Considering an upgrade to your home’s climate control? The decision between the Google Nest Thermostat 2nd generation and the newer 3rd generation can be a tough one. Both offer intelligent features designed to save energy and enhance comfort, but subtle differences might sway your choice.
The Nest Thermostat has long been a leader in the smart home space, and these two models represent significant advancements. We’re diving deep into what sets the Nest 2 apart from the Nest 3, examining their features, performance, and overall value.
Whether you’re a seasoned smart home enthusiast or just starting, understanding these distinctions is key to making the best investment for your household. Let’s break down the Nest 2 vs Nest 3 to help you decide.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | nest 2 | nest 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Smart Home Platform | Google Home | Google Home |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant | Google Assistant |
| Display | No display | No display |
| Audio Output | Built-in speaker | Built-in speaker |
| Microphone Array | Far-field | Far-field |
| Power Source | AC adapter | AC adapter |
| Dimensions (approx.) | 3.9″ diameter x 1.7″ height | 3.9″ diameter x 1.7″ height |
| Weight (approx.) | 6.6 oz | 6.6 oz |
| Material | Plastic, fabric | Plastic, fabric |
| Color Options | Charcoal, Sand | Charcoal, Sand |
| App Control | Google Home app | Google Home app |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Connectivity
- Nest 2: Supports Wi-Fi 802.11n (2.4 GHz) and Bluetooth 4.0. This was standard for its time, but can lead to slower speeds and less reliable connections compared to newer standards.
- Nest 3: Features Wi-Fi 802.11ac (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) and Bluetooth 4.2. The dual-band Wi-Fi offers faster, more stable connections, and improved range, especially in crowded wireless environments.
- Winner: nest 3
Processor & Performance
- Nest 2: Utilizes a quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 processor. It’s capable for basic smart home tasks but can struggle with more demanding operations or multiple connected devices.
- Nest 3: Upgraded to a more powerful quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor. This provides significantly better processing power, leading to quicker responses, smoother operation, and better handling of complex commands.
- Winner: nest 3
Microphone Array
- Nest 2: Equipped with a 3-microphone array. It offered decent far-field voice recognition for its era, but could sometimes misinterpret commands in noisy environments.
- Nest 3: Features an enhanced 4-microphone array with noise cancellation. This results in superior far-field voice recognition, accurately picking up commands even from across the room or with background distractions.
- Winner: nest 3
Speaker Quality
- Nest 2: Includes a single, downward-firing speaker. While adequate for voice responses, it lacked richness and volume for music playback.
- Nest 3: Boasts a larger, upward-firing speaker. This delivers richer, clearer audio with improved bass and higher maximum volume, making it much better for music and ambient sound.
- Winner: nest 3
Smart Home Integration
- Nest 2: Integrates with a wide range of Google Assistant-compatible devices. Its capabilities are solid but may not leverage the latest advancements in smart home ecosystems.
- Nest 3: Offers enhanced integration with the broader Google ecosystem, including Nest Hubs and other Google Home devices. It benefits from ongoing software updates and newer protocols, ensuring better compatibility and functionality with newer smart home tech.
- Winner: nest 3
Design & Build
- Nest 2: Features a compact, rounded design with a fabric top and plastic base. It’s a classic look but can feel a bit dated compared to newer smart speakers.
- Nest 3: Maintains a similar aesthetic but with refined materials and a slightly more modern silhouette. The build quality feels robust and it blends well into most home decor.
- Winner: nest 3
Power Adapter
- Nest 2: Uses a standard micro-USB power adapter. This is a common connector but less convenient than USB-C.
- Nest 3: Comes with a USB-C power adapter. This is a more modern and reversible connector, offering greater convenience and compatibility with other devices.
- Winner: nest 3
Software & Updates
- Nest 2: Receives ongoing software updates, but may eventually see feature limitations due to older hardware. It’s still functional but might not get the newest AI enhancements.
- Nest 3: Benefits from continued, more advanced software updates and AI improvements from Google. Its more powerful hardware ensures it can take full advantage of future features and optimizations.
- Winner: nest 3
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Smart Home Integration | Tie |
| Voice Assistant | Tie |
| Connectivity | Tie |
| Audio Output | Tie |
| Design | Tie |
| Value | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Smart Home Integration: Both Nest 2 and Nest 3 are deeply integrated with the Google Home ecosystem, allowing for seamless control of other smart home devices.
- Voice Assistant Capabilities: They both feature built-in Google Assistant, enabling users to control smart home devices, get answers to questions, play music, and set reminders using voice commands.
- Connectivity Options: Both devices support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring reliable connections for streaming audio and communicating with other devices.
- Audio Quality: While not audiophile-grade, both offer decent audio output for casual listening, podcasts, and voice responses from the Google Assistant.
- Design and Form Factor: They share a very similar compact, cylindrical design with fabric covering, making them unobtrusive in most home environments.
- Power Source: Both are powered via an AC adapter, meaning they require a constant power outlet connection.
Nest 2 Vs Nest 3 Buying Guide
Smart Thermostat Features
The Nest Thermostat (2nd generation) offered core smart thermostat functionalities like remote control via the Nest app, learning capabilities to optimize heating and cooling schedules, and energy-saving features. It was a significant step up from traditional thermostats, allowing users to adjust temperatures from anywhere and receive energy reports. However, it lacked some of the more advanced sensors and integration capabilities found in later models, focusing primarily on temperature regulation and basic learning.The Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd generation) significantly enhanced smart thermostat features. It introduced a higher-resolution display, improved motion sensing for more accurate presence detection, and a larger screen for easier readability. The learning algorithm was also refined for more precise energy savings, and it boasted better integration with other smart home devices through Google Assistant. Its focus shifted towards a more intuitive user experience and deeper smart home ecosystem connectivity. (See Also: Maybelline Exhilarator Vs Pioneer )
Energy Efficiency and Savings
Both generations of Nest thermostats are designed with energy efficiency at their core. The Nest Thermostat (2nd gen) helps users save energy by learning their habits and automatically adjusting the temperature when they are away. It provides energy reports to help users understand their consumption patterns. While effective, its savings potential was somewhat limited by its less sophisticated learning algorithms and fewer sensors compared to its successor.The Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd gen) offers more robust energy-saving capabilities. Its improved sensors and refined learning algorithms allow for more accurate identification of when the home is empty, leading to greater potential for energy reduction. The higher-resolution display and enhanced app features also provide users with more detailed insights into their energy usage, empowering them to make more informed decisions about their consumption and further optimize savings.
Design and Display
The Nest Thermostat (2nd generation) featured a sleek, minimalist design with a rotating bezel for temperature adjustments. Its display was functional but less detailed than later iterations. The build quality was solid, and it blended well with most home decors. The focus was on a clean aesthetic and intuitive physical interaction, making it a user-friendly device for its time.The Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd generation) refined the already popular design. It boasts a larger, higher-resolution display that is clearer and more vibrant, making it easier to read at a glance. While the core aesthetic remains similar, the improved display significantly enhances the user experience. The build quality is premium, and the device continues to be a stylish addition to any home.
Connectivity and Smart Home Integration
The Nest Thermostat (2nd generation) offered Wi-Fi connectivity for remote control via the Nest app. It also had basic integration capabilities with some smart home platforms. However, its ecosystem support was more limited compared to newer devices, and it didn’t fully leverage the expanding smart home landscape of its time.The Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd generation) significantly upgraded its connectivity and smart home integration. It boasts enhanced compatibility with Google Assistant, allowing for voice control and deeper integration with other Google Home devices. This generation also supports a wider range of third-party smart home products, making it a more central hub for a connected home ecosystem, offering greater convenience and automation possibilities. (See Also: Omron Bp5450 Vs Bp7450 )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy nest 2 If…
- You are looking for a cost-effective entry into the Google Assistant smart home ecosystem.
- You primarily need a voice assistant for basic tasks like setting timers, checking the weather, and controlling smart lights.
- You already have other Google Home or Nest devices and want to expand your network.
- You don’t need any advanced audio features or a display for visual feedback.
Buy nest 3 If…
- You are looking for a cost-effective entry into the Google Assistant smart home ecosystem.
- You primarily need a voice assistant for basic tasks like setting timers, checking the weather, and controlling smart lights.
- You already have other Google Home or Nest devices and want to expand your network.
- You don’t need any advanced audio features or a display for visual feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Nest 2 still be updated?
The Nest Thermostat (2nd generation) has reached its end-of-life for major software updates and new feature rollouts. While it may still receive critical security patches for a period, Google’s focus is on supporting their newer Nest devices. This means you won’t get the latest advancements in AI learning, smart home integrations, or expanded app features that are available on the Nest 3rd generation and newer models.
Is the Nest 3 worth the upgrade from Nest 2?
For most users, the Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd generation) is a worthwhile upgrade from the Nest 2. The improved display, enhanced learning algorithms for greater energy savings, and significantly better smart home integration with Google Assistant offer a more modern and capable experience. If you value advanced features, seamless voice control, and deeper ecosystem connectivity, the upgrade is recommended.
What are the main differences in learning capabilities?
The Nest 3rd generation features a more advanced and refined learning algorithm compared to the Nest 2. While both learn your habits, the 3rd gen’s improved sensors and processing power allow it to more accurately detect presence and occupancy, leading to more precise temperature adjustments and potentially greater energy savings. It’s better at understanding subtle changes in your routine. (See Also: Furnace Rental Vs Purchase )
Does the Nest 3 have a better display?
Yes, the Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd generation) features a significantly improved display over the Nest 2. It boasts a larger, higher-resolution screen with better clarity and vibrancy. This makes it easier to read information like the current temperature, target temperature, and energy-saving tips at a glance, even from a distance.
Which thermostat is easier to install?
Both the Nest 2 and Nest 3 are designed for relatively straightforward DIY installation, often taking less than 30 minutes. They typically connect to existing thermostat wiring. However, the installation process is very similar for both generations, and neither has a distinct advantage in terms of ease of installation. Always check compatibility with your HVAC system before purchasing.
Final Verdict
The Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd generation) represents a substantial leap forward from its predecessor. With its sharper display, more intelligent learning algorithms for enhanced energy savings, and superior smart home integration capabilities, it offers a more modern and feature-rich experience. While the Nest 2 was a solid device for its time, the 3rd generation provides a more refined and connected approach to home climate control, making it the clear choice for those seeking the best in smart thermostat technology.
Winner: Nest 3