A lot is involved when comparing smart thermostats. In this article, we therefore briefly outline the main advantages and disadvantages between Google Nest, tado, Netatmo and other smart heat aids.
Comparing smart thermostats: the main differences
Precisely: the best smart thermostat does not exist. It depends entirely on your wishes which one suits you. For example, one would like to keep as much control as possible, while another would like to set as little as possible and let the smart thermostat run its course.
It is therefore more objective to look at facts. For example, when comparing smart thermostats you will find that there is a lot of difference in subscription costs. The specific functions and support of smart home systems (Apple HomeKit and Google Home) also differ.
Below we therefore compare (in no particular order) some popular smart thermostats by indicating the most important plus and minus points. We, of course, pay extra attention to usability for Apple fans.
1. Google Nest Learning Thermostat V3
If we are going to compare smart thermostats, the Nest should of course not be missing. Google’s stylishly designed heat controller is without a doubt one of the best-known and best-selling smart thermostats of the moment.
It has a lot of advantages. Firstly, the Google Nest thermostat can handle all types of boilers and is very smart. For example, the large screen lights up when you enter the room. Speaking of which: the screen is quite large and illuminated, so you can easily read the temperature.
One drawback is the lack of Apple HomeKit integration. Apple enthusiasts cannot control the smart Google Nest thermostat with their voice. However, it is possible to install the Nest app on your iPhone and iPad and operate the Nest in this way. Also cool: you can control the thermostat via the Google Nest website.
Furthermore, just like with almost all other smart thermostats, it is quite tough to install it. Also make sure that you do not have a hybrid water pump, district heating without a thermostat or a heater on electricity, because the Nest thermostat cannot handle that.
To conclude on a positive note, it is great that you can buy the smart Google Nest thermostat in all kinds of stylish colors, such as copper and black.
View the Google Nest Learning Thermostat V3 at:
- Bol.com – 226 euros
- Coolblue – 229 euros
- Google – 249 euros
- MediaMarkt – 239 euros
2. tado Smart Thermostat V3 +
A big advantage of the tado thermostat is that it has Apple HomeKit. That way you can operate the heat controller via the Home app on your iPhone and iPad. It also listens to Siri, Apple’s smart speech assistant.
In addition, the smart Tado thermostat is suitable for all types of central heating boilers and you can even use it for underfloor heating. Also handy: it knows, for example, when a window is open and automatically adjusts the settings accordingly, so that your energy consumption is as efficient as possible.
The smart Tado thermostat also has disadvantages. Connecting is quite difficult, for example, because you have to reconnect the existing wiring. This is not for everyone.
You also have to pay to unlock all options of the Tado thermostat. A subscription costs 2.99 euros per month, or 24.99 euros per year. Furthermore, using the thermostat can take some getting used to. For example, information only becomes visible when you press the control button, but it is not always easy to find.
View the tado Smart Thermostat V3 + at:
- Bol.com – 176.99 euros
- Coolblue – 199 euros
- MediaMarkt – 178 euros
3. Netatmo Thermostat
An accessible introduction to the world of smart thermostats: that is the Netatmo thermostat in a nutshell. The little device does what it is supposed to do, is reasonably affordable and easy to use.
For example, you can use the Netatmo thermostat in the Home app of your Apple devices thanks to the HomeKit integration. Linking with other smart home systems is also no problem.
A disadvantage of the Netatmo thermostat is the fact that it only fits on an on / off boiler and therefore does not support OpenTherm. Installing can also be quite tough, although you do have a completely wireless thermostat afterwards. It is also a pity that the Netatmo thermostat only works on batteries, so you have to replace it every so often.
View the Netatmo thermostat at:
- Bol.com – 159 euros
- Coolblue – 159 euros
- MediaMarkt – 159 euros
4. Honeywell Lyric T6R
The Honeywell Lyric T6R also supports HomeKit. You can easily set and control the smart thermostat with your Apple devices, or just use your voice to control the temperature.
An additional advantage is that the Honeywell thermostat can handle all central heating boilers, even if you have district heating. In addition, he has self-learning capacity and, after a while, he knows when you (or another family member) are or are not at home. The settings are then automatically adjusted to this.
The clever Honeywell thermostat is not completely flawless. Installing is quite difficult because you have to reconnect the existing wiring. You can ‘solve’ this problem by buying the wireless version, which is slightly more expensive.
It is also a pity that zone control is lacking. As a result, you cannot set how warm it should be there per room. On the other hand, the Honeywell thermostat does have a nice touchscreen for operation.
Are you going to buy a smart thermostat from Vattenfall? Then you will receive the Honeywell Lyric T6. You will receive the thermostat as a welcome gift and if you are already a customer, you can order it at a discount in the Vattenfall webshop.
View the Honeywell Lyric T6R at:
- Bol.com – 154 euros
- Coolblue – 169 euros
- Wehkamp (wireless version) – 229 euros
5. Bosch EasyControl CT200
This smart thermostat from Bosch is not cheap, but stylish it is. You use the thermostat to control the temperature remotely with your phone and thanks to smart functions such as geofencing it is also very energy efficient.
Speaking of which, you can program schedules. That way, the thermostat turns on automatically when you get home, and shuts it off when you go out.
A major drawback for Apple fans is the lack of HomeKit integration. You cannot operate the smart Bosch thermostat via the Home app, but only via the separate app.
It is also unfortunate that you still need an adapter to use this thermostat with an OpenTherm or on / off thermostat. This adapter is available separately. Another drawback is the price tag: the smart Bosch thermostat isn’t cheap.
View the Bosch Easycontrol CT200 at:
- Bol.com – 243 euros
- Coolblue – 249 euros
Monthly theme of May: Living
May is the month of living on iPhone. In addition to comparing smart thermostats, we consider all kinds of ways to make your home just that little bit smarter. For example, earlier we looked at the best smart doorbells without a subscription, compared Apple HomeKit and Google Home and gave advice on the Action doorbell.
Read our monthly theme:
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Compare smart thermostats: Google Nest, Tado, or something else?
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Eufy responds to vulnerability that allowed people to access other cameras
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Advice: Is it useful to buy a smart Action doorbell?
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HomeKit vs Google Home: this is how you choose the best option for your smart home
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Tip: This is how you control every lamp with your iPhone in the Home app