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Best Google Nest Thermostats & Accessories

Updated March 2024
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Google Nest Learning Thermostat
Google
Nest Learning Thermostat
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Feature-packed
Bottom Line

The stylish model automatically adjusts the temperature to match your personal preferences while saving on energy costs.

Pros

Automatic setup based on your usage. App control and voice control. Vibrant high-definition display. Save 10-15% on energy bills. Available in many trim colors. Compatible with 95% of AC systems.

Cons

Initial wiring can be tricky.

Best Bang for the Buck
Google Nest Smart Thermostat
Google
Nest Smart Thermostat
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Most Comprehensive
Bottom Line

This core model is a versatile and inexpensive way to slash a smart home’s energy costs over time.

Pros

Affordability and simple setup make for easy use. Save up to 15% on energy bills. Compatible with 85% of AC systems. Voice control and app control. Sleek mirror display. Wide range of colors available.

Cons

Incompatible with Nest Temperature Sensors.

Google Nest Temperature Sensor
Google
Nest Temperature Sensor
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

If you need one room of your home to be significantly warmer or cooler than the rest, this convenient option is a reliable solution.

Pros

Inexpensive. Simple to set up via app. Minimalist design blends into any space. Easy to fine-tune the temperature of every room. Set up to 6 sensors per thermostat. Available in 1 and 3-packs.

Cons

Incompatible with basic Nest Thermostat.

Google Nest C-Wire Adapter
Google
Nest C-Wire Adapter
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Basic but Useful
Bottom Line

This device enables compatibility between older HVAC systems and newer Nest thermostats with minimal effort.

Pros

If you have a 24VAC HVAC system, you'll need a C-wire adapter to be able to use a Nest thermostat. It eliminates low-power issues by providing constant power to your thermostat.

Cons

Does not work with all thermostats.

Petrichor Nest 2020 Wall Plate Cover
Petrichor
Nest 2020 Wall Plate Cover
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For DIYers
Bottom Line

A seamless design easily solves the issue of having holes in your walls left by prior thermostats, so your Nest looks great.

Pros

This wall plate cover is for Nest 2020 users who want to hide imperfections left behind by old wall thermostats. Enables you not to need to repaint or do any repair work before you install your Nest thermostat.

Cons

Not compatible with all Nest thermostats.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
Models
Considered
69
Consumers
Consulted
22
Hours
Researched
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Buying guide for Best nest thermostats

When it comes to keeping your home as comfortable as possible, getting the temperature right is key. After all, there are few things as unbearable as a house that’s too warm in the summer or too cold in the winter. That’s why a good thermostat makes all the difference — and it’s not just about how your house feels, either. The right thermostat can actually help lower your energy costs, too.

In recent years, smart thermostats have become extremely popular because they can save energy, lower your heating and cooling costs, and take all the guesswork out of maintaining a comfortable temperature for your home.

When it comes to smart thermostat brands, Nest is the leader of the pack. Their thermostats are as high-tech as they come, and provide a wide range of helpful features that make them extremely user-friendly. But Nest offers several different models, so it can be difficult to figure out which option is the best fit for your home.

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Through the Nest app, you can remotely control your thermostat whether you’re on vacation and want to save money or are on your way home, and want to ensure the temperature is comfortable when you get there.

Nest thermostat considerations

What type of HVAC system do you have?

Nest thermostats are compatible with a wide variety of heating and cooling systems, but not necessarily every individual model. Here’s a general list of HVAC systems that aren’t compatible with Nest thermostats:

  • Systems that use wired remote sensors.

  • Highly proprietary or custom systems.

  • Micro-controller based systems without a common wire.

  • High impedance systems.
     

Also, Nest may not be compatible with certain types of hardware, such as zone relay panels or control panels, if they lack a common wire. Systems with gas valves may also require a common wire.

If you’re not sure what type of heating and cooling system you have, or what hardware is installed, remove the cover from your current thermostat to examine the wiring. Your system probably won’t work with a Nest model if your current thermostat uses thick, stranded wires that are connected by wire nuts — these probably indicate that the system is wired for 110V or 120V, not supported by Nest.

If you’re still unsure, contact a HVAC professional to evaluate your system.

Keep in mind that if you have different heating and cooling systems, you may require a separate Nest thermostat for each one.

Looking for a common wire

Nest thermostats require an HVAC system with a common wire, or C-wire. A C-wire is a low voltage wire that provides constant power to HVAC equipment.

They are usually blue or black in color, but if you don’t see one when you examine your wiring or aren’t sure whether you have one, consult with an HVAC professional to examine your system and install one if necessary.

Features

Ring color and finish

A Nest thermostat’s appearance isn’t nearly as important as its performance, but you’ll still probably want a model that coordinates with your home’s decor.

Some Nest models come with ring housing in a range of colors, including white, copper, black, and stainless steel. However, other models are only available in a single color.

You’ll also find some models with rings that have a polished, metallic finish, while others have a polycarbonate finish that resembles ceramic.

Display

While all Nest thermostats have clear, easy to read displays, some models are equipped with a frosted display that blends in with its ring for a seamless look.

Others offer a high-resolution color display, which are extremely user-friendly, and provide the time and exterior temperature or weather in addition to information about your home’s interior temperature.

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Did you know?
Nest thermostats can work in conjunction with Nest smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to keep your home as safe as possible.
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Energy star certification

All Nest thermostats can help you save energy and money, but only certain models have earned Energy Star certification, which means they meet strict energy efficiency criteria established by the U.S. Department of Energy or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

If energy efficiency is important to you, it may be worth the added expense of investing in an Energy Star-certified Nest model.

"A Nest thermostat keeps a record of how much energy you save in the Energy History tab of the app, so you can see when you use more energy and look for ways to reduce your consumption."
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Learning capabilities

Nest thermostats are designed to automatically turn themselves down when you leave your home to save energy.

However, some models have learning capabilities which allow them to learn what temperature you prefer and your schedule, so the thermostat can maintain a comfortable temperature for your home without you manually making adjustments.

These learning models can even detect changes in your routine, and automatically adjust the heating and cooling schedules based on your new habits.

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With a Nest thermostat, you can save an estimated average of $131 to $145 annually on energy costs.
 

FAQ

Q. Do Nest thermostats require professional installation?

A. Nest thermostats are relatively easy to install, and usually take about 30 minutes to set up. However, if you’re not comfortable with DIY projects, you can find HVAC professionals who are trained to install Nest products.

Q. Will a Nest thermostat really save money on HVAC costs?

A. Because Nest thermostats automatically adjust themselves, they can save a considerable amount of energy, which translates to savings on your heating and cooling costs. According to two independent studies, on average, a Nest thermostat saves between 10% and 12% on heating costs and 15% on cooling costs.

Q. How does a Nest thermostat help with HVAC maintenance?

A. Through the Nest app, a Nest thermostat can alert you when your furnace or other HVAC equipment is experiencing issues, so you can have the problem corrected before the entire system fails. It also reminds you to change your forced air system filters regularly, so they don’t get clogged and affect the system’s performance.

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