Aeotec Multipurpose Sensor vs Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen)

The Aeotec Multipurpose Sensor wins overall. It is the more affordable option, works standalone over Zigbee with SmartThings, Home Assistant, Google Home and Alexa, sends temperature alerts, and adds open/close and vibration sensing. The Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen) has a longer battery life but only works as a Nest Thermostat accessory.

The Aeotec Multipurpose Sensor is a self-contained Zigbee sensor with integrations and alerts, while the Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen) has no connectivity of its own and only feeds room temperature to a compatible Nest Thermostat through Google Home.

The Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen) is rated around 3 years on a CR2 cell, longer than the Aeotec Multipurpose Sensor's roughly 1 year on a CR2450. If minimizing battery swaps is the priority, the Nest lasts longer.

The Aeotec Multipurpose Sensor needs a Zigbee hub such as SmartThings or a Home Assistant coordinator, but then works as a full sensor with alerts. The Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen) cannot work at all without a compatible Nest Thermostat.

Zigbee smart home owners on SmartThings or Home Assistant who want an affordable, standalone sensor covering contact, vibration and temperature with real alerts and integrations. It is the more versatile choice.

Owners of a compatible Nest Thermostat who want a long-lasting sensor for room-specific comfort scheduling. Its 3-year battery is a plus, but it offers nothing outside the Nest ecosystem, and non-US buyers should confirm regional compatibility.