Nest Thermostat E vs Learning Thermostat: Differences

The Nest Thermostat E is the budget model that skips some smart features and uses a plastic body, while the Nest Learning Thermostat is the premium model with a metal ring, a sharper display, and extra conveniences like Farsight and better scheduling smarts. If you want the full Nest experience and are willing to pay more, choose the Learning Thermostat; if you want a reliable, simpler smart thermostat at a lower price, the E is a solid choice.

Background: Why Two Nests?

Google (formerly Nest Labs) introduced the Learning Thermostat in 2011, and it quickly became the reference design for smart thermostats. Its signature feature is that it learns your schedule and temperature preferences over the first week or so, then builds a program automatically. In 2017, Google released the Thermostat E as a more affordable entry point. The E keeps the core learning and remote-control features but cuts costs through a plastic shell, a lower-resolution display, and the removal of a few premium extras. Both are designed to work with most 24-volt heating and cooling systems, and both connect to the Google Home app.

How They Work: Core Technology

Both thermostats use the same fundamental approach: you set temperatures manually for a few days, and the device learns patterns—when you wake up, leave for work, come home, and sleep. It then creates a schedule that adjusts the temperature automatically to save energy while you are away. You can override the schedule at any time, and the thermostat will adapt. Both also have a motion sensor that detects when you are home and can switch to an eco temperature when you are away.

The key difference in behavior is the Farsight feature, which is exclusive to the Learning Thermostat. When you walk into the room, the display lights up to show the temperature, time, or weather—even from across the room. The E’s display only lights up when you touch it, and its screen is smaller and lower resolution (320×240 vs 480×480). That means the E is less glanceable, but it still shows the essentials when you interact with it.

Design and Hardware Comparison

• Materials: The Learning Thermostat has a polished stainless steel ring and a glass display; the E has a matte plastic ring and a plastic face.
• Display: The Learning Thermostat has a 2.3-inch round display with 480×480 resolution; the E has a 1.8-inch display at 320×240.
• Size: The E is slightly smaller (3.27 inches diameter vs 3.38 inches) and lighter (4.5 oz vs 6.4 oz).
• Colors: The Learning Thermostat comes in stainless steel, copper, and black; the E comes only in white.
• Base: Both use a standard 24V connection, but the E’s base is smaller and does not include a trim plate for covering larger wall holes.

If you have a large hole in the wall from an old thermostat, the Learning Thermostat includes a trim plate; the E does not, so you might need to paint or patch the wall.

Feature Differences That Matter

Beyond hardware, the two thermostats differ in software features. The Learning Thermostat supports Farsight (the proximity display), Home/Away Assist (uses your phone location to set eco mode), and multiple rooms with optional temperature sensors. The E also supports Home/Away Assist and temperature sensors, but it lacks Farsight and the ability to detect motion from across the room—its motion sensor only works when you are within a few feet.

Another difference is the scheduling interface. The Learning Thermostat lets you create a custom schedule manually in the app, while the E relies more on its auto-schedule feature and does not allow you to edit the schedule directly—you can only adjust the current temperature and let it learn. This is a significant limitation for people who want precise control.

Both thermostats work with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, but the E does not support the Nest app—it only works with the Google Home app. The Learning Thermostat works with both apps, which can be a deciding factor if you already use the Nest app for other devices.

How to Choose: Which One Should You Buy?

Choose the Nest Thermostat E if:

• You want a smart thermostat at the lowest possible price.
• You do not need Farsight or a custom schedule.
• You are comfortable with the Google Home app and do not mind a plastic design.
• Your wall has no large holes to cover.

Choose the Nest Learning Thermostat if:

• You want the premium look and a metal ring.
• You value the Farsight feature for quick glances.
• You want to create a custom schedule manually.
• You prefer the Nest app or want the trim plate included.

If you are unsure, think about how often you actually interact with your thermostat. If you mostly set it once and forget it, the E is fine. If you like tweaking schedules and want the most polished experience, the Learning Thermostat is worth the extra cost.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

A common misconception is that the E does not learn at all—it does, but it is less transparent about it. The Learning Thermostat shows a leaf icon when you choose an energy-saving temperature and gives you a weekly energy report; the E also has these, but the reports are less detailed.

Another issue: both thermostats require a common wire (C-wire) for most systems, but the E includes a power adapter in the box to compensate if you do not have one. The Learning Thermostat does not include that adapter—you may need to buy one separately. This can be a hidden cost for the premium model.

Users often report that the motion sensor on the E is less sensitive than on the Learning Thermostat. That is by design—the E’s sensor is smaller and positioned differently, so it may not detect you from across the room. If you rely on motion to switch to eco mode, the Learning Thermostat is more reliable.

Cost and Value

The Nest Thermostat E typically costs about $170, while the Learning Thermostat is around $250. The price difference varies by retailer and promotions. The E is often bundled with a free Google Home Mini or similar offer, which can make it even more attractive. Over time, both can save you 10-12% on heating and 15% on cooling, according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s estimates for programmable thermostats—though actual savings depend on your climate and habits.

If you have a heat pump, the Learning Thermostat supports more advanced configurations (like multi-stage systems) than the E. The E is designed for basic single-stage systems. Check your system’s compatibility before buying, because the E may not work with a heat pump that has auxiliary heat.

Alternatives to Consider

If you are comparing the two Nests, you might also look at the Google Nest Thermostat (the third model, released in 2020). It is a simpler, cheaper version with a touch bar instead of a ring, and it does not learn—it only follows a fixed schedule you set in the app. It is even less expensive than the E, but it lacks the auto-schedule feature that defines the other two.

Other smart thermostats like the ecobee SmartThermostat with voice control and the Honeywell Home T9 also compete in this space. The ecobee has a built-in Alexa speaker and supports remote sensors, while the Honeywell T9 has a larger display and a different scheduling approach. If you are already in the Apple HomeKit ecosystem, note that neither Nest model supports HomeKit natively, while the ecobee does.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do both thermostats work with a heat pump?

The Learning Thermostat supports heat pumps with up to three stages of heating and two of cooling, and it handles auxiliary heat. The Thermostat E supports only one stage of heating and one of cooling, so if you have a heat pump with auxiliary heat, the E may not be compatible. Check your system’s wiring before purchasing.

Can I use the Nest app with the Thermostat E?

No, the Thermostat E only works with the Google Home app. The Learning Thermostat works with both the Nest app and the Google Home app. If you prefer the Nest app’s interface, you need the Learning Thermostat.

Is the Thermostat E worth it if I already have a Learning Thermostat?

Probably not, unless you need a second thermostat for another zone. The E is a downgrade in features and build quality, so it is not an upgrade. If you are replacing an old thermostat, the E is a good budget option, but if you want the best, stick with the Learning Thermostat.

Does the Thermostat E have a touchscreen?

No, neither model has a touchscreen. The Learning Thermostat uses a metal ring that you rotate to change temperature and press to select. The E uses a plastic ring that rotates and presses similarly. The display is not touch-sensitive.

Which thermostat is easier to install?

Both are similar in difficulty. The E includes a power adapter that can help if you lack a C-wire, which might make it easier for older homes. The Learning Thermostat’s trim plate is easier if you have a large wall hole. Both require basic wiring knowledge and a 24V HVAC system.

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