FeaturedNest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen)
By Ethan Halfhide · Updated
The Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) is Google's smart thermostat that learns your routine and builds a heating and cooling schedule for you. It costs $279.99 on the Google Store as of September 2026 and includes one Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen). It works with Google Home and Matter, is ENERGY STAR certified, and needs no C wire in most homes.
Learns your schedule and saves energy automatically.
Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen)Product images: Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen)
Specs and price last verified September 30, 2026
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Specifications
- Price
- $279.99
- Device type
- Thermostat
- Ecosystems
- Google Home, Matter
- Rooms
- Living Room, Home Office
- Connectivity
- Wi-Fi, Matter
- Hub required
- No
- Rental friendly
- No
- Matter certified
- Yes
- Installation
- Professional or DIY
- Energy Star
- Yes
- Local control
- No
- Voice control
- Yes
About
The 4th gen Nest Learning Thermostat has a 2.7 inch circular display (600 x 600 pixels) with a customizable home screen that can show a clock, the temperature or weather from across the room. Smart Schedule learns the temperatures you like and suggests tweaks in the Google Home app, while Adaptive Eco, Seasonal Savings, natural heating and cooling, and smart ventilation aim to cut energy use. Google says it can help save up to 31% on heating and cooling bills. System Health Monitor can send an alert when your HVAC system needs attention.
Setup and compatibility notes
Installation and setup require the Google Home app, which gives step-by-step DIY instructions; Google also offers pro installation. It works with most 24V systems, including gas, electric, oil, forced air, heat pump and radiant, and controls up to 3 heating and 3 cooling stages, heat pumps with auxiliary and emergency heat, fans, humidifiers, dehumidifiers and ventilation.
Power Sharing lets it run without a C wire in most homes. Google's store page says some heating-only, cooling-only, zone-controlled and heat pump systems need a Nest Power Connector or C wire, so run Google's compatibility checker first. A trim plate and a steel plate for electrical boxes are included, and Google says you can add up to six Nest Temperature Sensors (2nd gen).
Pros
- +Learns your schedule automatically
- +Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen) included
- +Works with Google Home and Matter
- +ENERGY STAR certified
- +No C wire needed in most homes
Cons
- −Google lists Google Home and Matter only, with no native Apple Home or Alexa integration named
- −Some heating-only, cooling-only, zoned and heat pump systems need a Nest Power Connector or C wire
- −Setup requires the Google Home app
How it compares
| Device | Price | Ecosystems | Matter | Hub required | Local control |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) | $279.99 | Google Home, Matter | Yes | No | No |
| Honeywell Home X8S Smart Thermostat | $219.99 | Alexa, Google Home, HomeKit, Matter | Yes | No | Not published |
| Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium | $259.99 | Alexa, Google Home, HomeKit, SmartThings | Not published | No | No |
| Aqara Thermostat Hub W200 | $129.99 | Alexa, Google Home, HomeKit, SmartThings | Yes | No | Yes |
FAQ
- What is the Nest Learning Thermostat?
- It is Google's learning smart thermostat. The 4th gen model learns the temperatures you like and when, builds a schedule, and suggests energy-saving tweaks in the Google Home app. It includes one Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen).
- How much does the Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) cost?
- $279.99 on the Google Store as of September 2026, including one Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen).
- Does the Nest Learning Thermostat need a C wire?
- Not in most homes, thanks to Power Sharing. Google says some heating-only, cooling-only, zone-controlled and heat pump systems need a Nest Power Connector or C wire.
- Does it work with Apple Home or Alexa?
- Google lists Google Home and Matter. You can control it from Google Home and other Matter-enabled apps and voice assistants.
- What warranty does the Nest Learning Thermostat have?
- Google lists a 2-year standard warranty for retail purchases and a 5-year standard warranty for HVAC Pros.
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About the author
Ethan Halfhide: Ethan Halfhide is a smart home enthusiast and AI technologist who follows the connected home market closely, from smart locks and security cameras to robot vacuums, lighting, sensors and hubs. He curates HomeGearLab's device directory, comparing products on published specs, compatibility, setup requirements and price so readers can pick gear that fits their home and works together.