Nest Thermostat E (4th gen, 2017)

Easy to install ; Diffused screen helps thermostat blend in ; Pre-programmed schedule

Assisted install in app can be finicky ; No hot water support

A smart-looking, simple-to-install device to control your heating, the Nest Thermostat E is an upgrade to anyone still relying on an old-fashioned wired thermostat.

Inexpensive vs Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Gen ; Super smart ; Awesome app

Frosted display can be hard to read ; Not compatible with some HVAC systems

The Nest Thermostat E is the affordable smart thermostat that's primed if you have a budding smart home. You can control the temperature with your smartphone and tablet, or have it auto-adjust based on your proximity to home. Yes, the display isn't as...

Premium design ; Pre-set schedule will adapt to learn ; Simple self-install ; Easy to use

No hot water control ; No Amazon Alexa control

The Nest Thermostat E is a fantastic consideration if you're in the market for upgrading your heating system to a smart one. It won't control hot water like the more expensive, hard-wired Thermostat 3.0, but that's the trade-off for a more affordable...

Subtle design ; Flexible placement ; Easy install within reason

No hot water support ; No Alexa or HomeKit ; marginally cheaper than the Learning Thermostat

A supreme smart thermostat, but not necessarily the best Nest for you

Plastic hardware makes Nest's $169 Thermostat E more affordable, but it has most of the same smarts as the pricier Learning Thermostat.

The Thermostat E has a low-resolution screen, it doesn't support Nest's "Farsight" display and it isn't compatible with quite as many HVAC systems as the original. Nest thermostats still don't come with remote temperature sensors.

The Thermostat E is almost as smart as Nest's other model -- and all for 80 bucks less.

Reasonably priced. Easy to install. Stylish design. Works with other Nest and third-party smart home devices. Supports Alexa and Google Home voice commands and IFTTT applets.

Frosted display can be difficult to read. Does not support as many HVAC components as the Nest Learning Thermostat. No remote sensors.

With the Nest Thermostat E, you get nearly all of the same smart functionality that you get with the Nest Learning Thermostat for around $80 less. Granted, you don't get as many color choices, and the display isn't quite as sharp, but the Nest E offers...

The same smart and reliable performance as more expensive version ; Disappears into a white wall

It looks like the budget version of the Nest ; Doesn't display as much information as some comparably priced competitors ; Not compatible with more sophisticated HVAC systems

Simple installation ; Compatible with multiple HVAC systems ; Google Home, Alexa compatible ; Multiple efficiencies ; Alerts and reports

Doesn't work with Apple HomeKit ; Remote monitors lack occupancy sensor

($169), especially if you have rooms far from the thermostat that get overly hot or cold; Ecobee's remote sensors have more functionality than Nest's. Still, you can't go wrong with the Nest E; I've enjoyed just sitting back, relaxing and letting it do...