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Amazon Smart Thermostat
cheap and practical
The Amazon Smart Thermostat is one of the cheapest smart thermostats you can get. With powerful controls, a clear display, and great Alexa integration, it’s worth every penny. This thermostat is set up with the Alexa app and connects to most Wi-Fi routers using a 2.4GHz connection. The app-guided setup process makes setup easy.
Nest thermostat
smart and attractive
The Nest Thermostat is the more expensive of the two, but for the extra money, you’ll get some worthwhile upgrades. The display is more advanced with clear text, and a bit more control when changing settings on the thermostat itself. The Google Home app adjusts everything and integrates well with compatible Nest smart speakers for control.
The Nest name is almost synonymous with a smart thermostat at this point, and it’s no wonder: The company has offered some of the best solutions for years, with iconic design and great integration. In the years since, more companies have tried to enter this market, one of the biggest being Amazon.
The Amazon Smart Thermostat is one of the cheapest smart thermostats you’ll find new or used, with good Alexa integration and a nice design. While it lacks some of the features of the Nest, it more than makes up for it in its low price.
Amazon Smart Thermostat vs. the Nest Thermostat: What Features Do You Need?
If you’re stuck with a traditional thermostat yet and are considering an upgrade, it can be hard to know exactly which features you want to use. For many people, the ability to control the temperature from anywhere with an internet connection is the key factor. For others, the potential energy savings from using optimized and more efficient settings when you’re automatically away from home will make it worth it.
Many power companies offer discounts for setting up a smart thermostat, which can largely offset the cost of the device itself. Your power company may offer a smart thermostat for free. This will ultimately vary depending on your power provider and their current promotions, but luckily both Amazon and Nest offer research tools to see what’s available in your area.
Any smart thermostat will help achieve most of the same goals. The Amazon Smart Thermostat will also make the default price for someone who has no commitment or preference for the ecosystem. Those who already use Amazon Alexa devices will be more familiar with this ecosystem. The Nest thermostat is still great, and if you’ve already got a Nest smart home appliance or Google Assistant smart speaker, this might be the right fit for you.
| Amazon Smart Thermostat | Nest thermostat | |
| control | 3 touch buttons | Touch the slider |
| Colors | white | Snow, sand, fog and coal |
| Application | Alexa | Google Home |
| C-wire | wanted | Wanted in some homes |
| WIFI | 2.4 GHz only | 2.4GHz and 5GHz |
Amazon Smart Thermostat vs. the Nest Thermostat: Design and Controls
Amazon has kept the design of the Smart Thermostat simple and clean, with a white plastic housing and glossy plastic on the front. The display is clear and easy to read from a distance with large numbers and colorful heating and cooling icons. These controls let you see your settings at a glance and change your core temperature and mode settings. You have to navigate between modes with a single button, so you’ll want to use the Alexa app to control your temperature most of the time.
The Nest Thermostat has more control, with a touch-sensitive strip on one side of the thermostat. You can scroll through and select settings with a single click. These controls are simpler than older and more expensive Nest Thermostats but still provide more control on the wall than Amazon’s solution. The Nest Thermostat also has a beautiful appearance with a simple and attractive circular display area and a choice of four different colours.
The display is also a bit more complex than the Amazon display with the ability to set more settings on the thermostat itself rather than having to use an app for pretty much everything like Amazon’s solution does. However, since it is a smart thermostat, you don’t need to manually adjust it much, and using the app is quick and easy for both devices. No doubt the Nest’s controls and display are better but for many people, it’s not worth the extra cost.
Amazon Smart Thermostat vs. Nest Thermostat: Installation and Compatibility
For both devices, the installation is very similar. Each comes with a written board that should match the wiring in most homes. A router installation is also available to help you identify each wire. If you’re good with this type of technology, you may be able to get your thermostat up and running in less than an hour. Some people will still prefer to have it professionally installed, especially if things are not as expected.
Both thermostats work with C wire but only Amazon specifically requires it. While Google claims that the Nest Thermostat will work in a home without a C cord, in our Nest Thermostat review we found that’s not always the case. In addition, your home may be equipped with a different type of power source. If there are wires you don’t know or thicker power lines behind the thermostat, it’s time to call a professional. However, for the majority of customers, DIY installation should be possible.
You can check your compatibility on the Amazon or Google thermostat product page.
Amazon Smart Thermostat vs. Nest Thermostat: Software and Ecosystem
As expected, the Nest Thermostat uses Google Home software and uses the Amazon Smart Thermostat Alexa. To adjust and set up the thermostat, you will need to use the appropriate application. The app is available for free on Android so you can control it using either your phone or tablet. And yes, you will need a registered account with one of these companies to use the product.
If you want to use voice controls or want better integration with other smart home devices, you’ll need to stick to your existing ecosystem. That is, if you have Alexa speakers in your home, it makes sense to use the Amazon Smart Thermostat. Likewise, if you want to access your remote control from your Nest Thermostat without reaching for your phone, you’ll need a Nest compatible smart speaker.
For most people, it makes sense to stick with the ecosystem you’re already on, but if you really want to, you can use your phone for everything and skip the smart speaker integration.
Amazon Smart Thermostat vs Nest Thermostat: Which Should You Buy
Google’s Nest Thermostat is a solid choice if you’re looking to make your home’s climate control smarter. The easy-to-use Google Home app makes setup and management a breeze. It also works well with the Google Assistant, so you can control your home’s climate from anywhere and save money while you’re away from home. Also nice is that the Nest Thermostat is available in four colors, making it easy to match your home decor or paint color.
However, when it comes to value for money, there is no advantage over the Amazon Smart Thermostat. With a typical price tag of under $60 and frequent sales that keep it affordable, the Amazon Smart Thermostat is a great value despite its shortcomings. It works well with the Alexa app and can be controlled with your voice from Alexa speakers. Its simple design and compact size means it won’t stand out too much and probably look a lot nicer than the thermostat your home comes with.