Nest Thermostat Review

Nest Thermostat E vs. Other Smart Thermostats

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Getting to know the Nest Thermostat E

Google’s current consumer lineup focuses on two models sold directly: the Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd gen) and the Nest Thermostat (2020). The Nest Thermostat E is a legacy option that’s no longer on the Google Store; it typically appears via professional installer channels, refurb/clearance, or select third‑party retailers (Google’s compare page). The key tradeoffs remain: Learning adds Auto‑Schedule and premium hardware; the 2020 model emphasizes app‑based scheduling and broad ecosystem control (including Matter). The E retains a frosted display and works with the Nest Temperature Sensor, like the Learning model.

Our First Impressions:

• Slim, unobtrusive look with a frosted display that blends into white walls
• Quick DIY setup via the Google Home app; verify first with Google’s compatibility checker
• Works with Nest Temperature Sensors (E and Learning); the 2020 Nest Thermostat does not (Google Store)
• Modern app features (Energy History, Nest Leaf) with typical smart‑thermostat savings around 8% on heating and cooling on average (ENERGY STAR)
• For cross‑platform control, the 2020 Nest Thermostat supports Matter, so it can be added to Apple Home, SmartThings, and more

Before you buy, confirm wiring and system support with Google’s compatibility checker. Google’s current materials characterize the E at about 85% compatibility with 24‑volt systems, the 2020 Nest Thermostat also at about 85%, and the Learning model at about 95% (Google compare; Nest Thermostat; Learning Thermostat). In our tests, once we landed on a compatible system, install and setup took roughly 20 minutes.

Discreet, minimalist design

The E keeps Nest’s signature round form factor and swaps the metal ring for a lighter build with a frosted display that softens on‑screen text. By contrast, the Learning Thermostat adds a higher‑resolution screen and Farsight, which lights up with temperature or time from across the room, while the 2020 Nest Thermostat uses a mirrored display and a touch‑sensitive side panel for navigation.

Prefer glanceable info? Learning’s Farsight wakes as you approach; the E’s frosted display is subtler but less legible from a distance.

All three models fit cleanly on a wall and are controlled in the Google Home app. The E’s subdued look blends well in bright, white spaces; Learning’s polished metal ring stands out more, and the 2020 model’s mirrored display wakes on motion for quick checks.

Compatibility issues

Google Nest thermostats target low‑voltage (24V) HVAC controls and are not designed for line‑voltage baseboard systems without additional hardware (Nest compatibility basics; ENERGY STAR guidance). The 2020 Nest Thermostat works with about 85% of 24V systems, runs on two AAA batteries, and may recommend a C‑wire for certain systems; the Learning Thermostat covers about 95% of 24V systems with an internal rechargeable battery and typically does not require a C‑wire, though one can improve stability in some installs. Always validate your exact wiring, number of stages, and any accessories (humidifier/dehumidifier/fan) with Google’s tools before purchasing.

Before even thinking about purchasing the Nest Thermostat E, make sure it’s compatible with your HVAC system.

Heat pumps, dual fuel, and zoning panels add complexity (e.g., O/B reversing valve control). If you’re unsure, use the online checker and wiring guidance and consider pro installation for dual fuel or multi‑stage systems (check compatibility; supported system types).

Responsive customer service

For help, start at the Google Nest Help Center to access guided chat/callback options via the “Contact us” flow, or use Help & Support in the Google Home app. If things aren’t working broadly, check the Nest Status page before troubleshooting. The Google Nest Community is also active for peer solutions and escalations.

Nest offers a robust lineup of customer support: You can call, chat, join the Nest Community, or Tweet to Nest to get your questions answered.

Support availability varies by region and product, but in our recent contacts, queue times were short and agents quickly verified wiring compatibility from photos. Google One members in supported regions may have additional expert support options (Google One).

Easy installation process

We clocked a little over 20 minutes for setup — Nest truly couldn’t make it much easier. In the Google Home app, start the “add device” flow and scan the thermostat’s QR code to begin. The box includes screws, a wall plate to hide old holes, and wire labels. Shut off power to your HVAC before touching any wiring and follow the app’s step‑by‑step guidance.

You’ll want to turn off all power in your house before interacting with the wiring system, and beyond that, the Nest app will walk you through each step with clear, concise instructions.

Turn the outer ring to change temperature and press to select. To check wiring, pull the display straight off the base. The Google Home app also enables presence sensing and HVAC monitoring alerts on supported models.

Customizable, energy-saving features

Learning and automation are the big differentiators across Nest models. The Learning Thermostat offers Auto‑Schedule that adapts to your preferences, along with Farsight and Nest Leaf guidance. The 2020 Nest Thermostat focuses on Quick Schedule and Savings Finder in the Google Home app to suggest energy‑saving tweaks, plus HVAC monitoring alerts. Both are ENERGY STAR certified, and the 2020 model adds Matter support so you can also control it from Apple Home or other Matter ecosystems.

Smart thermostats can cut heating and cooling costs materially when used with schedules, setbacks, and presence features. On average, ENERGY STAR reports about 8% savings on HVAC bills for certified smart thermostats (ENERGY STAR), and independent program evaluations find roughly 10% heating and 8–9% cooling savings on average (ACEEE). Nest’s Rush Hour Rewards and Nest Renew can further shift HVAC use to off‑peak or cleaner‑energy times where available, and many utilities offer instant rebates during setup or via partner portals (availability varies by ZIP code and program).

Getting into the groove of an automated temperature schedule might cause you to forget to monitor for slight changes, but that’s not always a good thing. For example, one of our testers set her Learning thermostat to automate to “Eco mode” while away, and during a summer vacation, the 70 degree default temperature was too warm for her indoor cat. Nest can send you safety alerts to keep your home from falling into extreme temperatures to keep pets comfortable, but if you do automate, it’s important to account for the nuances machines typically don’t. As in our tester’s case, what the thermostat thinks is extreme might actually not be and vice versa.

The Bottom Line

The E remains a capable legacy option for common 24V systems, especially for those who want a subtle design and Nest Temperature Sensor support. For new buyers in 2025, Google centers on two models: the Nest Thermostat (2020) at $129.99 list — ideal if you want a lower price, app‑based schedules, and Matter for Apple Home and other ecosystems — and the Nest Learning Thermostat at $249 list — the pick if you want automatic schedule learning, Farsight, and support for Nest Temperature Sensors. Compatibility still matters: the E and 2020 Nest Thermostat cover about 85% of 24V systems, while Learning covers about 95% (Google compare). Run Google’s compatibility checker before you buy, and consider rebates or energy programs in your area to reduce costs.

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