The Google Nest Cam with Floodlight is an outdoor wired security camera that combines video surveillance with a built-in LED floodlight. It’s designed to replace an existing outdoor light fixture and act as both a deterrent and a smart monitoring device right out of the box. This review covers features, performance, installation, smart home integration, pros & cons. Let’s Start.
Overview: What Is the Google Nest Cam with Floodlight?
The Google Nest Cam with Floodlight is an outdoor security camera that pairs HD video surveillance with powerful LED floodlights. Designed to replace an existing exterior light fixture, it’s a hard-wired device that combines motion-activated illumination with smart alerts and live-video monitoring through the Google Home ecosystem. It’s built for homeowners who want a more integrated smart security solution rather than just a standalone camera.
It captures 1080p HDR video, offers motion detection intelligence, and integrates deeply with Google’s smart home platform, making it more than just a light or camera, it’s a connected security hub for your outdoor spaces.
Video & Detection Features
High-Quality Video
One of the camera’s strongest points is its video quality. It streams and records in 1080p HDR, giving clear, detailed footage both day and night. Owners frequently mention that the image quality is crisp, helping them identify people or vehicles easily in real scenarios.
In addition to the HD video, the camera supports night vision and leverages the floodlight so that scenes are well-lit even in complete darkness. The floodlight enhances visual clarity, meaning the footage isn’t just grainy night vision, real color and definition are available even at night when the light activates.
Motion Detection & Alerts
Nest’s built-in intelligence means the device can often distinguish between people, animals, and vehicles. You can customize activity zones so the camera focuses on the spots that matter, like a driveway, porch, or walkway. This helps reduce false alerts from irrelevant motion like leaves or shadows.
Alerts are sent directly to your phone via the Google Home app, so you’re notified when motion is detected. The Google Home app doesn’t require any subscriptions. Some users have praised the responsiveness and accuracy of these alerts, though others have noted that sensitivity tweaks may be needed to avoid over-notifications.
Floodlight Performance
Bright, Smart Lighting
The dual LED floodlights are a key differentiator. At roughly 2400 lumens, they are bright enough to illuminate wide outdoor areas like backyards, driveways, and front porches serving as both a security deterrent and a practical outdoor light.
What makes the lighting smart is that it isn’t just triggered by generic motion. Through the Google Home app, you choose the type of activity (people, vehicles, animals) that triggers the lights, and even schedule when they turn on or off. This reduces unnecessary lighting and gives more control over how the home exterior looks and reacts.
Smart Home Integration
Works Best with Google Home
The Nest Cam with Floodlight is tightly integrated with Google Home, meaning you need the Google Home app and a Google account to manage it. This gives you:
- Live view and playback
- Floodlight control
- Motion alerts and activity customization
- Voice control with Google Assistant (e.g., “turn on the backyard light”)
This ecosystem integration is a huge plus if you already use Google devices, Nest thermostats, or other compatible products. However, it also means limited compatibility with non-Google ecosystems (like Apple HomeKit or older Nest app services), forcing you to stick with the Google Home experience.
Subscription Options (Nest Aware)
Even though basic motion detection and event video history are available without a subscription, a Nest Aware plan unlocks more features like:
- Longer video history (up to 60 days)
- Familiar face detection
- 24/7 continuous recording
These are useful if you want full footage retention, but they add to ongoing costs.
Installation & Setup
Wired Installation
Unlike battery-powered outdoor cameras, this model is hard-wired into your home’s electrical junction box, so you’ll likely need an existing light fixture’s wiring or a professional electrician to install it. Many reviews note that while Google provides guidance, it still requires moderate electrical know-how and isn’t as simple as plugging in a battery device.
This hardwiring means continuous power (no battery downsides) and reliable floodlight operation, but it also limits placement flexibility unless additional wiring work is done.
App Setup
Once physically installed, setup is done through the Google Home app. The app guides you through linking the camera, configuring motion zones, floodlight triggers, and smart home routines. While many users find this user-friendly, some reviewers criticize the app for being clunky or confusing, especially compared to the older Nest app experience.
Day-to-Day Performance
Live View & Alerts
In everyday use, live video streaming works reliably when connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. The motion alerts are generally fast and helpful, though users in some setups experience occasional delays or connectivity hiccups which is not unusual with cloud-connected devices.
You can also access your camera footage from compatible displays or smart screens with Google Assistant support, handy if you want hands-free live checks.
Weather Resistance
The device carries an IP65 rating, making it resistant to dust and splashing water. Some community members have shared concerns about floodlight longevity in heavy rain or humidity, so this is something to weigh if you live in very wet climates.
Pros
- Sharp 1080p HDR video and clear nighttime footage thanks to the smart floodlight.
- Intelligent motion detection with activity zones and customizable alerts.
- Seamless integration with Google Home and Assistant for routines and voice control.
- Floodlight doubles as a deterrent and practical security light.
- Local event backup during outages.
Cons
- Higher price point compared to some competitors.
- Hard-wired installation may require professional help.
- Google Home app limitations in camera feature control.
- Subscription required for full cloud history and advanced features.
- Mixed user experiences around floodlight behavior and app responsiveness.
Final Verdict
The Google Nest Cam with Floodlight is a powerful, smart outdoor camera that goes beyond basic surveillance by integrating proactive lighting, motion intelligence, and deep smart-home integration. It’s especially compelling for existing Google ecosystem users who want clear video, intelligent alerts, and automation, all in a single device.
However, it’s not for everyone. If you want something plug-and-play, work with multiple smart platforms, or avoid subscription fees, competitors might offer more flexibility. And while many users enjoy stable performance, some real-world experiences suggest occasional software or hardware quirks that are worth considering before purchase.
Overall, if you’re willing to invest in a hard-wired, Google-centric solution and prioritize smart automation and floodlight security, this camera delivers solid value. Just be prepared for a bit of setup and long-term subscription costs for the full feature set.