Wyze Thermostat vs. Nest Thermostat

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In this post, we compare the Wyze and Nest thermostats, exploring their features, strengths, and weaknesses.

Wyze Thermostat vs Nest Thermostat

If you are currently wondering whether to get the Wyze or Nest thermostat, this post may help you decide which one is the most suitable option. Let’s get started.

Wyze Thermostat vs. Nest Thermostat

So we’ll be comparing the Wyze and Nest thermostats based on:

  • Price
  • Accessories provided
  • Connectivity options
  • Compatible services and systems
  • Power
  • Sensors available
  • Color options
  • Aesthetics
  • Geofencing
  • Installation Time

Now let’s dive in!

1. Price

The Wyze thermostat is more affordable (see the current price on Amazon) than the Nest thermostat (see the current price on Amazon). The starting price for Wyze thermostats is about $79, which is $50 cheaper than the average price for Nest thermostat models. Despite its relatively low cost, the Wyze thermostat comes with several outstanding features, such as:

  • Temperature sensor: The temperature sensor measures the temperature in the room and displays it on the thermostat’s screen.
  • Motion sensor: The motion sensor detects when people walk into a room and automatically adjust the temperature in the room.
  • Humidity sensor: The in-built humidity sensor in the Wyze thermostat determines the humidity level in the room. If the humidity is insufficient, the Wyze thermostat turns on the humidifier.
  • C-Wire adapter: The C-wire adapter in the Wyze thermostat lets you connect the C-wire easily to the thermostat.
  • Savings Finder: The savings finder suggests better ways to save power in your home.

Most of the features available in the Wyze thermostat are rarely found in some expensive thermostats.

To maintain the quality of its unique features, Wyze cuts costs in other aspects of the thermostat. For instance, the Wyze thermostat provides a dial control for adjusting settings, rather than the touchscreen found in many thermostats.

With an average price of $120 per unit, the Nest thermostat is the more expensive option. That said, it compensates for its higher price by offering more value than the Wyze thermostat. The unique features available in the Nest thermostat are:

  • Ambient Light Sensors: This sensor detects the amount of light available in a room and automatically dims the light on the thermostat to save power.
  • Energy Tracker: This helps you track and save energy, thus reducing energy bills.
  • Eco-mode: This feature automatically turns off your Nest thermostat when no one is home.
  • Remote Control: You can use the remote control in the Google Home app to change the temperature in your thermostat from anywhere. 
  • Temperature sensor.
  • Motion sensor.
  • Humidity sensor.
  • Savings finder.

2. Accessories Provided

The Wyze thermostat comes with a C-Wire adapter. As you probably know, the C-Wire is a useful accessory, as it ensures that adequate power is transmitted from the HVAC system to the thermostat. So, with the C-Wire adapter in the Wyze thermostat, you can easily connect your C-Wire to your thermostat.

However, you won’t find a C-wire adapter in the Nest thermostat package. That said, Google now offers the C-wire adapter as a separate product. Given that the Nest thermostat is fairly expensive, purchasing an extra accessory for the thermostat may be tiring.

But if you don’t buy the C-wire adapter for your Nest thermostat, the device will generate power from your HVAC system by triggering the system. This might damage your HVAC system.

Apart from the C-Wire adapter, the Wyze thermostat also contains a trimming kit for trimming cables. This feature is not available in the Nest thermostat.

3. Connectivity Options

The Wyze thermostat only supports the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band. In contrast, the Nest thermostat works well with both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.

Today, most homes use dual-band routers. A dual-band router may switch from one band to another, depending on the Wi-Fi network with the highest signal strength.

If you use a Wyze thermostat, you may have to switch your Wi-Fi network to a 2.4GHz band frequently. But with Nest thermostats, you can avoid that stress.

4. Compatible Services

The Wyze and Nest thermostats are compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa voice assistant. So, you can control these devices hands-free (if you want).

For HVAC systems, the Wyze and Nest thermostats have similar compatibility ranges. They both work well with the following systems:

  • Oil, Gas, and Electric HVAC systems.
  • Heat pumps
  • Dual fuel system
  • Hydronic heaters
  • Forced air heating systems
  • Dual transformers
  • Single-stage HVAC systems.
  • Humidifiers

5. Power Sources

The Wyze thermostat is only powered by the HVAC system, with the help of a C-wire. This device requires an average of 24VAC to function properly.

On the other hand, the Nest thermostat gets power from the HVAC system and battery.

Depending on the model, the Nest thermostat comes with a built-in rechargeable battery or 2 AAA alkaline batteries, which supply extra power to the device.

Since the Nest thermostat often receives more power than the Wyze thermostat, it is less likely to break down.

6. Sensors Available

The Wyze thermostat offers fewer sensors than the Nest thermostat. The sensors in the Wyze thermostat are the temperature, motion, and humidity sensors.

In addition to the sensors in the Wyze thermostat, the Nest thermostat also offers an ambient light sensor. This sensor detects the amount of light in a room and adjusts the brightness of the thermostat’s screen to match this light. So, if your room is bright, the Nest thermostat will automatically decrease its brightness, helping you save power.

7. Color Options

The Wyze thermostat comes in only one color (white). Because of this lack of variety, the device may seem undesirable, especially if you have specific colors that appeal to you.

In contrast, Nest thermostat comes in different colors—brass, mirror black, stainless steel, copper, black, and white. Making the Nest thermostat available in various colors increases the device’s appeal to a diverse group of users.

8. Aesthetics

The Wyze thermostat is a plain, plastic material with a rotor dial attached to it. This design gives the Wyze thermostat a dated look. In addition, this thermostat uses an IPS screen for its display. Although this IPS screen allows for excellent visibility, it still doesn’t improve the Wyze thermostat’s appearance.

On the other hand, the Nest thermostat has a robust build that makes it attractive to users. The capacitive touchscreen on the thermostat lets you control the thermostat with a tap of the finger. The elegant design of the Nest thermostat is further complemented by its LCD display screen.

9. Geofencing

Geofencing is a feature that detects when you are home and adjusts the temperature in your room to your desired temperature.

Both thermostats offer geofencing. However, the geofencing feature is more reliable in Wyze thermostats than in Nest thermostats. Wyze thermostats always detect your arrival at your home.

In contrast, the Nest thermostat may occasionally fail to determine when you arrive at your home. Also, the Geofencing feature will only work on your Nest thermostat if you turn on Location on your phone. Some users may be too worried about their privacy to always keep their location on.

10. Installation Time

It only takes a few minutes to install these thermostats (Wyze and Nest thermostats).

However, the installation time for the Nest thermostat seems to be longer than the Wyze thermostat. This is probably because the Nest thermostat doesn’t come with installation guidelines in its package.

On the other hand, the Wyze app contains installation guidelines, so users can get the device up and running in a few minutes with the instructions.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, the Wyze and Nest thermostats are packed with several exciting features, so you can go for anyone that meets your needs.

However, if you want an affordable thermostat that satisfies your practical needs, you may want to consider going for the Wyze thermostat.

And if you don’t mind paying additional money for aesthetics and power, then the Nest thermostat may be more suitable for you.