# Nest vs Rachio

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Nest at none against Rachio's 5. Nest also leads on ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (2.6M vs 159K). Rachio's advantage is review sentiment (57% vs 24%) and rating (4.9 vs 4.6). On price and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Rachio sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Nest asks for nothing beyond the download.

Rachio holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Nest has 2.6M ratings behind it against 159K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 24% of Nest's written reviews are positive against 57% of Rachio's.

Nest ships an update every 2 months, Rachio every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Nest | Rachio |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (2.6M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nest/id464988855/reviews) | **[4.9 (159K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rachio/id864325098/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **2.6M** | 159K |
| Positive reviews | 24.4% of reviews | **57.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#95** | — |
| Size | 240 MB | 163 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Nest Labs](https://appshunter.io/developer/464988858) | [RACHIO, INC.](https://appshunter.io/developer/864325101) |

## What reviewers say

### Nest

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nest/id464988855)

**Currently charting:** #95 Top Free · Lifestyle (US App Store)

Control your smart home devices, including thermostats, security systems, cameras, and smoke detectors, all from a single app. Receive alerts, manage schedules, and automate actions based on your presence.

**Highlights:** Remote thermostat control, Arm/disarm security system, Live camera feeds, Smoke/CO alerts, Automated actions, Visitor notifications

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 🔒 Reliable security features
- 📽️ Good video quality
- 🔔 Useful alerts and notifications
- 🌐 Convenient remote access

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent connectivity issues
- ⏱️ Slow app performance
- 🔒 Overly complex setup and login process
- 💰 Expensive subscription required for full functionality
- 🔋 Battery life issues with cameras

**Reported bugs**

- Inconsistent home/away detection
- Thermostat schedule resets unexpectedly
- Smoke detector false alarms
- Camera feed freezes or fails to load

**Requested features**

- Improved scheduling and automation options
- Better integration with other smart home devices
- More customization options for alerts and notifications
- Offline viewing and recording capabilities


### Rachio

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rachio/id864325098)

This app allows you to control your sprinkler system remotely, creating custom watering schedules. It helps save water and money by optimizing irrigation based on weather and yard needs. Access your system from anywhere for convenient lawn care.

**Highlights:** Automated watering schedules, Remote sprinkler control, Water and money saving, Weather-based adjustments, Smart home integration, Mobile app access

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Tempest Integration | $29.99 | one-time |
| AirLink Integration | $29.99 | one-time |
| Heat Wave Boost | $29.99 | one-time |
| Wire Status | $29.99 | one-time |
| Valve & Heat Monitoring Bundle | $49.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 👍 Convenient remote control
- 🌱 Saves water and money
- 🌳 Helps maintain healthy lawn and plants

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connectivity issues
- 💸 Aggressive upselling
- 🤔 Confusing user interface
- 🌧️ Inaccurate weather-based scheduling

**Reported bugs**

- Zones running at unexpected times
- Schedules not working as programmed
- App crashing during setup and use
- Syncing issues between app and controller

**Requested features**

- Ability to skip multiple upcoming watering cycles
- Customizable notifications for low battery and offline status
- Better integration with smart home platforms like HomeKit
- More granular control over watering schedules and durations


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Nest free?

Nest is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Rachio free?

Rachio is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Nest or Rachio?

Rachio is rated higher. Nest averages 4.6 out of 5 from 2.6M ratings, while Rachio averages 4.9 from 159K ratings.

### Do Nest or Rachio have ads?

Rachio shows ads; Nest does not.

### Which is updated more often, Nest or Rachio?

Nest ships an update every 2 months, and Rachio every 3 weeks. Most recently, Nest was updated on October 24, 2026 and Rachio on October 24, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*