Best Smart Thermostats · head-to-head
Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) vs Amazon Smart Thermostat
A sourced, side-by-side spec comparison. Amazon Smart Thermostat is cheaper at $59.99. Every spec and price links to its source.
Side by side
| Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) | Amazon Smart Thermostat | |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $279.99 (US MSRP $279.99 per SafeWise review citing current listing. Released August 20, 2024. Available in Stainless Steel, Polished Gold, Obsidian, Snow colorways.) | $59.99 (US MSRP $59.99 (~$60). Announced Sept 28, 2021 in partnership with Honeywell Home; corroborated by Bloomberg launch coverage, Bob Vila 2026 review, and multiple utility marketplace listings. Third-party retail sometimes ~$79.99 but manufacturer MSRP is $60. Optional ~$25 C-wire power adapter kit available.) |
| Brand | Google Nest | Amazon |
| Released | 2024-08 | 2021 |
| display | 2.68-inch circular stainless-steel framed display with Farsight (activates when motion detected), 3.9-inch diameter body | Basic segmented LED/LCD display; no color touchscreen |
| sensors included | Temperature, humidity, occupancy (60 GHz Soli radar), ambient light; up to 6 additional Nest temperature sensors supported | Temperature plus indoor humidity sensor (humidity reported in Alexa app, not shown on the on-unit display); no occupancy sensor, no remote sensor support |
| geofencing | true | true |
| hvac compatibility | Most 24V systems: single- and multi-stage forced air (gas/oil/electric), heat pumps (1-3 stage heating, 1-2 stage cooling), radiant, hydronic, boilers; not compatible with communicating HVAC systems | Low-voltage 24V systems (forced air gas/oil/electric, heat pumps); single-stage systems; does not support ACC-/ACC+ terminals, dual-band Wi-Fi only on 2.4 GHz |
| c wire required | false | false |
| voice assistants | Google Assistant (built-in via Google Home app), Amazon Alexa, Matter | Amazon Alexa only (requires separate Echo device) |
| energy reports | true | true |
| release | 2024-08 | 2021 |
Sources — Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen): en.wikipedia.org (verified 2026-06-15). Amazon Smart Thermostat: safewise.com (verified 2026-06-15).