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A thermostat hangs on your wall for years, so it needs to fit your heating and cooling system and the way you live. If you're thinking about the Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen), start with three questions: will it work with your system without extra wiring, do you want the room sensor included, and are you comfortable running everything through the Google Home app?
Our top pick is the Obsidian bundle sold by Amazon.com. It includes the Nest Temperature Sensor, works with most 24V systems, and doesn't need a C wire in most homes. It suits people who want a premium, feature-rich thermostat rather than the cheapest way to save energy. The Silver and Polished Gold versions are the same thermostat in different finishes, so you can match your home.
1 gen) with Temperature Sensor, Obsidian | 2 gen) with Temperature Sensor, Silver | 3 Gen, 2024) with Temperature Sensor, Polished Gold | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Best overall | Best in silver | Best in polished gold |
| Finish | Obsidian | Silver | Polished Gold |
| Included sensor | Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen) | Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen) | Nest Temperature Sensor |
| Display | About 60% larger than the previous model | About 60% larger than the previous model | About 60% larger than the previous model |
| Compatibility | Most 24V systems, including gas, electric, oil, forced air, heat pump and radiant | Most 24V systems, including gas, electric, oil, forced air, heat pump and radiant | Most 24V systems, including gas, electric, oil, forced air, heat pump and radiant |
| Wiring | No C wire needed in most homes | No C wire needed in most homes | No C wire needed in most homes |
| Smart home | Matter compatible; works with Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant | Matter compatible; works with Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant | Matter compatible; works with Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Google Home |
| Check price at Amazon | Check price at Amazon | Check price at Amazon |
Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) with Temperature Sensor, ObsidianBest overallMost recommended by reviewers
Check price at Amazon
Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) with Temperature Sensor, SilverBest in silver
Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen, 2024) with Temperature Sensor, Polished GoldBest in polished gold
A premium smart thermostat with the room sensor in the box, best for homes that want one thermostat and a sensor to manage the whole house.
Most recommended by reviewers
Check price at AmazonPrices and availability on Amazon change often.
One catchIt works with Google Home only, so you need to commit to Google's smart home system to get the full benefit.
Three expert reviews recommend this thermostat, and they point to the same strengths: the included room sensor, a display that changes what it shows as you walk up to it, and scheduling that learns your habits. One reviewer calls it a feature-rich gadget rather than a money-saving device, and another found they adjusted it less often than earlier Nest models.
Installation is the other reason it wins. Reviewers describe the setup as manageable for most people who install it themselves, with on-screen steps in the Google Home app. Google says the thermostat can help save up to 31% on heating and cooling bills, though real savings depend on your home and habits.
The same thermostat and sensor bundle in a silver finish, for a more understated look on the wall.
Prices and availability on Amazon change often.
If you want the same features as the top pick in a quieter finish, this silver version delivers them. The thermostat learns your preferred temperatures, asks permission before making schedule changes, and works with most standard heating and cooling systems without a C wire in most homes.
Check the seller before you buy. This listing is sold by a third-party seller, so compare delivery and returns with the Amazon.com listings for the other finishes.
A distinctive polished gold finish for buyers who want the thermostat to be a visible part of the room.
Prices and availability on Amazon change often.
This is the same thermostat with a polished gold finish, sold by Amazon.com. It includes the room sensor and supports the same heating and cooling types, including heat pump and radiant systems, so the choice comes down to looks.
Gold is a bold choice. If your space has a more neutral palette, the obsidian or silver versions may blend in better.
The 4th gen suits people who want a premium smart thermostat and are comfortable using the Google Home app. The included room sensor is the main addition over earlier models, and it helps manage hot and cold rooms.
Compatibility decides whether this thermostat fits your home. Run the manufacturer's compatibility checker before you order.
This is a premium product, and it isn't the best choice for every budget or setup.
For most buyers who want a premium, feature-rich thermostat, yes. Reviewers point to the design, the included room sensor and the scheduling that learns your habits. If your only goal is lowering bills, expect a modest yearly saving, so a cheaper smart thermostat may suit you better.
Reviewers mention that some settings are hidden in unexpected places, and the app takes some getting used to. Some multi-stage heating and cooling systems may need a professional to adjust settings. Google also released a software update soon after launch to improve screen brightness, and manual brightness control is available.
Set up and manage the schedule in the Google Home app. The thermostat learns the temperatures you like and suggests schedule changes, asking your permission before making them. You can review and accept each change with a tap, and you can attach a room sensor to a schedule in the app.
Turn off power at the circuit breaker and photograph your existing wiring before disconnecting anything. Label the wires, attach the base and connect the wires, then turn the power back on. Google's guidance says most installs take 45 minutes or less, and the Google Home app walks you through setup. If the device was used before, factory reset it before adding it to your account.
It works with most 24V systems without a C wire in most homes. Some heating-only, cooling-only, zone-controlled or heat pump systems require a Nest Power Connector or a C wire. It is not compatible with electric baseboard heating or with 120 V or 240 V systems, so check the compatibility checker before ordering.
Yes. It works with Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant for voice control, and it is Matter compatible for smart home integration. Day-to-day control runs through the Google Home app.
Why trust BullseyeBuy
Every option on this page is an Amazon listing for the Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen), checked for availability before it was included. Recommendations come from editorial reviews and listing details, with wiring, compatibility and the included sensor weighed most heavily.
Our expert team tests products when it is needed and researches online and in interviews. Every guide is fact-checked and edited by a real person.
The BullseyeBuy editorial team · Updated Oct 17, 2026
How we pickEditorial standardsAffiliate disclosureReport a mistake
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Our top pickGoogle Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) with Temperature Sensor, Obsidian
Check price at Amazon