Home thermostats have come a long way from the simple dial controls of old. Modern smart thermostats learn your habits, can be controlled remotely via smartphone, and help save energy and money on heating and cooling costs. Two of the most popular smart thermostat options on the market today are the Amazon Smart Thermostat and the Nest Learning Thermostat. But which one is right for your home?
This comprehensive guide examines the key features, pros and cons, and other considerations to help you decide between the Amazon Smart Thermostat and Nest Learning Thermostat in 2023.
Overview and Key Features
The Amazon Smart Thermostat was released in 2021 as a more affordable smart thermostat option from the retail and tech giant. The Nest Learning Thermostat hit the market back in 2011 and has been refined over the years, gaining new features while keeping its signature stylish design.
Here is an overview of some of the main features of each thermostat:
Amazon Smart Thermostat
- Alexa built-in for voice control
- Remote control via smartphone app
- Easy self-installation
- Energy-saving features like temperature sensors and auto-scheduling
- Affordable price point around $60
Nest Learning Thermostat
- Auto-scheduling based on learning your habits
- Remote control via smartphone app
- Stylish circular glass display with color LCD screen
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Multiple temperature sensors
- Higher price point around $250
Both thermostats support remote access and control, scheduling, integrations with smart home ecosystems, and energy-efficiency features to help reduce heating and cooling costs. But the Nest Learning Thermostat offers more advanced learning algorithms while the Amazon model focuses more on simplicity and affordability.
Key Factors to Compare
When deciding between the Amazon and Nest smart thermostats, here are some of the most important factors to consider:
Installation and Setup
The Amazon Smart Thermostat is designed for easy self-installation – you just need to snap a photo of your old thermostat wiring and the Amazon app walks you through the rest.
The Nest thermostat requires professional installation for most homeowners as it involves identifying wire connections and compatible HVAC systems. So the Amazon thermostat may be the simpler option for DIY users.
Ease of Use
Both thermostats can be controlled via smartphone and voice commands. The Amazon thermostat responds to Alexa while the Nest works with Google Assistant and Alexa.
The Nest thermostat has the signature spinning circular ring that adjusts temperature settings easily. But the Amazon thermostat keeps things simple with Up and Down buttons plus voice controls.
Smart Features
The Nest thermostat uses built-in sensors and learning algorithms to detect your temperature preferences over time and program an automatic schedule.
The Amazon thermostat doesn’t learn habits on its own but lets you manually program a schedule or use the smart scheduling assistant Hunches to optimize settings.
So Nest may be the “smarter” option of the two when it comes to convenience and automation.
Expandability
Both thermostats support some expandability, but Nest currently offers more options:
- Add additional temperature sensors around your home for zone heating and cooling.
- Connect Nest thermostats in multiple zones to coordinate temperatures efficiently.
- Link Nest thermostats to other Nest smart home devices like cameras, locks, smoke alarms.
The Amazon thermostat has limited expandability currently:
- Pair with Amazon Echo devices for voice control.
- Connect to Amazon Alexa for basic integration with other Alexa-enabled devices.
So Nest is the winner when it comes to expandability and whole home integration.
Energy Savings
The Nest thermostat promises savings of up to 12% on heating bills and 15% on cooling costs, while Amazon estimates users can save up to $50 per year with their smart thermostat.
Both models offer energy-efficiency features like smart schedules, temperature sensors, and auto-switching between heating and cooling as needed. Independent testing showed the Nest thermostat delivered slightly more energy savings than the Amazon model in real-world conditions.
Price
One of the biggest differences between these two smart thermostats is the price.
The Amazon Smart Thermostat retails for around $60 while the Nest Learning Thermostat ranges from $200 to $250.
Amazon’s budget-friendly pricing makes it highly attractive for shoppers looking for an affordable entry into smart home technology. The Nest thermostat costs significantly more but justifies the price with its advanced learning features and sleeker hardware design.
Compatibility
The Amazon Smart Thermostat works with most forced air systems including gas, oil, electric, heat pumps and central AC systems. It can also control some heating systems like hot water radiators, radiant floors, or baseboard heaters, but not all.
The Nest thermostat works with the majority of home HVAC systems like forced air, heat pump, radiant, oil, electric, etc. But some older or non-standard systems may not be compatible. Professional installation helps ensure you get a compatible model.
So both thermostats work with most common home systems in North America, just be sure to check your HVAC system specs for any limitations.
Smart Home Ecosystem Integration
One other factor to consider is how each thermostat integrates with smart home ecosystems and digital assistants.
- The Amazon Smart Thermostat seamlessly connects to other Alexa devices for voice control. You can adjust temperatures, set schedules, and more with voice commands. But it offers limited integration with non-Alexa smart devices.
- The Nest Thermostat works well with both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. So you can control Nest with voice, integrate it into an Alexa smart home, or connect it to Google Nest devices. This gives Nest an advantage in home automation.
If you already use Alexa devices like Echo speakers in your home, the Amazon Smart Thermostat may blend in a little more seamlessly. But Nest still has an edge when it comes to broad home integration.
Ease of Use and Convenience Comparison
Here is a quick overview of how the two smart thermostats compare when it comes to convenience and ease of use based on hands-on testing and customer reviews:
- The Nest thermostat wins for its stylish design featuring a sharp, responsive color display. The spinning ring makes adjusting temperatures a breeze. And the learning features automatically program settings for you over time.
- But the Amazon thermostat keeps things simple – just tap up or down to change temperatures as needed or use Alexa voice commands if you have Echo devices. The thermostat also doesn’t require any special wiring or professional installation.
- Both models allow remote access and control via smartphone apps for Android and iOS. Nest offers more historical data and features in its app, while the Amazon app sticks to basics.
- For voice controls, the Amazon thermostat only works with Alexa. The Nest thermostat supports both Alexa and Google Assistant.
- The Nest thermostat learns your optimal heating and cooling settings over a week and programs your schedule automatically. The Amazon thermostat relies more on manual scheduling, though you can use the Hunches feature for AI-assisted scheduling.
So for maximum convenience, Nest may be the better option. But Amazon keeps things simple for basic smart controls at home or away.
Smart Thermostat Installation Comparison
Installing a smart thermostat yourself rather than hiring a professional can save on costs. Here’s how the Amazon and Nest thermostats compare when it comes to DIY installation:
- The Amazon Smart Thermostat is designed for easy self-installation by homeowners with minimal wiring knowledge needed. You simply snap photos of your wiring and the Amazon app walks you through the rest.
- Nest thermostat installation is more complex, involving identifying wire terminals and compatible HVAC systems. For most homeowners, professional installation is recommended to ensure proper setup, unless you are very handy with wiring and HVAC systems.
- Both thermostats should take around 30 minutes to install if you know what you’re doing. Amazon simplifies the wiring steps for DIY users.
- You’ll need basic tools like a screwdriver, wire cutters/strippers. Both thermostats come with screws and wall plates included. No soldering is required.
- Be sure to switch off power to your HVAC system at the breaker box before wiring up either thermostat. Safety first!
So if you’re comfortable working with basic circuit wiring, the Amazon model can be self-installed fairly easily. But the Nest thermostat benefits from professional help in most cases.
Smart Thermostat Comparison Chart
Here is a helpful comparison chart summarizing some of the key differences between the Amazon Smart Thermostat and the Nest Learning Thermostat:
| Feature | Amazon Smart Thermostat | Nest Learning Thermostat |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Around $60 | $200 to $250 |
| Installation | Easy self-install | Professional recommended |
| Ease of Use | Simple buttons plus Alexa | Stylish spinning dial |
| Intelligence | Some smart features | Advanced learning algorithm |
| Control | Alexa only | Alexa + Google Assistant |
| Energy Savings | Estimated $50/year | Up to 12-15% on bills |
| Compatibility | Most forced air systems | Wide range but not all |
| Smart Home | Works with Alexa devices | Integrates with Nest & Alexa |
FAQs About Nest vs Amazon Smart Thermostats
Does the Amazon Smart Thermostat need a C wire?
No, the Amazon Smart Thermostat doesn’t require a C (common) wire but it can use one if available. The thermostat has a built-in battery that powers it without the need for a C wire.
Can I install the Nest thermostat myself?
Technically yes, but Nest thermostat installation is complex, involving testing wires and ensuring HVAC system compatibility. Professional installation is recommended for most homeowners unless you have wiring expertise.
Does Nest work with Alexa?
Yes, the Nest thermostat works with Amazon Alexa. You can control Nest by issuing voice commands to Alexa devices like Echo speakers in your home.
Which model is easiest to install?
The Amazon Smart Thermostat is designed to be installed in 30 minutes or less by homeowners without any special skills. Nest installation is more complex, requiring testing wires and checking HVAC systems, so professional help is advised.
Which smart thermostat saves the most energy?
Independent testing showed the Nest thermostat delivered slightly higher energy savings compared to the Amazon model, around 10-15% versus 5-8%. Both can help reduce energy costs by optimizing heating and cooling usage.
Conclusion
The Nest Learning Thermostat pioneered smart thermostats and still leads in terms of sleek design, convenience features like auto-scheduling, and integration with other smart home devices. But it comes at a higher price point.
The Amazon Smart Thermostat provides the core functions of a smart thermostat like remote access, voice control, and energy savings at a highly affordable price. For budget-minded smart home enthusiasts, it hits the sweet spot.
Ultimately, choosing between these two top-rated smart thermostats depends on your needs and priorities. If you want maximum automation and wealth of features, Nest may be worth the investment. But if you prioritize simplicity and value, the Amazon Smart Thermostat gets the job done for much less. Carefully weigh the pros and cons before deciding which is right for your home heating and cooling needs.
