Tado’s new thermostat is designed as a Nest killer
Tado has launched the second generation of its Smart Thermostat X, positioning the device as a direct successor to Google's Nest thermostats in Europe following Google's withdrawal from the market last year. Google's decision to shut down servers for its first- and second-generation Nest thermostats has already driven "significant" sales towards Tado, according to cofounder Christian Deilmann, who believes Google may eventually scale back support for later Nest generations too. The launch matters because it signals Tado's ambition to become the default smart heating brand in Europe as Google steps back from the category.
The new thermostat costs £159.99/€179.99 for a wired kit and £169.99/€199.99 for a wireless version, and features a slimmer 17.8mm white design with a touch-activated circular display, a departure from the previous all-black model. It uses Matter-over-Thread connectivity for better compatibility with smart home systems and boiler receivers, and works with boilers, heat pumps and underfloor heating, though not air conditioning. Tado is also rolling out multi-home account management, a TÜV-certified radiator balancing system that can unlock heat-pump subsidies, an AI Assist subscription (£3.99 a month) for automated heating optimisation, and a new money-back guarantee if customers don't see meaningful energy savings within 12 months. The device is available now from tado.com and select European retailers.
In short
- Tado launches second-gen Smart Thermostat X to court former Nest users.
- Slimmer white design, Matter-over-Thread support, priced from £159.99.
- New features include multi-home management, AI Assist, and an energy-savings guarantee.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
With Google withdrawing from the European thermostat market, Tado has a reasonable opportunity to offer a supported alternative and give households more choice. Its broader heating compatibility, Matter connectivity and potential energy savings could make it useful for homes seeking to manage heating more efficiently.
The case against
A new device cannot by itself guarantee the long-term support and reliability that customers lost when Google shut down older Nest services. The £159.99-plus price, paid AI Assist subscription and limits such as no air-conditioning support may also make it less compelling, while Tado’s claims about future savings remain to be demonstrated for individual households.
Explained simply
Smart thermostats let people control their home heating through a connected device or app, often adjusting temperatures to reduce energy use. Tado is a German company that makes heating controls for homes, including thermostats and radiator valves.
Google’s Nest was one of the best-known smart thermostat brands in Europe, but Google has withdrawn from the market and ended server support for some older models. That has left owners considering alternatives and created an opening for other companies such as Tado.
The market matters to households looking to manage heating costs and to the wider shift towards connected homes. Compatibility with different heating systems and smart home platforms can affect which devices people choose.
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