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The 6 Best Nest Alternatives In 2020
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When it comes to Google Nest products, there are two common complaints: They're expensive, and they're not always effortlessly compatible with your other smart devices. If you're looking for the best Nest alternatives, zero in on ones that offer the features people love. When it comes to the Nest Learning Thermostat, that includes auto-scheduling, tracking your energy history, home/away assist, and an automatic backlight. They will also have a lower price point without compromising on customer satisfaction.
When it comes to other Nest products, like the Google Nest Cam and the Nest Hello Video Doorbell, worthy alternatives will offer two-way interaction, free or affordable access to your video footage, clear image quality during the day and night, and a wide compatibility with other smart devices. (Note that so far, there isn't a well-received replacement for the Nest Protect smoke and carbon monoxide detector, but there is a product that optimizes your older devices for smart- ome life — jump to the end of the article to read about it.)
No matter which product you choose, look for options that offers quick and easy setup, and consider if you need a system that syncs with other smart devices in the Nest line to create a smart home experience. Scroll on for the best Nest alternatives on Amazon that will make creating a starter home a snap.
1The Best Smart Security Camera (& It's On Sale)
The Blink smart security camera costs less than $30, but don't be fooled by the savings — it still boasts over 40,000 reviews and is a best-seller. Much like the Google Nest Cam, this one offers 1080p HD video, night vision, two-way audio, and voice control with Google Home and Alexa. Place it on a shelf or easily mount it onto a wall using the included magnetic-adhesive base.
One reviewer wrote: "I love this lil camera!! Easy to install! Only took 5 min and it works great!! Highly recommend this!!"
2The Best Nest Doorbell Alternative (& It's On Sale)
Currently, the Ring video doorbell has over 18,000 reviews and a 4.6-star rating. That's because it comes in under $200 (and right now it's even on 30% off), but it still offers high-def resolution day or night. It also allows you to respond to your visitors in real-time and alerts you only when someone is at your door. Last but not least, it's easy to mount with the included tools and works in any weather.
One reviewer wrote: "Everything is great about the Ring 3, but the Pre-Roll is the best. Never miss a motion trigger as you can see the 4 sec prior in B&W. This frequently catches things you would otherwise miss, including deliveries. Battery life is not impacted as much as I thought it would be. Mine has been up for 2 weeks and still shows 80% battery capacity.."
3The Overall Best Nest Thermostat Alternative
The Honeywell Home smart color thermostat gets the number-one slot because it's highly rated, easy to use, and affordable — plus it has a lot in common with Nest. Program schedules to help save money, receive intelligent alerts, and control the temperature from your phone. The easy-to-customize color screen also allows you to view indoor and outdoor temperatures and humidity levels as well as the weather forecast. Last but not least, it's compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT, and SmartThings. (However, it doesn't have a "learning function," but some reviewers consider that a plus.)
One reviewer wrote: "If I [could] give it 10 stars, I would! This is the third thermostat we have tried. [...] This thermostat has so many settings, is super easy to view, and has tons of other options that the others did not! The app is also very detailed with a lot more options as well."
4The Best Budget Smart Thermostat
Looking to get a smart thermostat for less than $100? The Emerson Sensi fits the bill. Like Nest, it works on Wi-Fi so you can change the temperature from afar and check alerts. It also works with most HVAC systems to help you save energy; plus, it offers geofencing and a seven-day customizable schedule. Pair it up with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, or SmartThings — some reviewers say setup took less than 10 minutes. Like the first one, though, this one doesn't have learning features.
One reviewer wrote: "I have [three] of these in my house and I simply love the value. These thermostats are adequate, no unnecessary bells and whistles driving up the price. The display is effective and it is simple to operate. Pretty much does what it is supposed to do, and does it well."
5A Smart Thermostat That's Worth The Splurge
Since they're around the same price and look pretty similar, ecobee versus Nest is a common debate. Of course, they both help you save on your energy bill and let you control the temperature from your smart devices. That said, ecobee has a few features that Nest doesn't: It has a vivid touch-screen display; it includes a smart occupancy sensor to keep your most-used rooms comfortable; and it has built-in Alexa, so you don't need a secondary smart assistant. You can also install it yourself using a step-by-step guide on the app.
One reviewer wrote: "Ecobee Smart Thermostat has more than replaced Nest Smart Thermostat. [...] The Nest just didn't have the ability to create a virtual zoned system with its attempt at sensors. Also I prefer my Amazon ecosystem over Google's ecosystem because amazing works better with my home automation."
6The Best Tool To Create A Smart Smoke Detector
This Ring listener device will not detect smoke or carbon monoxide — but it will work alongside your current (or new and affordable) detectors to keep you in the know. When your smoke or carbon monoxide alarm goes off, this little gadget will send an alert to your smart phone, so whether you're in another part of the house or away on vacation, you can spring into action. Rather than dropping more than $100 on a single Nest product, this is an easy, affordable way to turn your existing detectors into smart detectors.
One reviewer wrote: "At first I thought this thing had to be a joke. That is until I accidentally set the smoke detectors off and Ring Security Monitoring called me about 20 seconds after it went off. Very impressed with these products and how simple they are to install. I will be buying more products."
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