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The Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) is no longer just a revealed product: Google launched it in the United States on August 20, 2024. It costs $279.99 at standard U.S. pricing, although the Google Store price observed on August 16, 2026 was $239.99. The fourth-generation model brings a larger display, a redesigned backplate, expanded HVAC support, Matter compatibility and one second-generation Nest Temperature Sensor in the box.
For homeowners, the biggest issue is not the finish or smart-home features but HVAC compatibility. It supports most 24-volt systems, but some heat pumps, zoned systems and systems with accessories may need a C wire, a Nest Power Connector or professional installation.
Price and availability
Google announced the Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) in August 2024 and made it available on August 20, 2024. The standard U.S. price is $279.99. A Google Store page observed on August 16, 2026 displayed a temporary sale price of $239.99, reduced from $279.99. Sale pricing can change, so check the official Google Store listing before buying.
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In Canada, the launch price was $379.99 CAD. Pricing and availability outside the United States and Canada should be checked on the relevant country’s Google Store.
#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
One Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen) is included. Google listed additional sensors at $39.99 for one or $99.99 for a three-pack in its availability announcement. Up to six sensors can be added to one thermostat, and older Nest Temperature Sensors are also listed as compatible.
That bundled sensor materially improves the value for homes with bedrooms, offices or other rooms that are consistently warmer or cooler than the thermostat location.
Google’s launch announcement provides the original availability and pricing details.
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The fourth-generation thermostat keeps Nest’s circular form, with a rotating metal outer ring and curved glass front. It is available in:
- Polished Silver
- Polished Obsidian
- Polished Gold
Its main physical specifications are:
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 3.9 inches / 98 mm |
| Depth | 1.1 inches / 29 mm |
| Weight | 5.7 ounces / 161.8 grams |
| Display | 2.68-inch / 68 mm circular LCD |
| Resolution | 600 × 600 |
Google says the display is 60% larger than the previous generation. The higher-visibility circular screen can show more information at once and supports configurable display treatments, including faces added through later software updates.
The package includes a trim plate for covering some old paint marks or wall imperfections, plus a steel plate for mounting over an electrical box. Whether the trim plate covers every mark depends on the size and shape of the existing thermostat opening, so measure before removing the old unit.
The official specifications list the dimensions, finishes, display and wiring details.
What is new in the fourth generation?
Adaptive Eco
Adaptive Eco adjusts the temperature when the home is unoccupied. Google says it considers weather and the time needed to return the home to a comfortable temperature, aiming to reduce unnecessary heating or cooling without making recovery uncomfortable.
This is an intended energy-management benefit, not a guaranteed bill reduction. Actual savings depend on climate, insulation, HVAC efficiency, occupancy, schedules, utility rates and the temperatures selected by the homeowner.
Rank #2
- 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
Smart Schedule
Smart Schedule learns preferred temperatures and times, then suggests or applies schedule changes through the Google Home app depending on the user’s settings. It is better understood as Google Home-based learning and recommendations rather than a simple continuation of the older “Auto-Schedule” branding.
Natural heating and cooling
The thermostat can analyze indoor and outdoor conditions and use opportunities for natural heating or cooling to reduce unnecessary HVAC operation. It does not replace an air conditioner, furnace or heat pump; it is an automated operating behavior intended to limit run time when conditions allow.
Smart ventilation and accessory control
The redesigned backplate supports more system configurations, including equipment for ventilation, humidification and dehumidification. This matters most during replacement or new construction, where the thermostat may need to coordinate with more than a basic heating and cooling system.
Temperature Sensor (2nd gen)
The included sensor measures conditions in another room so the thermostat can prioritize that space at different times of day. For example, a homeowner could prioritize a bedroom overnight and a home office during working hours.
Multiple sensors can help address hot and cold spots, but they do not independently heat or cool rooms. The HVAC system still operates as one system unless the property has separate zones and compatible controls.
Soli and Motion Sense
The thermostat includes a Soli sensor for Motion Sense, along with temperature, humidity and ambient-light sensors. Motion Sense can detect nearby activity to wake or adapt the display experience. It is not a camera and should not be treated as a room-wide, camera-like presence system.
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Matter support
The thermostat is Matter-certified. It can be controlled through Google Home and compatible third-party Matter ecosystems, but Matter does not guarantee that every Nest function will appear in every third-party app.
Initial setup requires the Google Home app. A third-party platform may also require its own Matter hub or controller. Check the exact feature support of Apple Home, Alexa, SmartThings or another platform before buying on the assumption of full parity.
Google Home controls
Temperature settings, schedules, modes and other controls are managed in Google Home rather than through the older Nest app as the primary setup route. Google also supports control from compatible Pixel phones, tablets and watches, and its launch material mentions the Pixel Watch and Google TV Streamer.
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
This makes the thermostat a natural fit for a Google-centered smart home. It is a less suitable choice for someone who does not want to use a Google account or depend on Google’s cloud-connected ecosystem.
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Google says the thermostat works with most 24-volt HVAC systems, including many:
- Gas, electric and oil systems
- Forced-air systems
- Heat pumps
- Radiant systems
- Single- and multi-stage heating and cooling systems
- Heat-pump auxiliary and emergency heat configurations
- Fan systems
- Humidifiers and dehumidifiers
- Ventilation equipment
Supported configurations can include up to three stages of heating and cooling, but the exact terminals and wiring depend on the equipment installed in the home. A thermostat with several visible wires is not automatically compatible, and wire colors alone are not a reliable guide.
Does it need a C wire?
Usually, no. Google’s Power Sharing technology is designed to operate the thermostat without a common C wire in many homes. However, “no C wire required” is not universal.
Google says a C wire or Nest Power Connector may be required in limited cases, including some heating-only, cooling-only, zone-controlled and heat-pump systems. Its specifications describe the exception as less than 1% of installations, but the individual home’s equipment remains decisive.
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- Heat pumps with auxiliary or emergency heat
- Zoned HVAC systems
- Humidifiers, dehumidifiers or ventilation equipment
- Multi-stage systems
- Older wiring or undocumented modifications
- Systems that currently work without a C wire but may not provide enough power to the new thermostat
- Any system outside the standard 24-volt category
If the app’s wiring instructions do not match the equipment, stop rather than guessing. A qualified HVAC professional is the safer choice for complex staging, zoning or accessory wiring.
Installation checklist
- Photograph the existing thermostat wiring before disconnecting anything.
- Turn off HVAC power at the breaker or service switch.
- Run the compatibility checker before ordering.
- Identify the HVAC type, stages, heat-pump backup heat and connected accessories.
- Do not rely only on wire color; follow terminal labels and the compatibility results.
- Check whether the included trim plate will cover the old thermostat footprint.
- Use professional installation if the wiring is unusual or the system includes zoning, multiple stages, humidification, dehumidification or ventilation.
Google provides installation and technical information through its Google Home support documentation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Fourth generation versus third generation
| Area | What changes with the fourth generation |
|---|---|
| Display | A 2.68-inch, 600 × 600 circular LCD that Google describes as 60% larger. |
| Room sensing | One second-generation Nest Temperature Sensor is included. |
| Installation | A redesigned backplate adds support for more HVAC accessories and includes trim and steel mounting plates. |
| Energy management | Adaptive Eco, updated Smart Schedule behavior and natural heating and cooling features. |
| Smart home | Matter certification, with setup still requiring Google Home. |
| Software | New display faces were added after launch through software rather than a hardware revision. |
The fourth generation is a substantial redesign after the third-generation Learning Thermostat had remained available for roughly nine years. It is a more compelling upgrade for owners who want a larger screen, an included room sensor or support for HVAC accessories. An owner satisfied with the third generation’s display, schedules and existing sensor setup may see less practical benefit.
Rank #4
- 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]
Pros and cons
Reasons to buy
- Larger, higher-resolution display that is easier to read from across a room.
- One temperature sensor included instead of requiring an immediate separate purchase.
- Automated scheduling and away-temperature management.
- Matter support for compatible mixed smart-home environments.
- Expanded support for ventilation, humidifiers and dehumidifiers.
- Trim and steel plates that can simplify some replacement installations.
Reasons to hesitate
- The $279.99 standard price is high compared with basic programmable thermostats and some competing smart models.
- Google Home is required for setup and primary management.
- Matter does not mean every Nest feature will be available in every third-party ecosystem.
- C-wire and compatibility exceptions can complicate installation.
- Third-generation owners may already have most of the core Nest experience.
- Long-term use depends on Google’s app and cloud ecosystem.
Who should buy the Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen)?
It is a strong fit for homeowners who already use Google Home, want a premium-looking thermostat and have rooms with noticeable temperature differences. It also makes sense when a replacement project involves compatible ventilation, humidification or dehumidification equipment.
It is less suitable for buyers focused primarily on the lowest upfront cost, people unwilling to use Google Home, or homes with unusual HVAC wiring that has not passed Google’s compatibility check. Existing third-generation owners should upgrade mainly for the larger display, bundled sensor, redesigned HVAC support and newer energy-management features—not because the basic concept of a learning thermostat is new.
Other thermostats to consider
The ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is a comparison candidate for buyers prioritizing room sensors, broader smart-home flexibility and environmental features.
Honeywell Home and Resideo thermostats may suit households already using Resideo equipment or working with an installer familiar with that product range.
Sensi thermostats are worth considering for buyers seeking simpler controls or a lower-cost option, subject to model-specific compatibility.
Google’s less expensive Nest Thermostat is aimed at buyers who want Google Home integration without the Learning Thermostat’s premium display, included sensor and expanded feature set. Check current pricing and compatibility for every alternative before purchasing.
Software updates after launch
Google later added new display faces to the fourth-generation thermostat, including decorative and minimalist options. These are software additions, not a new hardware version. Google’s support page records initial fourth-generation software releases on August 20, 2024, including versions 2.0-6 and 2.1-10.
See the display-face announcement and software release history for those updates.
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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.
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