Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) vs Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Gen): What’s the difference?

Estimated studying time: 8 minutes

The primary Nest Studying Thermostat launched 13 years in the past again in 2011, adopted by the 2nd era in 2012. Google then acquired Nest Labs in 2014 and the third era of the favored thermostat was launched round 18 months later in the direction of the top of 2015. The Nest Studying Thermostat (third Gen) held its place for practically a decade, although Google introduced the 4th era mannequin in August 2024, bringing a brand new design and new options.

In the event you’re within the UK, the Google Nest Studying Thermostat (4th Gen) isn’t accessible but, however in the event you’re within the US, it’s prepared and ready to be purchased or upgraded to. The query is, do you have to? We’ve in contrast the Nest Studying Thermostat (third Gen) and the Nest Studying Thermostat (4th Gen) that can assist you work out what the variations are and what enhancements the brand new Nest thermostat makes.

Google Nest Studying Thermostat (4th Gen) vs Nest Studying Thermostat (third Gen): Worth

The Google Nest Studying Thermostat (4th Gen) launched on August 20, 2024 within the US and it prices $279.99. It’s not accessible within the UK so we haven’t included UK pricing. Color choices are Polished Silver, Polished Obsidian and Polished Gold and also you’ll discover a separate Nest Temperature Sensor within the field together with the thermostat itself. You may also purchase these temperature sensors individually do you have to want to add extra. They value $39.99 or $99.99 for a 3-pack.

The Nest Studying Thermostat (third Gen) initially launched at $249.99 within the US and £219.99 within the UK. It is available in Copper, Stainless Metal, White and Black. For these within the US, it’s best to have the ability to discover a deal on the third Gen mannequin now that the 4th Gen mannequin has arrived. For these within the UK, the third Gen mannequin is full value on Google however you’ll typically discover it for under £200 at various retailers, together with B&Q and Curry’s.

Winner: The Nest Studying Thermostat (third Gen) is cheaper than the brand new mannequin, you’d anticipate.

Google Nest Studying Thermostat (4th Gen) vs Nest Studying Thermostat (third Gen): Design

The Nest Studying Thermostat (4th Gen) ushers in a brand new design in comparison with its predecessor. It has a slimmer profile, it’s sleeker and it appears to be like prefer it’s floating on the wall. A chrome steel border clicks as you rotate it, whereas the domed crystal LCD show measures 2.7-inches, which makes it 60% greater than the third Era mannequin. The show has a 600 x 600 pixel decision for sharp element, and it eliminates the bezels.

Total, it’s extra trendy in its look in comparison with the stunning – however now growing old – third Era mannequin. Talking of the third Era mannequin, this nonetheless set the usual for good thermostats when it arrived again in 2011. We nonetheless have one on the wall and it nonetheless appears to be like good, regardless of being over a decade outdated and there’s so much to be stated for that. 

There are a number of finishes – we have now the Copper – and there’s a big show on the entrance, simply not as giant or sharp because the 4th Gen mannequin, with a 2-inch diameter and 480 x 480 pixel decision. Management takes place by twisting the outer bezel, similar to the brand new mannequin, however there may be fairly a big bezel between the show and the stainless-steel border, and as we talked about, the 4th Gen mannequin ditches this permitting for a extra seamless look.

The 4th Gen mannequin additionally comes with a separate temperature sensor within the field as we talked about, which you’ll put elsewhere in your house. It means you aren’t simply counting on the Nest Thermostat itself to find out the temperature in your house.

When it comes to dimensions, the Google Nest Studying Thermostat (4th Gen) measures 3.9 x 1.1-inches, whereas the Nest Studying Thermostat third Gen measures 3.3 x 1.1-inches.

Winner: The Nest Studying Thermostat (4th Gen) has a sleeker design.

Google Nest Studying Thermostat (4th Gen) vs Nest Studying Thermostat (third Gen): Options

The Google Nest Studying Thermostat (third Gen) was truly fairly considerably forward of its time when it first launched by way of options, although different programs have now caught up. 

It nonetheless presents lots nevertheless, together with adjusting the temperature in your house primarily based on whether or not you might be at dwelling or away, in addition to studying your routine and adjusting the temperature accordingly. It additionally learns how lengthy it takes to warmth up your private home, and you are able to do the fundamentals you’d anticipate from a sensible heating system, like set a schedule.

As you may anticipate, the 4th Gen mannequin expands on the options provided, making the most of synthetic intelligence (AI) to make small changes to your patterns. The Nest Studying Thermostat (4th Gen) can even analyze climate open air and the way that impacts the temperature of your private home inside, and it comes with a the pebble-shaped discreet Nest Temperature Sensor within the field as talked about, which can handle cold and warm spots within the dwelling. You’ll be able to add as much as six temperature sensors round your private home, while additionally selecting that are lively at totally different occasions. 

A brand new Dynamic Farsight characteristic permits you to customise the house display of the Nest Thermostat (4th Gen) to indicate time, temperature, climate or outside air high quality, and it’ll change as you get nearer, while additionally getting bigger once you’re at a distance so you may see what’s being proven from throughout the room. There are additionally climate animations, all of which expands on the third Gen’s Farsight characteristic that may merely gentle up the show to indicate info as somebody approaches. 

A characteristic known as Sensible Schedule on the 4th Gen mannequin sees AI create customized energy-saving temperature schedules primarily based on adjustments in conduct and movement detected in your house too, which you’ll select to just accept or reject within the Google House app. 

There’s additionally a System Well being Monitor characteristic on the brand new Nest Studying Thermostat (4th Gen) that tracks your HVAC efficiency over time, sending you alerts if one thing doesn’t appear proper. Elsewhere, a Sensible Air flow characteristic mechanically ensures your air flow system brings in recent air when outside air high quality is wholesome and pauses it mechanically if outside air high quality deteriorates.

Winner: The Nest Studying Thermostat (4th Gen) has smarter options.

Google Nest Studying Thermostat (4th Gen) vs Nest Studying Thermostat (third Gen): Compatibility

The most important distinction between the Nest Studying Thermostat (4th Gen) and the Nest Studying Thermostat (third Gen) in relation to good dwelling compatibility, is that the brand new mannequin options Matter assist. It implies that the brand new Nest Thermostat can work with different programs so you would join it to Apple’s HomeKit for instance, or Amazon’s Alexa. 

We now have a separate characteristic that covers Matter and every part it means for the good dwelling, however when you’ve got totally different units from totally different producers, then investing within the 4th Gen mannequin of the Nest Studying Thermostat is a good suggestion if you would like every part to play properly collectively. In the event you’re contemplating the third Gen mannequin, ensure that anything you purchase is suitable with Google House so you may management every part by way of the Google system as an alternative.

Winner: The Nest Studying Thermostat (4th Gen) is Matter suitable.

Google Nest Studying Thermostat (4th Gen) vs Nest Studying Thermostat (third Gen): Which do you have to purchase?

It’s a little bit of a no brainer as to which Nest Studying Thermostat you should purchase between the 4th Gen and there third Gen mannequin, that’s if the 4th Gen mannequin is on the market in your area. It prices a bit bit extra however you get a nicer design, Matter compatibility and a bunch of latest options that use AI to make micro-adjustments and enable you to lower your expenses and power. 

The third Gen mannequin remains to be nice, and for these exterior of the US, it stays the one choice. However, it’s practically 10 years outdated now, it doesn’t play all that good with different good dwelling programs and the newer mannequin is way smarter in relation to options.

You’ll avoid wasting money choosing the Nest Studying Thermostat (third Gen) but when your price range can stretch and also you’re within the US, purchase the Nest Studying Thermostat (4th Gen) and make the most of all these further options and the glossy design.

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