Google has announced their NEW Nest Thermostat! But it’s not getting as much hype and buzz as you’d expect. It seems to have taken a few steps back, so let’s find out why!
Despite rumours, there is no current date for when the Nest 4th Generation Thermostat is due to release.
Let’s cut straight to it whilst you’re here, the new 4th Generation Google Nest Thermostat was released at $130, which is $120 cheaper than the Nest Learning Thermostat. You’d expect such a sharp price drop to be good, right?
One of the major key differences is that this newer 4th Generation Nest thermostat actually uses the Google Home App on your Smart device rather than the Nest App, bringing it all back into the one ecosystem (You’ll need to set up new configurations).
Instead of rotating, you’ll now be sliding your finger up and down the side of the Nest device and tapping to confirm your selection, for those of us used to the physical element of the Nest Learning Thermostat it’s going to be hard to get used to.
The display is actually a mirror, so no more LCD screen with a black backdrop, this is very reminiscent of a Smart Mirror, but honestly, the last thing I want to see when I’m changing the temperature in the morning is myself!
The Nest Learning Thermostat has a great metal finish on the outside, giving it a really clean and minimalistic look whilst also feeling very sturdy. Unfortunately, the Nest 4th Generation Thermostat is plastic. Which I guess makes sense given the price difference.
The 3rd Generation Nest Thermostat took the Smart Home world by storm by offering automatic scheduling, a home/away feature and motion sensors to make sure that your home was constantly conserving energy.
Whilst we hoped for a slicker and thinner design, which is great for those of us going for a minimalist style, it sadly didn’t meet the mark in my opinion. Along with the lack of ability to connect this to a Bluetooth Smart Speaker or have Google Home Assistant built-in.
Unfortunately, the new Nest Thermostat doesn’t actually come with a new trim plate, this means if you’re putting this over an older Thermostat and haven’t redone the wall around it, you’re likely not going to be covering up any holes or damage. The new Nest Thermostat back plate is an additional $15.
Another factor to consider is that the new Nest 4th Generation Thermostat does not work with the Nest Remote Sensors, effectively making the prior addons you purchased completely redundant.
The new Nest Thermostat supports 6 wires and covers around 85% of the HVAC systems on the market, where as the Nest Learning Thermostat has 10 wires and covers around 95% of HVAC systems.
Other than that, there’s no real further information on what the Nest Thermostat will offer yet. But, this comparison may help you decide whether or not to splash out on the latest EcoBee or wait.
Smart Thermostats Differences
| Features | Nest Generation 2 | Nest Generation 3 | EcoBee 5th | Nest Generation 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Installation? | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Auto-Mode? | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Built-in Voice Assistant? | ✔️ | |||
| AI Learning? | ✔️ | ✔️ | ||
| Energy History | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Home/Away Mode | ✔️ | ✔️ | ||
| Bluetooth Support | ✔️ | ✔️ | ||
| Wi-Fi 5GHz Support | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Should I wait or purchase the Nest 4th Generation Thermostat ?
The newer EcoBee really has tackled Nest with their latest device, each new ecobee device comes with a SmartSensor, Alexa Built-in and free access to Eco+.
Eco+ is a free upgrade to help you control your electricity timing, extra energy-saving features and the ability to control your home’s humidity levels.
Whilst the new Nest Thermostat may be a lot cheaper than it’s counterparts, it’s not that big of a leap and honestly feels a bit backwards in terms of innovative ideas.
I’d highly suggest going with an alternative Thermostat.
