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Is Nest 4th Gen Learning Thermostat worth the high price tag? I am sharing my experience with it, comparing it to Ecobee, Honeywell, and Amazon’s smart thermostats. And what’s the real-time impact on my energy bills?

Introduction: Nest 4th Gen Learning Thermostat

The Google Nest Learning Thermostat has been a pioneer in smart home climate. The day I received my Nest 4th Gen Learning Thermostat, I wasn’t expecting that this tiny device would become the centerpiece of my smart home. But after confidently using & testing it for months and testing – adjusting temperature based on lifestyle, analyzing the energy reports deeply, and also using its AI-integrated features I can say it’s not just a normal boring thermostat. It’s a smart device to control the indoor climate center, packed into a sleek and modern design. When guests visit, they think it’s modern art on the wall.

This article is not just a review but my details and unbiased experience with the Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen). I will be covering every feature, flaw and some hidden tricks that I have discovered.

Unboxing & First Impressions – A Thermostat That Feels Like a Luxury Gadget

My Unboxing Experience

As a tech enthusiast, unboxing any gadget is my first love, and I was also curious to know what exactly was in the box. Even though it was mentioned on the website, the packaging is very minimalistic but feels premium during unboxing. Inside the box, you’ll find:

• The Thermostat Unit: It’s a glossy, dome-shaped, premium-looking device with a 2.7-inch LCD screen, which is 60% larger than the 3rd generation, I feel.
• The Baseplate: I have unboxed many thermostats. This comes with a smaller baseplate than the previous Learning models, with tiny wire connectors. We will talk more about this later.
• Nest Temperature Sensor: It also comes with a 2nd Gen Nest Temperature Sensor, which looks like a small pebble-shaped device that is useful for monitoring multiple rooms.
• Trim Plate: Trim Plate may not be necessary during installation for everyone, but if you’re upgrading from an old-styled traditional thermostat, then this trim plate will help you to cover the old marks.
• Screws and Installation Guide: Required number of screws comes with it and an installation guide, I was very happier after knowing that it doesn’t even require C-wire for installation, which is also a relief for homeowners with traditional-styled homes.

What I Say About the Design?

The very first moment when this 4th Gen Learning Thermostat was in my hand, it felt like a Jewellery Piece for your call. I still remember that Google wasn’t exaggerating when they called this a “piece of art”. No doubt their design team has worked hard to achieve this level of modern design. The model that I have ordered for testing is of the Polished Silver Color that matches my white and grey interior.

• I have the polished silver color unit, but there are two more colors, i.e. Obsidian Black and Polished Gold. You can choose the one that suits your home interior.
• Looks like a Domed glass piece, which tends to reflect light like a mirror when the screen is in idle mode.
• It comes with the classic knob for adjusting the temperature which is still a love for many users around the world.
• The thing that makes it more premium is its design factor with no buttons – you can tap on the screen or rotate the classic outer ring whenever you wish to adjust the temperature.

In our studio, we have compared it to the Ecobee Premium’s rectangular screen and Honeywell’s utilitarian design. Surprisingly, this new model of the Learning Thermostat looks more premium compared to its competitors.

Installation – It is Easier Than Expected (But With One Major Irritation to Me)

Step 1: Removing the Old Thermostat

Before this, I was using a 3rd Gen Nest Learning Thermostat, so I thought it would be a plug-and-play, hassle-free installation. But, when I practically tried to install it proved me wrong:

• If you compare the installation of the 3rd gen vs 4th Gen, even though launched by the same brand, the latest 4th gen required the new backplate. And you really can’t use the previous one, which means you have to do a full installation from scratch.
• If you skip the above issue that I faced, then the installation is very much easy, first, you have to turn off the HVAC power at the breaker. Even though we are experts in all this but safety first.
• The next step is also simple; you just have to label your wires. Google Home apps help you a lot with this step.

Step 2: Wiring the New Nest

This step involves wiring the new Google Nest Learning Thermostat, which I thought would be simple, but it is where I hit a snag:

• The wire connectors with the device are shockingly small. Pressing them down was a real struggle for me with average-sized fingers.
• The solution that worked for me in this case was to use a precision screwdriver to press the tabs easily.

Step 3: The Main Excitement – Powering Up and Initial Setup of the Device

• When I powered up the thermostat for the very first time, it boots up with a very smooth animation, which looks like a warm welcome from the brand.
• The sad part for me was that it’s no longer dependent on the Nest app as the 3rd gen was; this 4th Gen uses the Google Home app, which was an issue for me because I was familiar with the Nest app, and the Google Home app was something new for me here.
• Initially, the Google Home app guides you through the basic setup process, like the Wi-Fi connection, location and other basic preferences, which is important to start the device.

It took me ~20 minutes to install and set up the device completely, whereas previously, we purchased Ecobee for review purposes, which took only 10 minutes. Still, it was not a big concern for me since I was excited to use this device.

The Biggest Adjustment: Goodbye, Nest App

I was a fan of the old Nest app. I have experienced during usage that the Google Home app is also very functional but a little clunkier than the Nest app. Here are the three things that combine my likes and dislikes with the Google Home app:

✅ It has unified control for Google/Nest devices, which is good.
❌ Thermostat scheduling is less intuitive with this app compared to the Nest app.  
❌ Sensor settings are buried.

Living with the Nest – The Smart Features That Blew Me Away

As mentioned, I have been using and testing this device for around 3 – 4 months and would love to mention the smart and AI-based features that amazed me, compared to the features that a traditional thermostat can never do.

1. The Amazing Dynamic Display (Farsight 2.0) – A Screen That Tends to Adapt to You

Yes, let me tell you why I am saying that this screen tends to adapt to you. It comes with a Soli radar sensor that detects your presence and changes the display based on it; sounds coo,l right?

• It shows you the weather, temperature, and time based on different views.
• It expanded to show humidity, outdoor temperature, “feels like” temperature, and also the air quality when I was moving closer to it. Hence the name Farsight 2.0

You can customize these displays, which I find as easy as customizing a wallpaper on a smartphone. This means you can choose what data appears based on your needs and requirements:

• Time – Not just a time but you can change the setting to show a digital or analog clock, whichever you like the most.
• Weather – It reflects the current weather with live animations like rain, sun or even clouds for cloudy days. These animations impressed me a lot when I watched it, and the device shows animations to let you know what is currently going on outside.
• Energy Saving Tips – It tends to show tips to save more on utility bills based on my cooling and heating device usage, which helped me a lot to save a few dollars on my usage on a monthly basis.
• System health alerts– No issue if there is any issue with the system or HVAC system, it will send you alerts on timely alerts even when maintenance is required, which helped me a lot in my day-to-day life.

2. AI-Powered Smart Scheduling – The Real Magic Begins Here

I noticed one interesting thing about this Nest 4th Gen Learning Thermostat is After setting up the device and using it for a week, surprisingly, after a week or 10 days of usage, the Nest built a custom schedule based on my heating and cooling habits. It is like a wow – your room is going to be adjusted automatically to the way you use it like:

• 5:45 AM: This device was warmed by a small gym room before my alarm since I always go to my DIY gym room after waking up.
• 8:30 AM: Switched the device to Eco Mode when I left home for the studio.
• 5:50 PM: It starts its pre-cooling at the time when I am about to reach home.
• 9:30 PM: Automatically drops the room climate to a sleep-friendly temperature.

In my experience, it’s like magic, saving me enough time to manually adjust the temperature of everything I leave to get back home, which is the main reason it tends to save a lot on the electricity bill.

It even noticed anomalies like:

• “You’ve been overriding the schedule at 11 PM; would you like to adjust it permanently?” Haha, that time, some guests were at my home, which changed my sleeping habits for some days, and it detected
• “It’s a cloudy day outside – want to use the natural heating?”

This thing made me fall in love with the Nest 4th Gen Learning Thermostat.

3. The Temperature Sensor

The temperature sensor that comes with the box itself helped me a lot in fixing Hot/Cold spots in my home. I experienced that my master bedroom was always hotter than the living room where this thermostat is physically installed. To fix the temperature issue with my master bedrooms:

• I placed the sensor in my master bedroom
• Used the Google Home app to prioritize the bedroom at night
• And the final results blew my mind. I was no longer waking up sweating.

Pro Tip: Make sure to buy extra sensors for other rooms also, which will make your complete setup worth investing.

Also Read

• Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Gen vs 4th Gen [2025 Review]
• Ecobee Smart Thermostat vs Nest – Which One Wins in 2025?
• How to Install Nest Learning Thermostat No Expert Needed in 2025
• Factory Reset Nest Thermostat for New Owner – Quick & Safe Guide [2025]

4. Introduction of Matter Support

Nest Learning 3rd Gen was missing this feature and doesn’t work natively with Apple Home. But now, thanks to the introduction of Matter support, I was able to set up this device even on the Apple Home.

• You can control it with Siri via voice commands like, Hey, Siri, set the room temperature to 68°, and boom it will slowly adjust the temperature.
• I also integrated the Nest Learning 4th Gen with the Amazon Alexa routines, which worked perfectly.
• Even if you have a Samsung phone, you can use SmartThings to connect it directly.

Initially, I did not know how to connect with but later found that I was just supposed to scan the Matter QR code in the Google Home app, and it worked. Setting it up in the Apple Home was seamless, without any issues. Now I can say, “Hey, Siri, set the temperature,” without the need for Google Assistance.

My Experience Where Nest Becomes Not-So-Perfect

Despite so many advanced AI-integrated features, it made my lifestyle more amazing, but still, here are a few things that I would like to mention that I think are where Nest Falls Short. Honestly, these are my own opinions as a tech enthusiast.

1. No Thread Support

This, I think, is a missed opportunity. Despite this device being a Matter-compatibility, technically, the Nest doesn’t support Thread – a low-power protocol that would improve the device’s efficiency.

2. The Google Home App Isn’t as Polished as Nest’s App

I have used the Nest app for many years and switched to the Google Home app with the Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen). Here are the issues I have faced with the Google Home app:

• Scheduling is buried under multiple menus means you just keep navigating to find your option
• Sensor management isn’t as good as it is with the Nest app
• Doesn’t come with a “Home/Away” toggle option on the main screen of the app, unlike Ecobee

3. Price Point – The Biggest Pain Point

The Nest Learning 4th Gen was launched with a price tag of $280, making this one of the most expensive smart thermostats available in the market

• Ecobee Premium priced at $250 comes with air quality sensors
• Honeywell T9 comes with a price tag of $210 but includes room sensors.

4. Is the Nest worth it?

After using this Nest Thermostat 4th Gen, I can definitely say it’s one of the best smart home thermostats available in the market since it’s not just a thermostat; it’s going to make your life easier. If you value design + automation, then yes, it is for you. On the other hand, if you just want basic control over the AI-driven features, you should go with other options, which are also cheaper compared to this.

4. Does It Lower Bills?

Google claims on its website that the Nest can save up to 10-12% on heating and around 15% on cooling. After using this device for at least 2 months, I noticed my energy bills dropped about 9% not groundbreaking, but still good.

The Energy Dashboard in the Google Home app shows usage trends based on my usage, and I can see the days when I was overcooling or sometimes overheating the rooms.

The Competition – How It Stands in Front of Competitors

Vs. Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium

The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium comes with a price tag of $250, but it also comes with an indoor air quality monitoring sensor and a built-in Alexa speaker. But its blocky design forced me to go with the Nest Learning model. Also, Ecobee’s room sensor tracks the occupancy and works based on it, a feature that I missed in this Nest Thermostat.

Vs. Amazon Smart Thermostat

Amazon’s Smart Thermostat is a great option for all the budget-centric buyers, but it lacks the Nest’s aesthetics. There are no AI-driven features integrated into this, and also constructed with a plastic build. For a tech lover like me, the Nest was just the perfect option.

Does Nest 4^th Gen Learning Thermostat Saves Energy 

As per the official information available on the Google Store it states that we can save an average of 12% of heating and up to 15% on cooling.  

But if you really want to save up to 10% on your heating and cooling consumption, you can turn your thermostat down by 7-to-10-degree Fahrenheit for just 8 – 10 hours a day. This slight change in habits can make a significant difference in real time usage. 

In short, can Smart Thermostat help you save money? 

In one word answer: YES. These smart thermostats are designed to adapt your lifestyle by learning your usage patterns and once the learning algorithm gets enough data it starts adjusting temperature automatically. 

The Eco setting in the Nest Thermostat is designed in such a way to save more energy whether you are sleeping or away from your home by adjusting the temperature based on its learning pattern. 

Which HVAC system is compatible with Nest 4^th Gen Learning Thermostat? 

No doubt, the Nest 4th Gen Learning Thermostat is one of the most advanced and the latest model by Nest. Nest is designed to work with most of the 24V HVAC systems available on the market. No matter whether you are using gas, electricity, oil, heat pump or even radiant heat it supports all. 

Nest is not limited to this. It gives you more control over the heating and cooling stages, various fan settings, humidifier/dehumidifier, ventilation and many more.  

Best Add-on Accessory for Google Nest 

Have you ever noticed that one room in your home is cooling like a refrigerator while the other room feels like a desert. In such scenarios Nest has something that can solve this issue, yes, I am talking about the Nest Thermostat Sensors. It is a sensor which directly gets connected with the main thermostat and maintains the same temperature from the room where the main thermostat is installed to the room where the sensor is kept.  

The smart sensors are perfect for your bedrooms, study room or wherever every you would like to keep and maintain a perfect temperature. We all know most of the time the main thermostat is installed in such places where we do not even spend most of our time living. 

Let us say you live in a three-floor house, and normally the temperature could be different on the top floor compared to the ground floor. In such cases you can place the smart sensor in your favorite room on the top and the Nest will take care of the rest in maintaining the heating and cooling temperature based on different scenarios. 

Is Nest Temperature Sensor Necessary? 

Well, its optional, but if want to maintain the average temperature in different corners of the room then this could be more beneficial and has many advantages of using it with the Nest Thermostat. 

Final Verdict – Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Go with Nest 4th Gen Learning Thermostat

When I bought the Google Nest Learning Thermostat in the early days, the display felt dim under some light conditions, but thankfully, Google rolled out a software update adding a manual brightness control in the app. Now it’s even visible in the sunlight.

I am sharing this based on my personal experience with the device and what I think.

Worth It If:

• ✅ You are looking for a stylish, high-end thermostat that tends to match your home interior.
• ✅ You are fed up with the manual scheduling of the thermostat and looking for a better option now
• ✅ You need a device with multi-room temperature control, which becomes possible with the room sensor
• ✅ You are using Apple Home, Alexa, or SmartThings in your day-to-day life.

You Must Skip This If:

• ❌ If you’re looking for a budget-centric device, then the Nest Thermostat is also a solid option that you can buy.
• ❌ You don’t want to switch to the new Google Home app and love the classic Nest app since the Google Home app is necessary for this device.
• ❌ You’re looking for a device with thread support or advanced air quality tracking (Ecobee wins here in terms of these features).

Conclusion: Almost Near-Perfect Thermostat With Few Quirks

The Nest 4th Gen Learning Thermostat is not just a normal upgrade compared to the 3rd or even previous Generations -it’s a statement piece that delivers what it promises. I haven’t faced any problems to date using this device. The AI-driven Scheduling, integrated Matter support, and stunning display with animations make it one of the favourite smart thermostats in 2025n that I recommend to my readers.

If you value design and automation, then absolutely, this device is for you, and if not, then the Ecobee Premium or other cheaper options might suffice. For me? I’m keeping it as my home’s centrepiece. The convenience, the look and feel, and my favourite feature, the “set it and leave it”, make it worth the splurge.

Have you tried the Nest 4th Gen Learning Thermostat? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

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