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The Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) is Google’s current premium thermostat. It costs $279.99 in the U.S., includes a second-generation Nest Temperature Sensor, uses the Google Home app for setup and control, and supports Matter. It is a strong choice for Google Home households that want automatic scheduling, a polished design, and help prioritizing a hot or cold room.
It is not universally compatible, however. Google says it works with most 24-volt HVAC systems, and many installations do not need a C wire—but some do. Check your wiring and equipment before buying, especially if you have a heat pump, multiple zones, auxiliary equipment, or an unusual system.
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Quick facts
| Detail | Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) |
|---|---|
| U.S. list price | $279.99 |
| U.S. launch | August 20, 2024 |
| Included sensor | Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen) |
| Setup and primary control | Google Home app |
| Smart-home standard | Matter-certified |
| Display | 2.7-inch circular LCD, 600 × 600 pixels |
| C wire | Not required for many systems; required in some installations |
| Warranty | Two years retail; five years for HVAC Pros |
| Best for | Google Home users wanting learning, sensors, and premium design |
| Skip it if | You need the lowest price, fully local control, or true room-by-room zoning |
Prices, promotions, rebates, and availability can change. The figures above are U.S. figures based on Google’s product and specifications pages: Google Store product page and official specifications.
What exactly is the new Nest thermostat?
The product’s full name is Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen). It is different from the less-expensive Nest Thermostat introduced in 2020 and from the third-generation Nest Learning Thermostat.
#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
The fourth generation launched in the United States on August 20, 2024. It is a substantial redesign rather than only a cosmetic update: Google added a larger display, redesigned the backplate for broader HVAC support, included a second-generation temperature sensor, expanded energy-management features, and added Matter certification. Google’s current materials direct owners to the Google Home app rather than treating the older Nest app as the primary setup route.
What is new in the fourth generation?
Larger, redesigned display
The thermostat has a 2.7-inch circular LCD that Google says is about 60% larger than the previous generation. Its mirrored-glass, borderless-style appearance is designed to blend into the wall when inactive, while Dynamic Farsight can show information such as the temperature when it detects someone nearby. The home screen is customizable.
The thermostat measures 3.9 inches in diameter and 1.1 inches deep. It weighs 5.7 ounces. Color options are Polished Silver, Polished Obsidian, and Polished Gold.
An included room sensor
One Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen) comes in the box. The fourth-generation thermostat can use up to six additional sensors, according to Google, and Google lists all generations of the Nest Temperature Sensor as compatible with this thermostat.
This is useful when the temperature at the wall thermostat does not represent the room people actually use. You can prioritize a sensor’s room according to the time of day or use it to inform the thermostat’s temperature decisions.
There is an important limitation: a sensor does not create a separate HVAC zone. The system still has one thermostat controlling the heating or cooling equipment. If a bedroom is consistently uncomfortable because of poor airflow, inadequate insulation, closed dampers, or incorrectly sized equipment, another sensor may identify the problem without fixing its cause.
Broader HVAC support
The redesigned backplate supports a wider range of equipment and terminals than earlier Nest Learning Thermostats. Google lists support for many gas, electric, and oil systems; forced-air and radiant systems; heat pumps; multistage heating and cooling; auxiliary and emergency heat; fans; humidifiers; dehumidifiers; and ventilation equipment.
That broader support is valuable, but it also makes a wiring check more important. More terminals do not mean every possible configuration is supported.
Matter support
The thermostat is Matter-certified, so it can be controlled through Google Home and compatible Matter smart-home apps or voice assistants. Matter broadens interoperability, but it does not promise that every Nest feature will appear identically in every ecosystem.
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
Google Home is still required for initial setup according to Google’s product page. Nest-specific learning controls, sensor behavior, energy features, and advanced HVAC settings may be more complete in Google Home than in Apple Home, Alexa, or another Matter controller. Verify the exact feature support you need before buying.
Key features explained
Smart Schedule
Smart Schedule learns preferred temperatures and timing, then suggests schedule changes through Google Home. Learning does not mean surrendering control: you can edit the schedule, override the current temperature, or replace automatic behavior with a schedule you create yourself.
The feature is most useful for households whose routines are fairly predictable but change often enough that manual programming becomes inconvenient. Buyers who prefer a fixed schedule can still operate the thermostat manually; part of the premium price, though, is paying for automation.
Adaptive Eco
Adaptive Eco can select an energy-saving temperature when the home is vacant or when the thermostat determines that an efficiency adjustment is appropriate. It is an energy-management aid, not a guarantee of lower bills and not necessarily a replacement for a carefully configured away schedule.
Natural heating and cooling
Google says the thermostat can learn how outdoor conditions affect the home and recognize opportunities for natural heating or cooling—for example, when sunlight is already warming the house. The practical result depends on the home, climate, windows, insulation, and equipment.
Seasonal Savings
Seasonal Savings can recommend or make small temperature adjustments based on seasonal conditions and usage patterns. Google advertises potential savings of up to 31% on heating and cooling bills. That is a maximum marketing claim, not a typical or guaranteed household result.
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Smart ventilation and indoor-air equipment
The fourth-generation model adds support for ventilation equipment through its expanded backplate and AQ terminals. It can also work with compatible humidifier and dehumidifier equipment. Terminal and configuration restrictions apply, so the exact wiring must be checked rather than inferred from the equipment label.
Google Home control
Google Home lets you adjust temperature, change system mode, edit the schedule, configure sensors, access settings, and receive energy-saving suggestions. The thermostat connects over Wi-Fi using both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks.
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
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 3.9 in / 98 mm |
| Depth | 1.1 in / 29 mm |
| Weight | 5.7 oz / 161.8 g |
| Display | 2.7-inch circular LCD |
| Resolution | 600 × 600 pixels |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11n, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz |
| Power use | Less than 1 kWh per month |
| Battery | Built-in rechargeable lithium battery |
| Colors | Polished Silver, Polished Obsidian, Polished Gold |
| Certification | ENERGY STAR; Matter-certified |
| Warranty | Two years retail; five years for HVAC Pros |
See Google’s technical specifications for the manufacturer’s complete details.
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Google describes the thermostat as compatible with most 24-volt systems. Listed categories include:
- Gas, electric, and oil heating systems
- Forced-air and radiant heating
- Heat pumps
- Multistage heating and cooling
- Auxiliary and emergency heat
- Fans
- Humidifiers and dehumidifiers
- Whole-home ventilation equipment
Published terminal support includes W1, W2, W3, Y1, Y2, Y3, O/B, AUX, AUX2, E, G, G2, G3, C, RH, RC, HUM, DEHUM, VENT, AQ+ and AQ−, subject to Google’s wiring limitations.
For example, the connector can accept only one of W3, Y3, G3, E, HUM, or DEHUM. AQ+ and AQ− also have restrictions involving Y3 and one- or two-wire ventilation, humidifier, or dehumidifier connections. Google says relevant configurations support only one humidifier, dehumidifier, or ventilation arrangement at a time.
Dual-transformer systems, dual-fuel systems, complex zoning, line-voltage systems, millivolt systems, proprietary controls, and unusual commercial or boiler installations need extra scrutiny. Use Google’s compatibility checker before removing the existing thermostat. Google’s detailed HVAC compatibility guidance explains the exceptions.
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The C-wire reality
The fourth-generation thermostat uses Google’s Power Sharing technology and generally does not require a common wire. But “no C wire required” is too broad.
Google says a C wire or Nest Power Connector may be necessary in limited cases—listed in the specifications as less than 1%—when the HVAC system cannot provide enough power under all conditions. Certain heating-only, cooling-only, zoned, and heat-pump installations can be more likely to require closer checking.
In practical terms:
- Many homes: work without a C wire.
- Some homes: need an existing C wire connected at both the thermostat and HVAC control board.
- Other homes: may need a Nest Power Connector or a professionally installed C wire.
Do not identify wires by color alone. Terminal labels matter, and a wire hidden behind the wall may not be connected at the equipment end. Consult Google’s C-wire guidance if the compatibility result is unclear.
Can you install it yourself?
Google positions the thermostat as DIY-installable with step-by-step instructions in Google Home. A straightforward, verified 24-volt installation can be manageable for a homeowner who is comfortable turning off HVAC power and following wiring instructions.
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.
The box includes the thermostat display, base, trim plate, steel plate, mounting screws, wiring labels, and one second-generation Nest Temperature Sensor.
A safer installation sequence
- Photograph the existing wiring before disconnecting anything.
- Use Google’s compatibility checker first.
- Turn off HVAC power at the breaker or service switch.
- Label wires by their terminal designations, not by color.
- Remove the old thermostat and inspect the wires and wall opening.
- Install the base and use the trim or steel plate if the old thermostat left marks or required additional coverage.
- Insert each wire into its matching terminal.
- Attach the display and restore power.
- Complete setup in Google Home.
- Configure equipment type, operating modes, schedule, and sensor placement.
- Test heating and cooling before relying on the thermostat.
Hire an HVAC professional if the wiring is unfamiliar or unlabeled; the system uses line voltage; there are multiple transformers, zones, or dual-fuel equipment; the system is commercial, millivolt, proprietary, or otherwise unusual; or you cannot safely isolate HVAC power. A compatibility checker result does not replace careful wire identification.
If installation fails
Turn off power and recheck the terminal labels. Compare the thermostat wiring with the wiring at the HVAC control board, not just with the old thermostat’s wire colors. Look for a hidden or disconnected C wire and review Google’s Power Connector guidance.
Stop and call a professional if the system has multiple transformers, heat-pump reversing-valve or auxiliary-heat wiring you cannot identify, complex zoning, or humidifier/dehumidifier controls that do not match the documented configurations.
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Included
- Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen)
- Thermostat base
- Trim plate
- Steel plate
- Mounting hardware and wiring labels
- One Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen)
Not necessarily included
- Professional installation
- Additional temperature sensors
- Nest Power Connector
- New HVAC wiring
- Utility rebate
Basic thermostat operation does not depend on a subscription. Google also describes Nest Renew as a free service that can help shift energy use toward cleaner or cheaper times, but utility rewards, demand-response programs, and third-party services can have their own location, account, or participation requirements.
Price, rebates, and ownership cost
The U.S. list price is $279.99. Google’s product page also lists 12-month financing at $23.33 per month; eligibility and terms should be checked at checkout.
That is not necessarily the final out-of-pocket cost. Budget for professional installation if needed, a Nest Power Connector or new wiring in some homes, and additional sensors if one room does not solve the temperature imbalance. Unusual wall conditions may also require mounting work, although Google includes trim and steel plates for common installation situations.
Because the thermostat is ENERGY STAR certified, a utility rebate may lower the effective price. Check both the Google Store and your energy provider’s rebate database. Rebate eligibility varies by utility and location, and a smart thermostat does not automatically pay for itself. The likely payback depends on your climate, energy rates, existing schedule, HVAC efficiency, and how much control you already exercise over temperatures.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteNest Learning Thermostat versus the cheaper Nest Thermostat
These are separate products. The fourth-generation Learning Thermostat is the premium model, with automatic learning, a larger display, the included second-generation sensor, broader equipment support, and the features described above. The Nest Thermostat is a less-expensive 2020 product with a simpler feature set.
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]
Choose the cheaper Nest if you mainly want app-based temperature control and scheduling at a lower price. Choose the Learning Thermostat if its automation, sensor support, premium hardware, and broader HVAC capabilities justify the higher cost. Check current pricing and compatibility for both models before purchasing.
How it compares with ecobee and Honeywell
| Thermostat | Official price signal | Best fit | Primary difference from Nest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) | $279.99 | Google Home users wanting automatic learning and premium design | Google ecosystem, Smart Schedule, included sensor, Matter |
| ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium | $259.99 | Sensor-focused households and ecobee or Alexa users | Different sensor strategy and ecobee ecosystem |
| Honeywell Home T9 | $209.99 with sensor | Buyers prioritizing room-temperature balancing at a lower listed price | Honeywell Home ecosystem and sensor-centered approach |
| ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced | $199.99 | Buyers wanting many smart features for less | Lower price; verify the exact sensor bundle |
| ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential | $139.99 | Budget-conscious smart-thermostat buyers | Much lower price and fewer premium features |
These are official vendor-page price signals and may change with sales, bundles, rebates, regional availability, and sensor inclusions. Compare the ecobee lineup and the Honeywell Home T9 directly before buying.
Choose Nest when
- You already use Google Home or Google Assistant.
- You want the thermostat to learn routines rather than program every period manually.
- You have a hot or cold room that could benefit from sensor prioritization.
- You value the larger display and premium design.
- Your 24-volt HVAC system needs the fourth generation’s broader terminal support.
- You want Matter support while retaining Google Home as the setup platform.
- A utility rebate makes the price more competitive.
Choose another thermostat when
- You want the lowest upfront price.
- You prefer fully local control or do not want cloud-dependent setup.
- You are committed to a non-Google ecosystem and need its features to be primary.
- You need actual room-by-room zoning, not sensor-based prioritization.
- Your system is line-voltage, millivolt, proprietary, or unusually complex.
- You want a simple programmable thermostat without learning features.
Is it worth buying?
The Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) is worth considering when its three strongest benefits match your home: automatic scheduling, room-temperature sensing, and Google Home integration. The included sensor makes the $279.99 package more useful for homes where the hallway thermostat is not representative of living conditions.
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It is not the obvious choice for every installation. Check compatibility before purchase, do not assume a C wire is never needed, and do not expect a sensor to correct ductwork or create independent zones. For Google Home households with a compatible 24-volt system, the fourth generation is a polished and capable premium thermostat. For budget buyers or owners of specialized HVAC systems, a cheaper or more equipment-specific alternative may be the better decision.
Software and support note
Google’s update history lists firmware version 2.4, released April 30, 2026, as the newest listed version for this thermostat at the time of the supplied information. That update added on-device setup screens, expanded HVAC configuration support, on-device advanced settings and equipment reconfiguration, and Matter bridge support for thermostat sensors. Google notes that updates can roll out gradually, so a feature may not appear immediately on every connected thermostat.
Check the Google Home firmware update history for current release information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many temperature sensors can the fourth-generation Nest use?
Google lists one included second-generation sensor plus up to six additional sensors per thermostat. Sensors help the thermostat prioritize a room; they do not create independent HVAC zones.
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Does the fourth-generation Nest Learning Thermostat use the Nest app?
Google’s current product materials specify the Google Home app for installation and control. Older Nest owners should not assume the fourth-generation model has the same app experience as earlier Nest thermostats.
Can a Nest sensor fix a room that is always too hot or cold?
It can prioritize that room’s temperature, but it cannot fix poor airflow, insulation problems, closed dampers, undersized equipment, or other ductwork issues.
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.
