The Learning Thermostat is Nest’s flagship product, first introduced in the early 2010s – years before Google bought the emerging startup. Now in its third generation, the $ 249 (£ 219, about AU $ 390) Nest Learning Thermostat remains a staple for the brand. (Also available for $ 219 until February 17th)
Nest has added more than a dozen other devices in the past decade, including video bells, smart speakers, monitors and routers. It also strived to present products for different budgets, especially in the category of smart thermostats.
That brings me to $ 130 Nest Thermostat, announced in 2020. This new thermostat has a lot to offer, although it costs $ 119 less than the original. So, which Nest model is the best? Next, we’ll look at the main differences between these two Google thermostats.
Nest Learning Thermostat is Google’s premium smart thermostat. Available for $ 249 (on sale for $ 219 until February 17 for President’s Day), the third generation learning thermostat features a metal ring and a high-resolution display.
Its classic rotary knob design allows you to navigate between settings and you can press the thermostat to make a selection. It’s easy to use, but I prefer the side controls of the new Nest Thermostat (more on that in the next section). You can still configure this model using the Nest app and control it in the Google Home app. The new Nest Thermostat, on the other hand, only works on the Google Home app.
The learning thermostat is available in seven different color finishes: stainless steel, black mirror, brass, polished steel, white, black and copper. It comes with a finishing kit in case you need to cover old holes or paint. And it works with the optional Nest Temperature Sensor accessory, sold separately for $ 39 each or in a bundle of three for $ 117 (currently on sale for $ 99).
Its high-resolution display offers a feature called Farsight that displays the time, hour or temperature when it detects your presence. This model also has a learning algorithm designed to adapt to your programming over time and automatically make adjustments on your behalf. It also uses a proximity sensor to determine the status of your home or absence. Read CNET’s review of Nest Learning Thermostat.
Chris Monroe / CNET
Nest Thermostat has the same round shape as Learning Thermostat – and both work with compatible speakers and smart monitors (sold separately). That’s where the similarities end.
Google got rid of the knob on the new Nest thermostat. Instead, there is a touch control strip on the right side to adjust the temperature and make other changes to your settings. I like this update, but I would like the controls to be available on the right and left side so that we, lefties, could control it more comfortably. Still, I found the controls responsive and intuitive and an overall improvement over the previous spinner approach.
This model is made of plastic and has a mirror finish, in addition to different color options from the learning thermostat. It is available in snow (white), sand (rose gold), fog (light green / bluish gray) and charcoal (dark gray). The corresponding finishing kits are sold separately for $ 15 each. It does not work with the Nest Temperature Sensor accessory. It also lacks the high-resolution display and “Farsight” feature offered with the Learning Thermostat.
Nest Thermostat is the company’s first thermostat that doesn’t work with the Nest app (the original app that still contains some legacy products, including Nest Learning Thermostat). Instead, this model can only be configured and controlled in the Google Home app.
He will also not learn his programming over time, nor will he adjust accordingly. It allows you to enter a schedule and will automatically switch between home and away modes based on the thermostat’s built-in proximity sensor. Read CNET’s analysis of the Nest thermostat.
Which Nest should you buy?
There is no wrong answer here; both thermostats are excellent. Consider your specific needs before purchasing. If you are looking for a more substantial premium design, choose the Learning Thermostat. It has more color finishing options, comes with a finishing kit and offers some advanced features, such as the learning algorithm, the Farsight feature and compatibility with the optional Nest Temperature Sensor accessory.
The new Nest Thermostat is considerably cheaper than the Learning Thermostat. It offers an updated mirrored design in four color finishes and an updated side control thermostat interface. 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 Farsight. But for more than $ 100 less than the learning thermostat, the new Nest thermostat is an excellent option that compares to Google’s flagship thermostat.
Read More: Best Smart Thermostat of 2021
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