Hive Vs Nest Thermostats - TM Hughes & Son

If you’re considering a smart thermostat for your home, the two biggest names are “Hive” and “Nest”.

In this article, we’ll closely examine both of them, comparing their features and figuring out which one might be the best fit for your home.

Background & History

Before diving into what makes each thermostat tick, it’s interesting to know where they came from.

Hive Thermostat

Hive is a product of a company called Centrica Hive Limited, which is a branch of the British multinational energy company Centrica. The Hive brand didn’t just jump straight into making thermostats. They’re known for creating various smart home products to make homes more connected and energy-efficient.
Launched in 2013, Hive’s primary mission was to give homeowners more control over their homes, no matter where they were. The Hive thermostat was one of their early products that quickly gained attention for its simplicity and smart features.

Nest Thermostat

Nest Labs, or simply “Nest”, started in Palo Alto, California. It was founded by Tony Fadell and Matt Rogers in 2010. Interestingly, Tony Fadell is often called the “father of the iPod” because of his work at Apple before starting Nest.
Nest’s big idea was to bring beautiful design and clever technology together. Their very first product was the Nest Learning Thermostat, launched in 2011. It was revolutionary at the time because it could “learn” from the user’s habits and adjust the home’s temperature accordingly.
Google saw the potential in Nest and decided to buy the company in 2014. Since then, Nest has expanded its range of smart home products but remains best known for its iconic thermostat.

Design & Appearance

When you walk into a room, the first thing you might notice about these thermostats is their appearance. Let’s break down the design aspects of both Hive and Nest.

Hive Thermostat

Aesthetics: Hive has a modern, sleek design with rounded edges, making it look like a neat gadget on your wall.
Display: The Hive thermostat has a clear digital display that lights up when you interact. This display shows the current temperature, target temperature, and other simple icons depending on the mode.
Size and Dimensions: It’s compact at approximately 96x96x46mm.
Mounting and Setup: The Hive is designed to stand alone or be mounted on the wall. The setup is simple, with clear instructions to guide homeowners.

Nest Thermostat

Aesthetics: Nest has a unique round design, looking like a futuristic dial on your wall. Its stainless-steel outer ring gives it a premium feel. Over the years, Nest has released various versions, refining the design and offering a range of colour choices.
Display: Nest stands out with its high-resolution colour display. It shows the temperature and can also display the time or weather, making it a multipurpose addition to your room.
Size and Dimensions: It’s round and approximately 84x84x27mm
Mounting and Setup: NestThe Nest can be easily fixed to the wall. The rotating dial and push-to-select interface make interactions enjoyable.

Both thermostats look modern and are pleasing to the eye, but they differ in shape and interaction styles. While Hive’s square design is sharp and contemporary, Nest offers a more classic round appearance combined with a twist of futuristic elegance.

Ease Of Use

Next, let’s see how user-friendly the Hive and Nest thermostats are.

Hive Thermostat

Interface Design: Hive takes a straightforward approach. Its buttons are clearly labelled, and the display is easy to read. This makes adjusting temperatures or settings quite simple.
Mobile App: The Hive app is user-friendly, allowing homeowners to control their heating from anywhere. With a clear layout, it’s easy to set schedules, view your heating history, and adjust settings.
Physical Controls: The Hive thermostat has tactile buttons on its face. This makes manual adjustments quick and easy, especially for those who prefer physical buttons over touchscreens.
Learning Curve: Most users find the Hive interface intuitive. Even if you’ve never used a smart thermostat, you’ll likely get the hang of it quickly.

Nest Thermostat

Interface Design: Nest offers a minimalistic design. Instead of buttons, it uses a rotating dial and a push-to-select system. The on-screen prompts guide users through any adjustments they want to make.
Mobile App: The Nest app provides a detailed view of your home’s heating and cooling. Users can set schedules, check energy history, and even get suggestions for energy-saving settings through the app.
Physical Controls: The absence of traditional buttons gives Nest a sleek look. Its rotating dial is a design feature and the primary way to interact with the device.
Learning Curve: While Nest’s interface is simple, it might take a day or two to get the hang of it, especially for those used to traditional thermostats. But with a bit of time, it becomes second nature.

Both Hive and Nest thermostats are easy to use and intuitive. Hive might appeal to users who prefer clear buttons and straightforward controls, while Nest might intrigue those who enjoy more futuristic minimal interaction.

Features & Capabilities

The true test of a smart thermostat lies in its features. Let’s dive into the capabilities of both the Hive and Nest thermostats to see what they offer.

Hive Thermostat

Learning Capabilities: Hive doesn’t “learn” like Nest does. The system is manual. You decide when your heating comes on and goes off and your temperature.
Voice Assistants and Integrations: Hive is compatible with popular voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing users to adjust temperatures through voice commands.
Energy-saving Features: Hive provides insights into your heating usage, helping you pinpoint where you might use more energy than needed. Its “Geolocation” feature ensures you’re not heating an empty house by detecting when you’re away.
Remote Access: With the Hive app, users can control their thermostat from anywhere, ensuring they come home to the perfect temperature.
Compatibility: Hive works well with many existing heating systems and integrates seamlessly with other Hive smart home products.

Nest Thermostat

Learning Capabilities: One of Nest’s standout features is its learning capability. Over time, Nest learns your habits—when you’re usually home, when you’re away, and your preferred temperatures. It then automatically adjusts settings to match.
Voice Assistants and Integrations: Like Hive, Nest integrates with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Given that it’s a part of the Google family, the integration with Google’s ecosystem is particularly strong.
Energy-saving Features: Nest shines in this department. The thermostat shows a green leaf icon when you’re at an energy-saving temperature. It also provides detailed energy history so users can see when and how they consumed energy.
Remote Access: With the Nest app, users can change settings, view their usage history, and more, all from their mobile devices.
Compatibility: Nest is known for its compatibility with various heating and cooling systems. Moreover, it ties in well with other Nest and Google smart home products.

Both thermostats are highly capable and packed with features. Hive provides a reliable and straightforward smart thermostat experience, while Nest goes a step further with its learning capabilities and deeper integrations with the Google ecosystem.

Installation & Setup

Getting a new gadget is exciting, but setting it can be daunting to some. Let’s evaluate how easy it is to get Hive and Nest thermostats up and running in your home.

Hive Thermostat

Installation Process: Hive’s installation is relatively straightforward. While it’s recommended to have a professional install the system (especially if you’re unfamiliar with your home’s wiring), many users find the included step-by-step guide helpful.
Integration with Existing HVAC Systems: Hive is designed to work with most home heating and cooling systems. However, checking compatibility before purchasing is always a wise move.
Wi-Fi and Connectivity Setup: Once installed, connecting Hive to your home’s Wi-Fi network is simple. The thermostat will prompt you for network details, and the Hive app will guide you through pairing and initial setup.
Potential Challenges: As with any smart device, there can be occasional hiccups with connectivity. Ensure your home has a stable Wi-Fi connection and check for any software updates.

Nest Thermostat

Installation Process: Nest prides itself on its DIY-friendly setup. The package includes everything you need, including a screwdriver and wall anchors. Clear instructions in the box and online guide users through each step.
Integration with Existing HVAC Systems: Nest is compatible with many heating and cooling systems, but it’s essential to verify compatibility using Nest’s online tool first.
Wi-Fi and Connectivity Setup: Connecting to Wi-Fi is easy after physically installing the thermostat. The thermostat’s interface will walk you through selecting your network and entering your password. Once connected, you can link your thermostat to the Nest app for remote control.
Potential Challenges: Nest’s learning capabilities may take a few days to adjust to your preferences. During this period, manual adjustments might be necessary. Connectivity issues can occasionally arise, but as long as your home has a stable Wi-Fi connection and you update software, you should be ok.

Both Hive and Nest have made strides in ensuring their thermostats are accessible, even for those who might not be tech-savvy. While professional installation is an option for both, many homeowners can handle the setup themselves.

Cost & Value For Money

Let’s examine the upfront and long-term costs of the Hive and Nest thermostats.

Hive Thermostat

Initial Cost: Hive Thermostats are currently priced at £179, or £161.10 when you sign up to ‘Hive Heating Plus’
Subscription Costs: Hive offers a basic use without a subscription or ‘Hive Heating Plus’ for £3.99 a month or £29.99 per year (one annual payment). Hive Heating Plus is an upgraded service that provides advanced heating features, insights, and tips to help users optimise their home’s energy use and save on heating bills.
Energy Savings: By allowing users to precisely control their heating and cooling and offering features like geolocation, Hive can help reduce energy bills over time.
Potential Rebates: In some regions or with certain energy providers, you might be eligible for rebates or discounts when installing energy-efficient devices like Hive.
Long-Term Value: Given its robust design and continuous software updates, Hive offers long-lasting value, especially if utilised to its full energy-saving potential.

Nest Thermostat

Initial Cost: Nest thermostats are currently £219, £40 more than the Hive. However, the premium price is reflected in its design, learning capabilities, and integrations.
Subscription Costs: Nest doesn’t require a subscription for all its features.
Energy Savings: With its learning capabilities and energy-saving tips, Nest can significantly reduce monthly energy bills. Many users report noticeable savings within the first few months.
Potential Rebates: Like Hive, installing a Nest thermostat might make you eligible for rebates or incentives, depending on your location and energy provider.
Long-Term Value: Nest thermostats are built to last and can pay for themselves with their energy-saving potential over time. The additional benefit of integrating seamlessly with other smart home devices enhances their long-term value.

Both Hive and Nest offer value. Hive provides a more affordable upfront cost with a solid range of features, while Nest, though pricier, initially offers advanced features with no subscription.

When evaluating cost, it’s important to consider both the immediate price and the potential savings and benefits over time.

Conclusion

In the field of smart thermostats, both Hive and Nest stand out as leaders, each bringing unique features and benefits to the table.

With its straightforward interface and user-friendly design, Hive offers homeowners an accessible entry into the world of smart heating and cooling.

Its competitive pricing and robust features make it a worthy contender for those keen on balancing cost and functionality.

Nest pushes the boundaries with its innovative learning capabilities and sleek design.

Its integration with the broader Google ecosystem and potential for significant long-term energy savings appeal to homeowners looking for a more comprehensive smart home experience.

Ultimately, the choice between Hive and Nest concerns individual preferences, budget considerations, and specific home needs.

Both thermostats will elevate the comfort of your living spaces while improving energy efficiency.

Professional Hive & Nest Installation

TM Hughes & Son Gas Services Ltd professionally installed and set up Hive & Nest Thermostats in Essex. If you live in the county and require a professional installation, please get in touch with us for a free, no-obligation quote.