overall
Google Nest Learning Thermostat 4th Gen
9.8
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Looking for the best Nest thermostat? We've compared the top models on Amazon US to help you find the perfect smart thermostat for your home.
| # | Product | Best for | C1: Type | C2: Storage | C3: Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Google Nest Learning Thermostat 4th Gen | overall | Learning Thermostat | Internal Memory | None | Check Price |
| 2 | Google Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Gen | premium | Learning Thermostat | Internal Memory | None | Check Price |
| 3 | Google Nest Thermostat E | budget | Smart Thermostat | Internal Memory | None | Check Price |
Why we picked it: The Google Nest Learning Thermostat 4th Gen is the most advanced model, featuring a sleek design and auto-schedule that learns your habits. It saves an average of 10-12% on heating and 15% on cooling bills. The new Nest Temperature Sensor (included) helps eliminate hot and cold spots. It integrates seamlessly with Google Home and Alexa.
Homeowners wanting maximum energy savings and smart features
Budget-conscious buyers or those with incompatible HVAC systems
Key specs: Type: Learning Thermostat - Display: 2.8 inch color LCD - Sensors: Temperature, humidity, occupancy - Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth - Works with: Google Home, Alexa - C-wire required: Optional
Why we picked it: The 3rd Gen Nest Learning Thermostat is a proven model with a large, sharp display and auto-schedule. It learns your temperature preferences and programs itself. It works with 95% of 24V HVAC systems. The Farsight feature shows you the temperature or time from across the room.
Tech enthusiasts wanting the best display and learning capabilities
Those with incompatible systems or tight budgets
Key specs: Type: Learning Thermostat - Display: 2.8 inch color LCD - Sensors: Temperature, humidity, occupancy - Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth - Works with: Google Home, Alexa - C-wire required: Optional
Why we picked it: The Nest Thermostat E is a lower-cost alternative with a frosted display and similar smart features. It still offers remote control, scheduling, and energy savings. It's compatible with most 24V systems. The design is simple and blends into any decor.
Budget buyers who want Nest quality without the learning feature
Users who want a learning thermostat or larger display
Key specs: Type: Smart Thermostat - Display: 1.8 inch frosted LCD - Sensors: Temperature, humidity - Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth - Works with: Google Home, Alexa - C-wire required: Yes
Some Nest thermostats, like the Learning Thermostat, can work without a C-wire by using a power extender kit or alternative wiring. However, for best reliability, a C-wire is recommended. The Nest Thermostat 2020 requires a C-wire.
Yes, Nest thermostats work with Amazon Alexa through the Google Home or Nest app. You can control temperature, set schedules, and use voice commands.
According to Google, Nest thermostats can save an average of 10-12% on heating and 15% on cooling bills. Actual savings depend on usage and home efficiency.
Nest thermostats are compatible with most 24V heating and cooling systems, including gas, electric, oil, heat pump, and radiant. However, some systems like millivolt or proprietary systems may not work. Check compatibility on Google's website.
Before buying, check if your system is compatible with Nest. Most 24V systems work, but some older or proprietary systems may not. Use Google's compatibility checker online.
Learning thermostats like the Nest Learning Thermostat automatically adjust based on your habits, saving more energy. If you prefer manual control, the Nest Thermostat 2020 is a simpler, cheaper option.
If you have uneven temperatures in your home, consider adding Nest Temperature Sensors. They allow the thermostat to focus on specific rooms. The Learning Thermostat supports up to 6 sensors.
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Auto-Schedule | The thermostat learns your temperature preferences and creates a schedule automatically, saving energy without sacrificing comfort. |
| Remote Control | Control your thermostat from anywhere using the Nest or Google Home app. Adjust temperature, set schedules, and view energy history. |
| Energy History | View detailed reports of your energy usage, including how much you've saved. This helps you make informed decisions to reduce consumption. |
| Farsight | Available on Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Gen and later, Farsight displays the temperature, time, or weather on the screen when you walk by, making it easy to see at a glance. |
Every product above was scored out of 10 on the same six-part rubric, then sorted into an S to C tier. We do not accept free units or payment for placement, and price or affiliate commission never factors into the score.
| Criterion | What we check | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Core performance | The numbers that define the category: capacity, power, resolution, battery life, speed or output, taken from manufacturer specs and cross-checked against independent test data where it exists. | High |
| Build & reliability | Materials, warranty length, brand track record, and how often the model shows up in long-term failure or return complaints. | High |
| Real-world usability | Weight, dimensions, noise level, setup difficulty and day-to-day friction, drawn from owner reviews and published measurements. | Medium |
| Running cost | Ongoing costs beyond the purchase: subscriptions, consumables, energy use or maintenance, where they apply to the category. | Medium |
| Owner feedback | Patterns across aggregated verified owner reviews: recurring praise, recurring complaints, and whether the experience matches the marketing. | Medium |
| Value | What you get relative to the rest of the field at a similar price band, not an absolute price judgment. | Medium |
Sources: manufacturer spec sheets and manuals, retailer listing data, aggregated verified owner reviews, and published independent test results where available for the category.
Honesty note: We have not hands-on tested every product on this page. Where we have not personally used a product, its ranking is based on verified specs, aggregated owner feedback, availability and editorial comparison rather than a hands-on review. Hands-on impressions, when included in a product entry above, are clearly written from direct use.
We don't accept free units or payment for placement. Our rankings combine verified manufacturer specifications, real owner feedback and availability, compared on one transparent S to C rubric.