The short version: The Nest Thermostat E, released in 2017 with a distinctive frosted-plastic display, was discontinued from Google’s direct retail lineup in 2020. It’s still findable through Amazon and eBay at $150–190, and owner feedback has historically been positive for its simplicity, but you’re buying an unsupported, aging product through a secondary market rather than a current Google offering.

Who It’s For

Works with central forced-air heating and cooling: gas furnaces, standard heat pumps, and central AC. It does not work with electric baseboard heat.

Makes sense for:
– Buyers replacing an existing Thermostat E and wanting a matching unit
– Budget shoppers comfortable buying discontinued hardware through Amazon or eBay with a clear return policy
– Simple single-zone homes that don’t need the current Nest Thermostat’s Google Home-first setup or the Learning Thermostat’s auto-scheduling

Not the pick if you want manufacturer software support with a clear runway, current-generation hardware, or a straightforward retail warranty — the current Nest Thermostat (2020) covers similar ground with active support for close to the same price.

Design & Build

The Thermostat E’s signature feature is its frosted white plastic display — a deliberately softer, less glossy look than the Learning Thermostat’s metal-and-glass design, intended to blend into a wall rather than stand out. It has a simpler ring control than the Learning Thermostat and a smaller display footprint overall.

Setup & Compatibility

C-wire situation: Like other Nest models, the Thermostat E uses power harvesting and generally doesn’t require a C-wire, though connecting one where available reduces the odds of ghost calls.

System compatibility: Works with single-stage gas furnaces, central AC, and standard heat pumps. It handles simpler systems reliably; more complex multi-stage or dual-fuel setups are better matched to the Learning Thermostat or an Ecobee model.

A note on remote sensors: The Thermostat E’s compatible remote monitor lacks an occupancy sensor, a step down from what Nest’s other sensor hardware offers — worth knowing if multi-room monitoring is part of why you’re considering it.

App & Ecosystem

Google stopped selling the Thermostat E directly to consumers in 2020, which means it’s no longer part of the actively marketed lineup, though it has continued to function through the Google Home app for buyers who already own one.

Ecosystem support:
– Google Assistant / Google Home: Supported
– Amazon Alexa: Supported
– Apple HomeKit: Not supported

Historical owner ratings on marketplaces like eBay have skewed strongly positive, with the majority of ratings landing at 5 stars — reviewers commonly describe it as an easy, no-fuss thermostat, which tracks with its original design goal as Nest’s simplified, lower-cost option.

The Discontinued-Model Tradeoff

Because Google no longer sells or actively markets the Thermostat E, a few things matter more here than with a current product:

  • Software support runway: As with any discontinued smart home device, there’s no guarantee of how long app and firmware support continues. Budget for the possibility that features could be scaled back over time.
  • Warranty: Buying through Amazon or eBay rather than Google’s own channel means warranty terms depend on the specific seller — confirm before purchasing.
  • Stock quality: Because it’s off Google’s active roadmap, available units are a mix of new-old-stock and used — check listing condition carefully.

Price & Value

Nest Thermostat E
Price (USD) $150–190 (Amazon, eBay — new-old-stock and used)
Warranty Varies by seller — confirm before buying
Subscription required No

At this price, it sits close to the current Nest Thermostat (2020), which is actively supported, sold through mainstream retail, and backed by a standard Google warranty. Unless you specifically want the frosted design or need a matching unit, the current model is usually the safer buy at similar money.

Pros & Cons

Pros:
– Simple, well-regarded design that owners describe as easy to live with
– Historically strong secondhand-market ratings
– No C-wire required in most homes
– Works with Google Home and Alexa

Cons:
– Discontinued from Google’s direct retail lineup since 2020
– No occupancy sensor on the compatible remote monitor
– No Apple HomeKit support
– Warranty and long-term software support are less certain than a current model
– Priced close to the actively-supported current Nest Thermostat

Nest models compared: Nest Thermostat, Nest Thermostat E (legacy), Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Gen), and Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen)

The Recommendation

Buy the Nest Thermostat E only if you’re replacing an existing unit for a matching look, or you find a clearly-priced deal below the current Nest Thermostat with a solid return policy.

Buy the current Nest Thermostat (2020) instead for close to the same price with active Google support and a standard warranty.

For comparisons: Nest Thermostat vs Nest Thermostat E: What’s the Difference?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Nest Thermostat E still sold by Google?
No. Google stopped selling it directly to consumers in 2020. It’s available through Amazon, eBay, and other secondary retail channels as new-old-stock or used.

Is the Nest Thermostat E worth buying today?
Usually only if you’re matching an existing unit or find it priced meaningfully below the current Nest Thermostat, which offers active support at a similar price point.

Does the Nest Thermostat E require a C-wire?
No, it uses power harvesting like other Nest models, though a C-wire connection where available reduces the odds of ghost calls.

Does it support Apple HomeKit?
No. No Nest thermostat generation, including the Thermostat E, supports HomeKit.

What’s the difference between the Nest Thermostat E and the current Nest Thermostat?
They’re similar in scope, but the Thermostat E has a frosted display design and is discontinued, while the current Nest Thermostat is actively sold, supported, and backed by a standard Google warranty at a comparable price.

Does the Nest Thermostat E work with heat pumps?
Yes, for standard single-stage setups. More complex multi-stage or dual-fuel systems are better matched to the Learning Thermostat or an Ecobee model.