# Nest vs Ring

The clearest difference is monetization model: Ring at free against Nest's free with in-app purchases. Ring also leads on update cadence (every 9 days vs every 2 months) and chart position (#7 vs #91). Nest's advantage is device support (4 vs 2) and iOS requirement (14.0 vs 17.0). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for Nest against 4.7 for Ring. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2.6M and 1.9M respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 24% of Nest's written reviews are positive against 31% of Ring's.

Nest ships an update every 2 months, Ring every 9 days. Both last shipped on November 4, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Nest | Ring |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (2.6M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nest/id464988855/reviews) | **[4.7 (1.9M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ring-always-home/id926252661/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **2.6M** | 1.9M |
| Positive reviews | 24.4% of reviews | **30.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | #91 | **#7** |
| Size | 240 MB | 542 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Nest Labs](https://appshunter.io/developer/464988858) | [Ring.com](https://appshunter.io/developer/926252660) |

## What reviewers say

### Nest

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nest/id464988855)

**Currently charting:** #91 Top Free · Lifestyle (US App Store)

Control your smart home devices, including thermostats, security systems, cameras, and smoke detectors, all from a single app. Receive alerts, manage schedules, and automate actions based on your presence.

**Highlights:** Remote thermostat control, Arm/disarm security system, Live camera feeds, Smoke/CO alerts, Automated actions, Visitor notifications

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 🔒 Reliable security features
- 📽️ Good video quality
- 🔔 Useful alerts and notifications
- 🌐 Convenient remote access

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent connectivity issues
- ⏱️ Slow app performance
- 🔒 Overly complex setup and login process
- 💰 Expensive subscription required for full functionality
- 🔋 Battery life issues with cameras

**Reported bugs**

- Inconsistent home/away detection
- Thermostat schedule resets unexpectedly
- Smoke detector false alarms
- Camera feed freezes or fails to load

**Requested features**

- Improved scheduling and automation options
- Better integration with other smart home devices
- More customization options for alerts and notifications
- Offline viewing and recording capabilities


### Ring

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ring-always-home/id926252661)

**Currently charting:** #7 Top Free · Lifestyle, #143 Top Free (US App Store)

Monitor your home from anywhere with video doorbells, security cameras, and smart lighting. Receive instant alerts for motion or visitors, communicate with them using two-way talk, and review recorded footage. Manage your home security system and receive professional monitoring services for enhanced safety.

**Highlights:** Real-time doorbell and motion alerts, HD video and two-way talk, Smart lighting control and scheduling, Home alarm system monitoring, Professional emergency responder dispatch, Live video streaming

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Excellent video quality
- 🔒 Helpful security features
- 👍 Easy to set up and use
- 🔋 Good battery life

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent connectivity issues
- 🕰️ Slow live view response times
- 💰 Expensive subscription fees
- 📽️ Poor video quality at night

**Reported bugs**

- Inconsistent motion detection
- Recorded videos randomly disappearing
- Chime not working as expected
- Unreliable app performance after updates

**Requested features**

- Customizable motion zones
- Ability to schedule modes
- Apple HomeKit integration
- More flexible notification settings


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Nest free?

Nest is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Ring free?

Ring is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Nest or Ring?

Ring is rated higher. Nest averages 4.6 out of 5 from 2.6M ratings, while Ring averages 4.7 from 1.9M ratings.

### Do Nest or Ring have ads?

Neither Nest nor Ring shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Nest or Ring?

Nest ships an update every 2 months, and Ring every 9 days. Most recently, Nest was updated on November 4, 2026 and Ring on November 4, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Nest or Ring?

Nest currently peaks at #91 in the App Store charts, and Ring at #7. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*