The Best Nest Alternatives in 2026
Looking for Nest alternatives in 2026 usually means you want Apple HomeKit support, more sensors, or freedom from Google's ecosystem. Nest thermostats, cameras, and doorbells are excellent, but they lean heavily on Google Home. These alternatives — led by the feature-packed Ecobee thermostat and Matter-certified Aqara and Eufy cameras — give you broader compatibility and, in many cases, local storage with no fees.
Why look beyond Nest
Nest devices are polished but Google-centric, with limited Apple HomeKit support and sensors often sold separately. If you want HomeKit compatibility, an included room sensor, air-quality monitoring, or subscription-free local camera storage, these alternatives fill those gaps while staying Matter-ready. For a head-to-head on heating, read Nest vs Ecobee.
The alternatives at a glance
- Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium: The top Nest thermostat alternative, adding air-quality monitoring, an included SmartSensor, and native HomeKit support for $249.99.
- Aqara G350 Indoor Camera: A Matter 1.4-certified camera that streams natively in Apple Home and Google Home with 2K pan-and-tilt and local storage — no Google account required.
- Eufy Indoor Cam 2K S350: A 4K-plus-telephoto camera with subscription-free local microSD storage and HomeKit support, a strong Nest Cam alternative.
- Arlo Pro 5S 2K: A wire-free 2K camera with color night vision and AI detection across Alexa, Google Home, and HomeKit for flexible placement.
Comparing heating options first? Browse smart home thermostats, or if the front door is the priority, see Ring alternatives.
Top Nest alternatives
Ecobee
Ecobee Smart Thermostat PremiumSmart thermostat with room sensors, air quality monitoring, and built-in Alexa.
- +Indoor air quality monitoring — CO2, VOC, humidity, and particulates
- +SmartSensor balances temperature from actual occupied rooms, not the hallway
- −Always-on built-in microphone — not ideal for privacy-conscious households
- −C-wire required; included Power Extender Kit adds steps for older systems
Aqara
Aqara G350 Indoor CameraThe world's first Matter 1.4 certified indoor camera with native Apple Home streaming
- +World's first Matter 1.4 certified camera
- +Streams natively in Apple Home & Google Home
- −Newer product — limited long-term reviews
- −Pan-and-tilt requires power cable
- +4K main lens + 8x optical zoom telephoto — two cameras in one
- +Local microSD storage up to 128GB with no subscription required
- −Wired only — no battery option, requires a power outlet nearby
- −No Matter support; ecosystem limited to Eufy, Alexa, Google Home, and HomeKit
Arlo
Arlo Pro 5S 2K Wireless Security Camera2K HDR wire-free camera with color night vision and a built-in spotlight.
- +Fully wire-free — rechargeable battery with magnetic quick-mount install
- +2K HDR sensor with built-in color spotlight for true color night vision
- −Cloud recording and AI detection require Arlo Secure subscription ($8+/month)
- −Battery requires periodic recharging — frequency depends on motion activity