[ad_1]
The Learning Thermostat is Nest’s flagship product, first launched in the early 2010s, years before Google bought the emerging startup. Now in its third generation, the $ 249 (£ 219, around AU $ 390) Nest Learning Thermostat remains a staple of the brand. (It’s also on sale for $ 219 until February 17.)
Nest has added more than a dozen other devices over the past decade, including video doorbells, smart speakers, poster and routers. It has also strived to introduce products for different budgets, especially in the category of smart thermostats.
This brings me to the $ 130 Nest Thermostat, announced in 2020. This new thermostat has a lot to offer despite costing $ 119 less than the original. So which Nest model is the best? Below, we’ll explore the main differences between these two Google thermostats.
The Nest Learning Thermostat is Google’s premium smart thermostat. Available for $ 249 (on sale for $ 219 through February 17 for Presidents Day), the third-generation learning thermostat features a metal ring and high-resolution display.
Its classic rotary dial design lets you navigate settings and you can press the thermostat to make a selection. It’s pretty easy to use, but I prefer the side controls on the new Nest Thermostat (more on that in the next section). You can still set up this model using 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 trim kit if you need to cover up old holes or paint. And it works with the optional Nest Temperature Sensor accessory, sold separately for $ 39 each or in a three-pack for $ 117 (currently on sale for $ 99).
Its high-resolution screen offers a feature called Farsight 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. Read CNET’s review of the Nest Learning Thermostat.
Chris Monroe / CNET
The Nest Thermostat has the same rounded shape as the Learning Thermostat, and both work with compatible speakers and smart displays (sold separately). This is where their similarities end.
Google has removed the rotary knob from the new Nest thermostat. Instead, there’s a touchscreen control strip on the right side for adjusting the temperature and making other changes to your settings. I love this update, but I would like the controls to be available on both the right side and the left side so that we lefties could control it more comfortably. Still, I found the controls to be responsive and intuitive and an overall improvement over the previous turn 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 / bluish gray) and charcoal (dark gray). Matching topping sets are sold separately for $ 15 each. This does not work with the Nest Temperature Sensor accessory. It also does not have the high resolution display and “Farsight” feature offered with the learning thermostat.
The Nest Thermostat is the first of the company’s thermostats to not work with the Nest app (the original app that still contains some legacy products, including the Nest Learning Thermostat). Instead, this model can only be configured and controlled in the Google Home app.
It also won’t learn your schedule over time and will not 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 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 you buy. If you are looking for a more substantial and upscale design, go for the learning thermostat. It has more color finishing options, comes with a finishing kit, and offers advanced features, such as learning algorithm, Farsight function, and compatibility with the optional Nest Temperature Sensor accessory.
The new Nest Thermostat is considerably less expensive than the Learning Thermostat. It offers an updated mirrored design in four color finishes and a refreshed side control thermostat interface. Your purchase does not include a trim 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 a great option that stands out over Google’s flagship thermostat.
Read more: Best smart thermostat of 2021
Check this out:
Google’s Nest Thermostat is a steal at $ 130
2:21
[ad_2]
Source link