The short version: The 4th-generation Nest Learning Thermostat (2024) is a ground-up redesign — a larger glass display on an extended base, Matter support, and AI-driven scheduling that factors in weather and usage patterns. “Pro Edition” bundles typically include a Nest Temperature Sensor and are commonly installed by a certified Nest Pro, which unlocks a longer warranty. At $300–350 CAD, it’s Google’s most capable and most expensive thermostat, going head-to-head with the Ecobee Premium.

Who It’s For

Works with central forced-air heating and cooling: gas, oil, or electric furnaces, heat pumps (including dual-fuel systems common in Canadian retrofits), and central AC. It does not work with electric baseboard heat — Mysa, Sinopé, or Stelpro cover that category.

Best fit for:
– Google Home households that want Google’s most current thermostat hardware and AI-based scheduling
– Buyers who want professional installation and the extended warranty that comes with it
– Homes with multiple rooms that benefit from the bundled temperature sensor

Skip it if you’re in the Apple ecosystem (still no HomeKit support) or want room-sensor depth — Ecobee’s SmartSensor ecosystem is more mature and shows up on more provincial rebate lists.

Design & Build

A genuinely different physical product from the 3rd gen: a larger glass display surrounded by a metallic frame, mounted on a base that extends from the wall rather than sitting flush — reviewers have compared the design language to Google’s Pixel Watch. You rotate the physical body to adjust temperature, but the display and overall footprint are noticeably larger than earlier generations.

Reviewers at outlets like BGR, TechHive, and TechRadar have been positive about the redesign specifically, generally calling it the best-looking Nest thermostat yet, though the larger footprint won’t suit every wall.

Setup & Compatibility

C-wire situation: No C-wire required. Google reworked the install process for this generation — it reportedly works with a wider range of HVAC systems than previous Nest models and installs more easily even without professional help, despite the “Pro Edition” branding.

System compatibility: Handles single- and multi-stage gas furnaces, heat pumps (including dual-fuel, relevant for Canadian cold-climate retrofits), and central AC.

A note on “Pro Edition”: The naming is genuinely confusing. Google sells the 4th-gen hardware in bundles sometimes labeled “Pro Edition,” which typically include a Nest Temperature Sensor. Separately, having the unit professionally installed and registered by a certified Nest Pro can extend your warranty to 5 years instead of the standard term. The hardware is identical either way — what changes is bundle contents and whether a certified installer registers the install. Confirm exactly what’s included in your specific purchase, especially through Canadian pro-installer channels.

App & Ecosystem

The 4th gen continues Nest’s auto-schedule learning and adds AI-driven adjustments factoring in local weather forecasts and household usage patterns, aiming to pre-condition the home ahead of need. Runs through the Google Home app with full compatibility.

Ecosystem support:
– Google Assistant / Google Home: Full native integration
– Amazon Alexa: Supported
– Matter: Supported — a first for Nest thermostats
– Apple HomeKit: Still not natively supported, though Matter support narrows the gap for some Apple Home use cases (verify current Matter-over-HomeKit behavior before relying on it for critical automations)

Standout Feature: Included Temperature Sensor and AI Scheduling

Depending on the bundle, the 4th gen ships with a 2nd-generation Nest Temperature Sensor, addressing one of the longest-standing gaps versus Ecobee — previous Nest generations sold sensors separately with less integration into the scheduling logic. Paired with AI-driven scheduling, it’s the most capable multi-room setup Nest has offered, though it still doesn’t match the breadth of Ecobee’s SmartSensor ecosystem for homes wanting three or more sensor points.

Price & Value

Nest Learning Thermostat Pro Edition (4th Gen)
Price (CAD) $300–350
Included sensors 1 Nest Temperature Sensor (bundle-dependent — confirm before buying)
Warranty 2 years standard; up to 5 years with certified Nest Pro installation
Subscription required No

Sold at Best Buy, Home Depot, Amazon.ca, and through pro installers. This puts it in direct price competition with the Ecobee Premium ($329.99 CAD), which retains the HomeKit-support advantage and a stronger presence on provincial utility rebate lists. See Smart Thermostat Rebates in Canada by Province rather than a specific dollar figure — ENERGY STAR certification applies, but amounts vary by utility.

Pros & Cons

Pros:
– Genuinely redesigned hardware, well-reviewed by outlets like BGR and TechHive
– Matter support, a first for Nest
– Wider HVAC compatibility and easier install than earlier Nest generations
– Bundled temperature sensor on Pro Edition configurations
– Up to 5-year warranty with certified Nest Pro installation

Cons:
– Still no native Apple HomeKit support
– “Pro Edition” naming and warranty terms are easy to misread — confirm what you’re actually buying
– Most expensive Nest model, priced against the HomeKit-capable Ecobee Premium
– Ecobee shows up on more Canadian provincial rebate lists
– Larger footprint may not suit every wall

Nest models compared: Nest Thermostat, Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Gen), and Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen), with features, price, and Canadian rebate eligibility

The Recommendation

Buy the Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) if you’re committed to the Google ecosystem and want Google’s most current thermostat, ideally with certified Nest Pro installation to lock in the longer warranty.

Buy the Ecobee Premium instead if HomeKit support, provincial rebate eligibility, or a more mature multi-sensor ecosystem matter more — it’s priced almost identically.

For comparisons: Nest 4th Gen vs Ecobee Premium: Which Should You Buy?

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “Pro Edition” actually mean on the Nest Learning Thermostat?
It generally refers to a bundle that includes a Nest Temperature Sensor and/or professional installation by a certified Nest Pro. The hardware is the same 4th-gen thermostat either way — confirm exactly what’s in your specific listing before buying.

Does the 4th Gen require a C-wire?
No. Google reworked the power and install process for this generation, and it works without a C-wire in most homes.

Does the 4th Gen support Apple HomeKit?
Not natively. It does support Matter, which narrows some gaps for Matter-compatible platforms, but this isn’t full native HomeKit integration — verify current behavior before relying on it.

Does the 4th Gen qualify for Canadian utility rebates?
It’s ENERGY STAR certified, but Ecobee currently appears on more provincial qualifying lists. Check your specific program before buying. See Smart Thermostat Rebates in Canada by Province.

Is the warranty really 5 years?
Only with certified Nest Pro installation and registration. DIY installs get the standard, shorter warranty term — check current terms before assuming the longer coverage applies.

How does the 4th Gen compare to the Ecobee Premium in Canada?
They’re priced almost identically. Ecobee wins on HomeKit support and provincial rebate presence; Nest wins on design and Matter support. The better fit depends on your existing smart home ecosystem.