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Google Nest Thermostat: the downsides first

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#7 of 8
$$Basic smartScore 3.1/5
16%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)29,694 ratings. The listing offers several colors.

PCMag's most affordable Nest pick (4.0, Editors' Choice), and Google designed it to work without a C wire on most 24V systems. It doesn't learn your schedule, supports no room sensors and has no touch screen. Tom's Guide and CNET say the ecobee Essential gives more for the money, and Amazon owners often report Wi-Fi drops.

Top complaints

  • Wi-Fi and app connection drops

    Amazon's review summary says connectivity issues are significant, with many owners reporting it stops connecting to Wi-Fi or the Google Home app. Reliability is mixed, with some saying it quits working.

    Source: Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • No learning, no sensors, no touch screen

    PCMag's cons are no touch screen and can't automatically set schedules; it also doesn't support Nest Temperature Sensors. Tom's Guide says it doesn't support remote sensors and you get more for your money with the ecobee Essential.

    Source: PCMag review, Tom's Guide
  • Finicky geofencing and a Google Home-only app

    PCMag says geofencing more than once thought the reviewer was away and switched to Eco. CNET says it uses the Google Home app instead of the more feature-rich Nest app and pushes you straight into scheduling at install.

    Source: PCMag review, CNET

What owners love

  • Works without a C wire

    PCMag reports Nest says it is compatible with 85% of 24V systems and designed to work without a C wire.

    Source: PCMag review
  • Attractive and affordable

    PCMag calls it one of the most attractive products in the category and a tremendous value at $129.99. Some Amazon owners find it super easy to use.

    Source: PCMag review, Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • Energy and HVAC alerts

    PCMag notes an energy dashboard, Savings Finder suggestions and HVAC alerts, such as filter reminders based on actual runtime.

    Source: PCMag review
Good for
  • Google Home users on a budget
  • Homes without a C wire
  • People happy to set a schedule themselves

Scores (tap for why)

  • Scheduling & savings features3.0
    Why 3.0?Manual schedules, Eco presets, geofencing and Savings Finder tips, but no automatic scheduling or sensor support.
    Source: PCMag review
  • App & smart home3.0
    Why 3.0?Google Home app with Google Assistant and Alexa voice control, but no HomeKit. Amazon owners often report Wi-Fi and app disconnects, and CNET finds Google Home less intuitive than the Nest app.
    Source: PCMag best picks, Amazon.com product page, CNET
  • Easy install & compatibility4.0
    Why 4.0?Designed to work without a C wire on most 24V systems, with app-guided install in about 30 minutes (Nest's claim, per PCMag). Amazon owners are mixed, and some find it tricky.
    Source: PCMag review, Amazon.com product page
  • Display & controls3.0
    Why 3.0?An attractive mirrored display, but no touch screen. You use a side touch bar instead, which PCMag found confusing at first.
    Source: PCMag review
  • Reliability2.5
    Why 2.5?Many Amazon owners report Wi-Fi drops and units that quit, and 16% of ratings are 1-2 stars. PCMag notes only a one-year warranty.
    Source: Amazon.com product page, PCMag review

What experts say

  • PCMag: Most Affordable Nest Thermostat, 4.0 Excellent, Editors' Choice. No touch screen, finicky geofencing, and it can't set schedules automatically.
  • Tom's Guide: Also tested: about the same price as the ecobee Essential, but no remote sensors and not as good-looking.
  • CNET: Not a pick: lacks the Learning model's interface and features, and uses the Google Home app rather than the Nest app.
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If that catch is a deal-breaker

Highly ranked smart thermostats whose biggest complaint is something else.

#1 in smart thermostatsecobee Smart Thermostat Premium

Wirecutter's and CNET's top pick and PCMag's Best Overall (4.5/5). Its included room sensor and humidity-aware Eco+ mode kept Wirecutter's test home the most evenly comfortable. It's expensive, though, advanced settings need a web browser, and Wirecutter found ecobee's phone support poor. About 1 in 8 Amazon ratings are 1 or 2 stars.

Its catch: expensive, with paid security extras#2 in smart thermostatsGoogle Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen)

The only true learning thermostat here, picked by all four guides. It comes with a room sensor, adds Matter, and Tom's Guide and CNET say it needs no C wire. But it's one of the priciest, Wirecutter had to keep overriding its AI, and its sensor can't detect presence. Google cut off the 1st- and 2nd-gen Learning models on Oct. 25, 2025, which makes Tom's Guide question its long-term support.

Its catch: ai overrides your settings#3 in smart thermostatsHoneywell Home X8S Smart Thermostat

Tom's Guide's new best overall and CNET's whole-house pick: a 5-inch smart-display thermostat with room priority scheduling, Matter and Apple Home support, and Ring doorbell video. It requires a C wire (Honeywell sends a free adapter), Tom's Guide's install took about two hours, and doorbell support is limited. It's too new for a meaningful Amazon track record.

Its catch: fussy, slow installation

See all 8 smart thermostats ranked →