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I've been looking at getting a Nest thermostat but have a couple questions I can't seem to find direct, simple answers for online.  
 
I don't want the security system as well: I'm only looking at getting the thermostat and possibly the smoke detectors that send an alert to my phone if they go off.  
 
If I buy a thermostat/smoke detector from say Home Depot, will I have to pay a monthly/yearly subs:cription fee to Nest to use it?  
 
Can two or more smartphones be hooked up to the Nest thermostat?  
 
I've found tons of positive reviews on them: everyone seems to really like them. Are there any negatives to the system I should know?  
 
Thanks in advance for any help/information you can provide!  
 
Edited by SimplyTheBest, 2018-10-22 16:23:41

But then there was the software glitch during an update and that changed our minds.  
 
We have used Honeywell wifi thermostats for four years now and couldn’t be happier. No problems. No fees. Used on multiple devices.

We use a nest thermostat. You don't need a subs:cription and you're not forced to buy a subs:cription if you purchase it from a store like Home Depot.  
You can have multiple accounts set up on multiple phones .you just make a main account then invite other people using their email address.  
It's basic and user friendly. The app has an installation guide to help you hook it up so it's really straight forward.

Thank you both for your replies. I appreciate it!  
 
I will check out the Honeywell thermostats as well, thanks for the idea.

We have a Sensi Wi-Fi thermostat. Constantly loses connection and loudly clicks when turning on and off. Wouldn't recommend. The scheduling worked fine initially but I can never get the stupid thing to connect anymore unless I do it manually time after time. Not worth the hassle.

We have used the second generation Nest since about 2013 and we love it. It was very easy to install and setup. We have had zero issues with the unit, including any software updates. It’s nice being able to turn up the heat/AC from anywhere. It also pairs well with the smoke/CO2 detector too. Very solid and smart thermostat.

MacBook said "We have a Sensi Wi-Fi thermostat. Constantly loses connection and loudly clicks when turning on and off. Wouldn't recommend. The scheduling worked fine initially but I can never get the stupid thing to connect anymore unless I do it manually time after time. Not worth the hassle. "

This Sensi thermostat is garbage...I used to ask my wife "What is that noise!" and she'd say "It's the thermostat"...I've never heard a thermostat make so much noise.  
 
As for Wi-Fi we just gave up.

So - like I said I have a crappy Sensi Wi-Fi Thermostat. I remember when I installed it I don't have the optional wire that gives power to the thermostat (the original didn't need it), so it runs on batteries (which in this case isn't a big deal, they last a long time)  
 
My question is - if I got a Nest thermostat, would I need to put some sort of power connector in with it? Does it take batteries? If so, does it drain them fast? Just curious. Thanks!

There is an internal rechargeable battery that charges when the furnace fan runs. There is also a USB port to charge it that way in the event it dies if your fan hasn’t run in several days for some reason.

Some_Guy said "There is an internal rechargeable battery that charges when the furnace fan runs. There is also a USB port to charge it that way in the event it dies if your fan hasn’t run in several days for some reason. "

Not sure what Some Guy is talking about, but not about the Nest thermostat that I bought. It was a Nest E thermostat from Home Depot. My old system just had two wires and when I asked the furnace installer, he said I needed a third black wire which could easily be installed. When I opened the Nest package it had instructions for many configurations depending on what kind of furnace you have. The instructions also i:ncluded just a two wire configuration for a hi-ef furnace. I hooked it up without the third wire and all is well. No batteries on a Nest thermostat.

Irie Mon said "    Some_Guy said "There is an internal rechargeable battery that charges when the furnace fan runs. There is also a USB port to charge it that way in the event it dies if your fan hasn’t run in several days for some reason. " Not sure what Some Guy is talking about, but not about the Nest thermostat that I bought. It was a Nest E thermostat from Home Depot. My old system just had two wires and when I asked the furnace installer, he said I needed a third black wire which could easily be installed. When I opened the Nest package it had instructions for many configurations depending on what kind of furnace you have. The instructions also i:ncluded just a two wire configuration for a hi-ef furnace. I hooked it up without the third wire and all is well. No batteries on a Nest thermostat. "

Every Nest thermostat has a built in battery. Even the Nest E.  
 
If you dont have the constant power wire to connect then it DOES charge the battery when the furnace fan is running. If you disconnect your Nest stat from the wall by just pulling it off, it doesn't just show off ( the furnace will ) but the stat will remain powered on for a while thanks to the built in battery.  
 
How long the internal battery last's I am not sure.

Thanks for your replies!