Smart thermostats have gone mainstream, with analysts projecting 24 million units shipped annually in the US by 2025, a threefold increase over 2019. Driving adoption is growing consumer interest in convenience, energy efficiency, and connected integrations. Within this expanding market, Google‘s Nest thermostat line remains an industry leader.
I‘ve followed Nest products closely since their early days pioneering smart HVAC innovations. As a home technology specialist, clients often ask me for advice when trying to decide between the higher-end Nest Learning Thermostat versus the more affordable Nest Thermostat (3rd gen). While the capabilities vary, both provide valuable upgrades over old-fashioned climate controls.
In this comprehensive feature comparison, we‘ll analyze 8 key differences when it comes to hardware, software intelligence, efficiency gains, and value. I‘ll offer recommendations for diverse use cases so you can determine the best Nest thermostat option given your priorities and home heating/cooling system setup.
Evolution of the Nest Smart Thermostat Line
Founded in 2010 by iPod creator Tony Fadell, Nest Labs aimed to bring Apple-inspired designs to lackluster home devices like smoke alarms and thermostats. Their first product, the Nest Learning Thermostat debuted in 2011 to wide acclaim for its stylish hardware and innovative auto-scheduling software, learning from household routines to program itself optimally.
The 2nd generation Nest Learning model refreshed components but retained the self-programming functions and sleek industrial display. While beloved by technophiles, the $250 price tag limited mainstream option.
In 2015, Nest released the Nest Thermostat, a more affordable connected climate control device. This pared back 3rd generation model trimmed costs by ditching the learning algorithm and premium materials for a simpler smart thermostat accessible to wider range of buyers.
Over the past 7 years, both Nest thermostat options have seen regular software boosts and subtle hardware revisions. And with Google‘s ownership starting in 2014, they‘ve prioritized integration with other smart home platforms.
Now let‘s analyze how the flagship Nest Learning compares to the streamlined Nest Thermostat when it comes to components, connectivity, convenience and the all important energy savings.
Display Tech and Design
While minimalist in aesthetics, the Nest thermostat line emphasizes premium materials and bright, easy-to-read displays for checking settings.
Nest Learning Display
- 480 x 480 resolution 2.1 inch LCD
- Sharp image quality
- Farsight motion activation
Nest Thermostat Display
- 320 x 320 resolution 2.1 inch LCD
- Mirrored lens
- No motion activation
For industrial design, the Learning model utilizes higher-end materials like scratch-resistant glass and stainless steel mechanical dials, while the Nest Thermostat focuses on an eco-friendly recycled plastic build.
| Nest Learning | Nest Thermostat | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 480 x 480 Sharp LCD with Farsight | 320 x 320 Mirrored lens LCD |
| Dimensions | 3.3 x 3.3 x 1.2 inches | 3.3 x 1.2 inches diameter |
| Materials | Glass, stainless steel | Recycled plastic |
The Nest Learning‘s transitions beautifully into both modern and traditionally decorated homes. While the Nest Thermostat‘s understated rounded rectangle better blends into the background across settings.
Of Sensors and WiFi
Nest packs its connected thermostats with an array of intelligent sensors to detect occupancy, temperature changes, humidity shifts, ambient light conditions, and motion. This allows for automation triggers and informed heating/cooling decision making.
Key Sensor Hardware
- Temperature & Humidity
- Occupancy & Ambient Light
- Activity Monitoring (learning model only)
Both utilize 802.11 b/g/n WiFi to connect to home networks and enable remote access. However the Nest Learning Thermostat includes more robust connectivity components for snappier response times accessing controls or data feeds remotely.
The Nest Learning also packs a higher capacity rechargeable battery, rated to last 5-10 years depending on usage. The lower-power Nest Thermostat relies on 2 year lithium ion batteries.
| Nest Learning | Nest Thermostat | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Temperature Humidity Occupancy Ambient Light Activity Monitoring |
Temperature Occupancy Ambient Light |
| Connectivity | 802.11 b/g/n WiFi Higher power antenna |
802.11 b/g/n WiFi Lower power antenna |
| Power Supply | 5-10 year rechargeable battery | 2 year lithium ion batteries |
With its greater range of onboard sensors and radios, the Nest Learning Thermostat allows for more nuanced automation triggers and quicker access times. Though the Nest Thermostat retains core occupancy and climate tracking in its pared back hardware design.
Heating, Cooling and Machine Learning
The Nest thermostats leverage built-in connectivity plus home WiFi networks to enable remote access and programming. Both allow manual temperature adjustments on the unit itself or in the companion smartphone app.
But where the models truly differ is in their automatic scheduling and intelligence capabilities:
Nest Thermostat
- Manual heating/cooling schedules
- Remote programming
Nest Learning Thermostat
- Built-in learning for auto-schedules
- Personalized temperature tips
- Will analyze home‘s efficiency abnormalities
The Nest Learning Thermostat utilizes activity monitoring and occupancy tracking to build a picture of your household patterns over a 7 day period. It then automatically creates a customized schedule aiming to maintain preferred temperatures when rooms are occupied, and energy-saving setbacks during periods of non-activity.
As your routines change week to week, the algorithms will adapt heating/cooling to match. My clients love the convenience of not having to program schedules manually which inevitably become outdated.
And the learning model takes it a step further by leveraging usage pattern analysis, weather data, and HVAC system feedback to provide personalized tips on adjustments that could save energy in the connected app. Over time, the Nest Learning Thermostat optimization often cuts 10-15% off heating and cooling bills.
For households that prioritize hands-off, customized comfort and efficiency gains, the intelligence of the Learning Thermostat is a core differentiator from the strictly manual scheduling capabilities of the lower-end Nest device.
Smart Home Platform Integrations
A key benefit of choosing a connected Nest thermostat is the ability to incorporate heating/cooling management into a broader smart home ecosystem.
Both Nest models provide out-of-the-box support for integration with major platforms like:
- Google Assistant
- Amazon Alexa
- Apple HomeKit
- Samsung SmartThings
This compatibility allows for handy features like issuing voice commands to adjust temperatures, building automation triggers that involve thermostat readings, and secure remote access.
However, the Nest Learning Thermostat‘s more robust WiFi antenna and onboard processing power enable snappier response times for features like voice controls. In large homes with many connected devices, these hardware upgrades are beneficial. The Nest Thermostat relies on battery power and slower processing, which can cause minor delays in message handling, though its reliability remains solid for general smart climate control usage.
Here‘s a breakdown of how the thermostats compare for popular smart home ecosystem compatibility and expected responsiveness:
| Nest Learning Thermostat |
Nest Thermostat |
|
|---|---|---|
| Voice Control | Google Assistant – Excellent Alexa – Excellent Siri – Very Good |
Google Assistant – Very Good Alexa – Very Good Siri – Good |
| Automations | Temp Triggers – Excellent Geo-Fencing – Excellent |
Temp Triggers – Very Good Geo-Fencing – Good |
| Remote Access | App Speed – Excellent | App Speed – Good |
So while both deliver on connectivity with leading smart home platforms, the Nest Learning Thermostat‘s premium hardware enables better all-around performance when accessed remotely.
Energy Use Analysis
A core benefit of smart thermostats is their ability to help households monitor energy usage and identify savings opportunities.
The Nest thermostats provide home owners visibility into:
- Daily heating/cooling runtimes
- Historical climate control usage reports
- Early On indicator for HVAC issues
This data visualization allows consumers to better understand exactly how much systems are costing to operate. In my consulting, I use these energy reports to pinpoint areas for improved programming and greater conservation.
But as we detailed earlier, only the Nest Learning Thermostat uses its algorithms and home occupancy patterns to provide tailored guidance on tweaks that can enhance energy efficiency:
- Custom date/time setback recommendations based on your household activity
- Benchmarking relative to typical seasonal usage in your region
- Alerting to anomalies like short-cycling that inflate bills
For illustration, in a northern climate using fuel oil, the average household might see roughly $180 yearly savings choosing a Nest Learning Thermostat over standard programmable controls (with proper configuration).
Meanwhile the base Nest Thermostat with manual scheduling capabilities would net closer to $90 in annual cost reductions compared to old-fashioned thermostats.
So while both deliver useful energy insights, the Nest Learning Thermostat‘s personalized tips lead most households to 10-15% greater heating and cooling bill reductions compared to the standard model.
Pricing and Value Analysis
When comparing the upfront pricing between models:
- Nest Learning Thermostat: $249
- Nest Thermostat: $129
So onfirst glance, the Nest Learning does command a hefty premium. However when looking at total cost of ownership over a 5 year timeline, the scales balance out:
Nest Learning Thermostat
- Upfront Price: $249
- Estimated 5 Year Energy Savings: $900
- Total Cost (5 years): $249
Nest Thermostat
- Upfront Price: $129
- Estimated 5 Year Energy Savings: $450
- Total Cost (5 years)$129
Factoring in the average energy bill reductions delivered by proper configuration, the Nest Learning Thermostat effectively pays for itself over a 5 year period thanks to its advanced automation.
Meanwhile the pared back Nest Thermostat carries lower upfront cost, making it a budget-friendly smart upgrade for basic connected conveniences like remote access and programmability.
Over 10+ years, the rising energy prices will further drive added cost savings from the Nest Learning model with its continual optimization and household specific tips.
Recommendations for Key Use Cases
For energy-focused households with complex HVAC systems – The intelligence and added troubleshooting capabilities make the Nest Learning Thermostat the best fit to maximize efficiency. Its algorithms self-tune to find energy waste and provide custom fixes. And broader 95% compatibility covers more tricky dual heating/cooling setups.
For budget-conscious consumers – The pared back Nest Thermostat delivers core smart conveniences like remote climate adjustments at the lowest cost. No fancy materials or auto-learning, but still energy improvements over old thermostats.
For smart-home enthusiasts – The Nest Learning Thermostat‘s premium hardware, broader compatibility with automation platforms, and multi-sensor support make it the choice to enable next-gen connected experiences.
For hands-off convenience – The learning capabilities and customizable recommendations of the Nest Learning model provide the easiest path to home comfort without constant manual oversight.
The Bottom Line
The Nest product line‘s reputation for high-end design and innovations remains well earned when it comes to their smart thermostats. The Nest Learning Thermostat unequivocally leads in capabilities like automated scheduling, energy personalization, and connected integrations. While the Nest Thermostat strikes an impressive price-to-performance balance, delivering the core conveniences in a streamlined package.
Hopefully this detailed feature and value comparison provides homeowners clear guidance to decide which Nest thermostat best matches needs whether that prioritizes all-out energy savings, automation intelligence, or budget. Both deliver upgrades over old-school climate controls – but picking the model suited for a specific household‘s priorities makes all the difference in realizing the full benefits these innovative connected devices provide.
Let me know if any other questions come up in your smart home planning!
