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Add to SafariWhen comparing Sensi Wi-Fi Programmable Thermostat UP500W vs Nest Learning Thermostat, the Slant community recommends Nest Learning Thermostat for most people. In the question“What are the best smart thermostats?” Nest Learning Thermostat is ranked 1st while Sensi Wi-Fi Programmable Thermostat UP500W is ranked 5th. The most important reason people chose Nest Learning Thermostat is:
Nest begins learning as soon as you install it. In a short time, it will automatically be adjusting your temperature based on time of day, or how active the house is. For the first few weeks you may need to adjust the Nest a few degrees when required, but eventually it will learn when you adjust it and will start adjusting itself automatically based on how you manually adjusted it before.
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Programmable from the thermostat itself
All of the functions of your phone can also be done right on the thermostat. If you frequently switch phones, or just prefer hardware controls this is a significant perk.
Pro Design is conservative, and looks like a regular thermostat
While most smart thermostats go the full mile when it comes to futuristic design, this Sensi thermostat takes a more traditional approach. Just by looking at it, you wouldn't be able to tell that this is a smart thermostat.
Pro Learns your preferences and adjusts accordingly
Nest begins learning as soon as you install it. In a short time, it will automatically be adjusting your temperature based on time of day, or how active the house is. For the first few weeks you may need to adjust the Nest a few degrees when required, but eventually it will learn when you adjust it and will start adjusting itself automatically based on how you manually adjusted it before.
Pro Amazing design
The Nest thermostat looks like a piece of tech from the future. It's fully circular and certainly looks the part of a smart thermostat.
The display takes up the majority of the unit, and makes good use of its LCD display when not in use. It can display an analog or digital clock instead of the temperature if you prefer.
Pro Complete control from app
Even if you're not home, or you're in the kitchen cooking, and need to change the temperature, you can do it all from your app.
Pro Integrates with many other products: Nest, Alexa, and IFTTT
Nest also makes other products, such as it's Nest Cam, and smart smoke detector.
Alexa is the voice assistant in the Amazon Echo line of products, and the Nest thermostat can be fully controlled by Alexa. This is important because Alexa can control devices through 100% hands-free voice support.
IFTTT (IF This Then That) is an ecosystem to itself that allows users to create their own custom recipes based on triggers. For example, if it's expected to be humid, the Nest can automatically lower its setpoint to compensate for it. You can also configure other triggers such as location or time of day to determine when the Nest is on or off.
Pro Motion activation available for alternative mode of controll
This version of the Nest includes motion sensors that can detect motion from across the room. Previous generations of Nest could only detect motion up to a meter away, but with this generation of Nest the utility is greatly increased.
Motion sensing is useful, because it will sense when you are at home or if you are away automatically, without needing to adjust the thermostat manually.
Pro Easy installation
The Nest Thermostat is the easiest smart thermostat to install. It comes with the required mini screwdriver, and there's a level built-in to make sure the Nest is installed properly. The included baseplate helps cover up any imperfections left from removing your previous thermostat.
Installation is straightforward, and only takes about 10 minutes.
Pro Shows energy savings
The Nest app will actually show you how much your smart thermostat is saving you on electricity.
Cons
Con No automation
This thermostat doesn't offer any smart learning or automation. While it does allow you to program a schedule into it and adjust the temperature remotely, that's just about the extent of its smarts. It doesn't offer motion sensors or track your location in any way.
Con Old fashioned looking
Most smart thermostats look the part - they look smart. This one looks just like any regular old thermostat, including the clunky buttons, large physical body and monochrome display.
Con Sensors scheduling is not smart enough
The Nest has a sensor that can be placed in other parts of the house to control the temperature but the only scheduling it offers for it is by pre-selected blocks of time (morning, evening, etc). If you need the thermostat to use the sensor at night until a specific time in the morning and then use the main thermostat you may not be able to if the time blocks don't fit your personal schedule. Seems like something that can be easily fixed through an app update though.
Con Scheduling UI in app is terrible
The Nest has a way to set a schedule by day/time through the app but it's really hard to understand how to navigate the scheduling feature and set the schedule properly.
Con Hardware control is through a rotating ring
On the Nest itself, the homeowner rotates the ring on the edge of the Nest as the primary way to interact with it. Most controls will need to be done through the app.
Con Long wait times for support
If you run into issues, calling tech support can sometimes lead to long wait times.
