The Learning Thermostat is Nest’s flagship product and was first introduced in the early 2010s – years before Google bought the emerging startup. Now in the third generation, $ 249 (£ 219, about AU $ 390) Nest Learning Thermostat remains a staple for the brand. (It’s also on sale for $ 219 through Feb. 17.)
Nest has added more than a dozen other devices in the past decade, including video doorbells smart speakers is displayed and routersEfforts have also been made to introduce products for different budgets, especially within the smart thermostats category.
Which brings me to the $ 130 Nest Thermostatannounced in 2020. This new thermostat has a lot going for it, despite costing $ 119 less than the original. So, which Nest model is best? Below we will discuss the main differences between these two Google thermostats.
The Nest Learning Thermostat is the premium smart thermostat from the Google company. The third-generation Learning Thermostat is available for $ 249 (retails for $ 219 through Presidents’ Day February 17) and features a metal bezel and high-resolution display.
The classic rotary knob design allows you to navigate through the settings and press and hold the thermostat to make a selection. It’s easy to use, but I prefer the side controls on the new Nest Thermostat (more on this in the next section). You can still set up this model with the Nest app and control it in the Google Home app. The new Nest Thermostat, on the other hand, only works in the Google Home app.
The Learning Thermostat is available in seven different color finishes: stainless steel, mirror black, brass, polished steel, white, black and copper. It comes with a finishing kit if you need to cover old holes or paint. And it works with the optional Nest temperature sensor accessory, available separately for $ 39 each or in a pack of three for $ 117 (currently on sale for $ 99).
The high-resolution screen offers a feature called Distance Display that displays the weather, time or temperature when it detects your presence. This model also has a learning algorithm designed to adapt to your schedule over time and automatically make adjustments on your behalf. It also uses a proximity sensor to determine your home or away status. Read CNET’s review of the Nest Learning Thermostat.
Chris Monroe / CNET
The Nest Thermostat has the same round shape as the Learning Thermostat – and both work with compatible smart speakers and displays (sold separately). That’s where their similarities end.
Google has removed the dial on the new Nest Thermostat. Instead, there’s a touch control strip on the right to adjust the temperature and make other changes to your settings. I like this update, but wish the controls were available on both the right and left sides so that the us lefts could operate it more comfortably. Still, I found the controls to be responsive and intuitive, and an overall improvement over the previous rotary dial approach.
This model is made of plastic and has a mirror finish, as well as different color options than the Learning Thermostat. It is available in snow (white), sand (rose gold), fog (light green / blue gray) and charcoal (dark gray). Matching trim kits are sold separately for $ 15 each. It does not work with the Nest temperature sensor accessory. It also does not have the high-resolution display and “Distance display” feature offered with the Learning Thermostat.
The Nest Thermostat is the company’s first thermostat to not work with the Nest app (the original app that still includes some older products, including the Nest Learning Thermostat). Instead, this model can only be set up and managed in the Google Home app.
It also doesn’t learn your schedule over time and adjusts accordingly. Allows you to enter a schedule and automatically switch between Home and Away mode based on the thermostat’s built-in proximity sensor. Read CNET’s review of the Nest Thermostat.
Which Nest should you buy?
There is no wrong answer here; both thermostats are excellent. Just consider your specific needs before buying. If you’re looking for a more durable, premium design, go for the Learning Thermostat. It has more color finishing options, comes with a trimming kit, and offers some advanced features such as the learning algorithm, Distance display feature, and compatibility with the optional Nest temperature sensor accessory.
The new Nest Thermostat is significantly cheaper than the Learning Thermostat. It offers an updated mirror design in four color finishes and a revamped thermostat interface on the side. Your purchase does not include a finishing kit and the thermostat is not compatible with the Nest temperature sensor. It also doesn’t have the same learning algorithm or Distance display. But for over $ 100 less than the Learning Thermostat, the new Nest Thermostat is an excellent option that holds its own against Google’s flagship thermostat.
Read more: Best smart thermostat of 2021
Look at this:
Google’s Nest Thermostat is a steal at $ 130
2:21