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ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium vs Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen)
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium ranks higher (#1 vs #2 of 8) and scores better on scheduling & savings features, app & smart home. Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) wins on easy install & compatibility.
The biggest complaint about the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is expensive, with paid security extras; for the Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) it's ai overrides your settings. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium | Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in smart thermostats | #1 | #2 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$$ |
| Type | Smart (sensor-based) | Learning |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 13% | 10% |
| Overall score | 4.3 | 4.2 |
| Scheduling & savings features | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| App & smart home | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Easy install & compatibility | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Display & controls | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Reliability | 3.5 | 3.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $100 · $$ $100–200 · $$$ over $200. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
- Expensive, with paid security extras
PCMag lists 'pricey' and 'some features require a subscription' as cons; its review says the Smart Security plan starts at $5 a month. CNET calls it 'very expensive'. On Amazon, value for money is mixed, and some owners call it a costly disappointment.
- Doesn't always hold the set temperature
Amazon's review summary says some owners report it doesn't reach the set temperature and some see connectivity problems with smart-home systems. Wirecutter says it first changed temperatures too drastically to save energy, so its heat pump ran almost nonstop until it was fine-tuned by hand.
- Weak customer support; setup is not the simplest
A Wirecutter editor waited 30 minutes on hold, never got the promised callback, and had the case closed with no solution. Wirecutter also says it isn't the easiest model to set up and advanced settings need a web browser. Most homes need a C wire; a power adapter kit for homes without one is included.
Source: Wirecutter, PCMag review
Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen)
- AI overrides your settings
Wirecutter says the AI sometimes went haywire in long-term testing, forcing manual corrections several times a day, and that other owners report the same. Amazon owners are mixed on temperature control, with some reporting it randomly set itself to 80F.
- Expensive
PCMag, Tom's Guide and CNET all list the price as a con. PCMag gives a $279.99 list price. Some Amazon owners call it a waste of $300.
- Long-term support worries
Google ended support for the 1st- and 2nd-gen Nest Learning Thermostats (2011, 2012, and 2014 Europe) on Oct. 25, 2025: app control, remote access and updates stopped, though on-device schedules keep running. Tom's Guide calls this a reason it's hard to be fully behind Nest and advises not expecting more than about 10 years from a smart thermostat. Some Amazon owners also report it won't connect to the app.
Who should pick which
Pick the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium if
Homes with hot or cold rooms (presence-sensing room sensor included)
People who want Alexa or Siri built into the thermostat
Mixed Apple, Google and Alexa smart homes
Skip it if: You want the cheapest way to get app control; You want to set it and forget it without fine-tuning; You don't want a microphone on your wall (it can be turned off)
Pick the Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) if
Google Home and Nest households
People who want the thermostat to build its own schedule
Homes without a C wire (per Tom's Guide and CNET)
Skip it if: You want full manual control without the AI second-guessing you; You want room sensors that detect presence; You worry about Google ending support early
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