The Nest Studying Thermostat (4th Gen) is the newest iteration of Google’s premium sensible thermostat, providing a daring new design and a wealth of latest performance. It carries a hefty price ticket — and relying in your wants, the extra reasonably priced Nest Thermostat may be the wiser choice. However what precisely is the distinction between the Nest Studying Thermostat (4th Gen) and Nest Thermostat?
From pricing and out there colours to options and design, right here’s every thing that you must know earlier than making a purchase order. And make sure to learn our full fourth-generation Nest Thermostat evaluate.
Pricing and design
The Nest Thermostat is comparatively reasonably priced at $130, whereas the Nest Studying Thermostat (4th Gen) is over twice as costly at $280. There’s no denying the Nest Studying Thermostat seems to be higher, due to a revamped design that options a big borderless show augmented with a stainless-steel ring. The Nest Thermostat isn’t any slouch, however its mirrored glass lens and plastic housing positively really feel cheaper.
The Nest Studying Thermostat is offered in polished silver, polished obsidian, and polished gold. The Nest Thermostat is offered in snow, sand, fog, and charcoal.
If cash is an element, the Nest Thermostat is the simpler alternative. It could not look as flashy, but it surely’s shockingly extra reasonably priced than the newest Nest Studying Thermostat.
Winner: Nest Thermostat
Set up
The set up course of is essentially the identical for each gadgets. You’ll must come out your previous thermostat, then reconnect the wires to your Nest Thermostat or Nest Studying Thermostat. Google says the Nest Thermostat “works with 85% of methods,” although some methods might require a C-wire. The Nest Studying Thermostat “works with most HVAC methods.” For those who reside in a house constructed inside the previous few many years, you shouldn’t have an issue getting both working.
Be sure you take a look at the helpful Nest Thermostat Compatibility Instrument at Google when you’ve got questions on your precise system.
As for the precise set up, you’ll be guided via the method by way of a cellular app. This affords loads of diagrams and visuals, so even DIY novices ought to have the ability to full the duty. For those who run into hassle or if that you must set up a C-wire, it could be value contacting an expert.
Winner: Tie
Options and controls
As its value would counsel, the Nest Studying Thermostat is full of options. Its massive show is customizable, permitting it to indicate info such because the temperature, time, climate forecast, out of doors air high quality, and extra. You may also flip and press on the dial to load extra particulars. Probably the most compelling motive to choose up this sensible thermostat is as a result of it’s going to be taught your routine and create a schedule based mostly in your preferences. It’ll additionally search for methods to save cash in your power invoice and offer you solutions on your heating and cooling schedule.
The Nest Thermostat is primary by comparability. Whilst you can nonetheless management it remotely by way of the cellular app, it received’t create automated schedules or suggest energy-saving concepts. Its display can also be a lot smaller and it doesn’t have entry to info like air high quality and the climate forecast.
Winner: Nest Studying Thermostat (4th Gen)
Good residence compatibility
Simply listening to “Nest Thermostat” instantly conjures up ideas of sensible residence tech, proper? In spite of everything, that’s all the level — you’re in a position to management any Nest Thermostat from wherever. That was true from the primary Nest Thermostat years in the past, and it’s true with this fourth technology.
However maybe a little bit extra necessary (if additionally a little bit bit on the nerdy aspect) is that we’ve to speak a few sensible residence customary known as Matter. That’s a protocol that lets gadgets work with one another extra simply. And it additionally lets gadgets from what beforehand had been pretty closed ecosystems — suppose Google House on one aspect, and Apple’s HomeKit on the opposite — play properly.
Each the 2020 Nest Thermostat and the 2024 mannequin help Matter. And meaning both can work inside Apple’s HomeKit ecosystem — or with another system that helps Matter.
Winner: This one’s a tie — and that’s a very good factor.
Which is the higher sensible thermostat?
The Nest Studying Thermostat (4th Gen) is unquestionably the higher sensible thermostat — however that doesn’t imply it’s mechanically the very best on your wants. Whereas the additional options are nice and may help you get monetary savings over time, the hefty upfront funding received’t make sense for all households. However when you’ve got the finances for it, that is the one to get.
For customers on a finances, the Nest Thermostat is a pleasant compromise. It’s lacking out on a number of highly effective options, but it surely nonetheless brings smarts to your heating and cooling with out breaking your finances. It’s additionally good that you’ve got 4 distinctive shade choices — so you could find a mode that appears greatest in your house.