Smart thermostats have transformed how we control our heating. With a quick tap on your phone — or even just your voice — you can adjust your home’s temperature, save money, and reduce your environmental impact.
Two brands dominate the conversation: Hive and Nest. Both are excellent, but they work in different ways and suit different lifestyles. In this guide, we’ll explore:
- How they differ
- How much you can realistically save
- Which is better for your home
Hive: Simple, Reliable, and User-Friendly 🟠
Hive’s popularity in the UK comes down to one thing: simplicity.
Key Benefits:
- Easy App Control: Whether you’re on the sofa or abroad, you can adjust your heating in seconds.
- Ideal for Beginners: A straightforward interface makes it beginner-friendly.
- Alexa Ready: Works seamlessly with Amazon Alexa for voice control.
- You’re in Control: Hive uses manual scheduling — no “learning” period, so you decide exactly when your heating comes on and off.
Typical Cost:
- Upfront: ~£180–£250 including hub and thermostat
- Installation: £80–£120 (varies by property)
Nest: Smart, Stylish, and Energy-Saving 🔵
Nest by Google is all about automation and efficiency.
Key Benefits:
- Learns Your Routine: Nest notices when you’re home and when you’re away, and adjusts automatically.
- Energy Savings: Uses built-in sensors, weather data, and your schedule to avoid heating an empty home — helping to reduce central heating costs.
- Google Integration: Best choice for Google smart home users, but can work with Alexa too (with setup).
- Modern Look: Minimalist design and vibrant display options.
Typical Cost:
- Upfront: ~£200–£280
- Installation: £100–£150 (slightly higher if extra wiring or Heat Link setup is needed)
Real-World Savings 💷
Both Hive and Nest can reduce heating bills — but how much depends on your home’s insulation, your heating habits, and your energy rates.
Independent studies and customer feedback suggest:
| Scenario | Hive Savings | Nest Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Small 2-bed home, gas heating | 8–10% (~£80–£100/year) | 10–15% (~£100–£150/year) |
| Medium 3-bed home, average insulation | 10–12% (~£120–£150/year) | 15–20% (~£150–£200/year) |
| Large 4-bed home, frequent occupancy | 8–12% (~£130–£180/year) | 12–18% (~£180–£250/year) |
💡 Why Nest sometimes saves more: Its learning system and motion sensors tend to cut heating more aggressively when no one’s home — something Hive won’t do automatically unless you adjust it. For more ways to save energy, see our winter heating checklist.
Running Cost Comparison Over 5 Years
| Item | Hive | Nest |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront & Install | £260–£370 | £300–£430 |
| Average Annual Saving | £120 | £170 |
| 5-Year Total Saving (after costs) | ~£230–£330 | ~£420–£520 |
Figures are averages — individual results can vary depending on heating usage.
Important Update for Nest Owners ⚠️
Later this year, Google will withdraw support for older Nest models.
- No more software or security updates
- Still possible to control temperature and schedules on the thermostat itself
If you own an older model, this might influence your choice if you’re considering an upgrade.
Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | Hive 🟠 | Nest 🔵 |
|---|---|---|
| Learning Capabilities | ❌ Manual programming only | ✅ Learns your habits |
| Voice Assistant Support | ✅ Alexa | ✅ Google Assistant (Alexa too with setup) |
| Mobile App | ✅ Very easy to use | ✅ Sleek & feature-rich |
| Energy Saving Automation | ❌ Manual scheduling | ✅ Auto-adjusts |
| Ease of Setup | ✅ Quick & straightforward | ⚠️ Slight learning curve |
| Design | Modern & simple | Sleek & premium |
| Related Services | Heating installation & support | |
Our Verdict at Deakin’s
If you want simple, no-fuss control, Hive is hard to beat. If you want maximum efficiency and automation, Nest is the smarter long-term choice — especially if you already use Google products.
We install both Hive and Nest, so whichever you choose, we’ll make sure it’s set up perfectly for your home — including full boiler installation support if needed.
📞 Ready to cut your heating bills? Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote today and we’ll help you choose the system that fits your lifestyle — and your budget.