Reviews You Can Rely On

Sensi WiFi Programmable Review

This unit bridges the gap between classic and more modern smart thermostats with high smart home ecosystem compatibility
gearlab tested logo
Sensi WiFi Programmable Review
Price:  $129 List
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Manufacturer:   Sensi
By David Wise, Austin Palmer, and Adam Stout  ⋅  Jul 9, 2024
79
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#4 of 11
  • Ease of Use - 40% 7.7
  • DIY Installation - 25% 9.5
  • Scheduling - 20% 8.5
  • Smart Capabilities - 10% 6.3
  • Energy Saving - 5% 1.8

Our Verdict

The Sensi WiFi is more of a traditional thermostat, retaining the appearance and physical buttons of older models. This one has high compatibility with older homes, too, and is a product to consider if you live in one of those or have a less contemporary HVAC system. It's also compatible with most of the major smart home ecosystems. However, if you're looking for a truly smart thermostat, you can get a more modern and feature-dense design for the same price. Check out our comprehensive article to find the best thermostat to fit your needs.
REASONS TO BUY
Helpful DIY install video
Easy to use
Nice app
Compatible with many smart home ecosystems
REASONS TO AVOID
Peculiar hold settings
No eco-mode

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Thermostat
Best Buy Award
Best Value for a Smart Thermostat
Editors' Choice Award
Best Programmable Thermostat
 
Price $129 List
Check Price at Amazon
$130 List
$106.99 at Amazon
$80 List
$79.99 at Amazon
$55 List
$43.91 at Amazon
$44 List
$28.98 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
79
91
78
56
53
Star Rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Bottom Line This basic-looking thermostat has hidden smarts and intuitive controlsThis thermostat brings great value thanks to the quality of its features and its excellent designThis is one of the best values in smart thermostats, with a super straightforward install and great featuresThis is a simple and effective programmable thermostat at a great priceThis thermostat is about as basic as it gets, but it does offer scheduling and maintenance reminders
Rating Categories Sensi WiFi Programm... Google Nest Thermostat Amazon Smart Thermo... Orbit Clear Comfort Honeywell Home RTH2...
Ease of Use (40%)
7.7
9.4
6.8
7.4
6.8
DIY Installation (25%)
9.5
10.0
10.0
5.5
5.5
Scheduling (20%)
8.5
9.0
8.5
6.5
5.5
Smart Capabilities (10%)
6.3
7.2
6.4
0
1.5
Energy Saving (5%)
1.8
7.0
5.3
0
0
Specs Sensi WiFi Programm... Google Nest Thermostat Amazon Smart Thermo... Orbit Clear Comfort Honeywell Home RTH2...
Energy Star Certification Yes Yes Yes No No
Learning / Adaptive Controls No No Yes No No
Need a C wire? Generally work without one Generally work without one Yes or Power Adapter Kit (purchased separately) Not Required Not Required
Color Options White Snow
Sand
Fog
Charcoal
White White White
Measured Dimensions 6.0" x 3.8" x 1.1" 3.3" x 1.1" 3.5" x 3.5" x 0.8" 5.3" x 3.3" x 1.2" 4.7" x 3.3" x 1.0"
Compatible Smart Home Ecosystems Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings Google Assistant, Matter Amazon Alexa None None
Model # Tested ST55 Thermostat - 1.4 S6ED3R 83521 RTH2300B1038
Able to hook up external sensors No No No No No
Able to Lock No No No No No

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Sensi WiFi Programmable Thermostat maintains a traditional look and feel rather than adopting the sleek touchscreen interface of modern smart thermostats. It's highly compatible with older homes and less contemporary HVAC systems and integrates with most major smart home ecosystems. This unit has a lot to like if you're not interested in the latest and greatest but are fine with a few smart features.

Performance Comparison


The Sensi WiFi thermostat brings advanced features to a more traditional design.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Ease of Use


The Sensi WiFi Programmable placed slightly below average in our ease of use testing, but that's primarily due to the quirkiness of its hold settings. We appreciated the traditional, intuitive design with dedicated physical buttons for settings like Mode, Fan, and Schedule, even though they were a bit stiff to push. Temperature changes were as simple as you'd expect, with up and down arrows to increase and decrease the temperature.

The Mode, Fan, and Schedule toggle buttons were also nice, with onscreen graphics indicating what functions and settings are active. Quick settings for the fan include Auto, On, and Circulate (within the Auto function). Here, you can set how many minutes per hour the fan runs. However, setting the Hold status is less intuitive, and we could only select 2-hour increments.

Clarity and visibility of onscreen information are excellent on the Sensi WiFi Programmable Thermostat. First, there's a lot of useful information available at a glance without being too densely crowded. The current temp is displayed in large numbers in the center of the screen, with the set temp visible off to the right in a smaller font. WiFi connection, humidity, and battery level are all placed along the top bar. We measured the thermostat's displayed temperature accuracy to -0.106 degrees Fahrenheit from a temperature data logger placed nearby. Overall, we were pleased with this easy-to-read display.

sensi wifi programmable - the sensi was one of the thermostats we reviewed that required...
The Sensi was one of the thermostats we reviewed that required batteries.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

DIY Installation


The installation of the Sensi WiFi was pretty straightforward, thanks to the extensive video guidance accessible from its mobile app, which you are directed to download within the first couple of pages of the included installation guide. Also within this guide are mentions of all necessary tools and WiFi requirements to complete the installation.

We always appreciate it when install media reminds us to take a picture of the wiring of the outgoing thermostat lest we need to reference it later, and the Sensi WiFi instructions did just that. Another nice-to-have provided by Sensi was the built-in level for a precise wall fitting. WiFi setup is pretty straightforward as well, but we did note a few extra steps that many other smart thermostats streamlined better. After WiFi was set up, a Sensi account and registration were required to complete the installation.

sensi wifi programmable - all scheduling is done on the sensi thermostat's app, where other...
All scheduling is done on the Sensi Thermostat's app, where other remote control options are available.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Scheduling


The Sensi WiFi has pretty good scheduling features. It allows up to 7 days of scheduling with up to 8 events, but there is no way to configure that on the thermostat itself. To create your schedule, you must turn to the Sensi app, where you'll find all the settings necessary to intuitively set up schedules for the Heat, Cool, and Auto modes. We appreciated that the information was broken down into groups based on the day so that we could see everything at a glance. Once it's programmed, you can toggle your schedule on and off through the app or directly on the thermostat's Schedule button.

The Sensi app is well-designed and required for some of the thermostat's advanced functions.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Smart Capabilities


The Sensi WiFi Programmable strikes an interesting balance between smart and traditional thermostats. While it didn't bring the features to score at the top of the class in our testing for this metric, it did place well above basic thermostats.

Navigating and using the Sensi app is easy, intuitive, and among the best we tested. All information and settings are well-placed and easy to interact with. The Sensi WiFi even has the fundamental geofencing capability to allow the temperature to roll back by 3 degrees when you get at least three miles away from home, and we appreciated the ability to set up a variety of maintenance reminders like HVAC, Air Filter, UV Bulb, Humidifier, and others.

We were pleasantly surprised to find that it works with many of the major smart home ecosystems like Amazon Alexa, Apple Homekit, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings. However, the Sensi WiFi falls behind the most feature-rich thermostats with its omission of safety heat/off features and schedule learning.

sensi wifi programmable - we appreciate the logical information layout and intuitive controls...
We appreciate the logical information layout and intuitive controls on this thermostat.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Energy Saving


Our energy-saving evaluations focused mainly on the thermostat's energy-saving and environmental benefits rather than the financial savings derived from reduced energy expenditures. The Sensi WiFi Programmable had little to offer here. No eco mode indicator, no advanced grid-based demand optimization, and no explicitly labeled sustainable packaging or carbon offsets are mentioned. The one feature that would lend some insight into our energy consumption with this thermostat was an option to sign up for email updates. However, we didn't receive any Sensi email before this writing to report on.

sensi wifi programmable - if you like a traditional thermostat with a little advanced...
If you like a traditional thermostat with a little advanced functionality peppered in, this Sensi has you covered.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Should You Buy the Sensi WiFi Programmable?


If you've got an older home, an untraditional or complex HVAC system, or you just like the straightforward simplicity of older style thermostats, but with a pinch of smarts built-in, the Sensi WiFi is well worth your consideration. It's got solid features and a traditional feel. However, if you're looking for advanced features and energy-saving insights, there are far better options.

What Other Thermostat Should You Consider?


If you want to step up to a more robust smart thermostat at a similar cost to the Sensi WiFi, check out the excellent Nest Thermostat. It packs a real punch with its thoughtful design, advanced features, and decent price.

David Wise, Austin Palmer, and Adam Stout