Google Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd gen) review
An older, proven thermostat with a rotating ring and no Matter support
The Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd gen) is an older but proven learning thermostat, defined by its rotating stainless-steel ring and wide wiring compatibility. While it lacks Matter support and has a smaller display than the 4th gen, it remains a reasonable choice if you prefer the physical dial, and the listing we link bundles two temperature sensors.
Buy Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd gen) on Amazon
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Pros and cons
Pros
- Rotating ring gives a physical, tactile control
- Works with most 24V heating and cooling systems
- Works with the Google Home app
- The linked listing bundles two temperature sensors
Cons
- No Matter support
- Smaller display and wider bezel than the 4th gen
- Older hardware, so check the seller and warranty on Amazon
Specifications
- Display
- 2.08-inch color LCD, 480 × 480 pixels
- Dimensions
- Diameter about 3.3 in (8.4 cm), depth about 1.21 in (3.1 cm)
- Sensors
- Temperature, humidity, near-field and far-field activity, ambient light
- Connectivity
- Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz)
- HVAC Compatibility
- Google says it works with about 95% of 24V heating and cooling systems
- Matter
- Not supported
- Control
- Rotating ring, Google Home app
- In the Linked Bundle
- Stainless Steel model with 2 temperature sensors
Design and display
- Rotating ring: The outer metal ring turns to change the temperature, which gives a physical, tactile control the 4th gen does not have.
- Smaller display: The 2.08-inch screen sits inside a wider metal bezel than the 4th gen's borderless 2.7-inch display.
- Finishes: It has been sold in several metal finishes. The listing we link is Stainless Steel.
Installation and compatibility
- Wiring: It uses color-coded low-voltage wires that match labelled terminals on the wall plate.
- Compatibility: Google says it works with about 95% of 24V systems. Use Google's compatibility checker at g.co/nest/works with your wiring before you order.
Smart home and software
- Google Home: The 3rd gen works with the Google Home app. Google added scheduling for older Nest thermostats to the app in August 2025.
- No Matter: It does not support Matter, so it cannot be added to Apple Home directly the way the 4th gen can.
- Sensors: The linked listing includes two temperature sensors, so you can balance rooms from the start.
How it compares
| Feature | Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd gen) | Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 2.08-inch with metal ring | 2.7-inch borderless |
| Matter | No | Yes |
| Control | Rotating ring and Google Home app | Google Home app |
| Linked listing includes | 2 temperature sensors | 1 Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen) |
Frequently asked questions
Does the 3rd gen still work with Google Home?
Yes. It works with the Google Home app, and Google added scheduling for older Nest thermostats to the app in August 2025.
Does it come with a temperature sensor?
The thermostat on its own does not. The listing we link is a bundle that includes two temperature sensors.
Does it support Matter or Apple Home?
No. The 3rd gen does not support Matter. The 4th gen does.
