Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) vs Google Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Gen) (2026)

✍️ By the 247Verdict Editorial Team📅 Updated 05 October 2026

Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.

Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen)

9.2/10 Excellent

4.6★ (12,400 owners)

Auto-schedule learning, energy savings, remote app control, Soli sensor, works with most boilers. The learning thermostat.

Full Review

Google Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Gen)

9.1/10 Excellent

4.5★ (34,200 owners)

Learns your schedule. Auto-away saves energy when you leave. Reduces heating bills by up to 16%.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen)	Google Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Gen)
247Verdict Score	9.2/10	9.1/10
Owner Rating	4.6★ (12,400)	4.5★ (34,200)
Verdict	Excellent	Excellent
Learning	Auto-schedule	Auto-schedule from behaviour
Compatibility	Most boilers	Most boiler/HVAC systems

Quick Verdict

This is a genuine draw — both score within 0.15 points of each other. Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen): Auto-schedule learning, energy savings, remote app control, Soli sensor, works with most boilers. The learning thermostat. Google Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Gen): Learns your schedule. Auto-away saves energy when you leave. Reduces heating bills by up to 16%. Choose based on your specific needs. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen)

Learns your schedule and preferences automatically — programs itself within a week
Energy savings of up to 15% on heating bills through intelligent scheduling
Remote app control adjusts heating from anywhere — warm home before you arrive
Soli motion sensing detects presence and adjusts heating accordingly
12,400 reviews at 4.6★ — the most validated smart thermostat reviewed

Professional installation recommended — wiring varies by heating system
Premium pricing vs basic programmable thermostats
Some older boiler systems require additional compatibility hardware

Google Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Gen)

Learns your schedule automatically — no manual programming required after a week
Auto-away via phone location and built-in sensors — stops heating an empty house
Google's independent study showed 16.5% savings on heating, 10.6% on cooling
Farsight HD display activates when you walk past — shows temperature and time
Works with virtually every boiler system in the UK and US

£219 pays back in about 18 months at average energy prices — worth calculating for your home
Requires good WiFi near the thermostat location
Full features require Google/Nest account and app

FAQ

Which is better, Google Nest Learning or Google Nest Learning?

Is the Google Nest Learning worth the extra cost?

Yes — Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) scores higher at 9.2/10 vs 9.1/10.

Who is the Google Nest Learning best suited to?

Auto-schedule learning, energy savings, remote app control, Soli sensor, works with most boilers. The learning thermostat.

Who is the Google Nest Learning best suited to?

Learns your schedule. Auto-away saves energy when you leave. Reduces heating bills by up to 16%.

What are the main downsides of each?

Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen): Professional installation recommended — wiring varies by heating system; Premium pricing vs basic programmable thermostats. Google Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Gen): £219 pays back in about 18 months at average energy prices — worth calculating for your home; Requires good WiFi near the thermostat location.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) sits at 4.6★ from 12,400 verified Amazon owners, and Google Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Gen) at 4.5★ from 34,200.

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