A smart thermostat is an easy way to upgrade your home's heating and cooling capabilities, and few products are more popular than the Amazon Smart Thermostat and the Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen). While the two offer many of the same basic features, there are some key differences between the devices, including price.
From price and design to installation and available features, let's take a closer look at the Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) vs Amazon Smart Thermostat to help you decide which one is better for your smart home.
Price and design
The Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) is much more premium than the Amazon Smart Thermostat. It comes with a hefty price tag of $280, but backs it up with a beautiful design made from stainless steel and an edgeless display. The circular footprint looks great anywhere, especially with the three colors available: polished silver, polished obsidian, and polished gold.
The Amazon Smart Thermostat is $200 cheaper, at just $80. With a plastic body and simple display, it doesn't look anything premium, and unlike the Nest Learning Thermostat, it only comes in white. Still, it's a good-looking device and is much better than a traditional thermostat. Shoppers on a budget will also love this device, which is one of the lowest priced of all smart thermostats.
winner: Amazon Smart Thermostat
install
Most smart thermostats have a similar setup process, and the Amazon Smart Thermostat and Nest Learning Thermostat are no different. Follow the instructions in the accompanying mobile app that guides you through the entire process. Both will fit most modern homes, but some older homes may require a C-wire or C-wire adapter. In these cases, DIY novice users will tend to contact a professional for installation, but it's certainly possible to get either up and running without support.
Google says that in most homes, the Power Sharing feature will eliminate the need for a C-wire, but we recommend taking the Amazon Compatibility Quiz and the Nest Compatibility Quiz before you buy to check the installation process for both devices.
This means that either device can be used in most homes, and both offer a standard installation process. However, the Nest Learning Thermostat has the edge because it likely won't require a C-wire adapter.
winner: Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen)
Features and Controls
The Amazon Smart Thermostat and Nest Learning Thermostat allow you to control your thermostat through a mobile companion app. You can also have the thermostat suggest automatic settings for your home. However, the Nest Learning Thermostat is more powerful because it has a larger display. This allows you to see the temperature, weather forecast, outdoor air quality, and more. With the Amazon Smart Thermostat, you're primarily limited to just the temperature.
The Nest Learning Thermostat can also automatically enable energy-saving settings to help reduce your monthly energy bill.
The Amazon Smart Thermostat works with Alexa, while the Nest Learning Thermostat works with Google Assistant and Matter.
The Nest Learning Thermostat certainly has more features, and much of that is down to its larger screen and the latest tech packed inside.
winner: Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen)
Which is a better smart thermostat?
The Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) is a better option for shoppers who can fit its $280 price tag into their budget. From its beautiful display and stainless steel edges to its easy installation process and energy-saving features, this is one of the best smart thermostats available.
The Amazon Smart Thermostat is a bit underwhelming in comparison, but it's still a smart choice for budget-conscious shoppers, as you can control the system remotely and it can even run heating and cooling automatically. It's not as exciting as the new Nest Learning Thermostat, but it's still an upgrade over traditional thermostats.