Nest vs Honeywell — Full Smart Thermostat Comparison

When it comes to smart thermostats, two of the most popular brands on the market are Nest and Honeywell. But which one is the best choice for your home? In this article, we’ll dive into the features, pros, and cons of each brand, and help you decide which smart thermostat is right for you. The core question is: which one wins and why? After a thorough review of both options, we’ll provide a decisive comparison to help you make an informed decision.

Quick Specs Comparison Table

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Feature	Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Gen)	Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat
Price	$249	$199
Display	2.08″ LCD	3.5″ HD Display
Sensors	Internal sensors: temperature, humidity, proximity	Internal sensors: temperature, humidity; external sensor: temperature, humidity
App	Nest App (iOS, Android)	Honeywell Home App (iOS, Android)
Learning	Yes, learns your schedule and preferences	No, but has smart scheduling and geofencing
Compatibility	Most 24V heating and cooling systems	Most 24V heating and cooling systems, including heat pumps
C-Wire	Required for some systems	Required for some systems

Option A — Deep Dive: Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Gen)

The Nest Learning Thermostat is a popular choice among smart thermostat enthusiasts. Here are its key features, pros, and cons:

Key Features

The Nest Learning Thermostat has a sleek and modern design, with a 2.08″ LCD display that shows the current temperature and time. It also has internal sensors that detect temperature, humidity, and proximity, which help it learn your schedule and preferences over time. The Nest App allows you to control your thermostat remotely, view energy reports, and adjust settings.

Pros

The Nest Learning Thermostat is known for its ease of use, energy efficiency, and sleek design. It can learn your schedule and preferences over time, and adjust the temperature accordingly. It also integrates well with other smart home devices, such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home.

Cons

One of the main drawbacks of the Nest Learning Thermostat is its price, which is higher than some other smart thermostats on the market. It also requires a C-wire for some systems, which can be a challenge for DIY installation.

Best For

The Nest Learning Thermostat is best for homeowners who want a smart thermostat that can learn their schedule and preferences over time. It’s also a good choice for those who value a sleek and modern design, and are willing to pay a premium for it.

Price

The Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Gen) is priced at $249.

Option B — Deep Dive: Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat

The Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat is another popular choice among smart thermostat enthusiasts. Here are its key features, pros, and cons:

Key Features

The Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat has a large 3.5″ HD display that shows the current temperature and time. It also has internal sensors that detect temperature and humidity, as well as an external sensor that can detect temperature and humidity in a different room. The Honeywell Home App allows you to control your thermostat remotely, view energy reports, and adjust settings.

Pros

The Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat is known for its large display, energy efficiency, and compatibility with most 24V heating and cooling systems. It also has a lower price point than the Nest Learning Thermostat, making it a more affordable option.

Cons

One of the main drawbacks of the Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat is that it doesn’t have learning capabilities, like the Nest Learning Thermostat. It also requires a C-wire for some systems, which can be a challenge for DIY installation.

Best For

The Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat is best for homeowners who want a smart thermostat with a large display and a lower price point. It’s also a good choice for those who have a heat pump system, as it’s compatible with most heat pumps.

Price

The Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat is priced at $199.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Here’s a head-to-head comparison of the Nest Learning Thermostat and the Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat:

Installation Ease

Both thermostats are relatively easy to install, but the Nest Learning Thermostat has a more user-friendly installation process. However, the Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat has a more comprehensive installation guide, which can be helpful for DIY installers.

App Quality

Both thermostats have high-quality apps that allow you to control your thermostat remotely, view energy reports, and adjust settings. However, the Nest App is more intuitive and user-friendly, with a more modern design.

Energy Savings

Both thermostats can help you save energy and money on your utility bills. However, the Nest Learning Thermostat has a more advanced energy-saving algorithm that can learn your schedule and preferences over time.

HVAC Compatibility

Both thermostats are compatible with most 24V heating and cooling systems, including heat pumps. However, the Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat has a more comprehensive compatibility list, which can be helpful for homeowners with complex HVAC systems.

Room Sensors

The Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat has an external sensor that can detect temperature and humidity in a different room, which can be helpful for homeowners with large homes or multiple zones. The Nest Learning Thermostat also has room sensors available, but they need to be purchased separately.

Which Should You Choose?

Here’s a verdict by use case:

Budget

If you’re on a budget, the Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat is the more affordable option, priced at $199.

Features

If you want a smart thermostat with advanced features, such as learning capabilities and geofencing, the Nest Learning Thermostat is the better choice.

Heat Pump

If you have a heat pump system, the Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat is a better choice, as it’s compatible with most heat pumps.

Multi-Zone

If you have a multi-zone system, the Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat is a better choice, as it has an external sensor that can detect temperature and humidity in a different room.

Renters

If you’re a renter, the Nest Learning Thermostat is a better choice, as it’s easier to install and remove, and has a more portable design.

FAQ

Here are three frequently asked questions about smart thermostats:

Do I Need a C-Wire for My Smart Thermostat?

Yes, you may need a C-wire for your smart thermostat, depending on the type of system you have. A C-wire is a common wire that provides power to your thermostat. If you don’t have a C-wire, you may need to install one or use a C-wire adapter.

Can I Control My Smart Thermostat Remotely?

Yes, most smart thermostats can be controlled remotely using a smartphone app. This allows you to adjust the temperature, view energy reports, and receive notifications from anywhere.

Are Smart Thermostats Compatible with My HVAC System?

Most smart thermostats are compatible with most 24V heating and cooling systems, including heat pumps. However, it’s always a good idea to check the compatibility list before purchasing a smart thermostat to ensure it will work with your system.

Final Recommendation

After a thorough review of both options, we recommend the Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Gen) for homeowners who value a sleek and modern design, and are willing to pay a premium for advanced features like learning capabilities and geofencing. However, for those on a budget or with a heat pump system, the Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat is a more affordable and compatible option. Ultimately, the choice between Nest and Honeywell depends on your specific needs and preferences. We hope this comparison has been helpful in making an informed decision.

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