requires corded power supply, but has built-in battery for up to 12 hours of short-term use. This is good for a power outage or moving the camera temporarily. Portable – move it to a different location. Boasts a 60-second setup.
Nest Cam
Requires corded power supply, with no battery backup. This is billed as an advantage for continuous recording, but whether or not you use that feature, Nest Cam must be plugged in at all times. No battery backup on board in the event of a power outage, so we mark it as a disadvantage. Simple setup and part of the Nest ecosystem, which could make setup easier if you’re familiar with the system already. We’ve set up the camera ourselves and found it very simple to install using the Nest app.
Arlo Q
Requires corded power supply, with no battery backup. This is how Arlo Q and Q Plus differ from the other Arlo cameras, since the Pro, Pro 2, and Ultra all work on battery or AC power. If you get the Arlo Q Plus, you can set up the unit over wireless, ethernet, or PoE.
Winner: Logi Circle
The Logi Circle edges out the Nest and Arlo Q due to its versatile power supply capabilities.
We love that you can move the unit for a span of a few hours to keep your eyes and ears on a different spot in the home. This is great for special occasions like date night with the kids at home. The Arlo Q Plus (that’s the version with the PoE adaptor) is a runner-up due to its ability to be connected via wireless, ethernet, or PoE.
Reliability
All of these security cameras require an active WiFi connection to send footage. If you’re looking for an SD card option, then get the Arlo Q Plus, which provides an SD card back-up that will keep recording even if your WiFi goes down.
None of the cameras offer pan or tilt options. Check out our comparison table for cameras with this capability.
Logi Circle
30-second time lapse of important events during the last 24 hours. No motion sensitivity controls to reduce false alarms. Lower ratings on Amazon compared to the other cameras.
Nest Cam
Motion sensitivity controls are available with a paid subscription to Nest Aware.
Arlo Q
Control the sensitivity of the camera’s alarm system from within the app. Arlo Q Plus has an SD card for back-up.
Winner: Arlo Q
While all wireless security cameras have the possibility of triggering a false alarm, Arlo Q is the winner when it comes to Logi Circle vs Nest Cam vs Arlo Q. Arlo Q allows motion sensitivity adjustments, which fix most false alarm issues. Additionally, if you opt for the Arlo Q Plus version, you gain an SD card back-up in the event of a power failure.
Nest Cam has the capability to adjust sensitivity and reduce false alarms, but it’s only available to those willing to shell out the $10 month for the Nest Aware subscription. If false alarms are a big annoyance for you, then you may want to go with the newer Nest Cam IQ, which has a 4K sensor and person alerts.
The Logi Circle lacks motion sensitivity adjustment altogether and has lower ratings on Amazon which may indicate a poor user experience. However, it does earn a few stars for its time lapse feature.
Smart Home Integration
Logi Circle
Works with:
- IFTTT
- Alexa
Nest Cam
Works with:
- IFTTT
- Other Nest products
- Philips Hue
- LIFX
- Google Home
- Alexa (via IFTTT)
- Wemo
Arlo Q
Works with:
- Alexa
- IFTTT
- Nest
- SmartThings
Winner: Nest
Nest Cam is a team player in a smart home – it plays well with a variety of tech options that you may already be using in your house.
The Nest Cam also works with IFTTT, Philips Hue, and other Nest products (for instance, it will switch the camera to ‘record’ mode when the Nest security system is armed). Arlo Q isn’t hitched to the Nest ecosystem, but still integrates well with Amazon Alexa, IFTTT, SmartThings, and even Nest.
Overall Winner
And the overall winner when comparing Logi Circle vs Nest Cam vs Arlo Q is…
Arlo Q!
Arlo Q is our pick for the best wireless home security camera.
The unit offers 7 days of free cloud storage, which is much more generous than the other options. We also like the option to purchase the Arlo Q Plus unit with the PoE adaptor and enjoy the convenience and peace of mind that comes with having an SD card and power over ethernet for back-up.
Read our other post for more details on the difference between Arlo Q vs Arlo Q Plus.
We’ve also used Nest Cam for a few years and even tested Nest Cam as a baby monitor, and side-by-side with the Amazon Cloud Cam.
The camera feels very high quality and Nest’s app is easy to use. If you want to see your camera and Nest thermostat in the same app, then Nest Cam is an excellent choice.
Logi Circle is also a good option for its time lapse and battery features. The updated Logi Circle 2 is an indoor/outdoor option that has a wide viewing angle and other upgrades worth checking out.
Other Options?
While comparing Logi, Nest, and Arlo is a great place to start in your hunt for a wireless security camera, there are many options available on the market. Fortunately for you, we’ve reviewed even more of the top names in home wireless security.
One of the best new brands in smart home security cameras is Wyze Cam.
This is a very affordable camera that still offers the same features of these more expensive options. We highly recommend Wyze Cam since it’s secure, high quality, and affordable. Check out our reviews here for more information:
How important are smart home integrations in your wireless security camera search? Let us know in the comments below.