# Google Nest Nest Thermostat (2020)

Nest Thermostat (2020) is the simpler Google thermostat to buy if you want a lower-cost Matter-over-Wi-Fi path into Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings, or Home Assistant. Check HVAC compatibility first, because its Matter logo does not make it fit every system.

Canonical page: https://matterhome.io/devices/google-nest-thermostat-2020
Markdown page: https://matterhome.io/devices/google-nest-thermostat-2020.md

## Device Facts

- Brand: Google Nest
- Model: Nest Thermostat (2020)
- Product type: Matter-over-Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat
- Category: Thermostats
- Connection: Matter over Wi-Fi
- Matter status: Google began rolling out Matter compatibility to the 2020 Nest Thermostat on April 18, 2023; the Matter path is over Wi-Fi.
- Launch date: 2020-10-12
- Thread border router required: No
- Brand hub required: No
- Typical price range: $129-$180
- Review status: Compatibility guide
- Product image: https://matterhome.io/content-assets/devices/google-nest-thermostat-2020/product.jpg
- Product image alt text: Google Nest Thermostat (2020)
- Product image source: https://images.macrumors.com/t/oato1pBO1zHFEMiA0emz6Rx8XL4=/1600x/article-new/2023/04/Google-Nest-Thermostat-2020.jpeg

## Ecosystem Support

- Apple Home: Supported
- Google Home: Supported
- Alexa: Supported
- SmartThings: Supported
- Home Assistant: Limited

## Best For

- Google Home users who want a cheaper Nest thermostat with Matter sharing
- Apple Home households that only need basic thermostat control through Matter
- Standard 24 V HVAC systems confirmed by Google's compatibility checker

## Skip If

- Your HVAC system needs the broader wiring support of the 4th-gen Nest Learning Thermostat
- You want Nest Temperature Sensor support
- You expect Google-only energy, schedule, or utility features to appear fully in every Matter app

## Setup Notes

- Set up and update the thermostat in the Google Home app before relying on Matter sharing.
- Use Matter pairing when you want Apple Home, Alexa, SmartThings, or another platform to control basic thermostat functions.
- Check HVAC compatibility, C-wire needs, and Nest Power Connector requirements before buying.

## Known Limitations

- Some heating-only, cooling-only, zone-controlled, and heat pump systems may require a Nest Power Connector or C wire.
- Google-specific features such as Savings Finder, schedules, HVAC alerts, and Nest Renew behavior belong in Google Home or related Google services.
- Home Assistant behavior depends on its Matter thermostat support and any Google or Nest integrations you also use.

## Pros

- Direct Matter-over-Wi-Fi thermostat control
- Lower launch price than the Nest Learning Thermostat line
- Google Home app setup and schedule controls
- HVAC monitoring and energy-saving suggestions

## Cons

- Works with fewer HVAC systems than the 4th-gen Nest Learning Thermostat
- Does not support Nest Temperature Sensor
- Matter does not expose every Google Home thermostat feature everywhere

## Sources

- https://www.googlenestcommunity.com/t5/Blog/Matter-is-now-available-for-Google-Home-across-Nest-and-Android-devices/ba-p/306517
- https://blog.google/products/google-nest/new-nest-thermostat-energy-savings/
- https://store.google.com/product/nest_thermostat
- https://www.macrumors.com/2023/04/18/nest-thermostat-homekit-support-via-matter/
- https://images.macrumors.com/t/oato1pBO1zHFEMiA0emz6Rx8XL4=/1600x/article-new/2023/04/Google-Nest-Thermostat-2020.jpeg

## The cheaper Nest with Matter

Nest Thermostat (2020) is the Google thermostat that makes the most sense when the job is straightforward: replace a basic wall thermostat, use the Google Home app for setup and scheduling, and share basic thermostat control outward through Matter over Wi-Fi.

That Matter path is direct. It does not need a Thread border router and it does not need a Nest bridge. The catch is that Matter carries the common thermostat controls, not every Google Home feature around energy suggestions, schedules, alerts, or utility programs.

## Setup path

Start with Google's compatibility checker and your HVAC wiring, not the ecosystem logo. Google says some systems, including heating-only, cooling-only, zone-controlled, and heat pump systems, may need a Nest Power Connector or C wire. If the wiring is uncertain, solve that before treating Matter as the deciding feature.

Set up the thermostat in the Google Home app and let it receive current software. After that, use the Matter path if you want Apple Home, Alexa, SmartThings, Home Assistant, or another Matter platform to share basic control.

## Where it fits

This is a practical pick for a Google Home household that also wants Apple Home or another Matter app to see the thermostat. It is also useful for buyers who want a less expensive Nest model and do not need remote room sensors.

It is not the right Nest if the thermostat is part of a more demanding HVAC setup or if room-by-room temperature balancing is the reason for upgrading. The 4th-gen Nest Learning Thermostat is the better Google page to compare when those details matter.

## What to verify

Before buying, confirm the HVAC system, C-wire or power connector requirement, and whether your secondary ecosystem exposes the controls you care about. Temperature changes and mode changes are the baseline. Schedules, energy programs, system alerts, and deeper Google behavior should be treated as Google Home features unless your target app proves otherwise.