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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

Nest vs Google

Nest 4.6★ · Free to download 65
Winner Nest
Google 4.6★ · Free to download 40

Nest is the better choice for smart home device control, despite its own set of frustrations, as the Google app's recent updates have severely impacted its core search and AI functionalities.

Full reviews: Nest · Google

Nest users appreciate its ability to control smart home devices remotely, though many struggle with scheduling and connectivity issues. Google, while historically strong, is currently plagued by negative feedback regarding its new AI features, which interfere with basic search and tab management, leading to a frustrating user experience.

Head to head

Features edge: NestR11R15R17R23
Nest Nest offers remote control of thermostats and cameras, with users appreciating the ability to adjust settings from anywhere and monitor their homes R17R23. However, some users desire more detailed history records for temperature and humidity, and options for delaying second-stage cooling R11R15. The app also integrates with Nest Protect smoke detectors, though users are disappointed by the discontinuation of the product and lack of compatible replacements R52R58.
Google Google is praised for its search capabilities and ability to predict user needs . However, recent updates have introduced an intrusive AI/Gemini interface that replaces useful features like reverse image search and translation, and breaks tab management, overwriting active research . Users also report issues with the AI being buggy, giving incorrect information, and being unresponsive .
Ease of Use tieR2R8R9R16
Nest Nest receives mixed reviews on ease of use. Some users find it easy to use and intuitive R8R23, especially for basic temperature control R17. However, many find the scheduling interface to be clunky, non-intuitive, tedious, and glitchy, with issues like not being able to see or adjust certain days R9R16R18R22. Reconnecting after disconnection is also reported as difficult R2.
Google Google is generally considered user-friendly for basic search . However, recent changes have made navigation difficult, with users reporting that favorite links have disappeared and new features are buggy . The new AI mode is particularly criticized for being intrusive and making the app harder to use for its original purpose . Many users also dislike the constant need to sign in .
Reliability edge: NestR3R6R7R10
Nest Nest users report frequent reliability issues, including the app not communicating with the thermostat, being unresponsive, or disconnecting often R6. The 'Home/Away' feature often incorrectly indicates users are away R13. Many users complain that the thermostat or app changes settings independently, overriding user preferences for temperature or 'Eco' mode R3R7R10. Bugs also affect scheduled updates and video saving .
Google Google users experience various reliability problems. The app is reported to be slow to load searches and sometimes fails to connect to websites . Account creation can get stuck on loading screens , and accounts can disappear without reason . The AI mode is frequently unresponsive and buggy . Some users also report the app disappearing from their phone or crashing their device .
Price/Value tieR40R52R58R63
Nest Nest is free to download, but some features, like extended video history for cameras, require a paid subscription R40. Users paying for subscriptions express dissatisfaction when features like reviewing cameras or retaining video feeds for promised durations do not work as advertised R40. There are also complaints about the high cost of Nest Protect smoke detectors, especially since they are discontinued and require replacement after 10 years R52R58.
Google Google is free to download and use. However, users express concerns about privacy, data tracking, and the sale of personal data R63R72R85R88. The app is also criticized for having too many ads and pushing unwanted content R72. Some users feel that the quality of search results has degraded, with the app pushing paid results or irrelevant content over useful information .
Support tieR13R48R52R58
Nest Nest users report that Google support for Nest issues is often unhelpful, providing generic troubleshooting steps and being email-only R13. There's a general sentiment that Google has abandoned the Nest app and its products, leading to a lack of updates and support for existing devices R48R52R58.
Google Google's support is not directly addressed in the reviews, but users complain about difficulty finding settings and help within the app . There are also reports of issues with account creation and recovery, which could indicate a lack of effective support channels .
Pick Nest if

you primarily need to control Nest smart home devices like thermostats and cameras, and are willing to tolerate occasional connectivity issues and a clunky scheduling interface R17R23.

Pick Google if

you need a general search engine and are not heavily reliant on the latest AI features, or if you appreciate the core search functionality despite recent negative updates .

Evidence note: The reviews for Google are heavily skewed towards recent negative experiences with the new AI features, which may not reflect the overall long-term satisfaction of its vast user base. However, the current user sentiment is clearly negative regarding these changes.

Frequently asked

Does Nest work with Google Home?
While Nest was acquired by Google, many Nest app users express frustration with being forced to use Google sign-in and prefer the standalone Nest app, indicating a desire for separate functionality from Google Home R12R41.
Are there privacy concerns with the Google app?
Yes, many Google app users express significant concerns about privacy, data tracking, the sale of personal information, and the app pushing unwanted ads and content R63R72R85R88.
Can I schedule my thermostat with the Nest app?
Yes, the Nest app allows for thermostat scheduling, but many users find the interface clunky, non-intuitive, tedious, and prone to glitches, with some reporting issues seeing or adjusting certain days R9R16R18R22.

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.

  1. [R11] Nest 4/5 · US Cool Stage loading: Would be nice to have an option to delay 2nd stage cooling. I understand the system wants to reach SP quickly but sometimes 1st stage cooling is enough and catches the load w/in 20-30 minutes therefore eliminating the need for 2nd stage cooling and avoiding the high start amperage for the next cycle.
  2. [R15] Nest 3/5 · US Features: The app and the device should show all history records for temperature and humidity. Device should include the humidity reading.
  3. [R17] Nest 5/5 · US Nest Provides Total Control: I think Nest is amazing in that it provides one total control of HVAC at home or away. It is so easy to change our environment for both comfort and energy savings. Don’t know how we used to live without it!
  4. [R23] Nest 5/5 · US Nest app review: I was so excited when I finally downloaded this app and started controlling my thermostat from on the go no matter where I am. I love this app because it’s very user friendly.
  5. [R2] Nest 4/5 · US 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.
  6. [R8] Nest 5/5 · US Love this app: Great app. Easy to use.
  7. [R9] Nest 3/5 · US 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.
  8. [R16] Nest 1/5 · US Annoying interface: PIA to change schedule
  9. [R3] Nest 3/5 · US 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.
  10. [R6] Nest 3/5 · US 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.
  11. [R7] Nest 1/5 · US Eco: I don’t like the fact that you are not able to change once you have it on eco
  12. [R10] Nest 1/5 · US 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
  13. [R40] Nest 1/5 · US 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
  14. [R52] Nest 2/5 · US Nest Protect: Installed 13 Nest Protects 10 years ago, and they are all expiring. Google no longer offers Nest Protect, and their partnership to replace them gets bad reviews for false alarms. Way too much money for a product that Google abandons.
  15. [R58] Nest 1/5 · US Nest Smoke Detectors: I purchased 6 Nest Protect smoke detectors just over 10 years ago, they have worked perfectly during this time. They have now expired and must be replaced. I was extremely disappointed to find that the product was discontinued! There is another manufacturer who makes a compatible device but it has less than stellar reviews and lacks a feature that I really liked, automatic ni
  16. [R63] Google 3/5 · US It’s Just Okay!: I prefer a different search engine that doesn’t change the screen if you leave it and come back to it. I also prefer one that doesn’t track your information or location. I also don’t like having suggestions based on something that I looked up because I wasn’t sure what it was.
  17. [R13] Nest 1/5 · US 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.
  18. [R48] Nest 3/5 · US Update it.: This app was great. I don’t know why Google replace it and never updated. please update app.
  19. [R12] Nest 3/5 · US 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
  20. [R41] Nest 5/5 · US Never get rid of this app: I’ve used this app since 2018, it’s never failed me. Nest may have been bought out by google but please don’t ever get rid of this app for the OGs. Much better than google home.
  21. [R72] Google 3/5 · US Too many ads, privacy cookies and sales of personal data.: Way too much! People forget there are other, safer ways to search. Anytime I google something, it ends up in ads and emails with an hour. Not everyone wants a Gmail account.
  22. [R85] Google 1/5 · US Wow…: If anyone thought Google was bad before, being biased and all, just wait until you learn about Reckless Ben. Evidently google doesn’t care one bit about anyone’s privacy. They will give ALL your emails and information over to any corporation that asks for it. SHAME ON YOU GOOGLE. You can put those legos somewhere dark and lonely, Google.
  23. [R88] Google 2/5 · US Google way: I can’t stand how difficult you make it to sign in and then steal all available information about me you can get your T1000 hands on. Its just absurd and completely violating
  24. [R18] Nest 3/5 · US Fix the scheduling interface: The scheduling interface is not only inefficient and intuitive, but glitchy. Fix it.
  25. [R22] Nest 2/5 · US Scheduling temps is terrible: Trying to schedule temperature schedule is ponderous. Not user friendly.

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store