Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential vs Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen)

The Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) is the more capable thermostat, with learning, occupancy and ambient light sensing, a system health monitor, Matter support and a sensor and trim plate in the box. The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential is the better value, with a lower price, a three-year warranty and native HomeKit support.

The Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) leans toward hands-off comfort with self-learning and an included room sensor. The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential leans toward value, a longer warranty and native HomeKit, but its SmartSensors are sold separately and it has no Matter.

The package and the learning. The Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) learns a schedule, senses occupancy and ambient light, supports Matter and includes a remote sensor and trim plate, while the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential needs a separately purchased SmartSensor for multi-room control and relies on manual scheduling.

No. It works with ecobee SmartSensors and can follow whichever one detects people, but none ships in the box, so budget for them if room-by-room comfort is the reason you are buying.

Yes. It supports Matter, and that is also how it pairs with the Apple Home app, the first Nest Learning Thermostat to do so. The bundled temperature sensor stays in the Google Home app, and Home Assistant support is only partial.

Buy the Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) if you want a great-looking, self-learning thermostat with an included sensor and Matter. Buy the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential if you want a well-rounded, widely compatible thermostat at a lower price with a three-year warranty.