Which Nest thermostat should you buy?
Buy the 4th gen for most homes: it has a larger borderless display, Matter support and an included room sensor. Choose the 3rd gen if you prefer the rotating ring.
 Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) |  Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd gen) | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 2.7-inch borderless LCD, 600 × 600 (better) | 2.08-inch LCD, 480 × 480, inside a metal ring |
| Matter | Yes (better) | No |
| Control | Google Home app | Rotating ring and Google Home app |
| Sensors on the unit | Soli motion sensor, temperature, humidity, ambient light | Temperature, humidity, near- and far-field activity, ambient light |
| Size | 3.9 in diameter, 1.1 in deep | About 3.3 in diameter, 1.21 in deep |
| HVAC compatibility | Most 24V systems; a C wire or Power Connector may be needed in some | About 95% of 24V systems, per Google |
| Linked listing includes | 1 Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen) | 2 temperature sensors |
| Finishes in the linked listings | Polished Obsidian, Polished Silver | Stainless Steel |
| Best for | Matter and Apple Home users, bigger screen | People who want the physical ring |
Highlighted cells lead their row. Specs from Google's spec sheet and the Amazon listings.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the 4th gen if
- You want Matter support, including basic control in Apple Home.
- You want the larger, borderless display.
- You want the newest hardware.
Choose the 3rd gen if
- You prefer a physical rotating ring.
- The linked bundle with two sensors suits your home. It is an older model, so check the seller and warranty on Amazon.
Check your wiring first with Google's compatibility checker at g.co/nest/works. Then read the full reviews: 4th gen and 3rd gen.
Questions
Is the 4th gen Nest thermostat worth it over the 3rd gen?
The main gains are the larger borderless display and Matter support. If you already own a 3rd gen, it still works with Google Home, so upgrade only if those matter to you.
Which Nest thermostat works with Apple Home?
The 4th gen, through Matter. It gives basic control in Apple Home; advanced features such as learning schedules need the Google Home app. The 3rd gen does not support Matter.
Do I need a C wire?
Google says most homes do not need one for the 4th gen, but some systems need a C wire or the Nest Power Connector. Check Google's compatibility checker at g.co/nest/works before you buy.
Do these come with temperature sensors?
The 4th gen listing we link includes one Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen). The 3rd gen listing we link is a bundle with two temperature sensors.