So what is the best smart thermostat?

Nest or Hive, and how easy are they to install?

In my opinion, both thermostats are of good quality, they will both do the same job, but in different ways.

Both thermostats connect to the Internet through their broadband.

Once connected, they collect information about the local weather and adjust the boiler accordingly.

Nest connects to the internet through the thermostat, you enter your broadband data, once connected it will ask you what type of heating system you have, for example, do you use gas, oil or electricity to heat your house?

Hive comes with a hub, which connects to your router, the ethernet cable is included in the box.

It takes about 5 minutes to connect to the Hive server, once connected, connect the receiver to the hub, quite simple to do, then the thermostat connects to the receiver.

Both are automatically updated when updates are available.

Should you lower your bandwidth, they both have override buttons that you can use to turn on your boiler?

You can control both manually, also through a smart app that you can download for your phone and tablet, which is great when you want to adjust the heating when you are not at home.

You also have the ability to control both via Amazon Alexa if you own one.

Nest, which is owned by Google, was once the outright winner when it comes to smart thermostat technology.

Now Hive, which is part of the British gas group, has been updated and is on the same level as Nest.

Both thermostats can be used in combination boilers, as well as in traditional heating and hot water systems, where hot water is stored.

The installation process for both the nest and the hive is fairly straightforward, but I would always recommend a professional do the installation.

They both have a receiver that replaces your watch or programmer.

The thermostats talk to the receiver to execute its commands.

The hive thermostat is fully wireless, it comes with six batteries that should last around two years before they need to be replaced.

Nest has built-in rechargeable batteries, so it comes with a fly cord that needs to be connected to a power source.

Typically when installing a nest you use the old thermostat wire, which may have been high voltage before.

Now the wire will be used to slowly charge the thermostat from the receiver.

Both Nest and Hive offer thermostat mounts that you can move from room to room with you, the only difference is that the nest must be plugged into the power source.

Both now offer a range of other smart products such as cameras, smoke detectors, etc., that will work on the same network.

When looking for a smart thermostat, be it a nest or a hive, do a little research first, speak to a local installer, and ask questions about each.

They both do the same job, but in different ways.

Nest or Hive?