Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen): Can it take back the crown?

That the all-new 4^th-generation Nest Learning Thermostat doesn’t look radically different from the very first model that came to market 13 years ago is a testament to the original’s brilliant industrial design. But Google knows it needs more than winning looks to compete with new challenges from the likes of Ecobee. Here’s what it’s come up with.

The Nest Learning Thermostat (4^th Gen) retains its familiar glass lens surrounded by a stainless-steel band that spins to change settings. Its curved glass is larger at 2.7 inches (68mm, up from 2.08 inches/53mm on the 3^rd-gen device), and its display resolution has increased to 600 x 600-pixels (from 480 x 480 pixels on the 3^rd-gen).

Google

Your color choices have shrunk, however, from seven to three polished finishes: Gold, Obsidian, or Silver. A trim plate for hiding the holes from previous thermostats is included, but you’ll want to repair those blemishes and not just cover them up.

This news story is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best smart thermostats.

Onboard and remote sensors; plus, AI

Google

The new thermostat is outfitted with four sensors: There’s one for temperature, of course, but also humidity, ambient light, and Google’s radar-based Soli, which is used here as a proximity sensor. Google’s earlier smart thermostat used Soli to light up its display and switch to its Farsight screen when a user approached. Farsight could be programmed to display your target temperature, the current room temperature, an analog or digital clock, or the current weather and a forecast.

This new thermostat’s more-nuanced Dynamic Farsight feature can automatically change the information displayed on the thermostat as you get closer to it. You can also push down on the thermostat to see an explanation of what the thermostat is doing at the moment. Google’s Anish Kattukaran says the thermostat’s onboard user interface shares a design aesthetic with the latest Pixel Watch.

Google says it’s using AI to help the new thermostat learn your heating and cooling routines even faster. A Smart Schedule feature learns which temperatures you choose most often, and it uses the thermostat’s sensors to detect motion—such as when you come earlier than usual—to automatically adjust the temperature to your preference within 1 hour, according to Google. Any changes can be overridden in the Google Home app, but you can also control the thermostat from a Pixel Table, Pixel Watch, or Google TV.

Google

Nest introduced remote room sensors with its 3^rd-gen Nest Learning Thermostat (they’re are also compatible with the Nest Thermostat E) to better compete with Ecobee, and the Nest Learning Thermostat (4^th gen) will come with an all-new second-generation Nest Temperature Sensor in the box. But Google has also boosted the price of its new best thermostat to $280–$30 higher than the 3^rd-gen device when it shipped–without a sensor in the box. The 2^nd-generation sensor is backward-compatible with both the 3^rd-gen Learning Thermostat and the Nest Thermostat E.

The new thermostat will take the readings from remote temperature sensors into account and average them with the temperature at the thermostat itself to eliminate hot and cold spots, but you’ll also be able to choose which sensors are active based on your schedule. During the day, you might want to prioritize the temperatures in your living spaces (the kitchen, living room and home theater, for example), but then have the thermostat focus on the climate in your bedrooms at night. The thermostat can support up to six of these sensors, which can rest on a flat surface or be hung on the wall. Nest Temperature Sensors (2^nd gen) cost $39.99 each or $99.99 for a 3-pack.

Google

Google says its new thermostat can also take local weather conditions into account before sending commands to your HVAC system. On sunny winter days, for instance, the inside of your home is likely to get warmer on its own, so the thermostat might pause heating to let the sun do the job for free. On a humid day, indoor temperatures might feel warmer than intended, so the thermostat will adjust your indoor climate accordingly. The thermostat can also react to high humidity levels and trigger the appropriate component (e.g., a central air conditioner or dehumidifier) to prevent problems like condensation on your windows and the growth of mold.

If your HVAC system includes a ventilator, the new thermostat’s Smart Ventilation feature will also consider outdoor air quality conditions, bringing in fresh air if it’s cool and clean, or pausing ventilation if the air outside rises to unhealthy levels due to wildfires or other conditions, so airborne pollutants aren’t pumped into the home. Regardless of what equipment you have, Google says its Nest Renew feature can automatically shift heating and cooling to times when gas and electricity cost less. The thermostat is Energy Star-certified.

HVAC system support

Google

Google has added two additional terminals to the Nest Learning Thermostat (4^th Gen)’s wiring plate (there are now 12 in all) to accommodate even more 24-volt HVAC systems than previous models have supported, including 3-stage heating, 2-stage cooling, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, ventilation, and heat pumps with auxiliary and emergency heat.

As with other Nest thermostats, Google says this one doesn’t depend on a C wire for power, that it’s power-sharing technology can automatically scavenge power from other connections. But we’ve heard that this technology can be problematic with some HVAC systems, resulting in false signals and erratic behavior. Google says the thermostat can detect if needs more power, and that you’ll get a message in the Google Home app to that effect. Google sells a $25 Nest Power Connector if you need it.

A new HVAC System Health Monitor tracks your HVAC system’s performance over time and will send you alerts if it detects any issues. If your air conditioner is supposed to turn on to reach your designed target temperature, but the house doesn’t begin to cool, you’ll get an alert in the Google Home app suggesting that you call a service tech; the app can even connect you to a professional if you need service.

Will it be good enough?

The Nest Learning Thermostat (4^th gen) has some mouth-watering features, particularly if you’re building your smart home around the Matter standard—or Google Home, specifically. Among the tricks I haven’t already mentioned, you’ll be able to link it to third-party Matter-compatible contact sensors, so it can suggest you close any open windows while it’s heating or cooling your home. But the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium can already do that, albeit with its own contact sensors.

The recently reviewed Sensi Touch 2 Smart Thermostat is another good choice already on the market; it’s not as sophisticated as Ecobee’s best, but it’s also a whole lot less expensive, selling for $141 online. I’m hoping to get my hands on Google’s latest, best thermostat soon, so I can give you a hands-on analysis. Stay tuned. The Nest Learning Thermostat (4^th gen) is available for preorder now at the Google Store: $279.99 in the U.S.; $379.99 in Canada. General availability is scheduled for August 20.

Don’t miss our other coverage: Google also announced the Matter-compatible Google TV Streamer, which can perform as a smart home hub in addition to streaming media, and we take a look at Google’s latest Gemini AI efforts as they relate to the smart home and home entertainment.