We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
If you're ready to set up your home for maximum comfort, a smart thermostat is a great way to leverage top technology while also reducing your energy usage.
From super smart models that learn your habits to streamlined thermostats with the essential features, we've been testing thermostats since 2016 and weighed in on over 26 different models for their ease of use from installation to customization. These 11 thermostats were the ones that could take (or provide) the heat of our detailed tests.
The Google Nest is the thermostat we recommend to most people. This unit is easy to install and use, and a great value given its numerous smart features like geofencing, Eco mode, and maintenance reminders.
If you want smart features but don't want to shell out a ton of cash, check out the Amazon Smart Thermostat. It is a budget-friendly model that integrates with Alexa.
Need a different way to keep things cool or warm? We've also tested air conditioners to keep you cool in the summer and the best space heaters for keeping cozy in the winter.
Editor's Note: We updated our thermostat review on October 1st, 2025, to provide updated information. Notably, the 4th generation of the Google Nest Learning Thermostat has been released, with changes including a larger display and the addition of AI tech that automatically fine-tunes your temperature schedule and suggests other energy-saving adjustments. Head to our full review to read about the updates in more detail.
A rockstar for a low price with high functionality, the Google Nest Thermostat stood out in just about every test we ran. It's essentially a premium-tiered product with high-end features like customizable scheduling, an intuitive app, and a sleek look on the wall. It even outscored smarter options by a decent margin, with the Nest Learning Thermostat next in line. “I think Nest's interface is downright pleasant to interact with,” our lead tester remarked, highlighting the streamlined installation of this product as second to none. No other thermostat we tested could compare with the customization and ease of programming and scheduling abilities, either.
SPECIFICATIONS
Energy Star Certification
Yes
Learning / Adaptive Controls
No
Need a C wire?
Generally work without one
Color Options
Snow
Sand
Fog
Charcoal
Compatible Smart Home Ecosystems
Google Assistant, Matter
However, coming from the other dial-based Nest thermostat, we expected this device to have a rotating physical control. Instead, the touch interface was built into the right side of the unit. “It's very responsive and nice once you get used to it,” our tester noted. “But left-handed folks might be annoyed by the ergonomics of right-sided-touch control.” The menus also felt a bit clunky compared to pressing a dedicated back button or icon, requiring more scrolling than we wanted to get to all of the options. This thermostat is not compatible with 2-stage systems and is not compatible as-is with any smart home ecosystem besides Google Assistant. However, it now has Matter support, which should open it up to other ecosystems. If you like what you've read about this Nest, you might be interested in its upgraded (and also pricier) version, the Nest Learning Thermostat.
The Orbit Clear Comfort is a frontrunner for top programming that's easy to adjust. Even though it's a more basic model, its simple design, durable build, and highly customizable scheduling make it ideal for those who want that control without having to learn a complex system. “This is the model to get if you prioritize these qualities and prefer a thermostat without advanced features or remote control functions,” one tester reported. Although it lacks app compatibility, the Clear Comfort Pro still has custom scheduling directly accessible on the thermostat. Program seven individual days with up to four daily events or copy your schedule from one day to another for an even faster setup.
SPECIFICATIONS
Energy Star Certification
No
Learning / Adaptive Controls
No
Need a C wire?
Not Required
Color Options
White
Compatible Smart Home Ecosystems
None
The Orbit Clear Comfort doesn't feature WiFi connectivity or any smart features. Manually adjusting the thermostat feels tedious compared to smarter options with apps and touchscreen interfaces. And, it lacks a 'vacation' mode for extended periods of absence. “I think this would be a major downside to anyone interested in energy use insights and remote access to their climate control system,” our tester noticed. If you're looking for something one step above a basic programmable thermostat to interface with a smart home ecosystem or make remote temperature adjustments, check out the Sensi WiFi Programmable thermostat.
The Amazon Smart Thermostat stands out from start to finish with easy guided installation, plenty of scheduling and customization, and integration with other Alexa devices. Getting all of these smart attributes for under a hundred bucks is a steal, especially for those who have already bought into the Alexa smart home system. “I love the robust scheduling capabilities and scored well in our energy-saving assessment,” our tester noted. All told, this unit is on par with high-end models at a fraction of the price.
SPECIFICATIONS
Energy Star Certification
Yes
Learning / Adaptive Controls
Yes
Need a C wire?
Yes or Power Adapter Kit (purchased separately)
Color Options
White
Compatible Smart Home Ecosystems
Amazon Alexa
Despite the incredible value, the Amazon Smart Thermostat is a bit
clunky to use. One tester stated, “I found scrolling through modes tedious and occasionally experienced slow app response and a few app crashes.” This budget-friendly pick doesn't offer some of the critical features of higher-end models, such as geofencing and compatibility with other smart home ecosystems besides Amazon Alexa. If you're already invested in the Amazon Alexa ecosystem and want a smoking deal on a smart thermostat, this is the one for you.
The Google Nest Learning Thermostat 4th Gen has some of the most advanced features, including detailed scheduling options and a system that learns preferences over time for the most precise adjustments. If you want a thermostat that will keep you comfortable with minimal input once you set it up, this is the super smart option that will do the job. The Smart Schedule learns the temps you like, and when you like them, suggesting small tweaks to help you save right in the Google Home app.
SPECIFICATIONS
Energy Star Certification
Yes
Learning / Adaptive Controls
Yes
Need a C wire?
Generally work without one
Color Options
Polished Obsidian
Polished Gold
Polished Silver
Compatible Smart Home Ecosystems
Google Assistant, Matter-enabled apps and voice assistants
The unit also comes with a sensor for monitoring the climate in extra rooms. “I like this sensor for monitoring the hottest room in my home, which has large south-facing windows and a lot of temperature-sensitive plants. I think this would also be perfect for a nursery,” said our tester. When using the sensor for temperature control, the entire unit averages the temperatures between the location of the thermostat and the sensor. We didn't find that it would specifically heat a certain room.
The Nest Learning Thermostat 4th Gen has a sleek domed display that looks great on the wall.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
This thermostat may be too involved for some. We created 11 events within the schedule and were still able to keep going. Unless you really want to customize down to each hour in the day, there's little chance that you'll end up using all of the advanced functions. If you just want more basic customization tools that are a bit easier to navigate, the Nest Thermostat has a similar interface, plus the same modern aesthetic as its pricier relative.
We love the abundance of controls and options on the Google Nest Learning 4th Gen, but we especially love the included sensor, which typically retails for around $40.
The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is made to be user-friendly, even if you're new to the smart thermostat world. “I appreciate how easy it is to adjust settings, and the vibrant touchscreen display and responsive controls are great,” one tester remarked. When making a temporary change to the schedule, vacation mode and multiple hold options add to its convenience. It's also compatible with multi-stage systems and various smart home platforms, giving it wide appeal to all those who want to take their home climate control to the next level of convenience.
SPECIFICATIONS
Energy Star Certification
Yes
Learning / Adaptive Controls
Yes
Need a C wire?
Yes or Included Power Adapter Kit
Color Options
Black front, silver sides and back
Compatible Smart Home Ecosystems
Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, IFTTT (If This then That), Samsung SmartThings
Some might find the scheduling parameters of the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium a bit restrictive compared to other models within the same price range. Advanced features like occupancy detection and air quality monitoring are helpful, but overall the eco-settings are a bit limited, which might disappoint energy-conscious users seeking to maximize energy efficiency and limit their carbon footprint. The capabilities are impressive, but this thermostat comes at a steep price, which may limit its accessibility for budget-conscious shoppers. If you're intrigued by the Premium but don't want to pay the same premium price, the Ecobee Smart Essential has many of the same features as the Premium, like remote access via the smart app and smart home compatibility, but does not come with an air quality monitor.
Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, IFTTT (If This then That), Samsung SmartThings
None
None
Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, IFTTT (If This then That), Samsung SmartThings
None
Measured Dimensions
3.9" x 1.1"
3.3" x 1.1"
4.1" x 4.1" x 1.0"
3.6" x 3.6" x 1"
3.5" x 3.5" x 0.8"
6.0" x 3.8" x 1.1"
5.1" x 3.1" x 0.9"
4.5" x 3.5" x 0.9"
5.3" x 3.3" x 1.2"
4.7" x 3.3" x 1.0"
5.8" x 3.6" x 1.4"
3.6" x 2.1"
Model # Tested
4th Gen
Thermostat - 1.4
ECB601
EB-STATE7-01
S6ED3R
ST55
ST25
RTH9585WF1004
83521
RTH2300B1038
RTH6580WF1001
CT87K1004
Able to hook up external sensors
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Able to Lock
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
We tested each thermostat on all of their settings.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
How We Tested
At GearLab, we've been testing thermostats for the better part of a decade. When evaluating the best models on the market, we conducted controlled side-by-side trials in our lab, looking at everything from installation to scheduling so that we could put each model through its paces. Our critiques focused on each thermostat's user experience, installation, scheduling capabilities, smart features, energy efficiency, and environmental consciousness. If you'd like to know more about how we test, you can find further details about our in-depth process in our How We Test article.
Our testing is divided into these essential five rating metrics:
Ease of Use (40% of overall score weighting)
DIY Installation (25% weighting)
Scheduling (20% weighting)
Smart Capabilities (10% weighting)
Energy Saving (5% weighting)
Ready, set, let's install some thermostats!
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Why Trust GearLab
The lead tester for this review is Austin Palmer, who has extensive experience testing appliances at GearLab and a knack for critical and exhaustive data collection. He has contributed a wealth of knowledge and analytical expertise to the development and execution of this review.
Austin is joined by David Wise, who brings years of testing experience at GearLab. In addition to his GearLab years, David has expertise in heat transfer and thermal fluids engineering, gained from his past role as a mechanical engineer, and used this knowledge to shape the design of our tests.
Katie Melynn has been professionally reviewing products for 10 years. She combines her expertise in the written word and education to help craft reviews that connect key technical specifications with everyday experiences.
Some of the cohort lined up for side-by-side testing.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Analysis and Test Results
We split our tests into five main rating metrics to evaluate each thermostat based on the things that users want most when it comes to climate control: Ease of Use, DIY Installation, Scheduling, Smart Capabilities, and Energy Savings. Even the best thermostats can rise to the top in one area, while not working as well in another. Understanding the pros and cons of each model is key to picking the best one for your home and lifestyle.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
Upgrading from a basic thermostat to a smart unit doesn't have to break the bank or sacrifice helpful features. It's easy to go big and invest hundreds of dollars in a new system, but there are plenty of options for budget-conscious shoppers. The best thermostat balances affordability with capability, but each home has different needs to consider. Do you want to be able to control your thermostat remotely via an app? Do you want to program a detailed schedule that you can set it and forget it? Or do you prefer a simpler, but reliable thermostat that has a user-friendly dial on the unit itself?
The Amazon Smart Thermostat stands out for its exceptional value among top-tier smart thermostats with remote accessibility. This fantastic device looks great on the wall, is easy to install, and has all of the functionality of competing premium smart thermostats without the premium price tag. The Orbit Clear Comfort is not a smart model, but it can be fully programmed and offers extensive scheduling flexibility without relying on an app. It's the one to get if you don't want to be bothered with WiFi setup and complex extras. Each of these thermostats stands out in our lineup by offering a budget-friendly price without sacrificing a large amount of functionality.
The Amazon Smart Thermostat is the most affordable smart unit with a robust app and smart features like Alexa voice controls and geofencing.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Ease of Use
When evaluating usability, we tested how easy it was to adjust the temperature both at the unit itself and when using an app, for those thermostats that were compatible. Intuitive dials and mode menus were key to making the experience user-friendly. Responsive touchscreen controls or strategically placed physical buttons and dials made the process much more enjoyable when adjusting at the wall. A well-designed app interface with advanced functionalities that were still easy to navigate was also highly valued.
Thermostats that also offered flexibility in turning the fan on and off, as well as setting various hold options, received special attention in our testing. Not all thermostats have a dedicated hold feature, but most have at least some workaround that allows you to temporarily pause your schedule when you're on vacation or have guests with different preferences.
Clear and accurate temperature displays are also crucial, whether you're looking at the thermostat itself or using an app. Top-tier thermostats exhibit highly legible screens with enough contrast to see the current temperature even from a distance. The thermostats with the highest clarity and visibility received the most points.
One of the best hold implementations we saw was on the Nest Thermostat. Users can choose from the default temp or Eco mode. When you change the temperature, you can even set a time limit so that the thermostat will hold at your new setting for a specific duration before resuming its normal operation.
Thermostat Ease of Use Submetric Scores
Product
Temp Setting
Fan Control
Hold/Status
Clarity
Google 4th Gen
9
10
9.5
9.5
Nest Thermostat
8.5
10
9.5
9.5
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
9
9
10
9.5
Ecobee Essential
9
9
10
8.5
Sensi WiFi Programmable
8
8
5.5
9
Honeywell Home Smart Color
6
7
7.5
9
Sensi Lite
8
8
5.5
8
Orbit Clear Comfort Pro
8
5
7
8.5
Amazon Smart Thermostat
7
7
5
7.5
Honeywell Home 7-Day Programmable
7
6
7
6.5
Honeywell Home 5-2 Day Programmable
8.5
5
7
5.5
Honeywell Home The Round
9.5
1
10
5
The Google Nest and Ecobee thermostats had some of the best displays of the bunch, with extra touches like motion-sensing to make their displays wake as we approached. Another honorable mention for screen clarity and optimized visibility of crucial information is the Honeywell Home RTH9585WF WiFi Smart Color, with its big, vibrant screen real estate and user-selectable background colors.
The Google and Ecobee thermostats have large screens for easy navigation, and some of the best screen brightness.
Of all the options tested, the Ecobee and Nest had the best user interfaces with smooth and intuitive controls. The user guides were helpful, but the design was so intuitive that we were able to scroll through menus and make selections without any trouble. The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium impressed us with its screen clarity and quick interface. Meanwhile, the Nest Learning Thermostat made us feel like we were using a premium mechanical object as we rolled its metallic dial to navigate its beautiful user interface. If you're into UX and aesthetically pleasing industrial design, these incredible thermostats won't disappoint.
During testing, we measured the displayed temperature of each thermostat against a temperature sensor to see how accurate and consistent the temperature was. We were pleasantly surprised to find that all thermostats were very close to the average temperatures we logged over a 24-hour period, within a degree of the set temperature. The good news is that you can cross temperature accuracy off your list of things to worry about when purchasing a thermostat.
As you can see above, all of the thermostats we tested have great temperature accuracy.
Credit: Austin Palmer
DIY Installation
Fortunately, you don't need advanced engineering knowledge to install a new smart thermostat. We went through the DIY installation and setup process in the lab, evaluating technical complexity, manufacturer-provided guidance in a paper manual, online videos, or a streamlined companion app, and system compatibility. Preference was given to units featuring push-in wire terminals that didn't require any extra tools and guided app setups for smart thermostats. Bonus points were awarded for features like online compatibility checkers, easy WiFi connectivity, and thorough installation instructions, including reminders to photograph wiring from the outgoing thermostat.
Thermostats with supplied tools, like built-in levels for precise wall installations, were also useful. A few manufacturers even went the extra mile by illuminating the level for even easier viewing or including a cover plate to mount their thermostat, covering the hole left by the previous unit. Some other considerations were whether it required a hookup to a C-wire (common wire), which usually ensures the compatibility of smarter thermostats with your HVAC system. Some companies provide clear compatibility checkers online, allowing us to see if the thermostat would work with our existing setup before purchasing.
Thermostat Installation Specs
C Wire Needed?
Built in Level
Included Wall Plate
Amazon Smart Thermostat
Required or adapter kit
No
Yes
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
Required or adapter kit (Kit is INCLUDED!)
Yes
Yes
Nest Thermostat
Nest thermostats generally work without a C wire
Yes
No
Orbit Clear Comfort Pro
No
No
No
Some of the best app-based installation guidance came with the Amazon Smart Thermostat, Nest Learning Thermostat, and the Nest Thermostat. These installations were a breeze thanks to app-guided, detailed step-by-step instructions with great videos, photos, and illustrations right on the unit. They also include trim kits that help you mount the thermostat to the wall. All three had push-in wire terminals instead of the more cumbersome screw-in variety. The Sensi WiFi Programmable installation felt easy thanks to its in-depth video installation tutorials. It also does not require a C-wire for installation in most systems, although you'll need to use a screwdriver to install this unit.
Always double-check the manufacturer's website before purchasing to ensure the thermostat you're interested in is compatible with your HVAC system, as many manufacturers offer a compatibility checker.
Thermostats with clip-in wire terminals were much preferred to screw-in terminals, which require tedious tiny screwdriver operations.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Scheduling
Scheduling is an important aspect of any smart thermostat, and we focused our appraisal on intuitiveness and options. We awarded higher scores to thermostats offering versatile scheduling options, such as individually customizable days and multi-event complexities. These went beyond just having a different setting for sleep and awake, giving almost unlimited scheduling to truly customize your home's environment for ultimate comfort. While app-based scheduling tended to be less tedious, thermostats without apps weren't penalized. Bonus points were given for features like “vacation mode,” which lets you temporarily pause your existing schedule without having to delete and later rebuild it from scratch.
The Google Nest Learning 4th Gen scheduling is highly intuitive and allows us to schedule several events at a time.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The two thermostats with the most outstanding scheduling features were the Nest Thermostat and the Amazon Smart Thermostat. Both have excellent apps to work with to set up as well as adjust a schedule, but you can't do it on the thermostat directly. Even with this limitation, the scheduling flexibility stood out from the pack, with sufficient daily temperature change events that should satisfy even the most complex climate scheduling needs. We also appreciated that both systems let us copy schedules from one day to the next to bypass some of the setup tedium. The Amazon Smart Thermostat features a dedicated Vacation mode, whereas the Nest requires being set to Eco mode to achieve the same result, which can be confusing at first.
Most of the time, we prefer to set schedules on a thermostat's app, but occasionally, a programmable unit will make it pleasant enough to do on the thermostat's display - like the Honeywell Home WiFi Smart Color above.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Smart Capabilities
Not all smart thermostats are created equal when it comes to advanced smart functions, although all have the basics. Points were awarded for mobile apps that were especially user-friendly, geofencing capabilities that automatically adjust the temperature based on your location, maintenance reminders for smooth operation, schedule learning, and compatibility with various smart home ecosystems.
Smart Capabilities Submetric Ratings
Product
App Nav
Reminders
Schedule Learning
Home Ecosystems
Google 4th Gen
9
10
10
10
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
7
10
10
10
Amazon Smart Thermostat
8
8
10
6
Nest Thermostat
9
10
1
8
Sensi WiFi Programmable
9
10
1
8
Sensi Lite
9
10
1
8
Ecobee Essential
7
10
2
8
Honeywell Home Smart Color
5
10
1
10
Honeywell Home 7-Day Programmable
5
1
1
10
Honeywell Home 5-2 Day Programmable
1
6
1
1
Honeywell Home The Round
1
1
1
1
Orbit Clear Comfort Pro
1
1
1
1
Above, you can see the performance of the smart thermostats included in this review (excluding the traditional models) in our most highly weighted smart tests. Easy app navigation, maintenance reminders, schedule learning, and compatibility with smart home ecosystems are four of the most important features we look for when scoring this metric.
The Nest Learning 4th Gen and the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium impressed us with their wide array of capabilities, including geofencing that automatically adjusts your temperature up or down once you approach home or head out for the day. These super smart thermostats also learn your preferences over time, making small adjustments to optimize your schedule or lower energy usage. These even come with maintenance reminders and are smart-home compatible, putting them at the top of the list when it comes to smart capabilities. However, the Nest thermostats are limited to the Google smart home ecosystem.
The Google Nests, Ecobee, and Amazon thermostats have good navigation and allow remote temperature control.
The Ecobee models can sync into almost any smart home ecosystem, including Alexa, Apple Homekit, Google Assistant, IFTTT (If This Then That), and Samsung SmartThings, which is great for those who want a wide range of options to build a smart home system.
The Amazon Smart Thermostat surprised us with its intuitive app and features. Though only available through the separate Alexa app, the manufacturer claims it has geofencing, though we weren't readily able to find this feature in our testing. Apart from that, the app is highly navigable and lays out the controls and scheduling clearly. This is also a great option if you have an Alexa smart home system, which allows you to verbally ask Alexa to change the temperature.
It probably comes as no surprise that the big winners here, Google and Ecobee, were offerings from two companies that paved the way for great design and user experiences within a suite of devices that work seamlessly within a smart home ecosystem. These top performers place equal emphasis on striking ergonomic industrial design and streamlined user-centric software experiences.
The smartest thermostats have streamlined companion apps, geofencing, and scheduling learning capabilities. The Ecobee thermostats have one of the best apps we tested.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Energy Saving
The assessment of eco-friendly features prioritized thermostats with energy-conscious features like settings to reduce energy use or sustainable packaging. Thermostats with eco-mode, energy-saving indicators, and reporting features for energy usage received higher scores, reflecting their contribution to sustainability and efficiency. Throughout this testing, we were less focused on how much money you can save using eco-mode and more interested in the thermostat's ability to promote best practices in energy efficiency and environmental consciousness.
Thermostat Energy Savings Submetric Scores
Product
Eco Indicator
Energy Program
Email Updates
Sustainability
Google 4th Gen
7
10
7
6
Nest Thermostat
7
8
7
6
Amazon Smart Thermostat
7
8
1
6
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
1
6
7
6
Ecobee Essential
1
6
7
6
Sensi WiFi Programmable
1
1
7
1
Sensi Lite
1
1
7
1
Honeywell Home Smart Color
1
4
1
1
Honeywell Home The Round
1
1
1
1
Honeywell Home 5-2 Day Programmable
1
1
1
1
Honeywell Home 7-Day Programmable
1
1
1
1
Orbit Clear Comfort Pro
1
1
1
1
We found the Nest Learning Thermostat, Nest, and Amazon Smart Thermostat exhibit a commitment to energy savings by prioritizing clean energy sources when available and sustainable efforts during the production of the thermostats and packaging themselves. The Nest and Nest Learning 4th Gen have an eco mode indicator that lets you know when the system is operating in its most energy-efficient temperature range, and its Nest Renew service plans ahead to pull from the power grid at times when energy is in lower demand. And, Nest sends frequent email updates with automated insights on energy usage patterns to help you make informed decisions about being eco-conscious.
Thermostats with eco-mode settings make it easier to optimize energy savings.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Amazon Smart Thermostat excels in energy-saving features and sustainability practices. It displays an Eco Icon when heating is set below 68 degrees Fahrenheit and cooling is set above 75 degrees, a helpful visual reminder to set it at an environmentally-conscious level. Through the Alexa app, you can access insights into your carbon impact, allowing you to assess the environmental impact of your electricity usage and plan your usage. Enabling this feature allows Alexa to do the work for you, automatically adjusting the Amazon Smart Thermostat to minimize usage. The Amazon Smart Thermostat is also committed to sustainability as it and its accessories incorporate 34% post-consumer recycled plastics (excluding the installation tool) with no bioplastics. 93% of the device's packaging is composed of wood fiber-based materials from responsibly managed forests or recycled sources.
Having access to a “set it and forget it” option on your thermostat can be invaluable when it comes to energy usage best practices. Consequently, traditional thermostats that we tested fell to the bottom of the list in this metric. With models like the Orbit Clear Comfort, you'll have to manually adjust the settings if you want to lower the temperature while you're away. If you're like us, this is something that easily slips your mind.
The best hardware and interface design we came across in this thermostat review typically comes from dedicated smart home companies, with only a few exceptions.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
How to Choose the Best Thermostat
We all appreciate the ease of climate control, but how do you choose the best thermostat for your own home? Most homes will have one thermostat, at the very least. However, many modern homes have multiple spread throughout the house or extra sensors to allow for greater control. While a new thermostat might not equate to saving you money — at least not in the same way that they're marketed — a quality thermostat can help you follow the best guidelines for energy savings by improving system efficiency. To get started down the right track, it's important to ask yourself a few key questions first.
For many years, single-temperature or programmable thermostats were the only options, with the latter representing the greatest technology available. In fact, these types of thermostats are still the norm in most homes. However, with the rise of WiFi-supported technology within the past decade, there has been an increased demand for “smart thermostats.” These function very much like classic programmable models but offer the additional modern convenience of running them through an app.
If you want to set, adjust, or monitor the temperature and any heating or cooling schedules from anywhere you have an internet connection, then you will want a smart thermostat. Of course, they can integrate with any other smart-home systems, and for those interested in monitoring their home's energy efficiency, these models are able to provide extra insight to help . Our Smart Capabilities metric identifies and ranks products based on their smart features. Under Specs in our comparison chart, we also highlight which model is compatible with which smart home ecosystem.
While there is a certain level of convenience in having a thermostat installed in every room of your house, that could get expensive quickly and may not be entirely practical; however, if there is a major difference in the sizes of rooms in your house, you can guarantee that they will have different climates. In general, thermostats only register the temperature where they are installed, which means your kitchen may be cool while your bedroom is sweltering. Smart systems, especially those with extra sensors, can help alleviate this. The Ecobee Smart Thermostat is compatible with external sensors, while the 4th Gen of the Nest Learning Thermostat even comes with one extra sensor included. If your house is already standing, then the setup of HVAC zones is predetermined, and you will already know how many thermostats you will need. But if you're building a home, it is worth considering how — and from where — you want to control the temperature in multiple rooms.
If you plan to come and go frequently and want your home to be perfectly comfortable from the moment you step through the door, geofencing will definitely be a feature that you'll use. With geofencing, you can set up your system to automatically adjust once you get within a certain distance from your home. As you get closer, the system will adjust the temperature up or down to suit your preferences. You'll need to enable location tracking services or some other sensor to use this feature, which may be a sticking point for some. But for most, the convenience of never needing to manually adjust the temperature can be worth it.
Well, that depends — how involved do you want to be? This may come as a surprise, but the most modern, smart thermostats tend to be much easier to install than classic single-temperature or even programmable options. When designing the hardware, companies took a lot of the guesswork out and made things super simple for even a standard homeowner without specialized knowledge to do on their own. Step-by-step guides and helpful videos make it so that all you have to do is follow the prompts to get your unit setup. Our DIY Installation metric ranks each of these products on the technical complexity of their installation. Under Specs in our comparison chart, we've also highlighted which models require a C-Wire (common wire), which is a common requirement for WiFi-controlled systems.
There's No Harm in Hiring a Professional
If you're unfamiliar with wiring or feel uncomfortable installing your own thermostat for any reason, there's no shortage of HVAC professionals available to install one of these systems in your home.
While single-temperature thermostats can only be set manually, programmable thermostats can be set with a schedule. Smart thermostats go a step further and can be set or adjusted from anywhere you have an internet connection. If you travel frequently, use your home as a vacation rental, or own a second home, a smart system is particularly beneficial—especially in cold climates, where sometimes the difference of a few degrees can make a big difference in your utility bills. Our Scheduling metric helps break down some of the nuanced differences between programmable options, including smart models.
Our complete article on thermostat buying advice offers additional background information and further insight into selecting the best thermostat for your home.
Being able to set the temperature remotely is a benefit of modern, smart thermostats.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Conclusion
Selecting the perfect thermostat to suit your needs, budget, and HVAC system can be a daunting task. Being armed with detailed comparisons and practical analyses of these eleven top thermostats on the market provides valuable insight for you to take with you when you make your next thermostat purchase decision. Whether you're searching for a high-end smart thermostat for seamless integration into a smart home ecosystem or a basic budget-friendly option to replace a unit on the fritz, we've laid out your best prospects here. Remember that we've also written individual reviews for all the thermostats mentioned here if you need more detailed coverage on a particular product. These reviews cover how each performed across our expertly developed, carefully tested metrics.
