Google

Google Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Gen)

Ranked #14 in Smart Thermostats

127 LP on the category ladder what's LP?

Superseded hardware at near-current prices. The 4th Gen or the standard Nest is the correct buy.

Consolidated from 21 cited sources across 20 outlets

Where the cited sources landed, as we read them

1 enthusiastic source
19 positive sources
1 mixed source

See the sources

Flagged as a product to avoid

2 of 5 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. A trap is a product buyers genuinely cross-shop but should not buy, ranked honestly alongside the real picks rather than dropped to the bottom. Why the boards include them

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Pros & cons

✓ The classic that built Nest's reputation
✓ Still delivers the original Nest learning-thermostat experience

✗ Superseded by the 4th Gen yet still sold at prices that often overlap with its replacement
✗ Owners report units changing the temperature on their own
✗ TechRadar and Popular Mechanics both crown the 4th Gen, not this one

The sources behind this ranking

We searched the web and YouTube for what has been published about this product, then read the articles, video transcripts and comments we found.

Evidence 3 articles, 17 video reviews and 1 community source

1 enthusiastic source

FOCUSED INSIGHT Focused Insight Editorial Team · reviewer · May 2026

The Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) is the most capable device in this category. It is also, in the wrong hands, one of the most quietly disruptive. Not because it’s broken. Because it does exactly what it was built to do — and what it’s built to do is not what most people assume when they install it.

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19 positive sources

F Facebook AndruEdwards

This is the best smart thermostat you can buy, and it's the one that started it all as it pertains to updating the thermostat for the modern smart home tech game - check any Nest thermostat review and you'll see what I mean, even when comparing the Nest Learning Thermostat vs Nest Thermostat E you can't go wrong.

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Best Buy Best Buy · 853K subscribers · Sept 2024

This Nest learning thermostat would really be beneficial in anyone's home.

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Reviewed Rachel Murphy · reviewer · Dec 2018

We can confidently say that the Nest Learning Thermostat ( available at Amazon for $247.00 ) is the best of them all, with an easy setup, intuitive controls, and voice commands.

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Andru Edwards Andru Edwards · 666K subscribers · Jan 2019

In this episode we're gonna go over why the Nest Learning Thermostat is still one of the best smart home devices you can install in your home, along with taking a look at what it can do in conjunction with some of your other smart home devices. What's goin' on tech squad? Andru Edwards Editor in Chief at GearLive.com. If this is your first time here, this channel's all about tech, gadgets and gaming.

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Costs, Info & Choosing Article

Nest earns its high rating due to its automation capabilities, intuitive design, and strong ENERGY STAR performance.

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Andy Slye Andy Slye · 298K subscribers · Jan 2018

After tons of research, I found that the 3rd generation Nest Learning Thermostat was by far the most popular choice as the best smart thermostat. The main reason I wanted a smart thermostat was to save money on my electric bill because not only is it auto-programmable but it’s controllable from anywhere using a smartphone.

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Erin Lawrence Erin Lawrence · 159K subscribers · Jun 2020

But there are a lot of other reasons a Nest Learning Thermostat is a good idea: the Safety Mode is a biggie. The automatic adjustments and Eco Mode mean you don’t have to micromanage your heating and cooling. Plus the ability to remotely access the Nest Learning Thermostat is a huge plus.

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Security.org Security.org · 75.2K subscribers · Mar 2020

With the #NestLearningThermostat, you never have to worry about that again. It even programs itself after a week, learning your schedule all by itself. I’ll be going over the Nest Learning Thermostat’s design, features, installation process, and app, before helping you decide if this is the right smart thermostat for you.

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WolfHunter1043 WolfHunter1043 · 3.6K subscribers · Dec 2016

I've had it about a week and I'm pretty excited about it.

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Random Home Gadgets Random Home Gadgets · 2K subscribers · Jun 2022

Google Nest Learning Thermostat is one of the top smart thermostats in the market.

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Review Revolt Review Revolt · 819 subscribers · Oct 2025

With features like energy reports, remote control through the app, and auto-scheduling, it offers both convenience and efficiency for modern households.

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Pixel Review Pixel Review · 514 subscribers · Dec 2025

If you’re looking for a smart, energy-saving, and fully automated thermostat, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat is an excellent choice for comfort, efficiency, and intelligent climate control.

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A-Z tech A-Z tech · 458 subscribers · Jul 2025

Its simple yet elegant proof that good design really does stand the test of time. The real selling point of this Nest thermostat is its learning capability. It automatically programs itself based on your schedule and preferences after just a few days of use. It learns when you like the temperature warmer or cooler and then adjusts accordingly to save energy without sacrificing comfort. This feature means less manual input and more smart automation, making daily life easier. Installation is userfriendly for most homeowners with compatible HVAC systems. The Nest Third Gen supports most heating and cooling systems and can be installed either as a DIY project or with professional help.

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Consumer Product Features Consumer Product Features · 292 subscribers · Jan 2026

Discover the innovative Google Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Gen, designed to seamlessly adapt to your household routines and preferred temperature settings, providing you with optimal comfort while automating much of the scheduling process. This smart thermostat offers convenient remote access through the Nest app, enabling you to easily adjust your home's temperature from anywhere, making last-minute changes during travel or fluctuating workdays hassle-free. With its tight integration with Alexa and Google Assistant, controlling your heating and cooling system is as simple as speaking a voice command, eliminating the need to manually adjust the wall unit.

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Product Reviews Product Reviews · 258 subscribers · Apr 2026

It is a sleek, efficient, and smart addition to any modern home.

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Product Reviews Product Reviews · 258 subscribers · Apr 2026

This copper finish model looks great in any home and brings a modern touch to your wall.

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bstej_TechReviews bstej_TechReviews · 245 subscribers · Apr 2026

It is a fantastic way to modernize your space and gain better control over your comfort.

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Ian Klein Ian Klein · 54 subscribers · Oct 2023

Discover how this innovative device can optimize your home's energy efficiency and enhance your comfort. Find out more about the Nest Thermostat's exceptional functionalities and how it can revolutionize your home automation. Join me on this journey to explore the future of smart thermostats.

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Amazon Must Haves Amazon Must Haves · 6 subscribers · Jul 2025

Whether you're upgrading your current setup or starting your smart home journey, this device is a game changer.

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1 mixed source

Smarter Home Life Smarter Home Life · 33.2K subscribers · May 2015

The Nest Learning Thermostat is a great "disruptor" to antiquated and boring thermostat / HVAC technology, but it's trying to be so many things from one single location that it sometimes fails to achieve even a few of them.

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Frequently asked questions

It ranks #14 of 16 on our smart thermostats tier list, in F tier. That placement draws on 21 cited sources across 20 outlets.

None of the 21 sources with a clear view is critical of it. Superseded by the 4th Gen yet still sold at prices that often overlap with its replacement. Owners report units changing the temperature on their own. TechRadar and Popular Mechanics both crown the 4th Gen, not this one.