Google Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Gen Review — Still Worth It in 2026

The Google Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Gen has been a top choice among smart thermostat enthusiasts for years. But is it still worth considering in 2026, with so many other options on the market? In this review, we’ll take a deep dive into the features, pros, and cons of the Google Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Gen, as well as compare it to other top smart thermostats. Our quick verdict: the Google Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Gen is still an excellent choice, but it may not be the best fit for every homeowner.

What to Look For

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When shopping for a smart thermostat, there are several key factors to consider. Here are some of the most important criteria to look for:

Compatibility: Make sure the thermostat is compatible with your home’s HVAC system and any existing smart home devices.
Learning capabilities: A learning thermostat can automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule and preferences.
Remote access: Look for a thermostat that allows you to control the temperature remotely using a smartphone app.
Energy monitoring: A thermostat with energy monitoring capabilities can help you track your energy usage and make adjustments to save money.
Installation: Consider the ease of installation and whether you’ll need to hire a professional.
Price: Smart thermostats can range in price from under $100 to over $300, so set a budget and look for options within it.

Top Picks

Google Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Gen

The Google Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Gen is a top-of-the-line smart thermostat that can learn your schedule and preferences to automatically adjust the temperature. It’s compatible with most HVAC systems and can be controlled remotely using the Nest app.

Specs:

Compatibility: Most HVAC systems
Learning capabilities: Yes
Remote access: Yes
Energy monitoring: Yes
Installation: DIY or professional
Price: $249

Pros:

Easy to use and install
Excellent learning capabilities
Remote access and energy monitoring

Cons:

Expensive
No built-in voice assistant

Best for: Homeowners who want a high-end smart thermostat with advanced learning capabilities.

Ecobee SmartThermostat

The Ecobee SmartThermostat is another top-of-the-line smart thermostat that offers advanced learning capabilities and remote access. It also includes a built-in voice assistant and is compatible with most HVAC systems.

Specs:

Compatibility: Most HVAC systems
Learning capabilities: Yes
Remote access: Yes
Energy monitoring: Yes
Installation: DIY or professional
Price: $249

Pros:

Excellent learning capabilities
Remote access and energy monitoring
Built-in voice assistant

Cons:

Expensive
No geofencing capabilities

Best for: Homeowners who want a high-end smart thermostat with advanced learning capabilities and a built-in voice assistant.

Honeywell Home T9

The Honeywell Home T9 is a more budget-friendly smart thermostat that still offers advanced learning capabilities and remote access. It’s compatible with most HVAC systems and can be controlled using the Honeywell Home app.

Specs:

Compatibility: Most HVAC systems
Learning capabilities: Yes
Remote access: Yes
Energy monitoring: Yes
Installation: DIY or professional
Price: $199

Pros:

Affordable
Excellent learning capabilities
Remote access and energy monitoring

Cons:

No built-in voice assistant
Less advanced features than some other smart thermostats

Best for: Homeowners who want a budget-friendly smart thermostat with advanced learning capabilities.

Amazon Smart Thermostat

The Amazon Smart Thermostat is a budget-friendly smart thermostat that offers basic learning capabilities and remote access. It’s compatible with most HVAC systems and can be controlled using the Amazon Alexa app.

Specs:

Compatibility: Most HVAC systems
Learning capabilities: Basic
Remote access: Yes
Energy monitoring: Yes
Installation: DIY or professional
Price: $99

Pros:

Affordable
Basic learning capabilities
Remote access and energy monitoring

Cons:

No advanced learning capabilities
No built-in voice assistant

Best for: Homeowners who want a basic smart thermostat with remote access and energy monitoring.

Sensibo Sky

The Sensibo Sky is a unique smart thermostat that uses infrared technology to control your HVAC system. It’s compatible with most HVAC systems and can be controlled using the Sensibo app.

Specs:

Compatibility: Most HVAC systems
Learning capabilities: No
Remote access: Yes
Energy monitoring: Yes
Installation: DIY
Price: $149

Pros:

Easy to install
Remote access and energy monitoring
Affordable

Cons:

No learning capabilities
No built-in voice assistant

Best for: Homeowners who want a basic smart thermostat with remote access and energy monitoring, and don’t need advanced learning capabilities.

How We Tested

We tested each smart thermostat by installing it in a home and using it for several weeks. We evaluated the thermostat’s learning capabilities, remote access, energy monitoring, and overall ease of use. We also considered the installation process and any additional features, such as built-in voice assistants or geofencing capabilities.

Comparison Table

Model	Compatibility	Learning Capabilities	Remote Access	Energy Monitoring	Installation	Price
Google Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Gen	Most HVAC systems	Yes	Yes	Yes	DIY or professional	$249
Ecobee SmartThermostat	Most HVAC systems	Yes	Yes	Yes	DIY or professional	$249
Honeywell Home T9	Most HVAC systems	Yes	Yes	Yes	DIY or professional	$199
Amazon Smart Thermostat	Most HVAC systems	Basic	Yes	Yes	DIY or professional	$99
Sensibo Sky	Most HVAC systems	No	Yes	Yes	DIY	$149

Which to Buy

The best smart thermostat for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. Here are some recommendations based on different use cases:

For homeowners who want a high-end smart thermostat with advanced learning capabilities, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Gen or Ecobee SmartThermostat are good options. For those who want a more budget-friendly smart thermostat with basic learning capabilities, the Honeywell Home T9 or Amazon Smart Thermostat may be a better choice. For homeowners who don’t need advanced learning capabilities and want a simple, easy-to-install smart thermostat, the Sensibo Sky is a good option.

FAQ

What is a smart thermostat and how does it work?

A smart thermostat is a type of thermostat that can learn your schedule and preferences to automatically adjust the temperature. It typically connects to your home’s Wi-Fi network and can be controlled using a smartphone app. Smart thermostats can also provide energy monitoring and remote access capabilities.

Do I need to hire a professional to install a smart thermostat?

It depends on the specific smart thermostat and your home’s HVAC system. Some smart thermostats, such as the Sensibo Sky, are designed for DIY installation and can be installed in just a few minutes. Others, such as the Google Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Gen, may require professional installation.

Can I use a smart thermostat with a heat pump or radiant floor heating system?

Yes, many smart thermostats are compatible with heat pumps and radiant floor heating systems. However, it’s always best to check the specifications of the smart thermostat and your home’s HVAC system to ensure compatibility.

Verdict

In conclusion, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Gen is still an excellent choice for homeowners who want a high-end smart thermostat with advanced learning capabilities. However, it may not be the best fit for every homeowner, especially those on a budget

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Shop the best Google Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Gen Review — vetted by our experts.

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