The difference between a Nest Thermostat and a Nest Learning Thermostat is not about functionality; it’s about how attentive the device is to your individual needs. When you work in the summer, you adjust your thermostat, so the air conditioner isn't running when no one is home. However, when you return, you don't want to step into what feels like an oven.
Being able to control your home's temperature when you are away is why the Nest thermostat was invented. But should you be buying the Nest Thermostat or the Nest Learning Thermostat? The answer to that depends on your affinity for creature comforts, your budget and whether or not you prefer a hands-on approach.
The Nest Thermostat is the company's standard smart thermostat. This unit gives you the ability to reduce your home's energy bill by letting you program different temperature parameters throughout the day. It makes suggestions on how you could tweak your settings to save even more money on your energy bill.
By using a combination of sensors and GPS, the Nest Thermostat knows when you leave the house so it can jump into savings mode. If you'd like to change the temperature for any reason while you are not home, the Google Home app allows you to do that. Additionally, if you'd like to use a Google Nest device to control your thermostat with your voice, that option is available as well.
For safety, the Nest Thermostat monitors your usage and lets you know when it's time for routine maintenance.
The Nest Thermostat is sold by Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, Best Buy, Home Depot and Kohl's.
The Nest Learning Thermostat is the company's high-end model. It has all of the features that the Nest Thermostat has, plus a few more. If you'd like to use this thermostat the same way you use the basic model, you can; however, you'd be missing out on the advanced features.
For instance, after making manual adjustments for a few days, the thermostat learns where you like to keep the temperature and it begins making the changes for you – there is no need for programming.
The Nest Learning Thermostat is compatible with Nest Temperature Sensors. These remote devices allow you to monitor and control the temperature in specific areas of your home. The Nest Learning Thermostat will learn which room should be which temperature at what time of day and make the necessary adjustments.
Aesthetically, the Nest Learning Thermostat has a larger, crisper display screen than the Nest Thermostat. It also comes with a trim plate, features a metallic ring and has a wider variety of color options.
The Nest Learning Thermostat is sold by Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, Best Buy, Home Depot, Kohl's and Overstock.
As you've discovered from reading this article, both the Nest Thermostat and the Nest Learning Thermostat can save you money on your energy bill. Additionally, they both have highly desirable selling points.
The difference comes down to budget and how much you'd like to forget about ever adjusting your thermostat again. If you are on a strict budget, the Nest Thermostat is what you need. If, however, you can afford the higher price and you'd like the benefit of never having to worry about adjusting your thermostat again, a Nest Learning Thermostat is the better option.
Allen Foster is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.