Smart thermostats can help you save money in addition to providing a handy way to regulate your smart home’s heating and cooling. Smart thermostats can further increase the efficiency of your HVAC system by automatically changing it, and some of them can even generate programs based on daily activities.

There are two different thermostats available from Google: the Nest Learning Thermostat and the Nest Thermostat. On the surface, the Nest Learning Thermostat appears to be near twice as pricey as the Nest Thermostat. Both, however, have unique features that some users may find useful and others may not.

Although you can expect to see a Google Nest Learning thermostat sale this Christmas, that does not mean you should immediately purchase it without knowing if it even meets all your requirements.

That is why, to help make things easier for you, we have decided to share the main differences between these two smart thermostats so that you can get the best one this winter!

What Features do The Google Nest and Nest Learning Thermostats Offer?

When both thermostats detect that you have left the house, they will lower the temperature. Using the Google Home app, you can control the thermostats from any location with an internet connection based on the location of your smartphone.

The key distinction in this case, though, has to do with developing your habit and conserving energy. The Nest Learning Thermostat adapts to your preferred temperature settings and your HVAC system to keep you comfortable while using less energy. For instance, a degree of heating reduction, which is unlikely to be seen but can affect your bills, may occur.

The Nest Thermostat lacks this feature and must be programmed by the user. However, both thermostats allow for manual temperature control and adjustment.

The interoperability of these smart thermostats with the Nest Temperature Sensor is another area where they diverge. The Nest Thermostat E and Nest Learning Thermostat are both compatible with the sensor. You may regulate the temperature in various rooms by using it in any room and connecting it to the Nest Learning Thermostat.

This is especially useful if you only want to change the heating in a few areas in your house. The Google Home or Nest app, as well as voice commands from Google Assistant, can control these sensors.

How Different are the Designs of The Google Nest and the Nest Learning Thermostats?

The Nest Learning Thermostat and Nest Thermostat have the same size at 3.3 inches. The designs, however, are significantly different.

The high-resolution digital display on the Nest Learning Thermostat displays the indoor temperature. The Nest Thermostat, on the other hand, employs a mirror display and is constructed of recycled plastic.

When it is turned on, white lettering appears on the display. Similarly to this, the Nest Learning Thermostat's Farsight display can detect your presence and can show you important information like the desired temperature or the current weather. However, the revolving ring that surrounds the Nest Learning Thermostat is one of the most obvious design variations. With this, you may navigate the menu by turning the metal ring and pressing it to select an option.

Although both smart thermostats come in a variety of colors, the Nest Learning Thermostat's color can be changed on the rotatable ring rather than the actual thermostat.

How Compatible Are Google Nest and Nest Learning Thermostats?

It is possible to install the Nest Learning Thermostat and Nest Thermostat without using a C wire. Using the online compatibility checker, you can quickly determine whether your home's HVAC system is compatible with each of Google's Nest Thermostats.

The Nest Learning Thermostat is reported to be compatible with 95% of systems. On the other hand, the Nest Thermostat is said to be compatible with 85% of systems. According to Google, several systems, including zone-controlled, heat pump, heating-only, and heating-only systems, call for either a C wire or a Nest Power Connector. For homes with a C wire, the Nest Power Connector is a suitable replacement.

Google gives everything you need to install the thermostat in your home, including a surprisingly excellent screwdriver with a reversible flat-head/Phillips-head bit. It only requires disconnecting the necessary wires and the mounting plate of the previous thermostat after you have shut off the breaker that was powering it. After that, the installation can truly begin.

While it is possible to install both smart thermostats without a professional's assistance, it is advised that you do get help because each HVAC system may differ.

All in All

So, which smart thermostat is the better choice?

The apparent distinction is the price between the Nest Learning Thermostat and the Nest Thermostat, but there are a few other significant distinctions as well. However, the additional features provided by the Nest Learning Thermostat help to partially justify that difference.

The Nest Learning Thermostat has a slight advantage due to smart temperature adjustments, larger HVAC system compatibility, and support for the Nest Temperature Sensor. However, if these features are not important to you, it is simple to choose to spend a little less money on the base model Nest Thermostat.

When choosing between the two smart thermostats, the cost difference might not be more important to you than the energy bill savings. But when you spend a bit more, you do get more for your money.