Nest alternatives
Nest users look for alternatives due to inconsistent app reliability, issues with temperature control, and privacy concerns related to Google integration. Alternatives offer more stable performance, dedicated functionalities, or different community engagement models.
Why users look for alternatives to Nest
- The Nest app is frequently unreliable, failing to communicate with the thermostat or apply saved settings.R6R19R30R34
- Users report issues with the thermostat overriding preferred temperatures, especially with 'Eco' or 'seasonal settings,' leading to higher energy costs.R3R7R10R21
- The scheduling interface is often described as clunky, unintuitive, and glitchy, with parts of the schedule sometimes not visible.R9R16R18R22
- Users experience persistent connectivity problems, including difficulty reconnecting after power outages, frequent sign-outs, and Wi-Fi disconnections.R2R12R13R42
- There are concerns about privacy and forced Google integration, with users disliking mandatory Google sign-ins and the app pushing unwanted 'savings' settings.R12R38R43
- Camera features like saving videos, clip storage, and historical usage are reported as inadequate or unreliable, with some paid subscriptions not delivering promised features.R24R25R36R40
- The app can be slow to load, especially for doorbell functions, causing missed interactions.R27R28R48
The alternatives
The Google app provides a broad range of services, including search, account management, and predictive features R52R60. It is praised for its ability to predict user interests and offers robust account protection R52R60.
Better for: This app suits users who are deeply integrated into the Google ecosystem and value a comprehensive tool for search, information, and managing their Google accounts R52R56R60R62. It is particularly useful for those who appreciate predictive features and reliable account services R52R60.
Head-to-head: Nest vs GoogleGoogle Chrome is a web browser known for its user-friendly interface and perceived security R66R72. Users appreciate its general performance for browsing R66R72.
Better for: Google Chrome is better for users who prioritize a secure and user-friendly web browsing experience R66R72. It's suitable for those who prefer Chrome over other platforms for general internet use R72.
Head-to-head: Nest vs Google ChromemyQ Garage & Access Control allows users to remotely control their garage doors, with many finding it a valuable and helpful purchase R83R89R91. It generally works for its intended purpose R84.
Better for: This app is better for users who primarily need a reliable way to open and close their garage door remotely R83R84R89R91. It is a good fit for those who want to integrate garage access into their smart home setup R83.
Head-to-head: Nest vs myQ Garage & Access ControlNextdoor serves as a community platform for neighbors to connect, share information, and support each other R94R97R102R106. It is valued for providing local information and fostering community support R94R97R102.
Better for: Nextdoor is better for users who want to engage with their local community, find local information, or seek/offer help within their neighborhood R94R97R102. It's ideal for those looking for a platform to communicate needs, observations, or organize local events R102.
Head-to-head: Nest vs NextdoorRing offers home security devices like doorbells and cameras, providing users with the ability to monitor their homes remotely with clear viewing and notifications R108R117. Many users find Ring devices effective and comforting for home security R108R114R117.
Better for: Ring is better for users seeking dedicated home security solutions, especially those who travel and want to check on their home R108R114R117. It suits individuals who prioritize clear video definition and reliable notifications for motion detection and doorbell rings R108R117.
Head-to-head: Nest vs RingYou should stick with the Nest app if you have multiple Nest devices (thermostats and cameras) and find its integrated control convenient, especially if you are comfortable with its interface and Google integration . It is also suitable if you value the ability to control your HVAC remotely for comfort and energy savings, and have not experienced significant bugs or connectivity issues .
Evidence note: The Google and Google Chrome alternatives have a mix of reviews, some of which are very short or not directly related to app functionality, making it challenging to form a comprehensive pitch solely based on user feedback.
Frequently asked
Why do Nest users complain about temperature control?
Is the Nest app reliable for scheduling?
What are the common connectivity issues with Nest?
Why do users consider Ring as an alternative for home security?
What reviewers actually said
Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.
- [R6] Nest App is not reliable: Try to use the app to control my nest but most of the time it doesn’t work. I end up manually changing settings. Reliability has dropped.
- [R19] Nest Constant bugs: The Nest app is constantly breaking down in new and exciting ways. Think the schedule update you made and saved is going to take? Maybe it will, maybe it won’t. Reliability and predictability is for suckers in the world of Google and Nest. Think the schedule modification view you’ve been using for months will remain stable and functional? Where is the fun in that?? Do you want the v
- [R30] Nest Sometimes good, sometimes bad: The thermostat and app usually work fine, but often the app just won’t communicate with the thermostat. This isn’t rocket science, just fix it so it works correctly 100% of the time.
- [R34] Nest Unresponsive: More than half the time the app does not respond to what I’m asking it to do.
- [R3] Nest Eh - fiddley: I reject “seasonal settings” and find my preferred temperatures altered on me anyway. Also, it forgets me on the app frequently and I’ll need to sign in again. Two annoyances for a device that works okay otherwise.
- [R7] Nest Eco: I don’t like the fact that you are not able to change once you have it on eco
- [R10] Nest Leave my temperature alone.: Quit changing the temperature it’s costing me more money to cool my house back down. Quit building all the stupid ware houses that are empty and using electricity
- [R21] Nest System does what it wants: The system over night always goes back to 79 when I have it cooling at below that temp, cannot figure out how to correct it, very frustrating
- [R9] Nest Recent update affects schedule screen: The most recent update makes it so you cannot see Monday on the schedule, therefore you can’t adjust Monday. I have an iPhone 12 mini.
- [R16] Nest Annoying interface: PIA to change schedule
- [R18] Nest Fix the scheduling interface: The scheduling interface is not only inefficient and intuitive, but glitchy. Fix it.
- [R22] Nest Scheduling temps is terrible: Trying to schedule temperature schedule is ponderous. Not user friendly.
- [R2] Nest Hard to get reset: I love this app! With the exception that whenever it gets disconnected, for some reason, like when the power goes out, it is very hard to reconnect to my phone! It always says that there is already an account and I cannot reconnect.
- [R12] Nest Nest is good don’t want google sign in: Update 2026: just keep me signed in without google. Seems like everytime I go to control it from the app it’s signed me out and it’s pushing google . I wish I could get rid of the google sign in. I don’t have any other google items it just makes it difficult to get to my thermostat login. I just want to control the temp. I don’t want to log into google. Wish
- [R13] Nest Home/away: For the past few months home/away indicates I’m away. I am home. All settings are set correctly. Google gives very little help by saying do all the possible steps. Google support is email only. There have been issues with this before and it turns out to be a Google/Nest issue.
- [R42] Nest Easy to use but…….: Easy to use but….frustrated keeps loosing WiFi connection
- [R38] Nest Your app is a nuisance: Your app keeps asking me to take control of my thermostat. Each time I have to click on “Reject savings “ like I am stupid for not letting you control my thermostat. How many times do I have to tell you no?
- [R43] Nest Stop changing settings when updating: App keeps turning on peak time and other “savings” settings. Go with a different product that you can control.
- [R24] Nest SAVING VIDEOS: Not allowing me to save videos. Very upsetting.
- [R25] Nest Great app...but one thing missing!: History usage is not long enough. This should at least show the last 365 days of usage.
- [R36] Nest Riverside pub: Could use more clip storage
- [R40] Nest No use in paying more: I have paid for this subscription for several years and it still does not do what it claims to do. I cannot go back and review my cameras. All I can see is it still shot which half the time isn’t even of the motion or person at the door. Also, the video feed is supposed to stay for a while, but mine only stays for a couple of hours and then disappears. Again, I pay over $20
- [R27] Nest Slow to Load: The app consistently takes a while to load every time I open it. Very slow app
- [R28] Nest SLOW: Often misses people approaching the door.
- [R48] Nest Too slow to load: When someone rings the bell it can take a long time for the app to load and allow me to talk to them. Delivery drivers have usually gone, they don’t hang around. Also gets triggered by small sounds. Today it said person seen but no person was there.
- [R52] Google I love it: It can predict. My classes gives me sections on things I love this app!
- [R56] Google 18 years.: i have been using this app for 18... 18 YEARS.
- [R60] Google Deon Davon Podcast: Outstanding google help protect all accounts they have great services in every platform
- [R62] Google Great Service: Attention to detail, professional and diagnosed the problem.
- [R66] Google Chrome I like it: It seems to be user friendly.
- [R72] Google Chrome CHROME: I prefer Chrome over other platforms. For me it feels safer, more secure.
- [R83] myQ Garage & Access Control Best purchase: One of the best purchases every
- [R84] myQ Garage & Access Control It works: It works, but why does this app stops my media when I open it to open my garage
- [R89] myQ Garage & Access Control Owner: Great product!
- [R91] myQ Garage & Access Control Good: It is very helping
- [R94] Nextdoor Great Information: This has been so helpful to me!
- [R97] Nextdoor Good people here: Support is from the community
- [R102] Nextdoor ND Rocks🎉🎉🎉🎉: I find that Next Door is truly one of the absolute best ways to communicate your needs observations with your community. Whether it is a fundraiser you hold to support certain cause, whether it's a dog that you saw and want to find someone, whether you lost your dog and needs your friends or Next Door to help you find your dog, whether it's a person in need in general, it is a really
- [R106] Nextdoor Papakanoa: Love thy neighbor, even though you’re on vacation....😎💕
- [R108] Ring Ring Doorbell: As a traveling nurse, it is comforting to be able to check my home inside and out while on assignment. It is effective, clear viewing, notifies me with need to recharge, and keeps me in the know. I wish I had found you sooner. Thank you for a great product.
- [R114] Ring LIFE: I’m Disabled and I Can’t imagine My LIFE without it 🙏🏾
- [R117] Ring Wonderful: I love my ring devices. I just wish I could find someone to properly wire them for me. But that’s not a ring issue My cameras have such beautiful definition and color. The connection is great. I don’t understand the negative comments. I bought the least expensive equipment because I am poor. I pay for the cheapest connection. The devices work perfectly. Five years now. I would hig
- [R79] myQ Garage & Access Control Frustrated: Why in the world does it pause my music in Apple CarPlay when I load the app and why don’t you figure out to put the app as usable in CarPlay?
- [R81] myQ Garage & Access Control App hijacking audio: The app works fine, but it's recently started highjacking my audio when I open it. I get in my car, get my music going, open the app.. my music stops. Close the app, music didn't start back up I have to hit play again. What is the reason a GARAGE DOOR app needs to shut down my audio?
- [R82] myQ Garage & Access Control Bug hasn’t been fixed: The myQ iOS app sends a media pause command every time it opens or returns to the foreground. Spotify playback is paused even when no garage operation is initiated. This happens after reinstall and with all audio outputs. If MyQ is left open and the user returns to Spotify to resume, then switching to MyQ pauses the output even without actions being requested. The app is cal
Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store