Customer Ratings & Reviews

Excellent new version that replaced the four year old model that was in use. Really like the remote temp sensor feature as well. Planning to upgrade the second thermostat in our home next.

I love how easy this was to install. Also it looks very sleek.

Big upgrade from the Google Nest Thermostat Gen 3. The screen size is nice and the display shows so much more useful information.

Slick device! Love the new nest thermostat! If you want to save money, get one now!

It feels like I've had the Gen 3 Nest Thermostat all my life. It's followed me through three moves over the last nine years! It's been a truly "plug in and forget" item throughout all that time. I never once had any issues with it. I've grown to appreciate it throughout the years and talked several family and friends into getting their own. When hearing about the release of the fourth-generation thermostat, I wondered why I should upgrade because of how well the third-gen performed. But then I got to thinking about some things that irked me. And one of the things I did was set up my comfort settings. On the third-gen, I had to go hour by hour and adjust the desired temps. This wasn't too much of an issue because I only had to do it a handful of times throughout the years. After all, once it's set, it will be consistent in its ability to do what you want, but it was cumbersome when I had to do it. I've also had some nights where I woke up, and it was 63 degrees in the house when I had it set to 68. Much of that probably happened with my local electric company implementing their "rush hour," but I couldn't figure out how to fix it alone. My issues with it were minimal, considering I owned it for nine years. Anything connected to the internet usually has many connectivity issues and errors, but I'm delighted with the performance of the 3rd gen. That said, hearing about the differences between the 4th gen intrigued me. Some of the additions/differences from the third-gen are: * Sleeker design with a thinner profile and a mirrored finish (very nice looking on the wall and gets me to look at it more often than the 3rd gen) *An updated display that shows the temperature, weather, and time at a glance (this is the most significant visual change for me - the live weather animation and the hour-by-hour breakdown the closer you get to it is all excellent information to have so quickly) *Compatibility with more HVAC systems, including dual-fuel systems (I don't have any complicated systems, but I know a lot do, so this is welcomed to broaden the consumer base) *The ability to detect when you are away from home and adjust the temperature accordingly (this is an ideal addition because I felt like the third-gen did suffer from geolocation a bit) * Improved energy-saving features that can save you even more money on your energy bills (this is the most significant addition; any additional savings are welcomed, especially with rising power costs) This package has a sensor to place the thermostat anywhere you'd like it to prioritize. For example, if you live in a two-story home that gets hotter upstairs on a summer day, you can prioritize the sensor to be 71 degrees rather than the downstairs (where the thermostat is). This makes it cooler than 71 downstairs but will get your room to the desired temperature. If you use the sensors from the third generation, then you'll know how to use them. I don't remember any differences with the sensors other than their looks. Could they have better battery consumption? You can purchase a 3-pack of the sensors for $99, which I did to place one in each bedroom of the house. It can't be said enough how sleek this device looks on the wall. I opted not to install the base because I liked the clean look and didn't have to cover up any blemishes from the old thermostat. If you've seen a Pixel watch in person, it has the same aesthetics but is much larger in diameter. The rotation is still just as satisfying as the third-gen. This new 4th-gen thermostat improves everything the third has - positive and negative. That's what you want from a new-gen product. But unlike a PC, laptop, phone, or TV, you won't miss out as much as you think if you keep the third-gen. These thermostats are "bulletproof," I don't think the third gens will quit unless Nest decides to stop supporting them, which I don't think will happen soon. For $280, it's still a decent value because you'll own it for another nine years. However, if you're money-conscious and still have the third-gen, you can always wait for a sale - because you still have one of the best thermostats in the market with the third-gen.

I've been using two Nest thermostats for years, the original model and the 3rd gen. They work great, although the main reason I bought it to begin with is so I could change the temperature without getting out of bed (at least I'm being honest). Fast forward nearly 12 years later, I ask myself "what else can Google really do? It's just a thermostat connected to wifi." That's mostly correct, but I decided to pick up the gen 4 Nest Thermostat anyway. First impressions are, wow, this thing looks super nice, almost like a Pixel Watch. It really is beautiful, for a thermostat at least. Big, thin, classy looking. The packaging is modern and slim and the face of the dial is a metallic-y silver that looks great when the screen is on or off (I got the polished silver trim). Installation was straightforward, remove old Nest (or thermostat) and it's mounting plate, install new mounting plate and new Nest; exact wiring configuration as the previous generations. One nice attention to detail is when installing the mounting ring, the little bubble level is backlit! Didn't expect that and it's a nice bit of polish Google engineered into the design. It did come in handy as I didn't have to use a flashlight in one hand and screwdriver in the ther other when making sure it was level. Set up is exactly as you would expect. Straightforward, although I had an issue where setup kept stopping, tell me the "R" wire wasn't connected. I triple checked the wiring and re-ran the setup from the beginning, only to have the unit tell me I was missing the Y1 wire. Turns out the wire check prompted me to re-check the Y1 wire, rather than the generic R wire message. Sure enough, it, not the R wire, wasn't fully seated. If you are coming from a previous gen Nest, I'd suggest running the setup from the beginning even though you may choose "skip." This will ensure the unit communicates back to you any actual wiring issues that may exist. It likely saved me a lot of frustration because I was 100% certain the R wire was inserted correctly. It was a bit strange that the setup flow didn't tell me the the Y1 wire was the issue, it just defaulted to the R wire. The remote sensor is a nice inclusion since I never purchased one with the prior generations. Unsure how that will change my cooling/heating habits but it's a nice to have. The display shows the remote sensor temp on the main display, which is a nice touch. I'm not sure what technology is packed into this, but the screen and overall display is gorgeous vs. the prior gens. It's a nice large color screen that shows rich and colorful graphics of the weather, temps inside/outside, etc. Really classy looking. Outside of that, it's too soon to tell if it's better at energy conservation, but I normally bypass all that stuff since I like it cold in the summer, no matter the cost (again, just being honest here!). Time will tell but I anticipate it would be the same as prior generations in the energy management area. Overall, this may seem like a frivolous update if you already have a Nest; in many ways it is, but there is enough polish to warrant an upgrade, especially if you have access to a utility rebate. Highly recommended.

Google-Nest has released their newest thermostat for 2024 after initially releasing their first smart thermostat back in 2011. Google-Nest really set the bar with their design and the intuitiveness of their app. Since then, many other manufacturers were able to gain popularity. Fast forward to now, it looks like Google has primed the Nest 4th Gen to take back the crown. Testing all the features couldn’t have come at a better time as I just replaced by whole ac system. I wanted to see if it would be worth the upgrade from the 3rd gen Nest thermostat. Design First of all, the new Nest 4th gen thermostat is a pleasure to look at. My kids have caught me staring in awe of the elegant design of the device. I’ve owned the 1st and 3rd gen of the Nest learning thermostat, and this is by far my favorite. It’s still pretty early as I have not had the device long enough to test for all the bugs and shortcoming just yet. I’ve had two brand new 3rd gen Nest thermostats fail on me, so I may be best suited to review the newest entry with the years of experience I’ve had with the Nest thermostat. Hardware and install I was able to use the existing screws and the existing placement of my 3rd gen Nest Thermostat. I was able to remove the existing and setup within 15 minutes. I love the fact that I was able to connect to Wi-Fi by using my phone instead of manually entering my password like on my 3rd gen Nest. I made sure to take a picture before removing and installing my new thermostat. Google Home App Most of hardcore Nest lovers really like the Nest app interface. The Google Home app was not widely accepted due to its interface. Now Google has made some updates in preparation for the 4th gen thermostat. I must have opened the Nest App 40 times trying to control the new thermostat. I’m still getting adjusted with using the Google Home app. Its not bad, but its not the Nest app. Features Smart schedule is really cool. Nest learns my patterns and sets my desired temperature based on the usage patterns. The cool feature I really love is that now you are able to let the thermostat suggest schedules without having it perform the action. This is a neat feature since I have to adjust the schedules that the Nest sets sometimes in the past. Having the Nest temperature sensor included is a huge plus. I have a 2-story home, so having the ability to set the thermostat temperature based on the second level is a major plus. I don’t mind the sensor not having any motion capabilities as I have other smart devices that can detect motion. Conclusion The Google Nest thermostat is a device that gets a lot of things right. Seeing the device in person, it looks really good. I was a bit surprised of the feel though. You have to be careful installing since it feels to be mostly made of plastic. I removed the base a few times and had to be extra careful handling the device. The device is made up of mostly recycled material, so I can appreciate Google for being committed to sustainability. The new Nest thermostat is jam-packed with advanced AI features such as smart schedule, adaptive eco and proactive alerts. These features are designed to reduce energy consumption and save money. If you are current Nest user and have no issues with using the Google Home app, I definitely recommend upgrading. You won’t be disappointed.

The Google Nest Learning Thermostat is a solid upgrade that blends intelligence, efficiency, and sleek design. After using it, I’m really impressed by how well it adapts to my routine and the changing weather, making my home comfortable while also saving energy. First off, the installation was straightforward. I had it up and running in about 30 minutes, even without a C-wire, thanks to Google’s Power Sharing feature. The setup process through the Google Home app was intuitive, and I appreciated the detailed step-by-step instructions. The design is a major highlight. The new slim profile and polished glass dome make it look modern and stylish on my wall. The 60% larger display is not just easy to read but also smart. The Dynamic Farsight feature is a game-changer—it adjusts the display based on where I am in the room, showing the temperature, time, or weather as needed. In terms of functionality, the thermostat’s ability to learn and adjust is exceptional. The Smart Schedule feature learns my preferred temperatures and daily habits, offering suggestions that I can easily accept or reject via the app. I love how it uses AI to factor in outdoor conditions to optimize heating and cooling, which has noticeably lowered my energy bills. The inclusion of the second-gen temperature sensor is also a big plus—it’s helped manage hot and cold spots in my home by prioritizing the temperature in the most used rooms. Another cool feature is the System Health Monitor, which keeps tabs on my HVAC system and alerts me if something needs attention. I also love being able to control and view from temp from the app. Overall, the Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) is an excellent investment. It’s not just smart—it’s thoughtful, with features that cater to both comfort and savings. If you’re looking to upgrade your home’s heating and cooling system with something that’s easy to use and highly effective, this is the thermostat to get.

I've been using the Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Generation) for almost a month now, and overall I'm very happy with it. The installation was surprisingly straightforward and easy. Our HVAC system doesn't have a C-wire, but that wasn't a mandatory requirement for our setup, and the thermostat has been working perfectly fine without one. The standout feature is definitely the design. The 4th Generation model looks premium, and the display is beautiful. It has a modern, elegant look that really enhances the overall aesthetic of the room. Functionally, everything has been working well so far. The only thing I've noticed is that cooling seems to take a little longer than I expected. I'm not sure if that's due to the thermostat itself, the learning algorithm, or my HVAC system, so I'm not counting it as a negative just yet. Overall, it's been a great upgrade. Easy installation, sleek design, and reliable performance make it a thermostat I'd recommend.

I would make the argument that Google’s Nest Thermostat really kicked off this new era of “smart thermostats” - yes they had been around, but Google’s original nest thermostat really went mainstream and pushed other companies to compete in this space. Well now in 2024, Google has came out with an official “upgrade” to that original Nest Thermostat in their new 4th Gen learning thermostat, and it’s a home run. PROS: - Installation of a smart thermostat is always something that requires a bit of know how, but I think Google does a pretty good job explaining exactly what to do and how to set it all up. I had a pretty easy time during installation and found it all very smooth. - Once connected and installed, it’s clear that this thing is gorgeous. It’s so elegant in its design and just makes your living space look so sleek and modern. The screen is also really nice too and adds a nice pop any time it comes on. - That being said, the screen keeps is really great rotating bezel like design to easily change the temperature or navigate through options. Something that really adds to the overall appeal! - The Nest Thermostat comes loaded with features you know like adapting to your preferred temperatures based on the time of day and creating a smart schedule of temps to save you money. But one of my favorite new features is the thermostat knowing what the temperature is outside and changing your thermostat because of it which can help save you money or make sure your living space is comfortable in case of any weird temperature swings. - Another nice addition is the Temperature sensor. This allows you to take in account different rooms or floors that run different temperatures than where your thermostat is. For us this is really a game changing feature as our temperature can vary in different places so it’s nice that this can help adapt to make sure you are not over using or under using your controls. - Of course the Google App is what brings this all together by being able to make the changes and edits you need on the app when you are not home to control and keep an eye on things! - Lastly this Thermostat comes with “matter” which is a new smart home standard that allows smart home devices to work with one another even if they are not all on the same platform aka Google vs Apple vs Amazon vs Samsung etc. It’s a nice way to let all your devices work well together! CONS: - The only thing I do not like is that the thermostat sensor does not detect for motion. The main thermostat will change its temperatures to more of a eco-friendly numbers when it does not see any motion, but this does not account for someone who may be in a room with a sensor. BOTTOM LINE: - Google continues to showcase why they are at the top of the game in making smart thermostats. It has a fantastic build quality that showcases its unique build as well as a beautiful screen. Along with that, it is packed with smart features that will help you save money as well as remain comfortable given any changes inside or outside. The Nest Thermostat 4th Gen is a great buy for those looking to make the move to a smart home thermostat or for those looking to upgrade what they have now!

The Google Nest 4th Edition Learning Thermostat feels like the next evolution for the design of the Nest thermostat. Upgrading to the Nest from a traditional thermostat was relatively easy. I have used Nest thermostats in the past, but this is my first time to own. The insights and ability to coordinate my thermostat with a sensor in another room is great. Unfortunately, it will take some time to see if the learning and ECO features translate to a lower utility bill but based purely on my experience over the last few days, I am impressed. Installation: Inside the box, you get both the front and back half of the thermostat, a remote sensor, a junction box mounting plate, and a face plate to cover up the holes from an existing installation. Google also includes screws for drywall and electrical box mounting. Google has a Nest thermostat compatibility checker. If you search for “Google Nest thermostat compatibility checker,” you can locate the checker easily. You go to the website and, based on your current wire hookup, Google will tell you if your existing set up is compatible or not with the Nest Learning Thermostat. It is all very straightforward, but I would recommend checking out the site and as I discovered I needed an electrician to get things squared away before I could install the thermostat. The wiring looked fine based on the compatibility check, but prior owners had the house wired a bit oddly with a no longer present security system. When it comes to physically installing the thermostat, Google has the mounting brackets on the top and bottom of the Nest. I appreciated that as the prior thermostat attached on the left and right. Inserting the cables is easy. You just press on the release and insert the cable. Google will verify that all cables are attached during the app set up process. There is even a small LED light, and a bubble leveler built into the back of the thermostat to aid in installation. If you currently have a jumper for the RC to RH on your thermostat, you should note that you will not use an external wire or metal jumper. The Nest has that feature built-in to the thermostat itself. Once all wiring issues were sorted, physical installation was painless. Except, I will say that if you are installing directly onto drywall, you need to invest in drywall anchors. I do not know why Google did not include drywall anchors as the screws simply did not hold during my installation. And because you are physically turning a large dial to change the thermostat, you need the device to be as secure to the wall as possible. Experience: To finalize setup, you will need to use the Google Home app. Google has included Linked Matter support with the thermostat, but, as far as I can tell, you still need the Google Home app to complete set up. I tried adding the thermostat via the Nest app, but I had no luck. Set up was easy. This is a Wi-Fi device. Adding the thermostat to my smart home via Alexa or Google Home was obviously amazingly simple. It is great to be able to access the thermostat from Alexa devices. My house is primarily using Google and Alexa devices, but the Matter support for Apple is a nice addition. The Thermostat has a humidity helper function. Smart features all the thermostat to use outside air as opposed to the AC to cool the house. The interface is very sharp and clean. The dial works well (when properly secured.) My wife and I want to make sure that the baby’s room stays at a certain temperature. The remote sensor allows us to run the thermostat to get temperatures right for that room. You can also use the remote sensor as a way of closing and redirecting vents to establish the best way to keep temperatures even across the house. Conclusion: I really like the Nest 4th Generation. Most of my installation struggles were unique to my set up. But assuming everything is wired properly, it is extremely easy to install the thermostat. My only nitpick is that I wish Google had included drywall anchors as they are necessary for a secure installation. But beyond that, if you currently do not have a smart thermostat or if you are thinking about upgrading from an older model, I think the current 4th generation Google Nest is worthy of the upgrade. I look forward to the insights (and hopefully lower utility bills) in the months to come. 4.5/5

The thermostat we have been using was provided with the new furnace we had installed many years ago. The screen was miniscule and poorly lit making it so difficult to read or set a schedule. It offered few options and was very outdated. I finally decided to get a thermostat that utilizes the latest in smart home technology while maximizing energy savings across the four seasons of weather we get in the northeast. The Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) with Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen) is an outstanding choice as it blends style, functionality, and efficiency into one sleek package. This newer generation boasts a larger, easier-to-read LCD screen. The display lights up when I walk nearby, and the clear display is visible even when I am not wearing my glasses. Installation was surprisingly user-friendly, requiring little to no HVAC experience. The Google Home app provided step-by-step instructions, making the setup process seamless even for beginners like me. Once installed, I created a personalized schedule for each individual day. I set a schedule to reflect the time I am at work (Eco), the time I return home (Comfort), and the time I go to bed (Sleep). And if I don’t like it, I can easily change it in the Google Home app, no matter where I am. My husband likes the house to be cooler in the summer and will turn the AC higher. When he isn’t looking, I take out my phone and make it a few degrees warmer. Included with the thermostat is the Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen), a fantastic addition that allows me to maintain the ideal climate in another room. I put the sensor in the master bedroom and adjusted the temperature of the house to reflect the temperature of that room rather than the main thermostat. This is particularly useful as the room is on the 2nd floor and tends to be hotter than the first floor of the house. If multiple sensors are chosen, the thermostat heats/cools based on the average indoor temp from both sensors. In the app, you can see the current temperature where there is a device and the humidity. You can select these modes: heat, cool, both, or off. You can choose to hold a temperature and run the fan manually by setting a timer. Another impressive feature is the ability to see how long it will take to cool down/heat up your house to a desired temperature. There is an Energy Dashboard and the option to schedule additional events during the day. You can set routines for voice commands or presence sensing that change the temperature when you come home, when everyone is away. It’s like having an intuitive assistant that ensures my home is always at the perfect temperature. The AI function takes the intelligence of this device to another level by analyzing the influence of outdoor temperature on the indoor climate. This means the thermostat doesn’t just react to the current temperature but anticipates changes based on weather conditions, optimizing your energy usage. Speaking of energy efficiency, the Nest Learning Thermostat helps you save money by suggesting energy-saving settings. And if you ever want to prioritize comfort over savings, you can easily override these suggestions with the Google Home app. Presto change-o! While I have only had the Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) with Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen) for less than a week, I know that it is a smart investment that combines cutting-edge technology with ease of use, helping you create a more comfortable, energy-efficient home while adding a touch of modern elegance to your living space.

The Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) is a smart thermostat designed to optimize our home's heating and cooling efficiency. It comes with the Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd Gen), and together they offer precise temperature control in different rooms, ensuring comfort throughout our home. Right out of the box, it looks modern, clean, and sleek with a premium feel. It comes with the Thermostat display, the base, trim plate, steel plate, hardware and the sensor, all well packaged. The installation is easy and the application helps out a lot, I completed both the installation and setup fast. The polished silver finish of the thermostat adds a sleek, modern touch to any home decor. The device has a circular liquid crystal display that looks fantastic it offers a nice resolution, and it provides clear and vivid visuals. It has a premium feel and quality, and the design is both functional and attractive. We really like the smart learning function; the thermostat learns our schedule and preferences, so this information automatically adjusts the temperature to suit our needs. Over time, it becomes more efficient, helping us save on energy bills. This ends up with energy savings and lowering our costs. As for the included Nest Temperature Sensor, it helps manage hot and cold spots in our home by placing it in any room, for us is the master bedroom because it is on the second floor so the temperature is different than the first floor. This ensures that the temperature is just right where we need it most not just where the thermostat is installed. I also like how I can control the thermostat from my phone, and from time to time I can check to make sure it’s working properly and efficiently. And it works with Android, Apple iOS, Mac, Windows so we are covered. Also having Google Assistant as well as Amazon Alexa to control the thermostat is also helpful; we do not need to look for our phones to make changes or control the temperature at all. Overall, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) with the Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd Gen) has been the best choice to keep in our home. It is also energy efficient, has smart features and with a clean and attractive design it is ideal for our and many homes.

In the world of home automation, few devices have trended as effectively as the Google Nest Learning Thermostat, especially when paired with the Nest Temperature Sensor. After using this dynamic duo in my home, I can confidently say it stands out for its thoughtful design, intuitive features, and overall performance. Installation Made Easy For those with a bit of handyman skills, installation is a breeze. The package comes equipped with all the necessary hardware and, frankly, a user-friendly guided installation that walks you through each step. For someone who knows little about HVAC systems, the initial setup might feel overwhelming at first, but the clear instructions and visually appealing interface help cushion that learning curve. Smart Learning Capability One of the most impressive features of the Nest thermostat is its ability to learn your habits. After just a few days of use, the thermostat begins to adjust the temperature according to your settings at specific times, making it a seamless part of your daily routine. This kind of adaptability is not just a convenience—it’s a true energy saver. Once it got acquainted with my schedule, I noticed a marked decrease in my energy bills, all while maintaining a cozy home environment. User-Friendly Interface The interface of the thermostat is incredibly well-designed. The sleek outer ring allows for easy rotation to adjust the temperature on the fly, which is a fantastic touch. Additionally, it displays a wealth of information—including time, weather, and more—which keeps you informed at a glance. Coupling this with the Google Home app accessibility—where you can adjust settings on the go—makes for a comprehensive control system that integrates beautifully with my existing Google Nest devices. Temperature Sensor: The Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd Gen) is a fantastic addition that really extends the capabilities of the thermostat. However, it’s essential to install the sensor at an appropriate distance from the thermostat, allowing sufficient communication without interference. This installation aspect does involve a bit of trial and error; I found that experimenting with various placements yielded the best results. Once in place, the sensor complements the thermostat's efforts exceptionally well. Performance The performance of the thermostat is nothing short of impressive. It artfully balances temperatures throughout my home, ensuring a comfortable atmosphere without overburdening the AC. There’s a noticeable ease with which it maintains climate control, efficiently managing the temperature without the air conditioning running non-stop. It’s a marvel of engineering that showcases how technology can elevate everyday living. Final Thoughts In conclusion, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) alongside the Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd Gen) deserves nothing less than an 11/10. It embodies the perfect mix of art and science, with user-oriented smart technology that enhances comfort and efficiency in the home. Whether you’re a tech aficionado or a casual user, this thermostat sets a new standard in home climate control. Highly recommended!

This Nest thermostat is a great upgrade. It looks really clean, is easy to use, and does a great job learning your preferences. The added sensor helps keep different rooms comfortable, which makes a noticeable difference. Setup was straightforward, and everything works seamlessly. Definitely worth it if you want a smarter and more efficient home setup.

Should you buy this? 
 YES: 
if you want a newer styling, 
If you want a larger display with futuristic appearance, and no large bezel occupying a lot of the face. 
If you are willing to pay a premium over prior models, for the addition of an included remote temperature sensor (previously available only as an accessory at additional cost) and the potential of Google AI rolling out improvements over the years for more features and capacities. 
If you have a robust system, with heating/cooling/ventilation and perhaps newer products such as heat pumps and devices that are triggered by external air quality or humidity. NO: If you already own an earlier generation Nest thermostat, and are pleased with its performance. There are no major new functionalities or features with this new generation, which is the first upgrade since 2015. A thermostat is pretty much a one trick pony, but there are nuances.
 If you prefer the classic Nest app. This generation requires the use of Google Home app for remote control of the thermostat. If you have older Nest products, you might be using two apps to control virtually identical products. However, voice control through a Google speaker/hub will control both equally well.

 Thinking back over my years of using Nest Learning Thermostats, first with Gen 1 and then upgrading to Gen 3 about 3 years ago, once we set the daily settings for desired temperatures through the days of the week and times we were home versus at work, we really didn't change the settings much at all. Honestly the only adjustment I would make would be occasionally to turn on the “Eco” mode. You would manually activate Eco mode either at home or via the Nest app from afar. This mode would drop your heat to a pre-chosen minimum temperature. For example, going on vacation, we would turn the heat down to 52 degrees. After spending a week away, upon our return, I would use my mobile phone to cancel Eco, as we landed at the airport. Then upon arriving home, it had warmed up from the energy-saving lower temp that it had been for the time while away. The Gen 4 Learning Thermostat appears to be more style than substance in its changes. Certainly the new device has a much sleeker, almost futuristic appearance; it seems to float off the wall.The gold tone is quite modern and goes well with the drawer and cabinet pulls in the kitchen where the thermostat is mounted. The display is larger, having lost the 1 cm bezel around the display edge. The packaging was nicely conceived without any plastic; all recyclable. The Gen 4, like many recent Google hardware products, has incorporated Matter into its hardware. So theoretically it can be voice controlled by not just Google devices, but also Apple’s Siri, Amazon’s Alexa, Samsung’s Smart Things devices, etc. Installation was quite easy; it took about 10 minutes. Having a Gen 3, the holes in the wall were already in place. The backplate was a different shape, so some paint touch up of the wall will be needed. The mounting plate screwed to the wall is a smaller size and has 2 additional wires, so you cannot just click the Gen 4 onto a Gen 3 wall plate. But the screw holes were identically spaced, so no new holes needed to be drilled. Quoting the Google web page here, the 2 extra ports on the mounting plate are needed “to work with humidifier, dehumidifier, and ventilation systems - expanding compatibility. If you have a ventilation system, you can use Smart Ventilation, which helps bring in air if temperatures are mild and outdoor air quality is healthy. If outdoor air quality is unhealthy, the system will pause bringing in outdoor air”. Our home does not have integral humidifier/dehumidifier or a separate ventilation system. We use the ancient method of opening some windows. The basement has a separate dehumidifier, quite necessary in New England basements in the summer to keep the musty mold in check. The Nest Thermostat is capable of handling a broad array of different heating/cooling systems, which you select through the set up process in the app. Our simple system is winter heat only, via natural gas. No GeoThermal or heat pumps to integrate. Since I am writing this in August, we are months away from actually turning the Nest thermostat on. For control and management via your cell phone, the Gen 4 does not use the Nest app, and must be activated by the Google Home app. So now, with one Gen 3 and one Gen 4, I have to use separate apps to control the devices individually. To add the thermostat to the GH app, you use the + sign to add a device. 
Then you are presented with 3 choices: 1) a Matter-enabled device, 2) a Google Nest device, or 3) a “Works with Google Home” device. 
I was in a bit of quandary as to whether I should choose choice 1 or 2, as both were true about the thermostat.
It seems either choice could work, and I chose NOT to set it up as a Matter device, not just yet. Adding the thermostat to Apple’s HomeKit app, as a Matter compliant device, was quite easy. This could well have been related to the fact that I am a user of the Starling Hub, which is a wonderful enabler of Nest products for use in an Apple centric home. Now I can control both thermostats with Siri, using voice via your device of choice: Home Pod, iPhone, AppleWatch, or Macintosh computer. The Matter enabled choices in the Apple HomeKit app, however, seem somewhat limited: turn the heat or A/C on/off, set a temperature, control the use of the remote temp sensor (see below), and that’s about it. So not a robust skill set, but really all the major fundamentals. Indoor humidity, ventilation systems, and scheduling are not available via the Matter control on HomeKit; so for fine tuning you need the Google Home app. Google states that Gemini AI will learn your heating/cooling preferences and make automatic fine tuning of the settings to optimize your comfort, lessen your energy usage and therefore utility costs, and integrate your presence in the home to know when you are home and when the home is vacant. So no more manual setting of the Eco mode; the AI knows when you are not home. Your presence is determined by motion sensors is various Google/Nest products: smoke alarms, motion detection in Home Hub Max, in home surveillance cameras with motion detectors, etc. Once the system notes that no one is home, Eco mode automatically switches on, rather than it being something the owner needs to activate. Similarly it switches off from Eco when you return (although returning to a cold house). All the prior thermostats were billed as Learning Thermostat with the sole exception of the introduction of the Google Nest Thermostat (notice the absence of the word Learning). The learning capacity really served as a functional AI algorithm, and is built into 23 years of Nest Learning Thermostat’s history. Perhaps there will be new, more robust features as AI unfolds. But the history of the Nest Thermostat has been really that the features that exist when you buy it, are all you should expect for as long as you own it. There is not a previous heritage of firmware updates or system upgrades of installed devices being rolled out to owners. In checking my installed Gen 3 Nest thermostat, it was last updated May 2022, 2 years 3 months ago. By my recollection that was about when I bought it. So no software updates, firmware changes, or new features added in that time. I have not had any personal experience with other brands of smart thermostats, so cannot speak to deficiencies or benefits of one brand over another. I would direct such concerns to reviews from third party sources. With this unit, you can choose between different faces that appear upon close proximity to the device, so called Near Sight: time display, a clock face, current weather outside, or reading of indoor temp and humidity. Again style tweaks, but not a major function improvement. The other new hardware, included in the box, is the Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen). It is essentially the same as the 1st gen, just redesigned to better match the Gen 4’s appearance. It looks like a smoothed stone found on the beach, and can be hung from the wall or placed onto a shelf or piece of furniture. Its primary job is to feed a remote room's temperature to the thermostat for altering the house's heat depending on which room you tend to be in during that time of the day. Of course, given the zones your heating system has, it cannot control one room separately from an adjacent room, you just get to select which room is calling the shots at which time.
 Google/Nest also has an optional program called Nest Renew; to support customers who are concerned about climate change and the role of home heating/cooling in the deteriorating climate. I signed up for that program when it rolled out about a year or two ago. 
As stated in the Google web page: “Once you enroll in Nest Renew, your thermostat can automatically make small adjustments that shift energy use to cleaner and less expensive times. These adjustments are small but add up — contributing to a more reliable and efficient energy grid while lowering household energy bills at the same time.” 
I check in the web page of nestrenew.google.com regularly and it gives me a local feed as to whether I should hold off on running the dishwasher (for example) right now, and instead run it later when the electricity generation is less utilizing fossil fuels. So in summary, it is a time tested, reliable product. It is not the cheapest smart thermostat, and most of the functions are available in models from other manufacturers. But the styling is striking, and the promise of future updates and features from Gemini AI integration are tantalizing, but cannot be guaranteed to develop.

Before Nest became Google Nest, I was a happy Nest Learning Thermostat user, upstairs and downstairs. When Google Nest released its 4th Generation (4th Gen) learning thermostat, I was highly interested in seeing what it could do as compared to the prior Nest learning thermostat which set a high bar. The new 4th Gen sets an even higher one. Installation is quick and easy, especially if you already have a Nest already installed. The wiring set up is the same as the prior generation. Unfortunately, the wiring connector mount is a tiny bit smaller so you cannot skip the wiring setup. Be sure to turn off the power before working with the electrical wiring. Once you have the wiring setup, you are ready to install the 4th Gen unit. Plug it into the wired base, and setup of the device itself is next. The Google Home app, if you don’t already have it, needs to be installed. When done, the app will lead you through the device setup. If you carefully follow the app’s instructions, setup should go smoothly. By this point, you will have connected the 4th Gen to your wi-fi and be ready for the 4th Gen experience. Compared to its predecessor, the 4th Gen screen is easier to read. This is immensely helpful as there is a lot of useful information displayed. The “home” screen shows cooling or heating mode, indoor temperature, set temperature, humidity, outdoor temperature with icon for sunny/cloudy/rainy/etc, and time of day. To change your temperature or other settings, turn the device left or right to find what you need. Do this a few times, and you will learn how to manually operate the 4th Gen, as well as what it can automatically do for you. The photos below show two examples of what information can be available at any time. When you walk away, the screen will “turn off” as part of its energy savings process. Additionally, the package includes a remote sensor that easily pairs with the thermostat itself. The sensor communicates what is happening temperature-wise in its zone, thus providing valuable information to the base so adjustments, if needed, can be made to maintain proper settings overall. The Google Nest Learning Thermostat 4th Generation is an excellent product, and it looks good on the wall. Easy to install, easy to set up, easy to work with, and impressive performance, what more could you want in a thermostat?

💪 BUILD: The 4th generation Nest Learning Thermostat has a larger 2.7” 600x600 borderless LCD compared to the previous generation with a 2.08” 480x480 LCD with thick bezels. The display is sufficiently bright when it needs to combat direct sunlight, but also gets much dimmer so that you’re not blinded when it’s night time. It connects to the base with a connector where it will receive power through your home’s wiring, but can also be charged via USB-C for rare circumstances. ⚙️ CONTROLS: Controlling the thermostat is intuitive—you can rotate the outer diameter of the thermostat to serve as a dial or knob for the UI, and you can press on any edge of the display to confirm an action. 🪛 SETUP: The Google Home smartphone app provides a full guided tutorial to make setup easy for novices, and faster for experienced folks. Personally, I was upgrading from a 2nd gen Nest thermostat, so it was a fairly easy process since I had previously labeled the wires when I first set it up 4 years ago. One thing I didn’t like is that the older 2nd gen mounting base was incompatible with the 4th gen. I was hoping I could simply pop the 2nd gen thermostat off and simply replace it with the 4th gen model, but that simply wasn’t the case. Even so, it only took a few minutes to set up for me since my wires were labeled. For those who are new to the Nest thermostat, there are included stickers so you can label your wires, making future upgrades much simpler. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to use the Nest app like previous models of the Nest thermostat, so you’ll be required to use a Google account with the Google Home app. One thing that you should do immediately after setup is go to the software version on the thermostat and make sure it is up-to-date. I spent way too long trying to integrate the Nest Thermostat with my Apple Home, and it failed until I performed the software update. I’m surprised that the Nest Thermostat didn’t check for software updates immediately after connecting to Wi-Fi, so that’s definitely an area where Google could improve the user experience. It also includes an additional 2nd generation temperature sensor that you can place in your home so you can control the thermostat based on the temperature in another room. Getting this added was a breeze, and it’s completely wireless using only a CR2 Lithium battery for the sensor. 📱 GOOGLE HOME APP If you’re already in the Google smart home ecosystem, then you probably have used the Google Home app before, but if you liked having an app that focuses on your thermostat controls, you might be a bit displeased. However, I did finally set up my “favorites” since there were plenty of Home devices that I didn’t need quick access to. This allowed me to put my thermostat front and center in the Google Home app so I could quickly set up schedules, make adjustments, and see my energy dashboard. 🍎 HOMEKIT / MATTER SUPPORT Once I performed the software update on the Nest Thermostat, I was able to integrate the thermostat with Apple HomeKit since it supports Matter-enabled devices. Unfortunately, setting schedules for my thermostat through HomeKit isn’t quite as obvious and straight-forward since it has to be done through Automations, and doing this might conflict with the “learning” nature of the thermostat, so I might not recommend using HomeKit to create schedules for the Nest. But, creating a schedule through the Google Home app is easy, and if you need to make temporary adjustments, HomeKit makes it easy for Apple users to use the Home app or Siri to make those adjustments. 🌡️ ENERGY SAVING The Nest Learning thermostat optimizes your home’s temperature by using information from local weather data, temperature sensors, and detects when you’re away. In the Google Home app, you can configure the thermostat to automatically apply its changes or send suggestions through push notifications if you prefer to be in control. This is especially useful since it doesn’t make sense to be wasting a ton of energy cooling your home if you’re going to be away—especially for long periods of time. It also ensures that your home is a safe temperature when you’re away, so if you live in a frigid climate, it’ll help ensure your pipes don’t burst. And since you can control the thermostat remotely, it can also give you peace of mind if you have pets at home that you want to keep comfortable. For additional energy savings, you can opt into automatic schedule changes to use cleaner energy or cheaper energy through the Renew Home program. 🧐 CONCLUSION Compared to previous generations of Nest’s Learning Thermostats, it’s hard to say whether this 4th generation model brings significant enough upgrades to warrant a purchase for existing owners. And for many folks, the real value will be in the cost savings, comfort of your home, and ability to easily set schedules through the app. I love that there’s Matter support so I can use it with HomeKit, the bigger display, and the newer temperature sensors. And even at a distance, Nest’s farsight mode will give you quick information about the current weather conditions and your current home temperature settings. Overall, it’s pricey, but it’s a good product that doesn’t try to do more than what people expect it to. So for me, that’s why I’ve owned Nest thermostats for nearly a decade.

The new Google Nest Learning Thermostat is a much needed upgrade to the most popular smart thermostat available. Now in its fourth generation, Google has updated the tried and true design with slim bezels and a polished, color matched display available in three tones of gold, silver or obsidian. I opted for gold, as it looked good from the marketing photos and would match well with a variety of finishes in our home. In the box Google provides all necessary mounting hardware, a 2nd Generation Temperature Sensor, optional cover plate, and the Nest Learning Thermostat. After unboxing, I immediately noticed how reflective the face of the thermostat was. Though the brilliant gold finish looked striking, I was curious if this affected visibility of the display. Replacing my old Nest thermostat was a breeze, but even so Google has helpful installation animations to assist you. I recommend you take a photo of your thermostat wiring before you disconnect your old one just in case you mis label a wire. In my case I did not have a common wire to provide power, but fortunately it is not required for the 4th Generation Nest Learning Thermostat. After connecting it to WiFi and a brief update, the thermostat was ready to use. As suspected, the highly reflective face made the display difficult to read under certain lighting and axis. It would have been great if they applied some sort of anti-reflective coating or offered a matte finish instead of the mirror finished display. After a few days I got accustom to it, but the thermostat is a great example of form over function. Though the face is considerably larger than the old Nest, the display does not actually go edge to edge and is only marginally larger. The new Farsight has more customization, allowing four different face options including animated weather conditions. Though I did find it cool that it can provide information beyond just the current and set temperature, I usually need to know the current or set temperature when approaching a thermostat. I have owned a few Nest thermostats over the years, and I have always appreciated their design, simplicity, and functionality. After Google acquired Nest, Nest products have not maintained their strong support of the Apple ecosystem and unfortunately I have started to avoid Google products as a result. With the latest iteration, Google has added Matter support enabling cross platform integration and finally for Apple users this brings with it HomeKit. Though limited to adjusted basic HVAC modes and setting temperature, it is generally all that is needed and is a welcome addition to HomeKit. Of course this is a learning thermostat, so naturally it learned our habits and set its own schedule after a few days. Just as previous versions, the thermostat can even use multiple temperature sensors placed throughout your home and Google even includes one now. The Google Nest Learning Thermostat is a good iteration to the original smart thermostat, providing a refreshed design and finally better integration making it easy to recommend over the previous generation. If you don’t currently have a smart thermostat and you like the striking design, the Nest Learning Thermostat is a great choice.

I recently bought the Google Nest Thermostat from Best Buy and I’m honestly really impressed. Installation was straightforward, and the setup through the app was quick and easy. The interface is clean and simple, and I love being able to control the temperature right from my phone. It works flawlessly—keeps my home at the perfect temperature and adjusts quickly when I make changes. The energy-saving features are a big plus too, and I’ve already noticed it running more efficiently than my old thermostat. Overall, it looks great, performs even better, and was definitely worth the purchase. Highly recommend it if you’re looking for a smart thermostat that actually delivers.