Google latest Nest thermostat has been available to buy for over a year now. You probably won’t fall over in shock to discover that, like seemingly every recent tech device, its intelligent features are AI-powered: in this case, by Google’s own Gemini.
The new thermostat model has been a long time coming. The simple and beautifully designed 3rd Gen thermostat was launched way back in 2015. But in the intervening time, similarly design-led, easy-to-use models from brands such as Ecobee in the US and Hive in the UK have gained ground.
So, what does the 4th Gen model do that sets it apart from rivals? We’ve got all the information you need, including price, where to buy and features.
When did the Nest Learning Thermostat 4th Gen launch?
In the US, the 4th Gen went on sale on 20 August, 2024. You can buy it from Google’s official store as well as Amazon US and Canada.
This Nest thermostat is a a US-only release. And we now know that it won’t get a European release. From what we understand, this means the UK too. Google has released a statement on its website, saying: “We’ll no longer launch new Nest thermostats in Europe.” The company blames “hardware and software requirements that make it challenging to build for the diverse set of homes”.
What options are there for customers with an older Nest smart thermostat?
Google is ending support for its older Nest learning thermostat models on Saturday, 25 October. This means that any older model smart thermostats will abruptly lose their smart functionality and will only work as regular thermostats from then on. They’ll be automatically unpaired and removed from the app, and you’ll lose features including Nest Protect.
The existing models that will continue to work are the 3rd Gen and Nest E. Google has confirmed that these models “will continue to receive security updates and you can control them via the Nest and Home apps”. However, the company has not said how long support will continue. As the 3rd Gen model launched all the way back in 2015, Tech Advisor can’t wholeheartedly recommend investing in one, unless you do so in the knowledge that you may only be able to use it for a limited period of time.
So, for UK customers, it may be time to switch brands. For smaller homes, we found the Hive Thermostat Mini to be a good option. For larger homes, there’s the Tado Thermostat X, but we’d caution that Tado is making more features subscription-based, so please ensure that you can get what you need if you don’t want to subscribe.
If you’re in the US, existing customers with an older Smart Thermostat model can get $130 off the Nest 4th Gen model to “ease the transition”, which is probably the best option for US users who want minimum disruption.
How much does the Nest Learning Thermostat 4th Gen cost?
It’s available for $279.99 in the US and $379.99 in Canada.
What specs and features does the Nest Learning Thermostat 4th Gen have?
Design
The thermostat itself has been completely redesigned. Its 2.7-inch screen is 60% larger than the previous model, and the bezel is hidden behind layers of mirror and coloured films for a seamless finish.
Apparently it was inspired by the design of the Pixel Watch, which, according to Wired, was inspired by the design of the Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Gen, suggesting that there may be a lot of group hugging going on in the Google design department.
You still interact with it in the same way you did with the 3rd Gen model, by rotating the dial to change the target temperature and pressing for more information.
It comes in three colours: Polished Silver, Polished Gold and Polished Obsidian. That’s fewer than the 3rd Gen, although you’re unlikely to be disappointed with the options on offer.
The key display feature is what Google is calling Dynamic Farsight. Thanks to the Soli radar sensor inside thermostat, which is like a very efficient motion detector, it can detect when someone is near, and it’ll update its screen accordingly.
When no one is nearby, it shows a clock face. Then, as someone approaches, an animation of the weather outside will appear, along with the indoor temperature.
Sustainability is literally built into the device: not only will its AI features help to save energy whenever possible (more on this later) but it uses 100% recycled cobalt in the battery, which Google says is a world-first.
One-third of the device’s materials overall are recycled, its packaging is all recyclable, and Google promises that it’s built to last.
Smart features
But it’s the smart features which should sell it. It will quickly learn your habits and then, via its Smart Schedule function, suggest changes to your heating and cooling schedule to save energy and keep you comfortable.
Users will receive notifications of suggestions and can choose whether to accept them – or they can let the thermostat makes changes automatically. It will also take the outside weather into consideration when heating or cooling your home for maximum efficiency.
In its “Adaptive Eco” mode, it will go into energy-saving mode when you’re out. This is similar to Tado’s “geofencing” feature, which uses your smartphone’s GPS to determine your location. But the Nest 4th Gen doesn’t have to rely on this alone, as it has the added advantage of the motion-detecting Soli sensor in the thermostat.
If you come home unexpectedly while it’s in energy-saving mode, it aims to return your house to an ideal temperature within an hour of your arrival.
Sensors
One of the issues with any smart thermostat is that it bases its heating and cooling decisions on the temperature of the room in which it’s installed.
The Nest 4th Gen comes with an all-new, pebble-like Nest Temperature sensor, which you can put elsewhere in your home. The thermostat can then use both readings to make determinations and avoid certain rooms, such as a baby’s room, being left too cold.
But you don’t need to be limited to two rooms. You can buy an additional sensor for $39.99 (or three for $99.99) to place around your home.
Compatibility
Google says that this is its most widely compatible thermostat ever, designed to work with complicated home heating and cooling systems found in the US: heat pumps, humidifiers, dehumidifiers and ventilation systems. If you have the latter, the Nest 4th Gen will monitor outdoor air quality and pause ventilation automatically in poor conditions.
It’s also Matter-compatible, so if you want to build your smart home system around the new standard, it’s an option to consider.
Want to find out which new products are coming from Google? Gemini is on the way, along with a Home Speaker and very probably a new Nest Hub.
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