The “price leak” is no longer a leak. Google announced the Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) in August 2024, opened preorders at $279.99 in the United States and C$379.99 in Canada, and began retail sales on August 20, 2024. Google’s U.S. Store currently lists the thermostat at $279.99 with one Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd Gen) included.
That is the standard U.S. list price, not a guaranteed final cost: promotions, taxes, installation, utility rebates and eligibility-based upgrade offers can change what you pay.
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Price, availability and what comes in the box
| Item | Confirmed detail |
|---|---|
| U.S. list price | $279.99 |
| Canadian launch price | C$379.99 |
| Retail release | August 20, 2024 |
| Included sensor | One Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd Gen) |
| Colors | Polished Silver, Polished Obsidian and Polished Gold |
Google’s product announcement and retail confirmation are documented at Google Nest Community and Google’s blog. A Google Store result has also shown a temporary $239.99 price ($40 off); treat that as a promotion, not the normal price.
The package includes the thermostat display, base, trim plate, steel plate, screws, wiring labels and the temperature sensor. Additional sensors launched at $39.99 each or $99.99 for three, although accessory prices can change.
#1 Best Overall
- Nest’s smartest, most advanced thermostat yet, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) is a beautiful, brilliant way to save energy, keep your home comfortable, and help make sure your heating and cooling systems are running smoothly[4]
- Savings you can count on: The Nest Learning Thermostat can help save up to 31% on heating and cooling bills [2]
- Improved compatibility: It works with most 24V systems, including gas, electric, oil, forced air, heat pump, and radiant, and no C wire is required for installation in most homes; visit the Nest Compatibility Checker for more info[5]
- Easy control in the Google Home app: Adjust on your phone from anywhere[1] or by using your voice with Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant smart speaker[3], it’s easy to install yourself and it’s Matter compatible for simple integration into your smart home[5]
- Beautiful design: With a 60% larger display[11] and Dynamic Farsight, you can see info from across the room[1]; choose the design, like a clock or the weather; it automatically adjusts brightness for the best readability or you can adjust manually
Some first- and second-generation Nest Learning Thermostat owners have received an eligibility-based upgrade offer of $149.99 in the U.S. or C$219.99 in Canada. That is not a universal retail price.
Because the thermostat is ENERGY STAR certified, a local utility may offer a rebate or demand-response incentive. Check both Google’s information and your utility’s current rules; registration, location and program enrollment may be required. See the ENERGY STAR thermostat directory.
Confirmed specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 3.9 in (98 mm) diameter; 1.1 in (29 mm) deep |
| Weight | 5.7 oz (161.8 g) |
| Display | Circular LCD, 600 × 600 pixels; about 2.7 in (68 mm) |
| Sensors | Soli motion, temperature, humidity and ambient light |
| Wireless | 802.11n Wi-Fi on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz |
| Power | HVAC wiring plus built-in rechargeable lithium battery; 20–30 VAC |
| Typical consumption | Less than 1 kWh per month |
| Smart-home platforms | Google Home and Matter |
| Warranty | Two years retail; five years for HVAC professionals |
Google describes the display as approximately 2.68 inches in technical documentation and approximately 2.7 inches in Store material; “about 2.7 inches” avoids implying two different hardware versions. Full specifications are in Google’s technical specification page.
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- Nest’s smartest, most advanced thermostat yet, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) is a beautiful, brilliant way to save energy, keep your home comfortable, and help make sure your heating and cooling systems are running smoothly[4]
- Savings you can count on: The Nest Learning Thermostat can help save up to 31% on heating and cooling bills[2]
- Improved compatibility: It works with most 24V systems, including gas, electric, oil, forced air, heat pump, and radiant, and no C wire is required for installation in most homes; visit the Nest Compatibility Checker for more info[5]
- Easy control in the Google Home app: Adjust on your phone from anywhere[1] or by using your voice with Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant smart speaker[3], it’s easy to install yourself and it’s Matter compatible for simple integration into your smart home[5]
- Beautiful design: With a 60% larger display[11] and Dynamic Farsight, you can see info from across the room[1]; choose the design, like a clock or the weather; it automatically adjusts brightness for the best readability or you can adjust manually
What changed from the third-generation model?
Larger, more useful display
The fourth generation uses a larger, dynamic display that can show temperature, weather and other contextual information. Google claims it is 60% larger than the previous generation; that percentage is Google’s comparison, not an independent measurement.
Temperature sensor included
One second-generation sensor is in every retail box. Place it in a bedroom, nursery or other problem room and use Google Home to prioritize that room. Google says older generations of its Nest Temperature Sensor also work with this thermostat.
More automated energy controls
Adaptive Eco, Smart Schedule, scheduling suggestions and energy recommendations are designed to reduce unnecessary heating and cooling. Actual savings depend on climate, insulation, equipment efficiency, occupancy, utility rates and settings; no fixed percentage applies to every home.
Rank #3
- Nest’s smartest, most advanced thermostat yet, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) is a beautiful, brilliant way to save energy, keep your home comfortable, and help make sure your heating and cooling systems are running smoothly[4]
- Savings you can count on: The Nest Learning Thermostat can help save up to 31% on heating and cooling bills[2]
- Improved compatibility: It works with most 24V systems, including gas, electric, oil, forced air, heat pump, and radiant, and no C wire is required for installation in most homes; visit the Nest Compatibility Checker for more info[5]
- Easy control in the Google Home app: Adjust on your phone from anywhere[1] or by using your voice with Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant smart speaker[3], it’s easy to install yourself and it’s Matter compatible for simple integration into your smart home[5]
- Beautiful design: With a 60% larger display[11] and Dynamic Farsight, you can see info from across the room[1]; choose the design, like a clock or the weather; it automatically adjusts brightness for the best readability or you can adjust manually
Expanded equipment support and Matter
The fourth generation adds broader support for selected humidifier, dehumidifier and ventilation equipment and works with Matter. Matter improves interoperability, but third-party controllers may not expose every Google-specific feature.
HVAC compatibility: check your exact wiring
Google says the thermostat works with approximately 85% of systems, including many gas, electric, oil, forced-air, radiant and heat-pump installations, plus single- and multistage equipment. That is an estimate, not a guarantee. Use Google’s compatibility checker before buying.
Supported connections can include W1/W2/W3 heating, Y1/Y2/Y3 cooling (subject to connector limits), heat-pump O/B, auxiliary and emergency heat, fan, C, RH and RC, and selected humidifier, dehumidifier and ventilation terminals. Shared or restricted connectors can prevent certain combinations, especially third-stage equipment and accessory controls.
Rank #4
- Professional installation Recommended! Advanced Compatibility & Performance: Works with most 24V systems, including gas, electric, oil, forced air, heat pump, radiant heating, dual-fuel systems, geothermal systems, and zoned HVAC systems, with professional calibration for maximum efficiency.
- Optimized for Professional Installation: Designed for seamless integration by certified installers, ensuring proper configuration and peak performance for your heating and cooling systems.
- Enhanced Energy-Saving Features: Includes the Nest Temperature Sensor for precise room-based temperature control, with professional tuning to minimize energy waste and adapt to your specific system needs.
- Premium Support Services: Access to specialized customer support, ensuring smooth operation and rapid troubleshooting tailored to professionally installed devices.
In a heat-pump configuration, Google documents four heating stages as two heat-pump stages plus two alternate-heating stages. That should not be read as four conventional furnace stages. See Google’s multistage guidance and compatibility documentation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.C-wire requirements and installation
Power Sharing lets the thermostat operate without a common wire in many homes. Google says a C wire or Nest Power Connector is needed in fewer than 1% of installations, but “usually does not require a C wire” is more accurate than “never requires one.” Power problems may appear as shutdowns, restarts, intermittent control or equipment failures. See Google’s C-wire information.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems- Turn off HVAC power at the breaker or service switch.
- Photograph and label every existing wire; never rely on color alone.
- Run the compatibility checker.
- Install the base, trim plate or steel plate as appropriate.
- Connect wires to the terminals identified by the Google Home installation flow.
- Attach the display and restore power.
- Add the thermostat in Google Home, complete equipment detection and test heating, cooling, fan and accessories.
Setup uses the Google Home app, not the legacy Nest app. Hire a professional for high-voltage wiring, proprietary communicating controls, dual transformers, zoned systems, unfamiliar heat pumps or complex accessory wiring.
Best Value
- ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat for home that helps you save energy and stay comfortable.Connectivity : Wi-Fi - 802.11b/g/n 2.4 GHz, 802.11a/n 5 GHz Wi-Fi., Wireless interconnect : Bluetooth Low Energy Please refer to the product description section below for all applicable legal disclaimers.Product note: You can also check your system’s compatibility before purchasing a Nest thermostat with our online Nest Compatibility Checker on the Google Nest support page
- The Nest Thermostat is designed to work without a C wire in most homes, but for some systems, including heating only, cooling only, zone controlled, and heat pump systems, you’ll need a C wire or other compatible power accessory
- Nest Thermostat turns itself down when you leave, so you don’t waste energy heating or cooling an empty home. Lock feature: No
- Programmable thermostat that lets you create an energy efficient schedule in the Google Home app on your Android or iPhone
- Remote control lets family members change the thermostat temperature from anywhere on a phone, laptop, or tablet[1]
Google Home and Matter limitations
Google Home is required for setup and provides the full Nest control experience. Matter can allow control through compatible third-party ecosystems, but interoperability does not promise feature parity: learning functions, sensor prioritization and some equipment controls may remain Google-specific.
Who should buy it?
- Good fit: Google Home households, buyers wanting a premium circular design, homes needing room sensing, and installations with supported accessory equipment.
- Think twice: budget buyers, proprietary HVAC owners, people unwilling to use Google’s cloud services, or anyone whose installer recommends a manufacturer-specific control.
The Honeywell Home T9 is a credible alternative for remote-room sensing outside Google’s ecosystem; verify its current price and package contents on the official product page. The less expensive Google Nest Thermostat may suit basic Google Home users, but its compatibility and features are not identical to the Learning Thermostat (4th Gen).
Verdict
The Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) is a current, officially released product—not a leak—with a $279.99 U.S. list price, included room sensor, larger display, broad 24-volt HVAC support and Google Home/Matter integration. Its strongest case is the combination of design, room-based comfort and ecosystem features. Confirm wiring before purchase, especially for heat pumps, zoned systems and humidifier, dehumidifier or ventilation equipment.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
