Nest recently released its brand-new thermostat called, “E”. It is, simply put, a light version of their flagship thermostat.

It has all the features of the top model with just a few exceptions. And it only comes in frosted white to better blend into its environment. Nest thermostats are known for saving energy, being easy to use, and intelligently learning your schedule to better suit the cooling and heating needs of your home. Let’s take a look at the all new Thermostat E and see how it stands up.

Nest Thermostat E Unboxing

The Key Differences

The E and its more-expensive brother have only minor differences, no useful features were actually removed. It still has full app control and all the energy saving features of the original. The biggest change, it would seem, is the price. Here’s the breakdown:

Secrets Sponsor

  • It’s $80 cheaper than the flagship model, $169 vs $249. A frugal shopper can find it cheaper though, I found mine on eBay, brand-new, for $120.
  • It’s made from plastic instead of metal. I noticed a difference in the E’s weight right away as I was pulling it out of the box.
  • It only comes in white, while the more-expensive one has four color options.
  • It has a lower-res display. Instead of the flagship’s 2.08” 480×480 screen, the E’s is only 1.76” 320×320.
  • There’s no Farsight function. This is a handy little feature that wakes up the thermostat’s display when it detects a person nearby and displays useful information.
  • Slightly less compatibility. The flagship model works with around 95% of all HVAC units in the US while the E model is only about 85% compatible. I noticed when I went to install my E that there are fewer wire terminals available. However, I found this actually simplified the job. Of course, you should check to see if your system will work at Nest.com before purchasing it.

Nest Thermostat E App

Is it better or worse than the flagship Nest Thermostat?

Secrets Sponsor

That’s the big question. I personally don’t see any real downsides to the E. I rarely ever touched my thermostat, it either worked great by itself or I used the app to make adjustments. I didn’t miss the Farsight feature at all and the white color blended into my home perfectly. And to top it off, I saved $80! So, unless you need one of the special colors to match your home, or for some reason really like Farsight, go with the E and save some cash for your next home automation upgrade.

Nest Thermostat E Install

Easy Install

The Nest Thermostat E is very easy to install. Just remove your old thermostat, replace it with the new base, and match up the colored wires to the right terminals. I actually found the E easier to install than the flagship since it has fewer terminals to deal with. Remember to first check Nest.com to see if it will work with your HVAC system. And always consult a HVAC specialist or electrician if don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself.

Nest Thermostat E

To sum it up, the all-new Nest Thermostat E is cheaper, only comes in white, is plastic instead of metal, works in 10% fewer homes, lacks Farsight, and has a lower resolution screen. If a white thermostat works for you, and the E is compatible with your HVAC system, I highly recommend it. It’s a fantastic way to save money on your heating and cooling costs, while also making it easier to control your home’s climate. Overall, I think the Thermostat E is a steal at $169, and can be found even cheaper online. It’s a highly recommended gadget from me.