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Published: 22 May 2025
Also featured in: 5 Best Indoor Smart Security Cameras for UK Homes in 2025
Overview
The Google Nest Cam (Indoor, GJQ9T model) brings AI-powered intelligence, sleek design, and deep integration with Google Home to your indoor security setup. With 1080p HDR video, person and animal detection, free event storage, and seamless smart display support, it’s a go-to choice for Android-centric homes. In this 2025 UK review, we cover installation, features, app experience, and where the Nest Cam stands in today’s competitive smart security market.
Key Features
- ✅ 1080p HDR video with night vision
- ✅ Free 3-hour event history without subscription
- ✅ AI detection for people, pets, and vehicles
- ✅ Works with Google Home and Nest Hub
- ✅ Two-way talk and app alerts
- ✅ Optional Nest Aware subscription for extended cloud storage
Pros
- Modern, minimalist design fits any room
- Excellent AI accuracy for person/pet detection
- Free smart features without a paid plan
- Seamless integration with Google Nest ecosystem
- Stable, secure performance
Cons
- No support for Alexa or HomeKit
- Local storage not available
- Full event history requires Nest Aware
Setup and App Experience
The Nest Cam sets up via the Google Home app and takes under 10 minutes from unboxing to viewing. You can name your camera, enable familiar face detection (with Nest Aware), and access live feeds from your phone or smart display. The Home app UI is clean, quick, and customisable.
Image Quality and Smart Detection
With 1080p HDR video and enhanced contrast, the Nest Cam delivers crisp and colour-accurate visuals in both bright and low-light conditions. AI detection is top-tier, distinguishing between people and pets with impressive reliability. Alerts are fast, and motion zones reduce false alarms.
Night Vision and Audio
Built-in infrared LEDs ensure effective night vision, offering up to 15 feet of clarity in the dark. Two-way talk is responsive and clear, allowing real-time communication through the app or Nest Hub device.
Storage and Ecosystem Integration
By default, users receive 3 hours of event clip storage for free. For full 30-day or 60-day history and familiar face recognition, Nest Aware plans are available. This camera shines within the Google ecosystem — enabling routines, speaker announcements, and live view via Nest Hub or Chromecast-enabled TVs.
Final Verdict
If you’re invested in Google Home, the Nest Cam Indoor is one of the best smart security choices available. With sharp video, smart AI alerts, free features, and reliable integration, it offers peace of mind and tech sophistication in a compact form. It’s a standout choice for Android-first or Nest-centric homes in the UK.
★★★★★ (4.7/5)