Most Nest Thermostat E owners should not replace a working thermostat simply because the 2020 Nest Thermostat is newer. The newer model has a more modern design, Google Home setup, and a current U.S. price of $129.99, but it does not support Nest Temperature Sensors and does not offer the E’s traditional learning behavior.
Keep the Nest Thermostat E if you use room sensors or value Auto-Schedule. Choose the 2020 Nest Thermostat for a straightforward, lower-cost Google Home thermostat. Choose the Nest Learning Thermostat 4th gen if you want a genuine feature upgrade, broader HVAC support, learning, sensors, or Matter compatibility.
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First, which “Nest Thermostat” do you mean?
In this comparison, Nest Thermostat means the 2020 non-learning model with a mirrored display and touch-sensitive side controls. It is not the older third-generation Nest Learning Thermostat.
Google lists these as separate products, including the Nest Thermostat, Nest Thermostat E, and Nest Learning Thermostat models. See Google’s technical specifications for model distinctions.
#1 Best Overall
- 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]
- Nest Thermostat E: the older, white, lower-cost Nest model with a frosted-looking display and traditional Nest scheduling.
- Nest Thermostat (2020): the current entry-level Google thermostat with a mirrored glass display and Google Home control.
- Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd gen: a different premium model that is often incorrectly included in comparisons using the phrase “Nest Thermostat.”
- Nest Learning Thermostat 4th gen: Google’s current premium model, listed at $279.99 and supplied with one second-generation Nest Temperature Sensor.
Nest Thermostat vs. Nest Thermostat E at a glance
| Feature | Nest Thermostat E | Nest Thermostat (2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Position | Older lower-cost model | Current entry-level Google model |
| Display | Small, frosted-looking display | Mirrored glass color display |
| App | Nest app workflow | Google Home app |
| Scheduling | Traditional Auto-Schedule and learning behavior | Guided Quick Schedule |
| Remote control | Yes | Yes |
| Eco/Away features | Yes | Yes |
| Nest Temperature Sensors | Supported | Not compatible |
| HVAC coverage | About 85% of 24V systems, subject to configuration | About 85% of 24V systems, subject to configuration |
| Current Google Store U.S. availability | Not shown in the current lineup | Sold directly by Google |
| Price checked August 2026 | No current official Google Store price located | $129.99 |
The biggest difference: learning and scheduling
The Nest Thermostat E belongs to the older Nest software family. Its Auto-Schedule feature can observe manual temperature changes and build a schedule around household routines.
The 2020 Nest Thermostat uses Quick Schedule, a guided scheduling process in the Google Home app. It can offer energy-saving suggestions, but it is not equivalent to the traditional learning behavior associated with the E or Nest Learning Thermostat.
In practical terms, the 2020 model is newer hardware with a simpler scheduling model—not a feature-for-feature replacement for the E.
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The deal-breaker: temperature sensors
The Nest Thermostat E supports the original Nest Temperature Sensor. A sensor can help prioritize a bedroom, nursery, office, or other room whose temperature differs from the area around the wall thermostat.
The 2020 Nest Thermostat does not support Nest Temperature Sensors. Existing E sensors cannot simply be transferred to it.
If room sensors matter, keep the E or consider the fourth-generation Nest Learning Thermostat, which includes one second-generation sensor and supports additional sensors.
Rank #2
- An Alexa thermostat - Amazon Smart Thermostat is an easy way to switch from a traditional thermostats for homes and help reduce energy usage.
- Create comfort zones throughout your home by connecting to select Alexa devices to automatically adjust heating and cooling based on temperature readings or presence detection.
- Save money and energy - After purchase, Amazon will send you an email with details about home thermostat rebates that may be available from energy providers in your area.
- Save energy - According to EPA estimates, ENERGY STAR certified thermostats save an average of $90 on yearly energy bills.
- Programmable thermostat and automatic control - Create your own home, away and sleep schedules, or have Alexa automatically control the temperature with Alexa+ advanced features.
HVAC compatibility and wiring
Both models are designed for many common 24V heating and cooling systems, but “works with about 85% of systems” is an estimate, not a guarantee for a particular home.
Within their supported configurations, both can handle one heating stage, one cooling stage, and one additional stage of either heating or cooling. They may work with furnaces, air conditioners, boilers, radiant systems, and heat pumps, subject to the equipment’s wiring and control requirements.
Use Google’s Nest thermostat compatibility checker before buying. Pay particular attention to:
- Heat pumps with auxiliary or emergency heat
- Dual-fuel systems
- Multistage heating or cooling
- Zoned systems and dampers
- Humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and ventilation equipment
- Boilers and radiant systems
- Proprietary or nonstandard wiring
- Systems powered by millivolts rather than 24V
Do you need a C wire?
Either thermostat may work without a C wire in some installations, but neither should be assumed to work without one. Google identifies some heating-only, cooling-only, heat-pump, and zoned installations that may require a C wire or a Nest Power Connector.
A C wire improves the thermostat’s power supply, but its presence does not guarantee compatibility with multistage, zoned, dual-fuel, proprietary, or accessory-equipped systems.
Check before removing the old thermostat
- Identify the HVAC system type and whether it has stages, auxiliary heat, zones, or accessories.
- Turn off power at the breaker or service switch.
- Photograph the existing wiring and terminal labels.
- Record the terminals actually connected; do not rely on wire colors.
- Enter those terminals into Google’s compatibility checker.
- Confirm whether a C wire or Nest Power Connector is required.
- Use professional installation for complex, unusual, or uncertain systems.
App and software-support differences
The Nest Thermostat E and 2020 Nest Thermostat belong to different software generations. The E follows the older Nest app workflow, while the 2020 model is set up and controlled through Google Home.
Rank #3
- Save up to 23% every year on heating and cooling costs, adjusts to your set schedule to save energy when you’re gone and optimize comfort when you’re home. Compared to a hold of 72
- Compatible with 85% of systems, check your system’s compatibility with our online ecobee Compatibility Checker on the ecobee support page
- Change your temperature by easily tapping the color touchscreen or using the ecobee app. Plus, free software upgrades ensure you get the best out of your Smart Thermostat Essential, for years to come
- Automatically adjusts to your set schedule to save energy when you’re gone and optimize comfort when you’re home. Keep track of your energy consumption when you're on the go on the ecobee app
- Easy DIY install. No C Wire, no problem. Get the ecobee Power Extender Kit (PEK) for homes without a C-Wire and keep your walls looking nice with our trim kit – both sold separately
Google’s published update history lists the Nest Thermostat E on a legacy branch, with North American firmware version 6.3-5 dated April 7, 2025. The 2020 thermostat has a separate branch, including version 2.2-9 dated March 24, 2026. See Google’s software update history.
The E remains covered by Google’s current support documentation, but support does not mean feature parity or a promise of identical future updates.
Also, do not confuse the E with Google’s first- and second-generation Nest Learning Thermostats. Google’s October 25, 2025 end-of-support change applied to those earliest Learning Thermostat models, not automatically to the Nest Thermostat E.
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The Nest Thermostat E has a subdued white finish, a smaller display, and a traditional rotating outer ring. It is designed to blend into the wall.
The 2020 Nest Thermostat uses mirrored glass, comes in multiple colors, and changes temperature through touch-sensitive controls on the side. It looks more contemporary when idle, although the reflective display may be less immediately readable from some angles or in certain lighting.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Should you switch?
Keep the Nest Thermostat E if:
- It works reliably.
- You use Nest Temperature Sensors.
- You value traditional Auto-Schedule behavior.
- Your HVAC system is already compatible.
- You prefer the Nest app.
- You do not need a newer Google Home feature.
There is no general energy-saving reason to replace a functioning E with the 2020 model. Actual savings depend more on schedules, occupancy, climate, insulation, HVAC condition, and household behavior than on the thermostat’s name.
Rank #4
- EASY DIY INSTALLATION: Do it yourself fast with a built-in level and simple step-by-step instructions. Works with the HVAC equipment found in most homes
- COMMON WIRE REQUIREMENTS: Common wire(C-Wire) required for heat pump and heat/cool only systems. C-wire not required on most systems
- SAVE ABOUT 23% ON HVAC ENERGY: ENERGY STAR-certified and packed with features that help you save money, including flexible scheduling, geofencing, remote access and usage reports
- PRIVACY PROTECTION: Sensi won’t sell your personal information to third parties or leverage your thermostat activity data for targeting or advertising purposes
- CONTROL FROM ANYWHERE: The top-rated mobile app for Android and iOS devices makes it easy to control your comfort from a smartphone or tablet
Buy the 2020 Nest Thermostat if:
- You want a new, currently sold Google thermostat.
- You prefer Google Home control.
- You do not need remote temperature sensors.
- You have a relatively simple compatible system.
- You prefer its appearance.
- Your E is failing or has unreliable connectivity.
Google currently lists the 2020 Nest Thermostat at $129.99 in the United States. Promotions, utility rebates, and final availability can change, so check your ZIP code and utility eligibility on the product page.
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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 minuteChoose the Nest Learning Thermostat 4th gen instead if:
- You want automatic learning and schedule creation.
- You need room-by-room temperature management.
- You have multistage or accessory-equipped HVAC.
- You want a sensor included in the box.
- You want Matter-compatible smart-home control.
- You are willing to pay $279.99 for broader features.
The premium model costs more than twice as much as the 2020 Nest Thermostat, so it is most worthwhile when its sensors, learning, compatibility, or smart-home features solve a specific need.
What about ecobee?
Ecobee is worth comparing if you want a non-Google ecosystem, a sensor-oriented approach, or broader smart-home options. Its official smart thermostat range includes models with different sensor, accessory, and subscription features. Confirm the exact model’s HVAC compatibility and current price before buying.
For a household already invested in Google Home and Nest devices, staying with Nest is usually the simpler setup. For Apple Home users or buyers who prioritize a different ecosystem, ecobee may deserve closer consideration.
Bottom line
The 2020 Nest Thermostat is not a universal upgrade from the Nest Thermostat E. Keep the E if you rely on sensors, prefer traditional learning, or have no problem to solve. Buy the 2020 model for a simple, current, lower-cost Google Home thermostat. Choose the fourth-generation Learning Thermostat when you need sensors, learning, advanced HVAC support, or Matter compatibility—and check wiring compatibility before purchasing any model.
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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.
