The Nest Cam Outdoor was recently introduced as Nest’s answer to outside security camera use. Well, Lorex has been doing the outdoor thing for quite sometime and their LNC226X is a pretty good bullet style camera made for outdoor use. So it’s time for our Nest Cam Outdoor versus Lorex LNC226X Wireless HD Indoor/Outdoor Network Camera comparison.
We previously wrote detailed reviews on these cameras if you would like to read all about them first:
Nest Cam Outdoor Review
Lorex LNC226X Wireless HD Network Camera Review
Let’s get on with our head to head analysis.
Software
This category is all about the smartphone app, web app and camera firmware.
Both applications work well on a smartphone but I found the Nest Cam app to have more features and polish to it. Far more work went into the development of the Nest app.
You can access either camera from your smartphone or via a web browser.
Motion and sound detection are provided as basic features on both cameras. The Nest Cam Outdoor provides motion zones but you need to pay for an uplift to cloud services for this feature. Nest does provide a historical snapshot of events from the cloud. The Lorex entry does not. In fact, it doesn’t support any cloud service. While I’m not a fan or the fact Nest charges for motion zones, at least you have the option. This is an important option for minimizing false motion events.
Speaking of false motion events, I find less of them on the Nest Cam Outdoor.
Nest Cam Outdoor has a feature called Home and Away. It turns the camera off and on depending upon if you are home or away (actually, it’s more based upon if your smartphone is home or away). The Lorex LNC226X does not have this feature.
Nest has a large amount of integration possibilities with their line of products. Some integration is unique to Nest products while others are facilitated by third party services such as IFTTT and Wink. I haven’t seen anything like this for the Lorex LNC226X.
Sometimes simplicity can be better and if you’re not into bells and whistles, the Lorex app might be more appealing. It’s certainly less than what Nest provides. Less features means less confusion.
However, the lack of important software features such as motion zones, no third party integration nor a cloud service gives the Nest Outdoor Cam the edge.
Nest Cam Outdoor Versus Lorex LNC226X: Nest Cam Outdoor
Connectivity
Connection of either camera is done through your smartphone. All done through their respective apps. The Lorex LNC226X has you scan a code on the camera where Nest has you connect to the camera via the app.
The difference between the two is in support of dual bands by Nest Cam. The Lorex LNC226X connects to your wireless router at 2.4GHz using 802.11 b/g/n. Nest Cam Outdoor supports 802.11 a/b/g/n at dual bands of 2.4 and 5 GHz. The 5GHz band is going to work best for HD video when close to the router.
Nest Cam Outdoor Versus Lorex LNC226X: Nest Cam Outdoor
Video Storage
While Nest has improved in this area, they still charge for basic cloud storage. You will pay an annual $100 – $300 charge for their cloud storage.
The Lorex LNC226X doesn’t have any cloud storage but they do offer on-board micro SD storage. It’s better than nothing.
Nest Cam Outdoor Versus Lorex LNC226X: Lorex LNC226X
Hardware
These are both sizable cameras that are made for outdoor use.
The video quality on the Nest Cam Outdoor is far superior coming in at 1080p. The Lorex LNC226X tops out at 1280 x 800. Can you tell the difference between the two? Yes, especially when you use the zoom features.
The Nest Cam has a 130 degree wide angle lens. The 8x zoom works well with the software enabled image focusing function. The Lorex LNC226X has a 62 degree wide angle. Not even close.
The wide angle lens, 8x zoom and 1080p video are clear advantages for the Nest Cam Outdoor. This category isn’t close.
Nest Cam Outdoor Versus Lorex LNC226X: Nest Cam Outdoor
Mounts
The Nest Cam Outdoor has an excellent magnetic mount. Place the back of the mounting base onto almost ant metal surface, then stick the camera to the other side and you’re done. Conversely, for non-magnetic surfaces, there is a metal mounting plate that uses supplied screws for attachment.
The Lorex LNC226X has a screw on base.
Nest Cam Outdoor Versus Lorex LNC226X: Nest Cam Outdoor
The Winner
The Nest Cam Outdoor is the clear winner in the comparison of these two cameras. The superior app, software and hardware give the Nest Cam Outdoor the edge. Don’t forget all the integration possibilities that are available with Nest.
So why would one choose the Lorex LNC226X Wireless HD Indoor/Outdoor Network Camera instead? It’s all about the durability of the metal case of the bullet style camera. I suppose a matter of preference. However, if you’re after the pure usability experience, the Nest Cam Outdoor is the better choice.
Quick Specs:
Nest Cam
| Video Quality | Field of View | Cloud Support | SD Support | Night Vision | Mobile/Web App | Alerts | Outdoor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1920x1080 | 130 Degrees | Yes | No | Yes | Yes/Yes | Yes | Yes |
Lorex LNC226X
| Video Quality | Field of View | Cloud Support | SD Support | Night Vision | Mobile/Web App | Alerts | Outdoor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1280 x 800 | 62 Degrees | No | Yes, up to 32GB | Yes | Yes/Yes | Yes | Yes |