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Key Takeaways

Best for: Google Home users on a budget
Standout: Nest design and features for about $80
Watch out: No room sensors or auto-learning
Not for: Homes with hot and cold rooms that need sensors

The Google Nest Thermostat (2020) is Google’s budget smart thermostat. It works with about 85% of HVAC systems, is controlled in the Google Home app, and often sells for $79 to $130.

What you need before you buy

A 24V HVAC system (most furnaces, ACs and heat pumps). It will not run baseboard heaters.
Wi-Fi and the Google Home app.
Possibly the Nest Power Connector if your system lacks a C-wire and has power problems.

How it saves energy

Set a schedule and Eco temperatures for when you are away; Savings Finder then suggests small changes that trim heating and cooling without hurting comfort.

Curious how fast it would pay for itself? Try our smart thermostat savings calculator.

How it compares

	Google Nest Thermostat	Amazon Smart Thermostat	ecobee Enhanced
Typical price	$79–$130	$60–$80	$180–$200
Screen	Mirrored display	Color LED, touch controls	Color touchscreen
C-wire	Often not needed	Required (adapter in a bundle)	Optional (power kit included)
Works with	Google, Alexa, Apple Home (Matter)	Alexa	Alexa, Google, Apple Home
Best for	Google Home on a budget	Cheapest Alexa pick	Room sensors, occupancy radar

See my Amazon Smart Thermostat and ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced reviews.

Want to see other Thermostats? Compare them side by side →

How I researched this: Google’s Nest Thermostat product page and compatibility checker, the Amazon listing, and a video walkthrough from Tech With Brett. Prices checked October 30, 2026.

Google Nest Thermostat (2020)

The Google Nest Thermostat brings Nest design and energy-saving tips for about $80, but skips room sensors. Here is who it suits.

Product Brand: Google

Editor's Rating:
4.3

Pros

Often under $100, the cheapest way into the Nest ecosystem
Works with about 85% of HVAC systems, many without a C-wire
Savings Finder suggests small schedule tweaks to cut energy use
Clean mirrored display and simple touch-strip control
Matter support for Apple Home and other platforms

Cons

No remote room sensors
Does not learn your schedule like the Nest Learning Thermostat
Some systems need the Nest Power Connector (sold separately)
Display is basic next to touchscreen rivals

Specs

Model	Google Nest Thermostat (2020)
Display	Mirrored glass with touch-sensitive side strip
Compatibility	About 85% of 24V HVAC systems
C-wire	Not required for most systems (Nest Power Connector for some)
Connectivity	Wi-Fi; Matter
Works with	Google Home, Google Assistant, Alexa, Apple Home via Matter
Features	Schedules, Eco temperatures, Savings Finder, HVAC alerts
Certification	Energy Star

Verdict

At around $80, the Nest Thermostat is the easiest recommendation for Google Home households. If you want room sensors or a thermostat that learns your habits, step up to the Nest Learning Thermostat or the ecobee Enhanced.

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Common Questions

Do I need a C-wire?: Most systems work without one. If yours does not, Google sells the Nest Power Connector to add power.
Does it learn my schedule?: No. You set a schedule in the Google Home app; the pricier Nest Learning Thermostat is the one that learns.
Does it work with Alexa or Apple Home?: Yes. It works with Alexa, and with Apple Home through Matter.

Google Nest Thermostat (2020) Review