Google Pulls the Plug on Older Nest Thermostats: Is It Time to Upgrade?
Google is ending support for its first and second-generation Nest Learning Thermostats on October 25, 2025, sparking a mix of frustration and pragmatism among users. The original Nest, launched in 2011, revolutionized home climate control with its learning capabilities and smartphone integration. Now, over a decade later, Google is sunsetting support for these older models.
What does this mean for owners of these thermostats? While the devices will continue to function, allowing manual temperature adjustments and schedule adherence, their “smart” features will be disabled. Users will no longer be able to control their thermostats via the Nest app or Google Assistant. This disconnection also extends to third-party integrations and features like Home/Away Assist, impacting the connected home ecosystem.
One user expressed their disappointment, stating, "I consider the original Nest Learning Thermostat one of my best tech purchases...But I love being able to change everything from my phone...Then Google comes along and ruins everything by dropping support for it."
Google cites the need to "fully invest" in its newer thermostat generations as the reason for this shift. They also announced they are pulling Nest thermostats from the European market completely due to the diverse heating systems there.
The Silver Lining: A Generous Discount To soften the blow, Google is offering affected customers a $130 discount on the fourth-generation Nest Learning Thermostat. This brings the price down to $150, a significant reduction from its MSRP of $280. This offer attempts to ease the transition to a newer, supported device.
Is this planned obsolescence? The writer at Android Central doesn't want to believe it, but says that, "in this case, nothing else fits." Planned obsolescence is a longstanding tech conspiracy theory, and this event is unlikely to dissuade those who subscribe to it.
While the end of support for older Nest thermostats is undoubtedly frustrating, especially for users reliant on remote control, Google's discount offer provides an incentive to upgrade. The move highlights the challenge of maintaining long-term support for smart home devices and the ever-present tension between innovation and sustainability/reliability.
Nest or Not?
Is the upgrade worth it? If you rely heavily on the smart features, the answer is likely yes. However, for users content with manual control, the older Nest thermostats will continue to function as basic thermostats. The user quoted above, however, is already looking at Ecobee and Honeywell as options.
What are your thoughts on Google's decision to end support for older Nest thermostats? Will you be upgrading, or are you exploring alternative smart home solutions? Share your opinions and experiences in the comments below!
