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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Yes—the Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) is a real, standalone product. Google announced and released it in the U.S. on August 20, 2024, at a launch price of $279.99. Google’s U.S. Store listed the thermostat at $279.99 in a price check dated August 18, 2026; promotions, rebates, taxes, and installation can change the final cost.
The fourth generation brings a larger display, redesigned hardware, Soli presence sensing, updated scheduling and energy features, Matter support, and one Nest Temperature Sensor in the box. For homeowners, however, the most important questions are whether it works with the HVAC system, whether the new base will cover the existing wall, and whether professional installation is needed.
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Quick facts
| Detail | Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) |
|---|---|
| U.S. release date | August 20, 2024 |
| U.S. list price | $279.99, including one Nest Temperature Sensor |
| Canadian launch price | $379.99 CAD |
| Display | 2.7-inch circular LCD, 600×600 resolution |
| Dimensions | 3.9 inches in diameter; 1.1 inches deep |
| App | Google Home |
| Smart-home standard | Matter-certified |
| Finishes | Polished Silver, Polished Obsidian, and Polished Gold |
| HVAC coverage | Google says approximately 85% of systems |
See Google’s release announcement and official product listing for launch and product details.
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The official U.S. list price is $279.99. Google’s Store has also shown financing of $23.33 per month for 12 months. That is the hardware price—not necessarily the installed price.
#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
Your total may be higher if you need professional installation, a Nest Power Connector, C-wire work, a trim plate, wall repair, or additional temperature sensors. Retail discounts, utility rebates, and installation bundles vary by location and date. A review-era installation bundle was reported at roughly $435, but that is not a current nationwide quote.
Google launched the thermostat in Canada at $379.99 CAD. U.S. availability and pricing should not be assumed to apply in Europe or other markets; regional availability has differed.
What is new in the fourth generation?
Redesigned body and larger display
The thermostat measures 3.9 inches across, is 1.1 inches deep, and weighs 5.7 ounces. Its 2.7-inch, 600×600 circular LCD can present more contextual information than older Nest displays, not just the current temperature. A rotating metal control ring and redesigned lens give it a more premium appearance.
Its built-in sensors measure temperature, humidity, ambient light, and motion through Google’s Soli sensor. Later animated or customizable display faces are software-dependent features and may roll out separately from the launch hardware.
Smart Schedule
Smart Schedule learns household routines and can suggest schedule changes. In Google Home, users can generally choose whether suggestions are implemented automatically or presented for approval. The benefit depends on consistent use; irregular schedules may produce fewer useful recommendations.
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
Adaptive Eco and presence sensing
Adaptive Eco adjusts energy-saving behavior using household use and environmental conditions. It is designed to help reduce energy use, but it cannot guarantee a particular reduction in utility bills. Results depend on climate, insulation, HVAC efficiency, set points, occupancy, utility rates, and user behavior.
Home/Away behavior uses presence information, including configured household phones and location settings. For a multi-person home, all relevant adult household members should be invited and configured. Guests, disabled location permissions, battery-saving settings, or one person leaving while others remain home can produce unexpected behavior. Eco settings determine how far the temperature may drift when the home is unoccupied.
The Tool Desk
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System Health is intended to identify possible HVAC problems or unusual system behavior. It can provide an early warning, but it is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, maintenance, or repair.
Included Nest Temperature Sensor
One Nest Temperature Sensor is included. It lets the system consider the temperature in another room, such as a bedroom, instead of relying only on the thermostat’s wall location. This is useful when a hallway is warmer or cooler than the rooms people occupy.
A sensor does not make every room the same temperature. It gives the thermostat another reading and lets you prioritize a location at a given time; ductwork, insulation, airflow, and HVAC balancing still determine how evenly a home heats or cools. Google says all generations of Nest Temperature Sensor work with the fourth-generation thermostat. Additional sensors are sold separately, with pricing subject to change.
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
Matter and Google Home
The thermostat is Matter-certified and can work with compatible Matter-enabled apps, platforms, and voice assistants. Matter improves interoperability, but it does not guarantee that every Google feature is available outside Google Home.
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The Google Home app is central to setup and many energy-saving features. Google-specific functions such as Smart Schedule, detailed energy tools, and some sensor behavior may be limited when the thermostat is controlled through another Matter platform. Google also highlights control through devices such as Pixel Watch and Google TV Streamer.
The fourth generation is a particularly important change for existing Nest owners because it is designed around Google Home rather than the legacy Nest app. Check Google’s compatibility comparison before assuming an older app-based setup will transfer unchanged.
HVAC compatibility and wiring
Google says the thermostat supports most 24-volt systems, including gas, electric, oil, forced-air, heat-pump, and radiant systems. Supported terminals include:
- Heating: W1, W2, W3
- Cooling: Y1, Y2, Y3
- Heat pumps: O/B, AUX, AUX2, E
- Fan: G, G2, G3
- Power: C, RH, RC
- Accessories: HUM, DEHUM, and VENT
Google describes compatibility as approximately 85% of systems. That is a broad manufacturer estimate, not a guarantee for a particular home. Use Google’s HVAC compatibility checker before ordering.
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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.
Do you need a C wire?
Do not assume either that a C wire is always required or that it is never required. The thermostat is designed to work without a common wire in many installations using Google’s Power Sharing technology. Google’s specifications identify a limited group of systems—fewer than 1% according to the product information—that may require a C wire or Nest Power Connector.
Heating-only, cooling-only, heat-pump, zone-controlled, multi-stage, and accessory-equipped systems deserve particular care. If the compatibility checker indicates a power issue, the remedy may involve a C wire, a Nest Power Connector, or professional wiring work.
Installation and upgrading from an older Nest
The fourth-generation thermostat uses a new base. It is not a guaranteed drop-in replacement for the third-generation Learning Thermostat, and the older base should not be assumed to be reusable. Removing the old base may also reveal screw holes, paint edges, or a larger wall outline. A trim plate or minor wall repair may be necessary.
For a compatible, straightforward system, a capable homeowner may be able to install it. Before touching wiring:
- Confirm compatibility at g.co/nest/works.
- Turn off HVAC power at the breaker or service switch.
- Photograph the existing wiring and label each conductor before removal.
- Install the new base and verify each terminal carefully.
- Restore power and test heating, cooling, fan, and any connected accessories.
Hire an HVAC professional when the system includes heat-pump controls, multiple stages, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, ventilation, zoning, unusual wiring, or unclear voltage. Thermostat work involves low-voltage wiring, but incorrect connections can cause malfunction or damage and may leave the HVAC system unable to heat or cool.
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]
Fourth gen versus third-generation Nest Learning Thermostat
| Area | Fourth generation | Third generation |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware | Redesigned body and new base | Older base and design |
| Display | Larger 2.7-inch, 600×600 display | Older display hardware |
| Temperature sensor | One included | Not included in the same fourth-generation package |
| Smart home | Matter-certified; Google Home-centered | Older platform and app experience |
| Upgrade effort | Usually requires replacing the base | Existing installation may not transfer directly |
An upgrade makes the most sense when you want the included room sensor, larger display, newer Google Home experience, or Matter support, or when an older thermostat is no longer a good fit for your smart-home plans. It is less compelling if the third-generation model works reliably, you prefer the legacy Nest app, and you do not need additional sensing or interoperability.
Fourth gen versus the cheaper Nest Thermostat
The Nest Thermostat is a different, lower-priced product. It should not be treated as a fourth-generation Learning Thermostat with a smaller feature set.
The fourth-generation Learning model is aimed at buyers who want automatic learning, a premium display, broader HVAC control features, an included temperature sensor, Soli presence sensing, and Matter support. The cheaper Nest Thermostat is better suited to buyers who mainly want Google Home control and basic smart scheduling at a lower upfront cost.
Compare both models against your wiring, sensor needs, app preferences, and total installed cost—not only the thermostat’s sticker price.
Alternatives worth considering
ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
ecobee is a strong alternative for buyers who prioritize room sensors, broad smart-home integration, or a different ecosystem. Compare the included sensor package, voice-assistant support, Apple Home compatibility, display, HVAC compatibility, feature requirements, and current price on the official ecobee site.
Honeywell Home and Resideo
Honeywell Home and Resideo may appeal to homeowners who prefer a traditional HVAC brand or local installer familiarity. The Honeywell Home X8S is one premium comparison point, but availability and pricing vary. See Resideo’s official site and verify current product details before buying.
Who should buy the Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen)?
Buy it if:
- Your HVAC system passes Google’s compatibility checker.
- You already use Google Home or want a Google-centered smart home.
- You value automatic scheduling and presence-based adjustments.
- A room sensor would help address temperature differences in your home.
- You want a premium display and Matter support.
- You are comfortable budgeting for installation or possible wiring work.
Compare alternatives or skip it if:
- You want the lowest-cost smart thermostat.
- Your HVAC system is zoned, unusual, or difficult to identify.
- You strongly prefer Apple Home, the legacy Nest app, or another ecosystem.
- You need advanced room-by-room control or more extensive occupancy sensing.
- You expect guaranteed energy-bill savings to repay the purchase price.
Verdict
The Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) is a legitimate premium upgrade, not merely a software refresh. Its strongest improvements are the larger display, included temperature sensor, updated learning and presence features, Google Home integration, and Matter support. Its weaknesses are equally practical: a $279.99 U.S. list price, a new installation base, Google Home dependence, and compatibility that must be checked system by system.
For a compatible HVAC system in a Google Home household—especially one with uneven room temperatures—it is a compelling choice. For a complex installation, a budget-focused project, or a home committed to another platform, check the wiring and total installed cost first and compare ecobee or Resideo before ordering.
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.
