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Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) vs Honeywell Home X8S Smart Thermostat
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) ranks higher (#2 vs #3 of 8) and scores better on easy install & compatibility. Honeywell Home X8S Smart Thermostat wins on app & smart home, display & controls.
The biggest complaint about the Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) is ai overrides your settings; for the Honeywell Home X8S Smart Thermostat it's fussy, slow installation. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) | Honeywell Home X8S Smart Thermostat | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in smart thermostats | #2 | #3 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$$ |
| Type | Learning | Smart (sensor-based) |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 10% | 13% |
| Overall score | 4.2 | 4.0 |
| Scheduling & savings features | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| App & smart home | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Easy install & compatibility | 4.5 | 2.5 |
| Display & controls | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| 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
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.
Honeywell Home X8S Smart Thermostat
- Fussy, slow installation
Tom's Guide lists 'installation can be tricky and time-consuming'; its reviewer's install took close to two hours, and the guide suggests a professional for first-timers. CNET lists 'C-wire required'. Tom's Guide says Honeywell provides a free C-wire power adapter via a promo code in the box.
- Limited, patchy doorbell feature
Tom's Guide says only Ring or First Alert doorbells are supported and incoming audio was intermittent. CNET also lists limited doorbell support. One Amazon owner reports Ring integration issues.
- Pricey for some
Amazon's review summary says value for money is mixed, with some owners finding it too expensive. Tom's Guide puts its $220 price at the high end of smart thermostats.
Who should pick which
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
Pick the Honeywell Home X8S Smart Thermostat if
People who want to prioritize specific rooms at set times
Ring doorbell owners
Mixed Apple, Google and Alexa homes (Matter)
Skip it if: You want a quick, simple DIY install; You need a long reliability track record; You want doorbell video from brands other than Ring or First Alert
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