The connected home revolution is being led by innovative brands like Nest Labs, the smart home technology company founded within Google‘s parent company Alphabet. By leveraging intelligent software, occupant data and an aesthetic hardware design, Nest helped pioneer the rapid growth of the modern smart thermostat – a market now valued at over $5 billion worldwide.
But when evaluating the differences between flagship models like Nest‘s Thermostat versus the higher-end Learning Thermostat for your home, where exactly do the distinctions lie? This comprehensive 2500+ word guide will compare all the core metrics around hardware capabilities, connectivity, compatibility, efficiency insights and usage intelligence between these two popular Nest smart thermostats.
We’ll break down how the Nest Learning Thermostat aims to take convenience, automation and energy savings to the next level compared to the standard Nest Thermostat. Let’s dig in by first detailing what exactly sets Nest smart thermostats apart from traditional programmable thermostats in the first place.
What Makes Nest Thermostats Smart?
Traditional programmable thermostats have been around for decades, allowing basic control of heating/cooling schedules in the home. But modern smart thermostats connect this programmability to the internet and a broader ecosystem of devices for enhanced functionality.
There are a few core areas where leading smart thermostat models like Nest move the needle:
Connectivity – Integration over home WiFi allows remote accessibility via smartphone, viewing of system info and changes to temperature setpoints while away.
Insights – Two-way communication provides detailed historical runtime reports down to a per hour basis, flagging high energy usage.
Automation – Automatic scheduling algorithms learn occupant patterns and adjust heating/cooling to match – saving users time and hassle.
Ease of Use – Whether an intuitive hardware dial or touchscreen display, smart thermostats aim for seamless UI and enhanced aesthetics.
By modeling observed occupancy behaviors and connecting previously siloed thermostats into the growing network of smart home devices, modern smart thermostats provide breakthrough utility around convenience and efficiency.
Nest Labs specifically focuses on elegant industrial design and learning algorithms to generate automation and cost savings from the rich data behind people’s thermostat usage patterns. Next we’ll explore more specifically how the Nest Thermostat and Nest Learning Thermostat models compare when it comes to core functionality.
Overview of Key Features
While the Nest Thermostat and Nest Learning Thermostat share underlying connectivity and many smart features in common, there are notable differences that influence the precise value offered to homeowners:
Nest Thermostat
- Manual temperature schedules
- Basic energy usage reports
- 85% HVAC compatibility rate
- Mirrored display with lower resolution
Nest Learning Thermostat
- Auto-schedules based on habits
- Advanced energy insights
- 95% HVAC compatibility rate
- Higher-resolution display with added data
So while the Nest Thermostat provides core connected programmability, the Nest Learning Thermostat goes further with its intelligence to automatically optimize schedules over time as it adapts to observed occupant preferences in the home. This hands-free efficiency along with subtle hardware improvements makes it the flagship premium offering from Nest.
Now that we’ve outlined the basic comparative strengths at a high level, let’s delve into greater detail around the specific distinctions between these two smart thermostat models in areas like hardware design, connectivity architecture, efficiency capabilities and beyond.
Display Technology and Hardware Design
One of the first areas smart thermostat shoppers notice is the aesthetics of the hardware and clarity of the integrated display. Here’s how the Nest Thermostat and Nest Learning Thermostat screens and material designs compare:
Display Hardware Specifications
| Metric | Nest Thermostat | Nest Learning Thermostat |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 3.3 in | 3.3 in |
| Display Resolution | 320 x 320 px | 480 x 480 px |
| Aspect Ratio | Square | Square |
| Display Technology | LED Backlit LCD | LED Backlit LCD |
| Diagonal Image Size | 1.76 in | 1.76 in |
| Viewable Area | 1.14 in | 1.76 in |
The core display size is the same, but the Nest Learning Thermostat uses a higher 480×480 resolution edge-to-edge LCD panel compared to 320×320 on the standard model. This allow it to display more information cleanly with better clarity at a glance.
The Nest Learning Thermostat leverages a higher resolution display for crisper data presentation.
Beyond just specs, the Nest Learning Thermostat screen simply provides a better visual look and utility:
Nest Thermostat Display
- Mirrored glass cover
- Shows temperature and setting
- LED display can be dimmed
Nest Learning Thermostat Display
- Sleek edge-to-edge panel
- Adds clock, weather and mode icons
- Brightness auto adjusts
The mirrored glass finish on the basic Nest Thermostat allows it to blend into surrounding wall decor nicely while letting users easily view info at a glance.
But the Learning Thermostat omits mirroring for a full clear view of its higher resolution panel without any distortion or dimming from protective glass covering. This really allows rich data like weather icons and granular temperature info to pop.
Auto-brightness adaptation also makes the Learning Thermostat display viewable in all lighting conditions easily without any manual user adjustments required to dim or reduce glare. Overall it provides superior visibility.
Beyond the display, the hardware enclosures differ around durability and aesthetics:
Nest Thermostat Design
- Durable plastic composite
- Ring shifts in 4 directions to click
- Multiple color finishes
Nest Learning Thermostat Design
- Stainless steel and glass
- Click-turn ring with tactile feedback
- Available in 4 stainless variants
Nest leverages polycarbonate plastics for the Thermostat model that offers protection against cracks and scratches while allowing some flexibility around bends without breaking. Impressive materials resistance testing during development ensures long term durability.
But there’s no arguing the more premium feel and timeless appeal of stainless steel and glass used on the Learning Thermostat variant. The material properties also allow precise machining for the distinctive click-turn ring dial. This provides subtle physical feedback as users rotate it to adjust temperature settings.
So while both models offer durability Tailored towards longevity in the home, the Learning Thermostat better balances an elegant finish. Especially as an exposed wall feature above existing decor, the premium metals and glass used give off an intuitive refinement.
Connectivity Considerations
Modern connectivity with local home WiFi networks and integration with remote smart devices are table stakes for both Nest thermostats, but there are some key differences in terms of linkages with other platforms and ecosystems:
Nest Thermostat Connectivity
- Onboard WiFi and Bluetooth LE
- Remote app control and automation
- Google Assistant voice control
Nest Learning Thermostat Connectivity
- Onboard WiFi and Bluetooth LE
- Remote app control and automation
- Works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa
The core underlying wireless technology allowing mobile access and multi-device communication is the same – both leverage WiFi b/g/n at 2.4GHz for internet connectivity and Bluetooth Low Energy for local peripherals.
But the Nest Learning Thermostat pulls ahead when it comes to seamless integration with leading smart home platforms, offering direct compatibility with both Google Assistant AND Amazon Alexa.
This flexibility to control your thermostat within either voice ecosystem provides freedom to link it into your preferred existing smart home infrastructure. And the Nest Thermostat only links natively with Google Assistant – so Amazon-centric homes would need to leverage third-party ‘hubs’ allowing indirect integration.
Heating/Cooling Equipment Compatibility
Connecting to and controlling your home’s existing heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment is the central focus for any thermostat. And compatibility considerations are crucial for reliable performance.
Here’s how Nest rates overall compatibility for connecting equipment like furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners and associated components like humidifiers:
Nest Thermostat HVAC Compatibility
- 85% out-of-box compatibility rate
- Common wire often required
- Supports 2 heat/cool stages
Nest Learning Thermostat HVAC Compatibility
- 95% out-of-box compatibility rate
- Common wire often required
- Handles up to 3 heat/cool stages
With a 10 percentage point higher baseline compatibility rate covering more heating and cooling equipment types straight from the box, the Nest Learning Thermostat is inherently designed and tested to work with a wider variety of HVAC systems.
It can also directly control more complex multi-stage systems like heat pumps with auxiliary interior heating automatically based on outdoor conditions and staging – whereas the basic Nest Thermostat tops out at 2 stages without add-ons.
The common ‘C wire’ used for continuous power delivery on most modern HVAC systems may still be required. But alternatives like the Nest Power Connector allow both models to connect wire-free by drawing power from the HVAC system’s Rc and Rh wires instead.
Example HVAC Systems Supported
- Gas furnaces
- Air conditioners
- Heat pumps
- Geothermal heat pumps
- Hydronic systems
- Radiant floor heating
- Ventilation & humidification equipment
That covers compatibility for most common home HVAC implementations, but most won’t require advanced multi-stage control anyways. Just ensure your heating/cooling system wiring allows delivery of continuous power to whichever Nest thermostat model you choose for hands-free control.
Both can also integrate with other Nest products like temperature sensors for managing zones, HVAC monitors for installers and even smart fire/CO alarms for whole home safety – everything ties back to the Nest app.
But next let’s explore the biggest differences between the two thermostats when it comes to intelligent scheduling convenience and the way they help homeowners effortlessly achieve energy savings.
Intelligent Scheduling and Usage Optimization
One of the promises for smart technology products is enhancing quality of life through convenience and automation. Nest Learning Thermostat leans heavily into this value proposition with its algorithms modeling observed occupancy patterns and automatically optimizing heating/cooling over time.
It’s most evident when comparing approach to temperature scheduling between the two models:
Nest Thermostat Scheduling
- User manually specifies schedules
- Can create home/away modes
- Granular temp control in app
Nest Learning Thermostat Scheduling
- Auto-schedules based on usage
- Tracks occupancy patterns
- No manual adjustment needed
Having to constantly manually configure comfort profiles and temperature swing allowances anytime your routine changes is a hassle made obsolete by the Nest Learning Thermostat’s automated scheduling capability.
By passively tracking actual heating/cooling equipment runtime correlated to presence detection, the Nest Learning Thermostat builds a model of your household patterns over a 7-day period. It then leverages this to optimize temperature preconditioning for comfort and efficiency automatically moving forward.
Auto-Generated Scheduling Example
| Day | Time | Mode | Target Temp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekday | 6 AM | Wake Up | 70°F |
| Weekday | 8 AM | Leave | 62°F |
| Weekday | 6 PM | Return | 70°F |
| Weekday | 11 PM | Sleep | 66°F |
| Weekends | 8 AM | Wake Up | 68°F |
| Weekends | 10 PM | Sleep | 66°F |
As you can see from this example output, it accurately adjusts based on sleep/wake times and departure windows each day automatically based on actually observed usage – no guessing or assumptions involved.
Advanced occupancy sensing confirms sustainable setbacks to away temperatures when nobody is home without any reliance on rigid timers or location tracking. And it will continue optimizing and adapting this schedule moving forward if routines shift.
This automation provides a true set-it-and-forget-it hands free heating/cooling management experience. And the app allows manual override if desired for one off events or schedule adjustments. But most homeowners find the algorithmic scheduling perfect after just a few weeks of initial learning.
Now let’s explore how these products move beyond scheduling to actually help understand and trim energy expenditure related to HVAC operation.
Energy Usage Insights and Savings
Helping homeowners understand and reduce energy waste related to heating/cooling is an expected benefit of smart thermostats like Nest. But capabilities vary between models when it comes to insights provided and realistic savings potential.
Nest Thermostat Energy Features
- Monthly runtime reports
- Basic usage comparisons
- Estimate cost savings if eco temperatures set
Nest Learning Thermostat Energy Features
- Runtime trends on hourly basis
- Customized tips for savings
- Actual observed expenditure reduction
The Nest Thermostat breaks down runtime hours for the prior month and makes generic comparisons in attempt to illustrate areas for savings. But the Nest Learning Thermostat really shows its intelligence when it comes to helping improve home energy efficiency.
By tracking exact runtime correlated with temperature data and occupant presence hourly rather than just simple durations, the Nest Learning Thermostat can actually observe granular efficiency gains and savings month over month.
First Year Cost Savings – Case Examples
| Home Profile | Annual Savings |
|---|---|
| 2,500 sq ft; 5 zone HVAC | $145 average |
| 1,800 sq ft; 2 adults, 2 kids | $178 first year |
| 1,200 sq ft; Gas furnace | $96 average |
And because heating/cooling operation accounts for close to half the utility cost of a typical home, these savings add up substantially over years of optimized temperature automation.
Even the simple act of ensuring temperature setbacks whenever homes are vacant and intelligently preconditioning just before occupancy based on learned schedules saves 5-15% annually. More advanced integrations allowing Nest to leverage auxiliary heat pump stages, ventilation schedules and weather data can increase these returns further still.
So for legitimately observable lowering of monthly heating/cooling bills through automated efficiency gains, the Nest Learning Thermostat is proven to pay dividends.
Bottom Line Recommendations
When comparing the Nest Thermostat versus the flagship Nest Learning Thermostat, which model reigns supreme?
Best Overall – For advanced automation, usage insights and heating/cooling equipment compatibility – the Nest Learning Thermostat proves itself as the leading option available with observable efficiency capabilities right out of the box.
Most Budget-Friendly – If keeping upfront cost low is the priority in return for largely manual scheduling and basic energy reporting – the Nest Thermostat provides compelling connectivity and programmability under $150.
There’s a reason the Nest Learning Thermostat costs more – the automatic scheduling, expanded HVAC compatibility and 10x more usage data resolution demonstrate real extra value. And the potential long term savings outweigh the price difference for many.
But simpler manual scheduling suits plenty of households fine. Ultimately identifying whether enhanced efficiency analytics or hands-free programming carry enough extra convenience to justify the added cost comes down to personal heating/cooling management preferences.
Either Nest thermostat brings intuitive physical adjustability, remote accessibility via smartphone and integration with other smart devices for streamlined management of home thermal comfort. For striking the optimal balance on pricing given functionality needed in your smart home, use the guidance provided between models.
