Nest Aware Price Hike: Are Your Smart Home Dreams About to Get More Expensive?

Google is raising the price of Nest Aware subscriptions, meaning users will pay more for cloud storage and smart home features. The change impacts both monthly and annual plans, potentially driving users to explore alternative options in the competitive smart home security market.

Google is increasing the prices for its Nest Aware subscription service, impacting users who rely on it for cloud storage and smart home features. This change means that customers will soon face higher monthly or annual bills to keep their video history and intelligent alerts active.

The basic Nest Aware plan, which provides 30 days of event video history, is seeing a price increase from $6 to $8 per month, or from $60 to $80 annually. For those requiring more comprehensive coverage, the Nest Aware Plus plan, offering 60 days of event video history and 10 days of 24/7 video history, will jump from $12 to $15 monthly, or $120 to $150 per year.

Google attributes this price adjustment to the added value and features they've incorporated into Nest Aware over time. These include things like improved detection capabilities, and enhanced integration with the Google Home ecosystem. The company states that the new pricing will allow them to continue investing in and improving the service.

Existing subscribers can expect to see the new prices reflected in their bills starting on or after May 5, 2024. New subscribers will be subject to the updated pricing immediately. Users are advised to review their current subscription plans and assess whether the features and benefits still align with their needs, or explore alternative smart home security solutions.

This price hike arrives amidst growing competition in the smart home security market. Many companies now offer similar cloud storage and intelligent alert features. Consumers may find themselves evaluating the cost-effectiveness of Nest Aware against these alternatives. The decision to stay with Nest Aware will likely depend on individual needs, brand loyalty, and the perceived value of Google's ecosystem integration.

The price increase is a significant development for Nest users. It could prompt some to re-evaluate their smart home setup and consider options that better fit their budgets. The smart home landscape is constantly evolving, and consumers have an increasing number of choices when it comes to securing their homes and managing their connected devices.