Customer Ratings & Reviews

Very happy that I choose best secure as the setup was very simple with clear instructions and the system was setup and running in less that’s 30 minutes with 4 nest sensors (I purchased 2 extra in addition to 2 that come in the box). I have been contemplating ring secure vs nest secure for long and finally the $100 price drop on nest secure made me pull the trigger. The geo tracking feature of neat secure is my favorite. When u leave home in a hurry, you forget to set the alarm. When you have set up geo location enable in the near secure setup - as soon as your phone is out of proximity of your home it will prompt / remind you to set the alarm.

Great alarm system. Shame it is not being supported by Google anymore but it is very forward thinking. Really cool that the base itself is a motion detector.

This may be one of the easier security systems to install and set up. No tools required. Also Brinks offers very inexpensive month to month service or a cheaper contract version. You do need a smart phone/tablet to setup and use.

I have had other Alarms and took them back, this one really work Great. Easy to setup and to use.

Excellent and easy to use in your home security. One time pay. No monthly fees.

What makes me a fan of Nest is that their products are so easy to use and install. And they work great! Which is why of all the new home security systems coming out, I decided to go with the Nest Secure. The starter system is pretty expensive and it comes with the base, two sensors, and 2 fobs that can be programmed to enable and disable the alarm by holding it up to the base. Other than mounting hardware, that's all you get. And if you want additional sensors, that will cost you $59 each. Additional fobs will cost $25 each. The Nest Secure may only come with 2 sensors, but unlike traditional door and motion sensors, the sensor for the Nest is both a door and motion sensor. These sensors have other functions while you're home. You can press a button on one of them to disable it if you have to open a door while the rest of the system stays armed. After a minute, it is rearmed. Another cool function is the pathlight. In the dark, the sensors can light up when it senses motion. Pretty useful to help you find your way around the house without turning the lights on. The base station also has a motion sensor built in. So it can do just as much as other systems with less to install. The fobs are easy to program and use. You can also buy and program more and disable them if you needed to. The Nest app is easy to use and if you already own other Nest products, the alarm will join the rest of the Nest devices all within the app. And like with other Nest products, the alarm works together with other Nest devices such as the Nest Cam. Just like other Nest devices, the installation was simple and the setup process was flawless thanks to the in app step by step directions. Depending on how you configure your system, you can have the whole system up and running in as little as 20 minutes. After that, you have the ability to configure the system to your liking such as how much time you can be given to leave when you arm the system. You can arm the system on the app and the app will notify you if any of the sensors are triggered and let you know if the alarm sounds. You will even be notified if you happen to leave the house and forget to arm it. It think overall, it's a great system. It's very easy to use, it's a great design, great quality, and it's another shining example of how Nest thinks differently how a product should work in your home. But everyone's needs are different when it comes to an alarm system. There are lots of things to consider. One example is that while the starter system can do the job for a small home or an apartment, if you own a large home and have a lot of family members living there, you can expand the system to meet those needs but it will cost you. Definitely do your research before getting any alarm system. Because of Nest's reputation and my experience with their other devices, it was worth paying extra to get this.

I've been a long time customer of Nest Products (even when they used be DropCam) so I'm pretty well versed in how good and easy to operate their products are - but I was still blown away by this new Nest Secure Alarm system. Straight out of the box, one of the nicest things is the way it slots into the Nest Ecosystem and apps. If like me you're already using Nest Cameras, Nest Protect and Nest Thermostats then its pretty seamless to setup and operate the alarm. The kit comes with the Nest base station which operates as both the control center, but also has a motion sensor built in. You can either set or disable the alarm from the base with a key code or one of the RFID fobs included in the pack - but of course you more often than not will do it directly in the app (which sends a popup if you are close to home offering to automatically disable the alarm - neat!). If like me you're wondering how it maintains against tampering - the unit has a 12hr battery built in, so once the alarm is set or triggered it'll run and operate normally for up to 12hrs even if you pull the plug. The control and messaging leverages your in-home wifi and internet connection, but again for an additional $5 per month, you can add a cellular backup option to keep you alerted even if someone pulls your internet connection. Theres some magic built into the sensors (check my pictures for a sense of scale against an iPhone). They are pretty minimal in size can be either screwed or stuck (using the affixed adhesive pads) to either door or windows, along with their magnet 'buddy' - and when the alarm is armed , will trigger a countdown before it sounds. Pretty obvious I know - but you can also install these WITHOUT the magnet as they also include a motion sensor in each one! So you can mount the sensor on any wall and you have a nifty motion detector which will set off the alarm when armed, but also display a nifty 'path light' in the dark to help you around. Each one runs on a replaceable battery so I'll see how long they last (I have one with the path light on , one without to test). I set them whole thing up in under 30 mins - and within another couple of hours had already headed back to the local BestBut to pick up another 3 or 4 of these sensors (Nest Detect as they are branded standalone). They really are that good, and do exactly what they say on the tin. Couple of minor things I would note - the motion detector is only recorded in the system logs when the alarm is armed. With the Nest Camera you can get a push alert when it detects motion, but the only alerts you get from the Nest Secure are when the alarm is going off. Same goes for the doors opening and closing - its recorded in a log, but there's no way to just get a simple push notification. You can arm the alarm in one of 2 ways; Firstly fully armed, and when it detects motion either at the base or on any of the sensors, or if any of the monitored doors are opened you get the countdown before the alarm sounds. The second option is 'guarding' which is useful if like me you have 2 young kids who can open doors to the street- in this mode it will sounds the alarm if any of the doors or windows are opened, but it will ignore any motion. (On each of the motion sensors you can enable an option to ignore motion of things like pets under 40lbs which again is a nice feature) As I say I'd like a halfway house, where I could arm it as 'guarding' and just get a notification rather than sounding the alarm , but its a small gripe when you consider how fully functioned, well thought out and easy to operate this item is. Anyone looking for a home security system can't go wrong with this - especially if you're already bought into the Nest product line. I initially received this item in exchange for my evaluation and review, but as I mentioned I've already invested further in the additional sensors and key fobs to fully integrate it into my everyday life around the house.

This Security system by Nest was a pleasure to install. The directions were very easy and concise within it's app, even while installing the motion detectors and other peripherals. I was not sure this unit would provide ample coverage without needing to purchase more motion detectors. We have several entrance points on our main level. But with it's sensitivity, everything with this unit was enough to cover our entry points. This unit came with one Nest base unit. two Nest sensors(for door/window open or motion) and two Nest tags. I love that the tags can arm or disarm without having to enter a code. To my knowledge there are no monitoring options for this unit, but that is to come in the future, which means there are no monthly fees for it to work, and work well. The moment it does not see motion for a period it notifies you that it looks like no one is home, and asks if you would like to arm the system. I appreciate the fact that it is pet friendly, or at least dog friendly, our 15 pound Bichon/Poodle mutt has not set it off yet. I am a little disappointed that there is not more integration into the Google Home interface. I found several things that interface with the Nest thermostat, but not the Nest Secure??? If you are looking for this unit to alert you that a door or a window has opened immediately, this is not the unit you need. The shortest option for notification of a breach is 30 seconds. I am not sure why they would not include a night feature to enable instant notification. If I were installing this in my daughters home, or my parents home, I would want that type of a feature to be available. I may be missing something, in the software, but I feel I have seen other complaints about this. Why I would recommend it: Easy to install, and no monitoring fee. This unit is one I would recommend to a friend with certain security needs, but this does not fulfill every security need.

Quick thoughts: Nest Secure is extremely easy to install and use. The Nest application walks you through the install and verifies each sensor is installed correctly. Nest app also gives pointers as to where to install each sensor. Tech know how is not needed. All mounting hardware is included and easy to use. The system is quite expensive, however. This is especially true if you have a larger home or area to cover with lots of doors and opening windows. I would recommend this alarm for a smaller home or apartment but would look at other options for larger areas. I ended up with the Ring alarm in the end. Read on to learn why. Okay, so here’s the more in-depth review. The Nest Secure feels very well made and of the quality one expects from the price paid. The same goes for the sensors that go with the base station. Install: Set up starts with downloading the Nest app. If you have a Nest camera or smoke detector then you already have the app as they use the same one. The app will literally walk you through the install. First you plug in the base station. Included with Nest Secure is a mount that secures the plug to the outlet with a screw, so it cannot be unplugged by accident. From there all you do is scan the QR code for the base station and it activates it. Then you set up the base station to connect to your home WIFI so it works on it can talk to the Nest app. During this process you’ll also choose an alarm code that is typed onto the top of the base (there are buttons that light up with numbers on them). You’ll also set up if you want the base to act as a motion sensor which is great. This means that if anyone walks past the base while it is armed then it will set off the alarm. Once that is complete you scan the QR code on one sensor at a time and install that sensor. Then move to the next one. Nest app verifies placement and function prior to finalizing the install of the sensor. Part of this includes having to open and close the window / door that the sensor is placed on. You can also make the sensor sensitive to motion if it is placed on a door. The sensor can also be used for only sensing motion if you want to place it on a wall as a motion detector. When choosing where the sensor is being mounted the app will give you options on using motion or not. The app also asks how the door / window opens to ensure the sensor work correctly. Again, it is super easy to install. The mounting hardware included give you two choices. One is to use the included screws and brackets. The other is to use the included adhesive strips. I chose the adhesive and it is incredibly strong! I never felt as though the sensor would ever fall off. Each sensor includes extra adhesive strips that are pre cut for the sensor size so if you mess up or move you don’t have to buy more adhesive. Once all of the sensors are installed then your done. Nice. Use: First, a quick bit of info that I wanted to know when I bought this alarm. The alarm can be set to go off immediately when a sensor is triggered. This is great as when your sleeping at night you don’t want to hear a countdown of time to disarm the alarm, you just want it to go off. The same is true if someone tries to break in to your home. The alarm going off is what will hopefully deter the intruder. This is only available if you self-monitor though. If you pay for monitoring you must have a delay, I think of 30 seconds, before the alarm will sound. You can pay for cellular back up and keep the zero delay function though. On to use now… The alarm is easy to use, just as all Nest products are. You can use the alarm without paying for monitoring if you want. If the alarm goes off it will alert you via the Nest app and show you video from your Nest cam nearest the sensor that set the alarm off. If you don’t have a Nest cam then the app tells you what sensor set the alarm off. From there you can disarm the alarm within the app or use the alarm code and input it directly on the base. Nest also includes two Keychains that can be used to arm and disarm the alarm. However, they must be placed physically on the base to work. The base has a battery backup as well so if the power goes out it will still work locally. Keep in mind that if you don’t pay for cellular backup or monitored service then you won’t be alerted via the app if the alarm goes off. It will still work locally though so the siren will sound if set off. You can pay for cellular backup and still monitor the alarm yourself if you want. You can also pay for alarm monitoring which includes cellular backup. Nest will tell you if your base has cell service where you are prior to you signing up for it so you don’t pay for something you cannot use. Is it loud: Kind of. The alarm base is the only thing that will make noise and there aren’t any remote sirens available. The sound is loud enough to startle someone but not unbearable. It could certainly be louder. When alarming there will be a siren and every few seconds the base will announce which sensor set off the alarm. Is it secure: I don’t feel as though the base would be easily hacked or anything. However, the oddly shaped base makes it difficult to mount it inconspicuously. It is designed to be set on a table or counter. The base does have sensors so if someone moves it while it is armed it will go off. The battery backup also means it will off even if unplugged. I still prefer being able to mount an alarm base on a wall though which you cannot do with this. It’s one of the few things I don’t like. Notable flaw: I had a sensor that kept going off line randomly. This means that the sensor would not alert if the window it was attached to were opened. The Nest app never alerted me to this. I happened to be reviewing the sensor history data within the app and saw that the sensor kept going off line. I removed and reinstalled the sensor from the window and the base station. Same issue occurred. The sensor was 25 feet from the base so proximity wasn’t the issue. The sensor may have been defective. However, I don’t feel like the app should ignore a sensor that goes off line and not alert the user. This instability caused me to return this alarm for a different model. This may be resolved in a future update. Who’s it for: I’d say this is a great alarm for those looking for monitor a smaller home or apartment. It’s also great for those that aren’t tech savvy as it is so easy to install. How does it compare to the Ring alarm: I have used both in my own home. The Nest feels more premium but that isn’t important long term as you don’t feel the alarm after install. Both alarms function in a similar fashion and install easily. I did have a Nest sensor that stopped working as mentioned above. That is why I have the Ring alarm now. The major difference with the Ring is the expandability of it. You can mount the alarm base on a wall, I have mine hidden so an intruder cannot easily locate it and visitors don’t know I have an alarm. There are keypads that can be mounted anywhere (rechargeable) to arm and disarm the alarm. The sensors are much cheaper and functional reliably. Overall I would choose the Ring alarm if given the option from the start. It was a bit harder to install but still not difficult. The alarm siren is also a bit louder and you can add remote sirens if you need them outside or further from the base. If you have a lot invested already in the Nest eco system then it makes sense to add the Nest alarm. But don’t think you have to.

Even the key fob is flawed with a hole in along the width so it takes up a good inch on your key chain (see pic). The alarm system is surprisingly loud, but only the dumbest burglars would allow it to be set off. The unit notifies the user what sensor was activated, then a 10 second warning to disarm. The minimum time from a sensor to the alarm going off is 30 seconds, so that gives a burglar 30 seconds to unplug the alarm and drop it in a toilet. If you also own a nest camera, then the camera turns on and starts recording (recording option is a monthly fee). This is about 30 seconds too late to turn on, since it should start as soon as the sensor detects a breach. Ideally, the key fob would be similar to a normal key so it doesn't take up so much space. The connected camera (sold separately) would turn on as soon as the breach is detected. Also, the siren should be in a separate unit that can be mounted high on a wall. I gave it three stars despite these critical flaws because there are some innovative features, and it's nice looking so it doesn't ruin your decor. The sensors are motion detectors and open/close detectors, which is usually two separate devices on other security systems. There is also a neat feature that allows you to bypass a specific door/window by tapping a button on the sensor, which is very convenient, but potentially unsafe so this feature can be turned off.

Nest integration of the ideal security system done right. Online updates are well done and integration with existing camera(s) works well. Fob enable/ disable is great for those with difficulty remembering codes. Works well with small cats / dogs with motion detectors that function above the floor level. No false alarms. Recommend lowering price on additional detectors a bit. Otherwise a great system especially if you have existing Nest products.

So, I've had this for a few days now. Let's see how I can make this review simple... Pros: - The design is probably the best on the market. - The main base of the alarm can be used with Google Assistant, so anything that you can normally do with "Ok Google" can be done with the base of the alarm system. - The keyring tags are a great way to arm/disarm the alarm without having to enter a passcode. - The system works very well with the Nest App once you have everything setup. - The monthly fee is one of the best, if not the best deal on the market right now for a DIY system with professional monitoring. - You can set the countdown duration longer than most other systems would allow you to so you don't have to rush as much when entering or leaving home. - Phone notifications are simple and fast when doors or windows are opened. --- Cons: - I had a HUGE pain, took hours to work around the fact that the Detects (sensors) would not sync to the base for hours and even support themselves admitted that have no real solution that fixes this. They will run you through a bunch of common-sense tasks to attempt to fix this issue. They eventually gave up and advised returning. Luckily, I found a workaround on Reddit, which involved having to use a WiFi hotspot just to be able to get the main base of the system connected with the sensors. - The main base of the system cannot be mounted anywhere. - You can only use the main base and cannot add additional keypads, which makes the placement of it very limited. Dealbreaker: You can hardly hear the main voice on the base, which cannot connect to anything like Google Home as an external speaker, so if you're in a different room, you can bank on Not hearing key phrases like "front door was opened". You practically have to be in the same room.

I had this installed in my condo it definitely has its pros and cons so I'll start with the pros. - PROS: universal will fit 99% of doors and windows on homes old or new. Super easy to install. If you have a lot of doors and windows, have all products ready. It also pays off if you also have the thermostat and the smoke detectors to install ALL at the same time. Every piece even the keypad has a motion sensor. Works great even with my dog at home just follow the instructions and install the sensors properly you will be just fine even with dogs at home. I have not tried it with pet cats they tent to jump on furniture higher than 3 feet, and it may interfere with motion sensors. -CONS: I also opted in for the Cellular option, so when my internet is down it can still send the alarm; however I don't think that cellular chip helps if you have a power out because the main unit turns off within seconds of unplugging it. Unit comes with two sensors; each sensor can be used for window/door open/ close sensor AND/OR Motion Sensor. Each additional sensor cost $29-39 my man cave condo od 1600sqft has nine doors and windows so it will get pricey if you are securing every window. Also, the downside of having the contact and motion sensor combined at that price is that the ones installed on the windows will not work as motion sensor especially if you have curtains or simple blinds. Even the APP asks you to what kind of window it is so it will turn off the motion sensor to conserve energy from a 1X AA battery. Although combining the contact and motion sensors; I think they should come out with a smaller window only contact sensor at a lower price.

The system is ridiculously easy to setup and integrates well with the nest system. Really easy to manage and use day to day the sensors seem to work well. A big con is that the remote monitoring service is very expensive for a system they I paid and installed my self. You can change the times and settings in the app for what ever caters to you. I do have a full grown German Shepard so when she stays inside I can't use away mode and just put it on home and guarding. Which works for me. Great system over all.

Wirecutter, now owned by NYTinmes, has a wonderful rating system for a bunch of real life products. In their review of home alarm systems, they gave the pick to Simplisafe, who advertises that ranking in their direct mail. However, when you read the details of the review, the Nest system was as highly regarded, although a bit more expensive. Since I already have Nest smoke/CO alarms and a Nest Hello video doorbell, adding this to the system and tightly integrated with Google (the parent company of Nest), was a no brainer. Installation was extremely easy and smooth; rather fun actually. They do offer remote monitoring from Brinks security, if you wish to have that monthly charge, but I was looking for an option that would replace the monthly charge (currently using the Comcast/Xfinity home system, but wishing to lessen the bill for that service). Setting and checking the alarm is very easy and tightly linked with your cell phone. The Nest camera (top rated as well by Wirecutter) links smoothly, as expected. I’m completely happy, and the cost of the system is paid for after 8 months of the Xfinity service charge for their security. Arming and disarming is easy, anywhere you have WiFi access, as is checking the home via the Nest camera (camera is not included in the base system).

Works great for my house. Stylsh and easy to setup using smart device IOS or Android as well as easy to add more devices.

This system is great when it comes to integration. It is all managed through Google Home or the Nest app. The core system is easy to install. The Nest app walks you through the installation. The Nest app knows when you’re home or not, and will make recommendations on the alarm system. There are some quirks. Sometimes when the power go off, you have to do a reboot of the system. You can’t control the volume. There is no panic code. You can’t use the keypad in multiple locations. We have the door lock which integrates nicely and will manage the security system from that keypad. Other than that, it looks good and seems to be good quality.

I like that I was able to install this system myself. No one knows where my units are except for me. You can order a monitoring service yourself and there is no one to try to up sell your at a later date or tell you that the unit they installed for you is no longer being supported. This unit, coupled with indoor and outdoor Nest Cams, gives me piece of mind. The unit keeps a log of when the alarm was set or disabled, and who set it or disabled it. Every door sensor doubles as a motion detector, and that gives you extra coverage and allows you limits the number of sensors you need, if you so choose.

The Nest Secure alarm system is mostly good, with a few drawbacks. Strengths include: 1) Design (excellent, fits in very well with most homes), 2) Activation and Installation (extremely easy due to the step by step instructions provided in the Nest app). 3) Customization and Options via the Nest app (for the most part, very strong). Weaknesses include: 1) Speaker sound. Though it's rated at 85 decibels, it's simply not loud enough. It cannot be heard very well outside to alert neighbors, and if you live in a multi level home, it's not loud enough to be heard loudly throughout the home. It can be heard in most places, but again, if you have a TV on or something, you probably won't be able to hear it in certain parts of your house. This could easily be fixed however if Nest/Google would allow the Nest Protect smoke detectors to act as a speaker extension to the Nest Guard when the alarm is sounding. We have 7 Protects in our home covering all 3 levels. For those who also use Protects as part of the Nest ecosystem, this would be an excellent fix to what I view as the biggest drawback of the product. 2) Lack of a Night Time/Sleep mode. Google this to understand more about what I'm referring to.

If u have Nest already In your home, it's a no brainer if you want a security system that has a siren. A little expensive compared to other system. I'm waiting on door bell camera and the long awaited door lock to complete my system.