# Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) vs ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) (Google Nest) and ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium (ecobee) among smart thermostats. ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is the cheaper of the two at $259.99.

## Side by side

| Spec | Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) | ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $279.99 | $259.99 |
| Brand | Google Nest | ecobee |
| Released | 2024-08 | 2022 |
| Display | 2.68-inch circular stainless-steel framed display with Farsight (activates when motion detected), 3.9-inch diameter body | 4-inch full-color LCD touchscreen, 540x540 pixels |
| Sensors included | Temperature, humidity, occupancy (60 GHz Soli radar), ambient light; up to 6 additional Nest temperature sensors supported | Built-in temperature, humidity, occupancy (radar), proximity; includes one SmartSensor (temperature + occupancy) in box; up to 20 additional sensors supported |
| Geofencing | Yes | Yes |
| 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 | Most 24VAC systems: conventional 2H/2C, heat pumps 2H/2C + 2 stage AUX, boilers, PTACs, fan coil units (up to 3 fan speeds); Power Extender Kit included |
| C wire required | No | No |
| Voice assistants | Google Assistant (built-in via Google Home app), Amazon Alexa, Matter | Amazon Alexa (built-in), Apple Siri (via HomePod/HomePod mini), Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, IFTTT |
| Energy reports | Yes | Yes |

## Key differences

- Display: Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) 2.68-inch circular stainless-steel framed display with Farsight (activates when motion detected), 3.9-inch diameter body vs ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium 4-inch full-color LCD touchscreen, 540x540 pixels
- Sensors included: Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) Temperature, humidity, occupancy (60 GHz Soli radar), ambient light; up to 6 additional Nest temperature sensors supported vs ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium Built-in temperature, humidity, occupancy (radar), proximity; includes one SmartSensor (temperature + occupancy) in box; up to 20 additional sensors supported
- Hvac compatibility: Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) 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 vs ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium Most 24VAC systems: conventional 2H/2C, heat pumps 2H/2C + 2 stage AUX, boilers, PTACs, fan coil units (up to 3 fan speeds); Power Extender Kit included
- Voice assistants: Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) Google Assistant (built-in via Google Home app), Amazon Alexa, Matter vs ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium Amazon Alexa (built-in), Apple Siri (via HomePod/HomePod mini), Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, IFTTT

## What reviewers say

**Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen)** — Three whitelisted hands-on reviewers—TechHive, Tom's Guide and TechRadar—tested this exact 4th-gen model and all recommend it. They praise the stunning, art-like redesign with a larger near-borderless display, the smarter weather-aware AI learning with accept/decline schedule suggestions, the glanceable Dynamic Farsight display, and Matter support (Apple Home, Alexa, SmartThings). All three flag the premium ~$280 price. Reviews are largely qualitative—only TechRadar put a number on anything, timing his install at about 15-20 minutes. TechHive still prefers the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium. (3 sourced reviews.)

**ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium** — Three whitelisted testers (Tom's Guide, TechHive, Reviewed) rate the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium a top-tier smart thermostat. Reviewed lab-tested temperature accuracy against a NIST-certified thermometer; Tom's Guide and TechHive evaluated it hands-on qualitatively. All praise the premium redesign, easy app-guided install, broad smart-home compatibility, and the included occupancy-sensing SmartSensor. Shared gripes: a weak built-in speaker, a limited air-quality sensor, and a high price. (3 sourced reviews.)

## Sources

- Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nest_Learning_Thermostat (en.wikipedia.org, verified 2026-06-15)
- ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium: https://www.ecobee.com/en-us/smart-thermostats/smart-thermostat-premium/ (ecobee.com, verified 2026-06-15)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/smart-thermostats/google-nest-learning-thermostat-4th-gen-vs-ecobee-smart-thermostat-premium/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) ($279.99) vs ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium ($259.99) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/smart-thermostats/google-nest-learning-thermostat-4th-gen-vs-ecobee-smart-thermostat-premium/
License: CC BY 4.0.