Best Smart Thermostats Without ‘C’ Wire in 2024

Disclaimer

Our reviews are long and detailed. We aim to equip readers with the best possible insight in order help them make informed decisions.

Are you looking for the best smart thermostat without a c wire?

If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will provide our top picks for the best smart thermostats without C wire on the market.

Whether you’re replacing an old unit or wiring your first thermostat, we’ve got all the information you need to make sure you get the best product possible.

Let’s dive in!

Having to install a smart thermostat with a C wire is a hassle of its own.

Say goodbye to complicated installation instructions because these smart thermostats are designed to work without a C wire in most homes, making installation quick and simple.

First, let’s talk about what a C wire is and why it could be important for your thermostat.

C wire provides continuous low-voltage power (24V) to your thermostat.

Without this extra power source, some thermostats won’t work properly and can have limited features or be unreliable.

Now that you understand the importance of a C wire, let’s look at our top picks for best thermostats without a C wire.

To save you time, money and hassle, our team of smart home tech enthusiasts spent months rigorously testing over 10 smart thermostats without C wire out there so you can choose the one that fits your requirements perfectly.

Too busy for the full read?

Here’s the best smart thermostat without C wire in 2023

#1 Best Selling Smart Thermostat Without ‘C’ Wire – Google Nest 3rd Generation

Google Nest Learning 3rd Generation → This is the best nest thermostat without c wire that packs a great punch when it comes to saving energy, user-friendliness as well as the sleek and aesthetic look that would compliment the ambiance of any home.

The Google Nest Learning smart thermostat offers an elegant climate-controlled environment along with an intuitive display with clear temperature readings without any clutter on the screen.

For exceptional performance and accuracy, the thermostat uses the help of smart room sensors that are placed in rooms where you spend the most time and enjoy the unmatched comfort while also cutting down the zeros in your energy bills.

Our top choice is the Google Nest Learning 3rd Generation thermostat because it has all the bells and whistles most home / business owners are looking for, that certainly meets the need of a smart thermostat without C wire which makes the process of installing the thermostat even more hassle free.

The ability to make adjustments to the fan speed, cooling/heating mode, humidity level, Away mode, scheduling, history, etc., all from the convenience of your smartphone is a huge time saver.

Moreover, Nest will remind you when you should change your air filters on your furnace because it can base it upon how many times it turns on and off.

After 3 whole months of extensive trials, we experienced a decrease in energy consumption unlike any other smart thermostat out there.

The consumption reduced from 2184 kWh to 1834 kWh. It is also worth noting that the house had 3 HVAC systems regulating the heat throughout.

You will have a unique experience with the smooth and buttery navigation with the stainless steel dial on the unit that you rotate left or right to control and program the thermostat, while gently pressing on display to select the options.

Are you tired of guests / children / ghosts / co-workers tampering with the settings of your thermostat?

Not to worry, with the Nest 3rd Generation you can now lock the thermostat on your preferred schedule for optimal performance throughout and prevent others from messing with your precious energy saving device.

Nest offers a unique ‘Away mode’ feature that uses a smart learning algorithm to learn your habits; your desired temperature settings and what time you leave and return to your house using the geofence technology for optimal temperatures and save more energy.

Try our #1 recommended smart thermostat without C Wire today!

We have covered the in-depth review of our top picks below, including the Google Nest Learning 3rd Generation.

To discover more interesting facts about your next smart home purchase, continue reading. We have done the homework for you!

Short on time? Here are the Top 3 Best Smart Thermostats Without C Wire in 2023

1. Google Nest 3rd Generation nest thermostat without c wire

The best nest thermostat without C wire is a breeze to install and program a nest thermostat backed by a beginner-friendly user interface.Installing the Nest is a seamless process and can be done by anyone with a basic knowledge of thermostat wiring. 

Or through YouTube if you’re a complete novice.

Offers peak convenience by allowing you to change temperatures through voice commands using Alexa with zero connectivity issues.

By using the smart room sensors, Nest can enhance your experience by increased comfort, efficiency and energy saving which makes the thermostat pay for itself.

On top of that, you get a $100 energy rebate. (Refer to your local energy company) 

Compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

Program / control with ease using your smartphone no matter where you are in the world.

2. Ecobee 3 Litebest smart thermostat without c wire

The most functional smart thermostat without C wire that does more than just look pretty.Allows you to have full control over your HVAC system.

You do not have to worry about integrating this device with your Google Home products as this is done automatically.

Built-in Alexa for voice commands.

Clutter free display that only shows what’s necessary; such as, current temperature, humidity levels, weather forecast, menu, settings, etc.

Installation is a breeze and if you don’t know jack about electronics, the support team got you covered. 

Works like a charm with the Ecobee room temperature sensors.

If your house has a bunch of rooms, temperature could vary greatly. But with the Ecobee sensors? Not a chance!

Works seamlessly with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and serves as an ideal Apple Homekit thermostat.

In the absence of a C wire it is recommended to reliably power the thermostat with a power extender kit (PEK)

3. Emerson Sensi ST55best wifi thermostat without c wire

The third best smart thermostat without C wire that saves up to 23% of energy costs and is also ENERGY STAR certified.Easy and seamless installation process for novice folks.

Integrating Alexa for voice commands is a breeze. 

The application is very intuitive, all instructions related to your thermostat are present in the app.

Has physical push buttons unlike other seemingly complicated smart thermostats. This one very simple and easy to use and program.

And for that reason it’s also a quite suitable thermostat for seniors and visually impaired.

Has the geofencing feature that allows the thermostat to work efficiently when you are present in / away from your home.

Offers clear and big temperature readings with a clutter free display which can be worthwhile for seniors.

A smart maintenance feature notifies you when it’s time to replace the air filters and provides detailed usage reports.

Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings and more!

Sensis’ Privacy protection policy promises to not sell or share any personal information with third parties.

Top 5 Best Smart Thermostats Without C wire 2023 – Detailed Analysis

We’ll tell you everything you need to know about the most popular smart thermostat without C wire that are easy to use and install, cut down the zeros in your energy bills and are the best value for money!

1. Google Nest 3rd Generation – Best Overall

best thermostat without c wire

Key Takeaways: The best nest thermostat without C wire in our opinion. We chose the Nest primarily due to its energy efficient performance, reliability, ease of usage, programming and installation, with a sleek and futuristic look that compliments your smart home.

The ‘Auto Schedule’ feature uses a smart learning algorithm that adopts your habits over time and knows what temperatures you prefer on specific times throughout the day.

Nest offers an Away feature that regulates the temperatures of your house after you leave without you having to worry about your HVAC running at odd times resulting in waste of energy.

A cherry on top would be the freedom to control and monitor your thermostat’s behavior remotely through the Nest app.

Specifications

Think it’s impossible to find a thermostat that does the work for you?

Meet Google Nest 3rd Generation! The best nest thermostat without C wire that learns from you and programs itself with ‘Auto-Schedule’, so no more fussing over programming.

  • Features

Plus, Home/Away Assist will adjust the temperature after you leave! And with Remote Control through a compatible app, you can control your thermostat anywhere.

We advise you to read through the Nest instructions to determine what, depending on where you live, works and what doesn’t.

First, take your time with the thermostat, navigate settings by rotating the dial, and play around to familiarize yourself.

Set the desired temperature and leave the rest to ‘Auto Schedule’.

Secondly, you will not find any apparent buttons on the thermostat because the unit itself is the button.

You rotate the dial to select and navigate through the settings or temperatures and gently press on the bezel of the thermostat to run the option.

Save more by tracking energy usage and receiving Leaf alerts for energy-saving temperature settings in Energy History.

Note: With their online Compatibility Checker on the Support Page, you can check if this device is compatible with your system before purchasing it.

Save time without sacrificing comfort or convenience – all while staying eco-friendly with this revolutionary product that can do it all!

Here are a couple reasons why the Nest is the most efficient with its smart room sensors and why most of you might need them:

  • For rooms with temperature issues, sensors help Nest detect and regulate instantly for comfort.
  • Depending on which room/rooms you spend the most time in, you can use your smartphone/table/iPad to let the thermostat know which zone you are in and it would quickly regulate the temperatures of the room/rooms to your likings.

The Nest thermostat senses presence via your smartphone app, turning off when you leave home.

Minimum and maximum temperatures can be adjusted to ensure your chihuahua stays warm while you’re away, leading to cost savings.

Reasons to Buy

  • Nest products are compatible with the If This Then That app, allowing you to automate and improve your experience.

IFTTT automates actions like turning on lights when motion is detected, functioning as a home security system with notifications.

  • Compared to its competitors, its a breeze to install a nest thermostat and only requires an approximate of 10 – 15 mins to remove the old unit and replace it with the Nest.
  • Nest walks you through the installation process on their website which also helps you figure out whether or not your existing wiring is compatible with the newer thermostats.
  • Guaranteed long-term savings. After 1 month, Nest saved us $50 on electricity and cut gas expenses by $1600 every 6 months.
  • Nest’s motion sensor triggers ‘Far sight’ within 10 feet, illuminating the display to show current temperature.
  • The best thing is controlling Nest via smartphone: fan, modes, humidity, Away/Home, schedule, usage history, etc.
  • Smart maintenance feature alerts filter replacement time and offers detailed usage reports for enhanced monitoring and upkeep.
  • No clutter on display; big, bright temperature readings visible from a distance, ensuring easy viewing without overwhelming options.
  • Integrating Wi-Fi, Amazon Alexa, Google home or Apple HomeKit is painless process throughout.
  • The ‘Sunblock’ feature, indicated by a sun icon, uses UV ray detectors to prevent unnecessary AC usage in sunlight.

Recommended to activate if thermostat near window or direct sunlight to prevent energy waste.

  • With Nest, control and manage your thermostat effortlessly, maintaining your desired temperatures without any struggle.
  • Nest sets temperature thresholds, a standout feature raising the bar for competitors.

This is helpful specially if where you live has varying temperatures throughout the day or when its spring season.

Set the threshold: AC in the afternoon, heat by midnight, maximizing energy savings while ensuring comfort.

Reasons to Avoid

  • Temperature set-point: large 2-inch font in center. Actual room temp: smaller font on outer ring.
  • Although the C wire is not needed for Nest. However, in some rare cases you might need a C wire or else it would steal power from either the furnace or the AC unit. Personally, we did not come across any such setbacks.

But for that reason it’s recommended that one should know how to add a common wire to thermostat.

  • You must have Wi-Fi connectivity to have it running out of the box. So you won’t be able to get your house temperature under control without Wi-Fi.
  • Thermostat enters Away mode if not passed by a few times to recognize everyone’s absence, even with people at home. Hence, it is best to disable Eco mode when you’re home to avoid the hassle.
  • Alexa can’t switch modes; use Nest app or thermostat to change from “Eco” to “Home”.
  • Wiring the Nest is pretty easy but making the wires stay in place could be a problem if you’re a DIYer. It is recommended to call for a technician if you don’t feel confident wiring your thermostat.

That’s all there is to the Google Nest thermostat without C wire. Hands down, one of our most used smart appliances in both MetaDomotics’ studio and our homes.

You simply need to do some initial research and, if necessary, call for help.

2. Ecobee 3 Lite – Best Runner Up Thermostat Without C Wire

best wifi thermostat without c wire

Key Takeaways: The perfect Wi-Fi thermostat without C wire for anyone looking to get started with the smart home solutions. It has all the bells and whistles you would ever need or look for in a smart thermostat.

If you face any adversities with the Google Nest Gen 3 thermostat…

Rely on Ecobee 3 lite for ultimate comfort and reliability, making it the best alternative to Nest thermostats.

The Ecobee is auto-recognized by Google Home products. Integrates easily with your Google Home environment and is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, IFTTT, Samsung SmartThings, etc.

Specifications

Ecobee3 Lite is the perfect device for any home.

  • Features

It’s ENERGY STAR certified with an included smart sensor (worth $50) that adjusts the temperature in the rooms that matter most so you don’t have any hot or cold spots.

You can even control it from anywhere with your smartphone. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with your preferred smart home system – all at an unbeatable price.

With Ecobee3 Lite, you can look forward to saving up to 26% per year on heating and cooling costs while enjoying total comfort, convenience and added control – no more worrying about running up expensive energy bills!

With Siri and Alexa Built-in (requires Apple HomePod mini), enjoy calls, music, and added control without leaving the couch.

  • Compatibility

Gas, Oil, Electric, Dual Fuel heaters, great conventional 2H/2C thermostat heat pumps 4H/2C Humidifiers Dehumidifiers Ventilators HRV/ERV systems – everything you need all in one place!

The Ecobee comes with built-in geofencing which makes use of the location from your smartphone to determine whether you’re home or not.

The feature also enables you to set a perimeter outside of which the mobile app will detect and signal the Ecobee that you have left the premises.

It is worth noting that the Ecobee Lite 3 is limited to the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi frequency band.

The part of the setup where the Ecobee attempts to set the Wi-Fi profile on the thermostat using the Wi-Fi profile from your smartphone may not work properly if your phone is connected via 5GHz.

A quick loophole for this would be to bypass this process and manually connecting the Ecobee.

During setup, you’ll be prompted to select your preferred network name (SSID) and enter the password.

Without a C wire, it is recommended to use a Power Extender Kit to reliably power the thermostat.

Reasons to Buy

  • For people who live in a hot/dry climate with over the top electricity bills, while your AC is also not cooling like it should be then it’s all because you don’t have an Ecobee to handle the situation.

With Ecobee you are guaranteed to cut down the zeros in your energy bills while improving comfort levels like never before.

  • Plus with increased humidity levels you should have a dehumidifier in your cart by now if you don’t already have it. But wait, what if I tell you Ecobee has your back here as well!

Using a feature called “Overcool”, the user can specify the ideal target humidity levels and temperature threshold below which they can allow the AC to operate.

  • It keeps you on board with all the energy consumption statistics on their website for you to analyze so you actually know what’s going on.
  • The thermostat can not only detect which room you are in but can also tell if you left the house and automatically goes into the Away mode.

This maintains set temperatures when you’re away, saving on energy costs by returning to Home mode when you’re back.

  • The room sensors are the real winner with the Ecobee. Get yourself a pair and your house will feel different in the best way possible.
  • You can set up multiple comfort settings (like sleep, home, away) and schedule when each runs, specifying active room sensors.
  • It’s an overall breeze to set up the thermostat via the app or manually, to program and to install the thermostat because the thermostat gives clear instructions in all aspects.
  • The best feature is that if Wi-Fi is lost, the unit continues to control your HVAC system locally.
  • This newer Ecobee thermostat is significantly much more responsive than the previous model.

Reasons to Avoid

  • You might order multiple sensors with the thermostat, but some may be faulty, draining batteries quickly. Product support ensures hassle-free replacements.
  • You could face Wi-Fi connectivity issues due to some units having bugs that are not taken care of by the product support.
  • The customer support may come out to be poor at times but it all comes down to your luck in this regard because you do find good customer support as well.
  • You can’t sync personal weather stations with the thermostat, relying on Ecobee’s AI for potentially inaccurate outdoor temperature readings.
  • If you lose your Wi-Fi connection for some reason, you would have to manually connect it back to the Wi-Fi through its physical panel instead of automatically trying to reconnect to the internet.

Overall, if you are a seasoned home technology person, or if you are looking to add some smart home features this Ecobee 3 lite is a great buy.

Automating your HVAC is the easiest way to save on energy costs and Ecobee 3 Lite does a great job of introducing you to the smart home technology.

3. Emerson Sensi ST55 – Best Wifi Thermostat Without C Wire

smart thermostat without c wire

The Emerson Sensi ST55 is one of our favorites. It’s a simple yet smart like the rest of the thermostats without any complexities.

If you’re someone who’s looking to make their lives easier with a simple and easy to use smart thermostat without C wire that has all the perks of a flashy thermostat that too at an unbeatable price, then the Sensi ST55 is for you.

Specifications

Disclaimer: Do Not let the instructions in the box confirm your fears of needing a C wire to for the thermostat to work. Simply ignore them and have faith and carry on with your installation. It works seamlessly even without a C wire.

We’ll start with the insane price point because it made us drool over the value for money we were getting with this unit.

  • Savings

Our utility company offered a $100 rebate on Wi-Fi thermostats which basically made this unit free of cost (Refer to your local utility company for rebate options).

  • Features

With that out of the way, the Emerson Sensi ST55 is a thermostat with all the bells & whistles.

The unit has a decently sized display with big temperature readings mostly suitable for elder folks.

It comes with push buttons that most people find far better to work with than a touch display.

Moreover, you use the screen lockout feature that would prevent children or guests from tampering with the settings of your thermostat.

The Emerson Sensi ST55 is one of the smartest, most convenient HVAC systems out there.

It has all the features you need in a modern thermostat – like flexible scheduling, remote access, and usage reports – so you can save about 23% on your HVAC energy costs.

Plus, it comes with built-in levels and step-by-step app instructions so installation is a breeze.

And when that’s all done, you can use Sensi to help monitor the performance of your system while getting valuable usage reports and maintenance reminders too!

With Sensi’s advanced technology combined with easy installation capabilities, it won’t be long before all these amazing features become part of your home life.

Cut down on time spent managing your temperature settings and start enjoying them remotely today!

On top of that, rest assured knowing that Sensor Privacy Protection promises not to sell or share any personal information with third parties.

The thermostat fits in the same place as your traditional one, saving time and money on wall painting concerns.

Reasons to Buy

  • Push buttons facilitate easy settings, bypassing learning curve for hassle-free temperature changes by you or guests.

However, with the help of app control you are able to remotely monitor the changes being made to the thermostat

  • App schedules, adjusts temperature, and uses geofencing for desired comfort when away, ensuring convenience.
  • Seamlessly integrates with Alexa, easy to install and set up.
  • The algorithm’s ‘high heat’ feature quickly warms the house, saving more energy than standard methods.
  • The thermostat works amazingly well even with a six zone boiler heating systems which is two wire system without a C wire.
  • Sensi was thoughtful enough to add a level on the base-plate to ensure straight and evenly positioned installation.
  • It is not too large to look obnoxious as it may come off in pictures; it has a decent size with a big display and clear temperature readings.
  • You have the freedom and luxury to play around with all the features of any top of the line expensive thermostats.

Set cycles, vacation mode, adjust AC, view temps, track humidity via app for comprehensive control, making tasks easy.

  • Outstanding manual controls and screen visibility.
  • Setup complete, control thermostat from smartphone, adjusting temperatures on your way home for enhanced comfort and convenience.
  • It can be configured to work with all kinds of HVAC systems.
  • Ample flexibility to create multiple programs with as many or as few schedule steps as you wish.
  • During power outages or Wi-Fi loss, the thermostat reconnects within seconds, eliminating the need for Wi-Fi setup again.
  • You’re able to lock out the manual operations of the thermostat from the app to prevent unwanted tampering.
  • No “learning” feature, ensuring full control with stable Wi-Fi connectivity like most smart thermostats.
  • Utility offers $100 rebate on Wi-Fi thermostats, reducing price significantly. Check local utility for rebate options.

Reasons to Avoid

  • Sensi customer support did receive some backlash. Although during the trial period of this thermostat we did not feel the need to reach out for support but they do seem to hold a bad reputation.
  •  It’s disappointing that such a wonderful unit doesn’t work with room sensors.
  • Connecting the thermostat to Wi-Fi is the only major con of this unit. We faced multiple issues connecting it to Wi-Fi and had to use it as a dumb thermostat until it finally connected one day which seemed like pure luck.

Although we’re skeptical of the fact that the unit we received was not defective considering all the positive reviews on this product.

  • You must use the app to set everything up, and it guides you through a tedious, step-by-step process aimed at the less tech-savvy.
  • Sensi requires personal information like home address and phone number for setup despite its Privacy Protection policy.
  • Losing connection during setup requires repeating the entire process manually from the start.

This usually happens if the firmware needs an update.

No indication of firmware updates on app or thermostat; if encountered, it’s usually firmware requiring an update. If not, then feel free to reach out for support.

That’s it in a nutshell for the Emerson Sensi ST55 smart thermostat without C wire.

It’s probably one of our most favorite HVAC smart appliance here in our studio. Works as advertised, you just have to do a little homework up-front and call for help if you need to.

4. Nest Learning Thermostat E – Best Value for Novice Nest Users

nest thermostat without c wire

Key Takeaways: The Nest Learning E Thermostat is the best value for money thermostat for first time Nest buyers.

This has all the functions of a regular Nest thermostat and is a cheaper alternative to Nest Gen 3.

Which is why they discontinued this model because the value was so good that they were probably not making any money lol!

The Nest E is a 6 wire system that will cover about 85% of households.

If you’re not sure if it is compatible with your HVAC system, you can always head over to the Nest website to see what system yours is compatible with.

Specifications

Nest Thermostat E makes it easy and stress-free to keep your home climate regulated. With its sleek design and straightforward installation process, you can have this top-of-the-line technology up and running in no time!

  • Features

Nest thermostat without C wire is user-friendly and automatically adjusts heat when you’re away, simplifying usage.. Plus, its Heat Link E thermostat connection works with all major heating systems.

Transform the way you think about energy efficiency in one easy step by purchasing Nest E! Imagine a world where all of your needs are met without having to break the bank every month with high energy bills.

Voice control via any home assistant and built-in scheduling make staying comfortable easier and more efficient at an affordable price!

Plus, the frosted display and sleek design of the Nest Thermostat E will make your home look more modern than ever.

Reasons to Buy 

  • Takes about 15 minutes to install for a DIY installer.
  • Works well with the smart room sensors so you’re able to control the temperature of the rooms you spend the most time in.
  • The learning algorithm and the motion detection both work really well contrary to a general belief.
  • Your power company may offer you rebates on the Nest E, the value of the rebate varies on your province.
  • Using the Nest E is extremely simple; once you set it up, its smart learning automatically creates a schedule based on your habits.
  • Remotely control the thermostat from your smartphone from anywhere using the Nest app.
  • Works almost as good as the more expensive thermostats.
  • Looks clean on the wall and blends perfectly with all environments.
  • The best house warming gift you can give to someone without breaking the bank.
  • Starts auto adjusting itself just 1 week after learning your preferences.
  • You can charge the thermostat with a USB cable in case you see the unit is dying unexpectedly.

Reasons to Avoid

  • Voice control cannot be used to turn on or off the fan. IFTTT would be your only option if you wanted to do this.
  • Overall, it works well but is a little overkill for someone only looking for a remotely controllable programmable thermostat without C wire.
  • This thing has a mind of its own and can be frustrating at times when you tell it stop being “smart” and follow your intructions.
  • Keep in mind that this model is discontinued and only available to Nest pro users. Therefore, you’re getting a refurbished version that may or may not have a few annoying quirks.

That’s it in a nutshell for the Google Nest E Thermostat. You just have to do a little homework up-front and call for help if you need to.

5. Google Nest Thermostat – Google Nest Thermostat Without C Wire

google nest thermostat without c wire

The newer Google Nest thermostat without C wire is not only half the price of the Nest learning 3rd Generation thermostat but instead of using the Nest app to control the thermostat you can use the Google Home app to perform the same tasks.

For our electric heating system is, the new Nest thermostat saved us hundreds of dollars in energy costs. With a sleek and modern look with customizable wall-plates this, truly is the future of smart home technology.

Specifications

Say hello to Nest, your energy-saving companion! With the Google Nest Thermostat, you can easily control your home’s temperature with just your voice or smartphone.

  • Installation

It’s a breeze to install, connects wirelessly with compatible smart devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant and is ENERGY STAR certified so you know it’s efficient.

Takes just about 30 minutes or less on average to wire the thermostat on your own!

It doesn’t even require a C wire! Nest Thermostat saves energy and adjusts when you leave, preventing wasted heating or cooling in an empty house—cool, right?

Plus, with the compatibility checker, it makes sure that any other accessories needed for installation are safe for use with the thermostat.

  • Features

A revolutionary programmable thermostat that lets you manage and create an energy-efficient schedule from anywhere in the world.

Use it to adjust temperatures remotely with your smartphone, laptop or tablet, as well as voice commands.

Get maintenance reminders and HVAC monitoring to alert you of any issues with your heating and cooling systems.

Running late but still want a comfy house when getting back?

No problem – use Google Nest to turn up the heat before ever arriving home.

Continued savings, local energy support make smart devices accessible and affordable—now’s the perfect time to upgrade!

A key difference between this newer Nest thermostat and previous Nest thermostats is that Google has added an innovative touch sensing feature to control the thermostat unlike a rotating dial from the previous models.

Touch sensor on right side allows sliding finger for navigation and tapping to select options, enhancing user interaction.

You can make the same adjustments in the Google Home app or via voice commands as well.

The Nest thermostat comes with a mirrored LED display with the temperature readings visible clearly from behind the mirror.

Reasons to Buy

  • The price is significantly reduced on the newer Nest thermostat compared to the Nest learning 3rd Generation.

It is half the price, plus with the energy saving rebates, you don’t break the bank at all. The thermostat pays for itself once it starts to reduce the energy costs of your household.

  • Installing the thermostat is fairly easy and quite similar to the Nest E thermostat set up. The 85% compatibility percentage with heating/cooling systems is also same as the Nest E thermostat.
  • Serves its purpose well enough without the C wire.
  • It has the ability to track heating and cooling while away, perfect for frequent travelers.
  • Compatibility with the popular “Google Home” app, making it easy to integrate into your smart home ecosystem.
  • Holds immense potential for future updates and improvements to enhance the user experience.
  • Stable Wifi connection and reliable app servers, eliminating concerns about flakiness or downtime.
  • Accessible online compatibility check, allowing users to verify if their current wiring setup is compatible before purchasing.
  • Supports either 2-stage heating or 2-stage cooling, ensuring suitable performance for systems with either of these features.
  • Ability to add household members and grant access to the thermostat via the Home app.
  • Thermostat connects differently with pins into terminals, with two AAA batteries for backup, easily replaceable if needed.

This gives the newer Nest thermostat a slight edge over previous Nest thermostats didn’t have easily accessible or changeable batteries.

Reasons to Avoid

  • Newer Nest thermostat lacks sensor capability for controlling temperatures in different areas/rooms beyond where installed.
  • The new Nest thermostat is no longer compatible with the Nest app. It connects directly to the Google Home app.

Other Nest devices like cameras, doorbells, or locks remain functional on the Nest app, unlike this thermostat.

The Google Home app preserves Nest app features, but adapting to its interface may require adjustment for certain users.

  • No base-plates included; purchase separately to avoid wall painting hassle after removing old thermostat.
  • The new Nest thermostat is no longer compatible with the Nest room temperature sensors.
  • The number of control options are limited on the unit itself. For instance, you can longer set a schedule on the unit itself instead you would do that inside the Google Home app.

Hence, it is necessary for the thermostat to be connected to Wi-Fi to be able to make such adjustments from the app.

  • It is not compatible with as many number of heating/cooling systems as the Nest 3rd Generation thermostat.

To sum the new 2020 version Google Nest thermostat up, the real question you should be asking yourself is..

Choose: Pay less for fewer features or invest in Nest thermostat without C wire, offering remote sensors and enhanced accessibility.

Or maybe you’re somebody who has a several Nest devices and has all of them on the Nest app. Then choosing the Nest 3rd Generation thermostat would be a viable decision in your case.

Final Thoughts 

We’ve done our research and provided options that will fit any budget and offer great features like voice control, geofencing, scheduling and more.

These smart thermostats without c wire are easy to install and provide quick access to intelligent settings and apps so your home can be comfortable when you want it and energy efficient when you don’t.

No matter what type of home or décor style you have, there is surely a perfect option available on our list that fits your needs.

So go ahead and make your choice – whichever one of these devices you choose you will get a powerful, durable and long lasting smart thermostat that won’t require a c wire!

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