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| (Image credit: Google) |
Nine years after the first Nest Learning Thermostat's release, Google is now offering the fourth generation of the device. Because of its elegant design and adaptive learning, the third-generation model has managed to hold its position as one of the greatest smart thermostats for a very long time. This automatically adjusts the thermostat to save energy when you're not home and to a comfortable setting when you are.
What else does Google's most recent Nest Learning Thermostat provide to the mix to finally make a new model necessary? The new Nest Learning Thermostat is a significant improvement over its predecessor thanks to a bigger bezel-free screen with stunning animations and cutting-edge AI functions. At over $300, though, is it better to stick with your current Nest Learning Thermostat or get a last-generation one at a hefty discount? To determine whether the new Nest Learning Thermostat is the best option for your house, continue reading for a breakdown of prices and what's new.
Nest Learning Thermostat 4th Gen vs 3rd Gen: Pricing & Options
When it launches on August 20, Google's fourth-generation Nest Learning Thermostat will set you back $279.99. That is $30 higher than the Third Generation model's original $249.99 price tag. A separate Nest Temperature Sensor is included in the package with the new thermostat, though. Instead of depending solely on the primary sensor included into the thermostat, you may use this device to establish a target temperature for a particular room. Additionally, it is available in many finishes, such as polished gold, polished obsidian, and polished silver.
The Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Gen) is only available in two basic design options: black and white. Nevertheless, the most recent version of the Nest is now available for as little as $169.
Nest Learning Thermostat 4th Gen vs 3rd Gen: Specs Comparison
| Specs | Gen 3 | Gen 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.99 / AU$385 | $279.99 / AU$430 |
| Diameter and Depth | 3.3 x 1.1 inches | 3.9 x 1.1 inches |
| Colors | Black, White | Polished Silver, Polished Obsidian, Polished Gold |
| AI Features | Learns preferred temperatures | Accounts for outdoor conditions, Smart Schedule, and System Health |
| Matter Connectivity | No | Yes |
| Includes Temperature Sensor | No | Yes |
Nest Learning Thermostat 4th Gen vs 3rd Gen: Design Differences
With its sleek, rounded design and small, digital display, the original Nest Learning Thermostat established the benchmark for all subsequent models of smart thermostats. It is a beautiful and sophisticated household appliance. While it still functions well today, its flat display, turning dial, and helpful app controls are beginning to show their age.
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| (Image credit: Nest) |
The bigger, rounder, 2.7-inch LCD domed glass panel of the new Nest Learning Thermostat stands out. In addition to having a far slimmer appearance, the bezel-free design offers a 60% greater display area so that data can be seen from more perspectives. Sharp text is rendered with new weather effects, such as rain, lightning, and snowfall, to replicate outdoor circumstances thanks to its 600x600 pixel resolution. It seems somewhat mushroom-shaped when seen from the side since its face is somewhat broader than the portion that fastens to your wall.
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| (Image credit: @MysteryLupin on X) |
To change and customize your temperature, you may turn a stainless steel bangle that encircles the thermostat on both models.
The fourth generation thermostat's compatibility with most HVAC systems has been considerably increased with a new 12-terminal backplate; nonetheless, according to Google, the third generation device is compatible with 95% of all systems.
Nest Learning Thermostat 4th Gen vs 3rd Gen: New Features
The original Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Gen) automatically adjusts to an energy-efficient setting when you're not home, with the goal of keeping you comfortable. The AI elements in the 4th generation model are far more advanced and can make small changes instantly. Additionally, it is far more intelligent since it keeps an eye on the environment both inside and outside of your house and modifies your HVAC system's settings accordingly.
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| (Image credit: Google) |
Smart Schedule
The most recent thermostat from Google learns your preferred temperatures and any behavioral changes (such as returning home earlier on particular days) based on motion observed in your house. It then automatically modifies your temperature schedule to reflect these changes. Energy-saving recommendations can be applied automatically, or you can take complete control and approve or reject them via the Google Home app.
Outdoor Monitoring
The Fourth Generation Nest Thermostat is intelligent enough to predict how the outside weather will impact the interior temperature. For instance, on a bright winter day, it might turn off the heating so that your house warms up naturally. It can sense warmer interior temperatures when there is a lot of humidity and can adapt accordingly.
System Health Monitor
This tool monitors the operation of your HVAC system over time. The new thermostat can detect problems, such as failing to cool or heat an area sufficiently, and may offer you recommendations or urgent notifications for concerns that might need to be fixed right away.
Dynamic Farsight
The new Nest Learning Thermostat's Dynamic Farsight feature allows you to add useful information to your home screen so you can quickly monitor the time, temperature, weather, and outside air quality. You may quickly observe this information from across the room by glimpsing this close-up and expansive picture. There are also weather animations on the new Nest.
Smart Ventilation
When the outside air quality is good, open the windows to let in fresh air; if contaminants are found, the air will automatically close. Homes in cities or areas where wildfires occur frequently might benefit from this.
Nest Learning Thermostat 4th Gen vs 3rd Gen: Smart Home Compatibility
The Google Home app provides a comparable experience between the old and new thermostat, but other smart home applications may be used to control the most recent Nest Learning Thermostat. The new thermostat is compatible with all Matter-compatible smart home systems, including HomeKit and Alexa, thanks to its built-in Matter compatibility. One major differential that leads to endless possibilities and the potential to interface with an even greater number of devices is the ability to operate and program a Google product remotely.
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| (Image credit: Google) |
Nest Learning Thermostat 4th Gen vs 3rd Gen: Should You Upgrade?
The Nest Learning Thermostat comes in two attractive models that will automate your climate settings to help you save money. So should you continue using the previous model or upgrade to the current one?
The older 3rd Gen Nest is a good deal at its reduced price of $169 if your only interest is in the Google Home ecosystem and all you want is a thermostat that turns on or off on its own when you return home or go. If your primary concern is budget, then stay with this type.
Spending $279 for a stylish device with cutting-edge functionality is well worth it. You receive the option to operate it from other smart home platforms, a more customized screen that aligns the experience more closely with a smart wall display, and a more context-aware smart thermostat that can detect and account for more subtle changes. These significant upgrades future-proof the thermostat to endure for many more years to come, even though they will cost more up front.