The Front Desk Review

Google Nest · Updated June 2026

Google Nest Thermostat (2020): price, specs & release date

Google Nest Thermostat (2020), released 2020-10. Every price and spec below is linked to its source and dated — no guesses.

Source: en.wikipedia.org verified ✓ corroborated verify in ledger

On the Recordsourced & dated · eligible
See Google Nest Thermostat (2020) on Amazon Live price at the store — may differ from the dated listed price above. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Google Nest Thermostat (2020) — Google Nest
Image: bigapplebuddy.com (© Google Nest)

Is the Google Nest Thermostat (2020) a good buy?

At $130, the Google Nest Thermostat (2020) is #4 cheapest of the 13 smart thermostats we track, where the median is $159.

Evidence of Record

Our data

No independent lab has measured this product yet. 2 outlets have it on record by mention only, with no hands-on measurements published to weigh its claims against — a gap in the evidence, not a verdict on the product.

A coverage record, not a rating. How we count

Review consensus · sourced & dated

What reviewers say about the Google Nest Thermostat (2020)

Two whitelisted hands-on reviewers (Tom's Guide, Digital Trends) rate the 2020 Nest Thermostat a stylish, affordable entry smart thermostat that's easy to install and set-and-forget but strips out the auto-learning and remote-sensor support of the pricier Nest Learning Thermostat. Neither surviving source published measured benchmarks. Both call it strong value; the verdict skews positive for Google-ecosystem or budget buyers.

Based on 2 reviews · 2023-04-18–2023-06-15

Tested by Tom's Guide, Digital Trends

Consistently praised

  • Attractive, minimalist mirrored design · 2 sources
  • Affordable price and strong value versus the Learning Thermostat · 2 sources
  • Set-and-forget ease of use in daily operation · 2 sources

Commonly flagged

  • Less smart than pricier Nest — reduced or absent auto-learning · 2 sources
  • Right-side-only capacitive control is less precise and awkward for lefties
  • No support for remote temperature sensors

Where reviewers disagree No factual conflict. Digital Trends is more enthusiastic ('a little less, yet still the best,' 'tough to recommend anything else'), while Tom's Guide is more measured ('less magical'), steering feature-wanting buyers toward Ecobee or the Nest Learning Thermostat instead.

The sources (2)

Tom's Guide hands-on ·

The Nest Thermostat is a serviceable, attractive, and affordable thermostat.
It's easy enough to use — though I did accidentally tap when I meant to scroll — but not as classic, nor as satisfying, as the original.
The only issue I had during setup was trying to connect the Nest Thermostat to my Wi-Fi: the Google Home app kept trying to find another Nest device so it could share my network's name and password.

Digital Trends hands-on ·

If Apple were to design a smart thermostat, chances are it would both look and function a lot like Google's new Nest Thermostat.
Speaking of the capacitive controls, left-handed folks will take issue with Google's approach of only offering it on the unit's right side.
You lose a level of precision not having a mechanical dial, so be prepared to pay just a bit more attention when bumping the temperature up a degree or two.

Specifications

Price (US)$129.99 US MSRP $129.99 per SafeWise review. Released October 12, 2020. Budget/entry Nest thermostat; still available as of 2026.
BrandGoogle Nest
Released2020-10
Display2.4-inch display with touch-sensitive strip control on right side (replaces rotating ring); mirror finish
Sensors includedTemperature, 60 GHz Soli radar occupancy sensor; no remote sensor support
GeofencingYes
Hvac compatibility85% of 24V systems; forced air (gas/oil/electric), heat pumps; simpler HVAC support than Nest Learning Thermostat; not compatible with communicating HVAC systems
C wire requiredNo
Voice assistantsGoogle Assistant (via Google Home), Amazon Alexa, IFTTT
Energy reportsYes

Source: en.wikipedia.org (verified 2026-06-15) · corroborated by safewise.com. Wikipedia confirms 2020 Nest Thermostat released October 12 2020, 2.4-inch display, Soli radar presence detection, touch-sensitive side strip replacing rotating ring. SafeWise review confirms $129.99 price, no C-wire required (uses AAA backup batteries), 85% HVAC compatibility, Alexa + Google support, monthly Nest Home Report. Farsight not supported on this model per Wikipedia.

Is the Google Nest Thermostat (2020) worth it vs cheaper smart thermostats?

Google Nest Thermostat (2020) against its closest cheaper and pricier smart thermostats on the specs that matter — every value sourced. See all 13 ranked

ProductPriceDisplaySensors includedGeofencingHvac compatibilityC wire required
Google Nest Thermostat (2020) this$129.992.4-inch display with touch-sensitive strip control on right side (replaces rotating ring); mirror finishTemperature, 60 GHz Soli radar occupancy sensor; no remote sensor supportYes85% of 24V systems; forced air (gas/oil/electric), heat pumps; simpler HVAC support than Nest Learning Thermostat; not compatible with communicating HVAC systemsNo
GE Cync Smart Thermostat$119.99Backlit LCD display (always on); button and app control (Control Type: Buttons and App)No remote sensor included (package contains 1 thermostat); Cync Room Temperature Sensors sold separately—Most residential 24V heating and cooling systems; designed for C-wire systems, Power Extender Kit (PEK) included for homes without a C-wire; 3- and 4-wire installation optionsNo
ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential$139.992.8-inch full-color LCD touchscreen, 240x320 pixelsBuilt-in temperature and humidity; no occupancy sensor; room sensors sold separately—Gas, oil, electric forced air; conventional 2H/1C and 1H/2C; heat pump 2H/1C; Power Extender Kit sold separatelyNo

Frequently asked questions

What do reviewers say about the Google Nest Thermostat (2020)?

Two whitelisted hands-on reviewers (Tom's Guide, Digital Trends) rate the 2020 Nest Thermostat a stylish, affordable entry smart thermostat that's easy to install and set-and-forget but strips out the auto-learning and remote-sensor support of the pricier Nest Learning Thermostat. Neither surviving source published measured benchmarks. Both call it strong value; the verdict skews positive for Google-ecosystem or budget buyers. Praised: Attractive, minimalist mirrored design; Affordable price and strong value versus the Learning Thermostat; Set-and-forget ease of use in daily operation. Flagged: Less smart than pricier Nest — reduced or absent auto-learning; Right-side-only capacitive control is less precise and awkward for lefties; No support for remote temperature sensors. (From 2 tester reviews.)

How much does the Google Nest Thermostat (2020) cost?

The Google Nest Thermostat (2020) has a US price of $129.99 (US MSRP $129.99 per SafeWise review. Released October 12, 2020. Budget/entry Nest thermostat; still available as of 2026.), as of 2026-06-15.

How does the Google Nest Thermostat (2020) compare on price?

At $130, the Google Nest Thermostat (2020) is #4 cheapest of the 13 smart thermostats we track, where the median is $159.

When was the Google Nest Thermostat (2020) released?

The Google Nest Thermostat (2020) was released 2020-10.

What are the Google Nest Thermostat (2020)'s key specs?

Google Nest Thermostat (2020) (Google Nest): display 2.4-inch display with touch-sensitive strip control on right side (replaces rotating ring); mirror finish, sensors included Temperature, 60 GHz Soli radar occupancy sensor; no remote sensor support, geofencing Yes, hvac compatibility 85% of 24V systems; forced air (gas/oil/electric), heat pumps; simpler HVAC support than Nest Learning Thermostat; not compatible with communicating HVAC systems, c wire required No. Full sourced spec sheet verified 2026-06-15.

Price of record: $129.99 at en.wikipedia.org, 2026-06-27. Other retailers may be lower — check the current price:

See Google Nest Thermostat (2020) on Amazon As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

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