Google’s fourth-generation Nest Learning Thermostat (the latest model) is one of the few smart home accessories I rely on every day, and it’s at an all-time low price of $218.99 ($61 off) at Amazon for Prime Day. Prime Day is almost over, but Best Buy and Google are also offering a $40 discount. This generation introduced greater compatibility with HVAC and smart home platforms, improvements to its Smart Scheduling feature, and a significant hardware redesign. Verge reviewer Jennifer Pattison Tuohy said in her review that it “improves on the original in almost every way.”
The first thing I noticed after installing mine was how big its display is. Turns out, it’s 60 percent larger than previous models — large enough to show extra details in addition to your home’s current temperature. You can customize what information is shown within the thermostat’s settings, but I chose the time, humidity level, and outdoor temperature. The thermostat will only show the smartwatch-like complications when you’re up close; if you’re far away, the entire display is dedicated to a single piece of information.
Previous versions of the Google Nest Learning Thermostat required a C-wire to provide power, but that’s no longer the case. However, we still recommend using Google’s compatibility checker to be 100 percent sure it will work with your HVAC system. Matter support is another first for this version of the Learning Thermostat, so you can use it with your preferred smart home platform, including Google Home, Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, or Samsung’s SmartThings. Once the thermostat is connected, you can use the platform’s app or corresponding smart assistant to control your home’s temperature.
If you enable the Smart Scheduling feature, the thermostat will learn when you use your HVAC system and your preferred temperature, and begin making those changes automatically. You can always go back to manual control, but not having to think about changing the temperature when you wake up or before you go to sleep is as useful as it sounds. Similarly, this thermostat comes with a wireless temperature sensor, which you can put in a room that gets too hot or cold to ensure the HVAC system runs until that area is at your desired temp.
The fourth-generation Nest Learning Thermostat is one of the few gadgets besides my smartphone that I rely on daily, and the only smart home accessory I consider a necessity. If you’ve been on the fence, there’re only a few hours left to take advantage of this deal.
