Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) review
A larger, borderless display with Matter support and an included room sensor
The Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) is the better pick for most homes. It has a larger borderless 2.7-inch display, works with Matter, and the version we link includes a Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen). While it costs more than basic smart thermostats, is controlled through the Google Home app, and may need a C wire or Power Connector on some systems, it is Google's most capable thermostat for saving energy and keeping rooms comfortable.
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Pros and cons
Pros
- Large borderless 2.7-inch display that is easy to read from across the room
- Matter support for use beyond Google Home
- Asks permission before changing your schedule
- Works with most 24V heating and cooling systems
- Includes a Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen) in the linked bundle
Cons
- Costs more than basic smart thermostats
- Managed in the Google Home app, not the older Nest app
- Some systems need a C wire or Power Connector
- Advanced features still need the Google Home app
Specifications
- Display
- 2.7-inch (68 mm) circular LCD, 600 × 600 pixels
- Dimensions & Weight
- Diameter 3.9 in (98 mm), depth 1.1 in (29 mm), 5.7 oz (161.8 g)
- Sensors
- Soli motion sensor, temperature, humidity, ambient light
- Connectivity
- Wi-Fi 802.11n (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz); works with Google Home and Matter
- HVAC Compatibility
- Most 24V systems: gas, electric, oil, forced air, heat pump, radiant
- Power & Battery
- Powered by HVAC wiring, with a built-in rechargeable lithium battery; uses less than 1 kWh a month
- C Wire
- Google says a C wire or Nest Power Connector may be needed in some systems
- In the Linked Bundle
- Thermostat display, base, trim plate, steel plate, mounting screws, wiring labels, Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen)
- Voice & Apps
- Google Home app; works with Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant
- Finishes
- Polished Obsidian, Polished Silver
Design and display
- Borderless display: The 4th gen drops the rotating ring of earlier models for a borderless 2.7-inch screen. Google says it is 60% larger than the previous model's.
- Readable from a distance: Dynamic Farsight lets the screen show useful information, such as a clock or the weather, from across the room.
- Brightness: The display adjusts brightness automatically for readability, or you can set it manually.
- Build: The case is aluminum, in Polished Obsidian or Polished Silver.
Installation and compatibility
- Wiring: Google says it works with most 24V systems, including gas, electric, oil, forced air, heat pump and radiant, and that most homes do not need a C wire.
- When you may need more power: Google also says a C wire or the Nest Power Connector may be needed in some systems to give the thermostat enough power. Some independent reviewers report power problems without a C wire, so check before buying.
- Check first: Use Google's compatibility checker at g.co/nest/works with your wiring before you order.
- Setup: The box includes wiring labels and mounting hardware, and the Google Home app guides you through setup. Amazon describes it as easy to install yourself.
Smart home and software
- Learns your schedule: It builds a schedule from how you use it, and asks permission before making schedule changes. You get a notification in the Google Home app and can accept with a tap.
- Room sensors: It works with any Nest Temperature Sensor. You can place a sensor in a room and set the temperature that room should reach at a given time.
- Matter: Matter support lets the thermostat work with other platforms such as Apple Home and SmartThings for basic controls. Advanced features, including learning schedules, need the Google Home app.
- Voice control: Amazon lists support for Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant.
How it compares
| Feature | Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) | Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 2.7-inch borderless | 2.08-inch with metal ring |
| Matter | Yes | No |
| Control | Google Home app | Google Home app |
| Linked listing includes | 1 Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen) | 2 temperature sensors |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) work with Apple Home?
Matter lets it pair with Apple Home for basic controls. Advanced features such as learning schedules need the Google Home app.
Do I need a C wire?
Google says most homes do not need one. In some systems a C wire or the Nest Power Connector may be needed, so check the compatibility checker at g.co/nest/works before you buy.
Can I use the older Nest app with the 4th gen?
No. The 4th gen is managed in the Google Home app.
Does it come with a temperature sensor?
The listing we link includes one Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen). It also works with other Nest Temperature Sensors you add.
