Hive vs Nest - There's only one winner!

With these thermostats, you can place remote sensors in all of your rooms to control their temperatures. As such, no matter where you go in the house, you’ll always have an optimal temperature.Smart thermostats allow you to control the central heating or cooling in your home with your smartphone or voice commands.

For the longest time, Google’s Nest has been the reigning champion amongst smart thermostats. However, British Gas has recently released Hive Active Heating, which is poised to dominate the market or at least be one hell of a competition to Nest thermostats. In fact, Hive has already established itself as the most popular smart thermostat in the UK with a 52% market share.

Considering how popular both of these thermostats are, people have been asking, “which is best — Hive or Nest thermostat?”

In this article, we compare Hive and Nest thermostats across various verticals like design, installation, features, and others. This comparison will help you decide which is the best smart thermostat for your specific needs.

Check out our final verdict at the end of the article for a quick summary

If you’re reading this article, you’re probably interested in using smart thermostats, so skip this section and move on to the next!

 

But if you’re still not sold on the idea of smart thermostats, the following are some convincing reasons to install a smart thermostat in your home.

• Saving Money: Smart thermostats are incredibly informative, offering detailed monthly or weekly reports of energy usage. You can also create schedules and modes to save money on energy bills by conserving energy. As such, smart thermostats can help you save a lot of money on energy bills.
• Room Sensors: Smart thermostats have sensors that you can install in different parts of your home. These sensors detect your movement and modulate the temperature around your home accordingly, ensuring that you have optimal temperature everywhere you go, while also saving energy bills.
• Learning Capabilities: Modern and advanced smart thermostats can automatically learn your movements and preferences. As such, over time, they can automatically set the perfect temperature at the right time with no intervention.
• Remote Control: You can control smart thermostats using smartphone apps. As such, you can control them even when you’re not home.
• Voice Control: Most smart thermostats are compatible with smart home standards like Alexa and Google Home. As such, you can control them using voice commands via Alexa, Google Assistant, etc.
• Tracking Local Weather: Smart thermostats can also follow the local weather conditions to optimize the indoor temperature accordingly.

	Hive Thermostats	Nest Thermostats
Price at time of review	Hive Active Heating 2 $229.99 / £145.00	Nest Learning Thermostat, 3rd Generation $249.00 / £185.51 Nest Thermostat E $169.00 / £149.00
Design Options	12 Colors	7 Colors
Mounting Options	Wall Mounted/ Stand	Wall Mounted/ Stand
Power Source	AA Batteries	C-Wire, AAA Batteries
Remote Control	✓	✓
Schedules	✓	✓
Algorithmic Learning		✓
Boost	✓
Geofencing/ Geolocation	✓	✓
Multiple Zones/ Remote Sensors	Maximum 3	Maximum 20
Ready By/ True Radiant	✓	✓
Farsight		✓
Sunblock		✓
Eco Mode		✓
Energy Reports		✓
Amazon Alexa	✓	✓
Google Assistant	✓	✓
Microsoft Cortana		✓
Philips Hue	✓
IFTTT	✓	✓
Boiler Compatibility	Gas & LPG/ Oil Boilers/ Electric Boilers	OpenTherm-Enabled Boilers/ Combi Boilers/ System and Heat-Only Boilers/ Air-Source and Ground-Source Heat Pumps/ Biomass Boilers/ District and Collective Heating Systems with Accessible Individual Electric Valve/ Hydronic Underfloor Systems/ Zoned Systems/ High-Voltage Systems/ Volt-Free Systems/ Electric Heating Controlled by Fil Pilote
Support	Phone/ Email	Phone/ Email/ Facebook/ Twitter/ Live Chat
Warranty	1 Year	1-Year/ 2-Years

Overview of Hive and Nest Thermostats

Over the years, both Hive and Nest have produced various thermostats, many of which have gone out of circulation. Before we get started with our comparisons, the following is a brief overview of the Hive and Nest thermostats we’ll use as points of comparison, i.e., the thermostats that are active at the time of writing this article.

Hive Active Heating

See offer on Amazon for: Hive Active Heating

Created by British Gas, Hive was one of the first smart thermostats to launch back in 2013. Hive Active Heating is the latest incarnation of their smart thermostat. It has almost all the features you could expect from a modern thermostat, including remote control, integration with other smart home products, multi-zones, hot water control, and other functions. Hive is known for its simplicity of operation.

Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation

See offer on Amazon for: Nest learning Thermostat 3rd Generation

Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation is currently one of the most advanced smart thermostats on the market. They were the first thermostat to introduce algorithmic learning, which is a unique feature that allows thermostats to learn all of your routines and create auto-schedules for you.

Nest Thermostat E

See offer on Amazon for: Nest Thermostat E

Nest Thermostat E is a cheaper and simpler version of Nest Learning Thermostat. This thermostat has a smaller screen and a limited range of features, though it retains algorithmic learning. Lest Thermostat E is generally suitable for those who want all the essentials of smart thermostats, without the added bells and whistles. 

Nest Thermostat

The latest model in the Nest family, Nest Thermostat aims to go easy on your wallet when purchasing smart devices for your home. For anyone looking for a basic smart thermostat or planning to supplement their home with more of such devices, this might be an ideal choice. In order to cut down on the price, Nest Thermostat doesn’t include many of the features found in its siblings. These include self-learning, remote sensor connectivity, Farsight, and active temperature monitoring.
 

Comparison of Hive and Nest Thermostats

Now that you have a general understanding of the different thermostats we’re comparing in this article; the following is a detailed comparison of their various features.

Hive vs. Nest Design

Hive

Hive Active Heating is made up of the following components — the Hive hub, the receiver, and the thermostat.

The Hive hub connects to your wireless router. The receiver connects to your boiler. And the thermostat can be attached anywhere in your home to control your home’s temperature and hot water.

Out of these components, you only need to place the Hive thermostat in full view. The thermostat itself is a small rectangular white box with a large dial in the center. When you turn the dial, the glass panel lights up with temperature information. The device is attractive, sleek, intuitive, and it doesn’t have a lot of buttons.

The entire thermostat is made of plastic, but it’s still very sturdy. You can drop it repeatedly, and it won’t break.

The thermostat comes with a backplate, with which you can mount it on the wall. It also comes with a frame in 12 different colors, which means you can color-coordinate it with your walls. You can also use the stand to prop it up on a flat surface instead.

All things considered, Hive Active Heating is a pretty user-friendly and attractive thermostat.

Nest

The Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation is made of the following components — the Heat Link and the Nest Learning Thermostat.

The Heat Link is a white glossy box attached to your boiler. It controls your home’s heating and hot water. The design doesn’t matter because it’s installed somewhere out of sight.

The Thermostat itself has to be attached somewhere highly visible, so the design is essential. Luckily enough, Nest Learning Thermostat is undoubtedly one of the most stylish thermostats on the market. It’s available in Black, White, Silver, and Copper, which means you can coordinate it with your wall.

Measuring just 84 x 84 x 32mm, this circular thermostat is attractive and functionally sound. You can rotate the entire metallic body of the thermostat to flip through options. Once you find an option you like, you can tap the screen to select it. You can change the temperature by similarly rotating the metallic outer body of the thermostat. As such, Nest Learning Thermostat is incredibly beautiful and functional.

Nest Thermostat E has been designed for simplicity. As such, it’s only available in one color — White. While this thermostat doesn’t have as many features as the aforementioned Nest Learning Thermostat, it still functions in the same way. You have to twist or rotate the entire outer body to change the temperature or settings.

Finally, the new Nest Thermostat improves on past designs with its super-stylish and minimalist look. Unlike the other two Nest devices, it has a touch-sensitive strip on its side rather than the rotating ring. It allows you to set the desired temperature by sliding a finger up or down or accessing the settings menu with a tap. Nest Thermostat comes in four colors: Sand, Snow, Charcoal, and Fog.

Winner: Nest (see offer on Amazon)

Hive vs. Nest Installation

Hive

Installing Hive Active Heating consists of the following steps:

• Install Hub: You must connect the hub to your broadband router using the network cable, and then connect the hub to the power socket.
• Install Receiver: Installing the receiver requires some minor DIY skills. You need to loosen the screws from the receiver’s underside to remove the backplate. Next, you have to run the cable from your boiler to the backplate. Next, you have to hardwire the wires from your HVAC or boiler to the thermostat’s back plate.
• Add Thermostat: The Hive thermostat runs on four AA batteries with a total battery backup of two years. You simply have to insert four AA batteries, place the thermostat in the desired location, and wait for it to detect the hub and receiver. Once the indicator turns green, you’ll get a ‘Welcome’ sign on the thermostat.
• Connect Online: Finally, you have to register the system either through a web browser or your smartphone app.

You can read a detailed overview of the installation process in the Hive Active Heating Installation Guide.

The following are a few takeaways with this installation style:

• Installing the thermostat itself is fairly easy, as it doesn’t need a c-wire to work since it uses AA batteries.
• However, there’s still need for some electrical hardwiring between the thermostat’s receiver unit and your HVAC or boiler system. If you have decent DIY skills in the installation of electrical devices, you can do this on your own.
• If you’re not comfortable DIY-ing the system, you can also opt for professional monitoring at an additional cost.

Nest

When talking about the installation of Nest thermostats, it’s important to note that models made for the US and European markets are quite different. Although their appearance might be almost identical, depending on which market they’re aimed at, there’s a big difference both in the installation process and how they’re getting their power.

In the US, currently there are three models you can buy – Nest Learning Thermostat, Nest Thermostat E, and the newest model released in 2020 simply named Nest Thermostat. Compared to that, only the first two models are available in Europe, while the new Nest Thermostat is not yet on sale. It still remains to see if Nest will release this model for the European market or not.

US Models

Nest thermostats made for the US market require you to hardwire them to the wall, usually in place where the old thermostat was. If there wasn’t one before, then the wiring from the in-house HVAC system (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) needs to be routed through the walls to the place where you want to install your Nest thermostat.

The process takes several steps:

• First, you have to attach the thermostat’s back plate to the wall. It contains separate wire ports where you connect the HVAC control wires that come out of the wall.
• Next, you place the thermostat unit onto the back plate.
• Now it’s time to turn on the thermostat and connect it to your Wi-Fi.
• As the final step, download the Nest app to your smartphone to be able to control your Nest thermostat.

This way you enable the thermostat to communicate with the HVAC system’s master unit, allowing you to control its functions through the Nest thermostat interface, as well as through the dedicated mobile app.

Since Nest thermostats actively use their temperature and proximity sensors, as well as connect to the Internet over your Wi-Fi, they require a constant source of power. Depending on what kind of wiring you have in your walls, there’s a couple of ways how you can do this.

Using a C-Wire (Recommended)

The easiest way to power a Nest thermostat is with a c-wire (common wire) which easily connects to a dedicated port on the thermostat’s back plate. This way you can deliver constant power to your thermostat, allowing it to work without any interruption.

If your HVAC system doesn’t have a c-wire, you can buy an add-a-wire kit to install a c-wire into your HVAC unit and then route the wire to the place where you’ll mount the thermostat. Of course, if you’re not sure how to do this, you might want to ask a professional to do it for you.

Using the Existing HVAC Wiring (Not Recommended)

Although the process mentioned above is fairly straightforward, the installation may become a bit complicated if there’s no way for you to use a c-wire. If that is the case, it’s possible to use one of the HVAC’s existing wires to deliver power to the thermostat. This method is also known as “power stealing.”

In most cases this can work fine for a while, but it’s not really recommended, since it can cause some damage to the system over time. Should you opt for this workaround or you’re simply not sure whether you have a c-wire or not, it’s probably best to consult a professional to help you with the installation.

Using the USB Port (Not Recommended)

Finally, it’s even possible to use the USB port on the back of Nest Learning Thermostat and Nest Thermostat E to power it. However, this is not intended for use as a constant power source, rather it’s there to let you recharge its internal battery should it drain. The battery serves as a backup in case of a power shortage in your home. It’s able to keep the thermostat going for about two hours.

That being said, if you keep the battery at full charge all the time, it will keep the thermostat running non-stop. Unfortunately, once you hardwire the back plate to the wall and attach the thermostat to it, you can no longer access the USB port on the back of the thermostat.

The only way to obtain constant power over USB on a US model is to tinker with the back plate’s terminals in order to route the USB cable from the wall to the thermostat. This also involves making a hole in the wall to route the other end of the USB cable to its adapter so you can connect it to a standard power outlet.

As you can see, there is a way to constantly power your thermostat over a USB cable, but it’s RISKY and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO AVOID.

Regarding the newest model, Nest Thermostat, it doesn’t have a USB port at all nor does it connect to a c-wire for power. Its only power source are two AAA batteries which you replace once they get low on power.

European Models

When it comes to installation, European models are quite different than their US counterparts. First of all, European models can’t control a full HVAC system. Instead, they can only control heating (water boilers) and domestic hot water. In this case, a Nest thermostat unit doesn’t have to be hardwired. What’s more, it can’t be, since the thermostat itself doesn’t connect to the boiler at all.

Instead, there’s a separate Nest Heat Link unit which ships in the box along with a Nest thermostat. To install the Heat Link, it’s necessary to hardwire it to the boiler. Once that’s done, the Heat Link connects wirelessly to your Nest thermostat, allowing you to remotely control the temperature as you like.

For the European models, the only way to power a Nest thermostat is exclusively over a USB cable. To prevent the thermostat from dangling around the house on a USB cable, Nest offers their Nest Stand as a separate product. This is a neat way to keep the thermostat on a shelf or desktop while keeping it powered over the stand’s USB cable. Please note that Nest Stand isn’t available for the US market at all.

You can read a detailed overview of the installation process in the Nest Learning Thermostat Installation Guide.

The following are a few takeaways with this installation style:

• US models aren’t portable since they need to be hardwired and rely on a c-wire for power. For European models, the thermostat itself is portable as it uses a regular USB cable as a power source. Naturally, its Heat Sink unit still needs hardwiring to the boiler it will control.
• If you don’t have a c-wire in your HVAC unit, as is the case for older HVAC units, you’ll need to purchase an additional add-a-wire kit. This applies only to the US versions of Nest Learning Thermostat and Nest Thermostat E only.
• Although it’s possible to install a Nest thermostat on your own, the hardwiring part might get a bit more complicated than you’d expect. If so, you might be better off getting a professional to help you with the installation. You should ideally look for a Nest Pro near your location.

Winner: Hive (see offer on Amazon)

Hive vs. Nest Features

Remote Control

You can control the thermostat using your smartphone app or web browser. As such, you can control the thermostat even when you’re not home.

Schedules

You can create up to 6-time slots to schedule heating and hot water. You can customize the slots to last for any amount of time and at any temperature.

For example, you can set the temperature to 23° for 10:30 to 11:30, 18° for 14:00 to 14:30, and 24° for 18:00 to 22:00. You can also set these schedules for different days of the week.

Boost

The Boost feature allows you to trigger enhanced heating for your home for a specific period. If you tap the ‘Boost’ feature once, the thermostat will heat your home for 1 hour. If you tap it again, the thermostat will heat it for longer, up to 6 hours. If you turn the dial, you can change the boost temperature.

Ready By

With this feature, you can program the temperature you want your home to be at a specific time.

For example, let’s say you want your home to be 21°C when you get back home from work at 18:00. In that case, the thermostat will start some time before you get back home so that it reaches 21°C by 18:00.

Geofencing

The thermostat tracks your movements and knows when you leave or return home. If you leave home but keep the heating turned on, it will send you a reminder to turn it off, thus conserving energy.

Geolocation can also be used to heat your home before you get back from work. For example, you can program it to reach 21°C by the time you get back home. As such, the thermostat will track your movement and start working when you’re close, ensuring you walk into a toasty home. You just have to define a trigger area, be it one mile, two miles, etc.

You can also install the Hive app on the phones of every other member of the family. As such, the thermostat will also capture their geolocations and work accordingly. Even if you have to go to work, the thermostat will continue working for those who are still at home, as long as they have the app on their phone.

Holiday Mode

With this feature, you can tell your thermostat when you go on holiday. The thermostat will maintain a set temperature to prevent your pipes from freezing. When you return, it will greet you with your desired temperature.

Hive Multizone

In theory, this is a feature with which you can install up to two additional thermostats in different parts of your home, which will let you set different temperatures in those zones. You can set up a maximum of three temperature zones in your home.

However, this feature doesn’t work for everyone. To create different temperature zones in your home, you need to have ‘zone valves’ in your boiler and plumbing or pay to have them installed. Hive doesn’t control individual radiators either.

As such, you can only avail of the multizone feature if your home’s current setup permits it.

Nest

Remote Control

You can control Nest thermostats using your smartphone app. As such, you can even control the thermostat when you’re not home or halfway across the world.

Algorithmic Learning

This is the most advanced scheduling feature available. Nest Learning Thermostat and Nest Thermostat E can monitor your activities and temperature preferences for two weeks to “learn” them.

You have to simply go about your day, changing or modifying the temperature according to your preference. After two weeks, the Nest thermostat will use all of your previous data to create a schedule that perfectly fits your needs.

The thermostats will continue learning your schedule, continually updating it to ensure it meets your exact requirements. Over time, you won’t even have to program the thermostat or control it anymore because it will be perfectly optimized to your needs.

If you have an extremely erratic schedule and you don’t like it, you can also turn it off.

Unfortunately, the new Nest Thermostat doesn’t have the smart learning feature, but it does have a pretty convenient schedule setup. You can customize when to apply heating or cooling depending on your needs.

Traditional Schedules

You can also establish regular schedules according to days, times, and temperatures.

Within the app, you can select the day and set the temperature points by sliding a cursor up or down. You can set various temperature change points throughout the day.

True Radiant

This feature allows Nest to learn how long it will take for your home to reach a specific temperature.

As such, Nest will turn the heating on before the established time, thus ensuring that your home reaches the desired temperature at the right time. Furthermore, it will also turn the heat off to maintain optimal temperature and prevent overheating.

Remote Sensors

You can install remote sensors in different parts of your home. These sensors will capture temperature data from different parts of your home and send them back to the thermostat. As such, they can optimize the temperature in different rooms according to your preferences. You can install up to 20 different heating zones.

However, the remote sensors don’t capture motion or occupancy details, which means they’ll continue cooling or heating a room even if there’s no one there.

Geofencing

Nest has advanced geofencing that you can set up for multiple accounts of phones.

In most thermostats, you can set up geolocation for only one phone. Nest rightfully understands that that’s like not having geolocation at all because it only works for a single-person household.

In traditional geolocations, the thermostat depends on the geographical location of your phone. If you leave the designated zone, they will consider the premises vacated, even if there are other people in your home. Similarly, the thermostat won’t operate when other members of the family come back home.

Nest thermostats are a lot more intelligent.

First, Nest allows you to set geolocation for several accounts and phones. As such, Nest will turn the thermostats on if any of the designated family members come back home.

Nest will also gather information from other Nest-associated devices like Nest Protect. As such, even if you leave, Nest will determine if anyone else is home using motion detection. If someone is still home, it won’t go into ‘Away’ mode. If no one is home, it will go into ‘Away’ mode.

Eco Mode

Once Nest detects that all the family members have left, using geolocation and motion sensors, it will trigger Eco Mode.

When that happens, Nest will focus on energy conservation, turning the temperature down as much as possible without letting your pipes freeze. If it detects that a guest is still home, it won’t go into Eco Mode.

Sunblock

Nest has a light sensor that allows it to detect the presence of the sun. It modifies the temperature based on that information, ensuring your home isn’t too cold or warm.

Farsight

Nest uses motion sensors to detect your presence. If you come anywhere near the thermostat, the display automatically comes on so you can read the thermostat from across the room. This feature is only available in Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation.

Winner: Nest (see offer on Amazon)

 

Hive vs. Nest Home Automation

Hive Active Heating is compatible with the following platforms:

• Amazon Alexa
• Google Assistant
• Philips Hue
• IFTTT
• Hive Actions

If you have Google Home, Amazon Echo Dot, or other such smart hubs, you can control your Hive smart thermostat using voice commands.

You can also use Alexa’s features and IFTTT applets to perform a wide range of unique and useful automations. You can use these platforms to make different apps and devices in your home interact with each other based on specific prompts.

If you don’t have an Alexa or Google Assistant device, you can also create unique automations with other Hive devices using Hive Actions. Hive’s options and automations capabilities aren’t nearly as exhaustive as those offered by IFTTT or Alexa, but they’re available if you need them.

Nest

Nest thermostats are compatible with the following platforms:

• Amazon Alexa
• Google Assistant
• Microsoft Cortana
• IFTTT

Google Assistant and Alexa allow you to control the Nest thermostats using voice commands.

Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT allow you to set a wide range of automation features and programs. You can make all of your smart home devices interact with each other to make life a lot easier.

Winner: Tie (see offer on Amazon for Hive / Nest)

Hive vs. Nest Boiler Compatibility

Hive Active Heating is compatible with the following types of boilers:

• Gas & LPG
• Oil Boilers
• Electric Boilers
• Combi Boilers

You can check your system’s compatibility here.

Nest

Nest thermostats are compatible with the following types of boilers:

• OpenTherm-Enabled Boilers
• Combi Boilers
• System and Heat-Only Boilers
• Air-Source and Ground-Source Heat Pumps
• Biomass Boilers
• District and Collective Heating Systems with Accessible Individual Electric Valve
• Hydronic Underfloor Systems
• Zoned Systems
• High-Voltage Systems
• Volt-Free Systems
• Electric Heating Controlled by Fil Pilote

You can check your system’s compatibility here.

Winner: Tie (see offer on Amazon for Hive / Nest)

 

Hive vs. Nest Energy Savings

Hive

Hive doesn’t offer a whole lot of energy-saving features, nor are there a lot of reports available online.

Hive Active Heating does have geolocation, which detects when you’re not home, thus reminding you to turn the heating off. As such, you can save money by not heating an empty home.

Hive also offers a Savings Calculator if you want to figure out how much you could potentially save.

Nest

Nest offers a wide range of features with which you can optimize your energy consumption and save energy:

• Energy Reports: Nest collects all of your usage results, analyzes them, and sends monthly reports on the app and over email. In the summary, you get a detailed overview of your energy consumption, comparisons with past months, and comparisons with other Nest users in the area.
• Eco Mode: Nest thermostats automatically go into ‘Eco Mode’ to conserve energy when their geolocation and motion sensors detect that no one is home.
• Green Leaf: Nest thermostats study your energy consumption patterns and requirements. Based on that analysis, they reward you with a Green Leaf symbol every time you set a temperature that’s more efficient than before. Instead of analyzing complex charts and graphs, you can simply chase after the green leaf to continually improve your energy consumption.

In addition to these features, Nest has also conducted studies and compiled a whitepaper to prove their claims — their thermostat saves energy. You can read their findings in the Energy Savings White Paper.

Winner: Nest (see offer on Amazon)

 

Hive vs. Nest App

Hive

The Hive Smart Home app is beautifully designed. It’s a single centralized platform from which you can control all of your Hive devices, including the Hive Active Heating thermostat. You can also use Hive Actions to make different Hive devices interact with each other.

Hive Smart Home allows you to control every Hive Active Heating feature possible. It also has a really clean and user-friendly interface, despite supporting a wide range of features and devices.

Requirements:

• iOS 10.0+
• Android 5.0+

Ratings:

• iOS App Rating: 4.6/5
• Android App Rating: 4.4/5

Download:

The Hive Smart Home app is available on the App Store and Google Play Store.

Nest

The Nest app looks a lot like the thermostat itself. It includes all of the features available in the thermostat, but it’s not quite as intuitive as one may hope. Furthermore, there have been complaints that the app often glitches, or that it may turn off without saving your changes.

Requirements:

• iOS 10.0+
• Android 5.0+

Ratings:

• iOS App Rating: 4.7/5
• Android App Rating: 4.2/5

Download:

The Nest app is available on the App Store and Google Play Store.

Winner: Hive (see offer on Amazon)

 

Hive vs. Nest Ease of Use

Hive

Hive has a user-friendly device and smartphone app. It has all of the basic features you need from smart thermostats, and you can use them without issues. The thermostat is simple enough that anyone can use it without confusion.

It’s easy to set schedules in a Hive thermostat. However, the scheduling isn’t as smart as Nest thermostats, so you’ll have to set schedules regularly. Furthermore, while setting up to six different time slots is easy, it’s also time-consuming.

Perhaps the greatest advantage of using a Hive thermostat is the simplicity of installation and portability. Since the thermostat runs on batteries, you don’t have to hardwire it, and you can place it anywhere at all.

Nest

Nest has one of the most user-friendly devices possible. The Farsight feature allows you to read the thermostat from a distance. The entire body acts like a dial for you to browse through the options or change the temperature.

Furthermore, with Algorithmic Learning, you won’t even have to operate the thermostat soon. After a while, once the thermostat has learned your schedule completely, it will automatically adjust the temperature according to your preference, and you can forget it even exists.

The only time Nest will pose some difficulty is during the installation, especially if you don’t have a c-wire in your HVAC system. However, once you get through that, using it will be a breeze. To make things easier, you can add a Nest Stand to power your thermostat over a USB cable.

Winner: Tie (see offer on Amazon for Hive / Nest)

 

Hive vs. Nest Support

Hive

Hive offers the following options for support:

• Phone: (866) 470-9133
• Email: [email protected]
• Hive Support: This is a thorough registry of FAQs, general help, and product guides.

Nest

Nest offers the following options for support:

• Phone: 855-469-6378
• Email: [email protected]
• Social Media: You can also contact Nest through social media platforms Facebook and Twitter.
• Online Chat: You can chat with a representative in real-time.
• Google Nest Help: Registry of troubleshooting problems, FAQs, and manuals.
• Nest Community: You can join the Nest community to talk through issues with other Nest users.

Winner: Nest (see offer on Amazon)

 

Hive vs. Nest Warranty

Hive

Hive products come with a 1-year warranty.

You can, however, extend the warranty indefinitely by subscribing to a Hive Live membership.

Nest

Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation comes with a 2-years warranty. Nest Thermostat E and Nest Thermostat come with a 1-year warranty.

You can, however, get an extension on your warranty if you work with a Nest Pro for installation, i.e., if you opt for Nest’s professional installation services.

With Nest Pro installation, Nest Learning Thermostat has a 5-years warranty, and Nest Thermostat E and Nest Thermostat a 3-years warranty.

Winner: Nest (see offer on Amazon)

 

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Verdict: Hive or Nest?

When it comes to delivering a final verdict, we usually say that you should select the device that’s most suitable for your specific needs. In most cases, both devices being compared offer their unique advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice is one that fulfills your specific needs. However, when it comes to the Hive or Nest thermostats, we firmly stand by Google’s Nest Thermostats. Hive Active Heating is undoubtedly a worthy and powerful smart thermostat. It has also made headways into the market because of its simplicity of use and installation, amongst other factors. But Nest thermostats are superior in most ways. They have far more advanced features, they look a lot more attractive, have advanced energy-saving features, and even have far more extensive warranties and customer support. Furthermore, Nest thermostats are readily available around the world, whereas Hive is currently more centered on the UK market. Hive does have its advantages as well. It has some great features, a straightforward and user-friendly app, and it also looks pretty sleek. However, the only aspect in which it trumps over Nest is that it’s battery-powered and portable without any additional equipment, making it a lot more convenient for some people. Of course, you can make your Nest portable as well, but you’ll have to pay extra for an optional accessory. All things considered, we don’t think that’s enough for Hive to beat Nest thermostats. Make your own decision and purchase the smart thermostat that meets your specific needs. But when it comes to our verdict, we say Nest thermostats are better.  See offer on Amazon for: Hive Active Heating See offer on Amazon for: Nest learning Thermostat 3rd Generation See offer on Amazon for: Nest Thermostat E See offer on Amazon for: Nest Thermostat

WINNER (OVERALL): NEST!

 

Read also:  Ecobee vs Nest Thermostats Best Smart Thermostats - A Comprehensive Comparison

 

FAQs about Hive and Nest Thermostats

Where is the best place to put my Hive thermostat?

Hive thermostat should ideally be positioned at least 1.5 meters from the floor, along an internal wall. It should be kept away from sources of heat that could affect the reading or operation, such as radiators or direct sunlight.

The thermostat will also need a free flow of air to make accurate readings, so curtains and other obstructions should not cover the room. It should also be installed in a separate room from a radiator controlled by a thermostatic radiator valve. If you install the two of them in the same room, your central heating may always be on.

Is there a monthly charge for Hive? Is there a monthly fee for Nest thermostat?

There is no monthly charge for Hive. However, if you get a Hive Live membership, you’ll have to pay £2.99 per month for discounts on all Hive products, ongoing warranty on your products, and SMS alerts.

There is no monthly fee to use Nest thermostats and enjoy all of their features.

Can you use Hive without hub?

No, you cannot use Hive without the hub. The Hive Hub connects your Hive products to the WiFi, giving you access to remote control features.

Can Hive work on two phones?

Yes, Hive works with multiple phones. You can install the Hive app on multiple phones and use all of them to control Hive thermostats.

Can you install Nest yourself? Do I need to turn off power to install Nest?

You can install Nest yourself if you’re an experienced DIYer and are comfortable with electrical appliances. You’ll need to connect the Heat Link to the boiler and the Nest thermostat to your electrical circuit. If you’re not comfortable doing that yourself, you can also avail of Nest Pro installation.

Yes, you should always turn off the power when you connect or disconnect any of the wires from your Nest thermostat or Heat Link.

Is Nest thermostat battery-powered?

Technically, Nest Learning Thermostat and Nest Thermostat E do contain a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that connects your thermostat to the Wi-Fi. However, the battery isn’t very functional and drains within one or two hours. As such, the rechargeable battery only provides power during outages, and it can’t be used for normal functioning.

For regular use, Nest Learning Thermostat and Nest Thermostat E aren’t battery-powered. You have to hardwire them to your electrical circuit using your HVAC’s c-wire. If your HVAC doesn’t have a c-wire, you’ll need to purchase an add-a-wire kit to install a c-wire or buy the Nest Stand and you can power it with a USB cable

However, the newest addition to the family, Nest Thermostat, operates on two AAA batteries, making it super-convenient to power up.

Does Hive replace existing thermostat?

Yes, Hive replaces your existing thermostat.

Does Hive thermostat have to be wall-mounted?

No, the Hive thermostat doesn’t have to be wall-mounted. It’s a battery-powered and portable wireless thermostat, which means you can keep it anywhere in your home. You can also place it on a stand on a table or prop it up against a wall.

How many Nest thermostats do I need?

You can install a maximum of 20 Nest thermostats in each home. However, the number of Nest thermostats you need depends entirely on the size of your home, the number of members in your household, the number of rooms in your home, and your specific needs.

Does Nest thermostat have to be hardwired?

If you don’t want to pay extra, Nest Learning Thermostat and Nest Thermostat E must be hardwired to your heating and cooling system’s electrical circuit, generally through a c-wire. But, if you buy a separate Nest Stand, you’ll be able to power it with a USB cable.

How long does it take for a Nest thermostat to charge? How long does Nest thermostat battery last without power?

If it’s fully drained, your Nest thermostat may take up to 2 hours to recharge completely. The battery on Nest Learning Thermostat or Nest Thermostat E only lasts for a maximum of 2 hours between charges. The new Nest Thermostat doesn’t have this issue since it uses AAA batteries for power supply.

Can you run a Nest thermostat without WiFi?

Yes, you can run a Nest thermostat without WiFi. You’ll still be able to use the thermostat as a traditional thermostat, i.e., operating it from the main device itself. However, you’ll only have access to a limited scope of features. You won’t have access to remote control, and you won’t be able to integrate it with other devices.

Can I take Hive with me when I move house?

If you’re moving house, you need to leave your Hive Active Heating kit (receiver and thermostat) at your old home because it’s a part of your old home’s central heating. However, you can take your Hive Hub and other Hive products to your new home.

How do I connect Hive thermostat to hub?

Connect your Hive hub to a power source and the broadband router using the network cable. Wait for the middle light to turn Amber and Green. Once that happens, you can connect your thermostat to your hub.

What happens to Hive when Internet goes down?

When the internet goes down, your Hive thermostat will continue functioning like a regular thermostat. However, you won’t be able to control it from the smartphone app or access Hive Actions.

Does Hive work with a combi boiler?

Yes, Hive is compatible with a combi boiler.

Does Hive need an Internet connection?

Hive can function as a traditional thermostat even without an internet connection. However, you need an internet connection to access the full suite of features, including voice control, smartphone control, and Hive Actions.

Can I use Hive with any provider?

Yes, you can use all Hive products with any energy or network provider.