Best Smart Thermostats
Find the best smart thermostats for energy savings.
Sensi Smart Thermostat
- ✓Save up to 23% on HVAC energy costs
- ✓DIY installation without professional help
- ✓Privacy protection: data not sold to third parties
Sensi Smart Thermostat
- ✓Save up to 23% on HVAC energy costs
- ✓DIY installation without professional help
- ✓Privacy protection: data not sold to third parties
Honeywell RTH6580WF Wi-Fi 7-Day Thermostat
- ✓Control remotely via Honeywell Home app anytime
- ✓7-day programmable schedule saves energy costs
- ✓Works with major smart home platforms
Honeywell RTH6580WF Wi-Fi 7-Day Thermostat
- ✓Control remotely via Honeywell Home app anytime
- ✓7-day programmable schedule saves energy costs
- ✓Works with major smart home platforms
Google Nest Thermostat Smart WiFi
- ✓ENERGY STAR certified for lower bills
- ✓Auto-adjusts temperature when you leave home
- ✓WiFi control from smartphone anywhere
Google Nest Thermostat Smart WiFi
- ✓ENERGY STAR certified for lower bills
- ✓Auto-adjusts temperature when you leave home
- ✓WiFi control from smartphone anywhere
Honeywell Home RTH8800WF WiFi Smart Thermostat
- ✓High use of the scheduling feature of the T5
- ✓Save Energy and Get Rewarded. Check with your
- ✓7-Day Flexible Scheduling or Location Based
Honeywell Home RTH8800WF WiFi Smart Thermostat
- ✓High use of the scheduling feature of the T5
- ✓Save Energy and Get Rewarded. Check with your
- ✓7-Day Flexible Scheduling or Location Based
Amazon Smart Thermostat
- ✓Remote temperature control via Alexa app
- ✓Creates comfort zones to reduce energy costs
- ✓Works with 95% of HVAC systems
Amazon Smart Thermostat
- ✓Remote temperature control via Alexa app
- ✓Creates comfort zones to reduce energy costs
- ✓Works with 95% of HVAC systems
Emerson Sensi Touch 2 Smart Thermostat
- ✓Touchscreen color display
- ✓Works with Alexa & Google
- ✓Energy Star certified
Emerson Sensi Touch 2 Smart Thermostat
- ✓Touchscreen color display
- ✓Works with Alexa & Google
- ✓Energy Star certified
ecobee3 Lite Smart Thermostat
- ✓Works with room sensors sold separately
- ✓Energy reports & savings tracking
- ✓Alexa built-in voice control
ecobee3 Lite Smart Thermostat
- ✓Works with room sensors sold separately
- ✓Energy reports & savings tracking
- ✓Alexa built-in voice control
Lux Kono Smart Thermostat WiFi Enabled
- ✓Customizable faceplate colors available
- ✓Geofencing location-based control
- ✓7-day programming schedule
Lux Kono Smart Thermostat WiFi Enabled
- ✓Customizable faceplate colors available
- ✓Geofencing location-based control
- ✓7-day programming schedule
Honeywell Home T5 Smart Thermostat
- ✓7-day flexible scheduling available
- ✓Geofence mobile location alerts
- ✓Works with Alexa Google Assistant
Honeywell Home T5 Smart Thermostat
- ✓7-day flexible scheduling available
- ✓Geofence mobile location alerts
- ✓Works with Alexa Google Assistant
Vine Smart Thermostat WiFi Programmable
- ✓Budget-friendly WiFi connectivity included
- ✓Touchscreen with backlight display
- ✓Compatible with most HVAC systems
Vine Smart Thermostat WiFi Programmable
- ✓Budget-friendly WiFi connectivity included
- ✓Touchscreen with backlight display
- ✓Compatible with most HVAC systems
Buyer's Guide
Compatibility with Your HVAC System
Verify your system's wiring before purchasing. Most smart thermostats require a C-wire (common wire) for constant power—systems without one may need a $20-50 adapter or professional installation ($150-300). The Sensi and basic Honeywell models work with most 24V systems, while Google Nest includes a power adapter for C-wire-less setups. Check if you have multi-stage heating/cooling, heat pumps, or zoned systems, as budget models ($50-80) typically support only single-stage systems, while advanced units ($120-180) handle complex configurations.
Energy-Saving Features and Learning Capability
Expect 10-23% HVAC energy savings according to EPA estimates. Google Nest offers auto-learning that adapts to your schedule over 1-2 weeks, while Honeywell and Sensi require manual scheduling. Geofencing (available on Nest and higher-end Honeywell) adjusts temperature when you leave/return home. Look for occupancy sensors, which can save an additional 5-8% by detecting empty rooms. Budget models lack learning features but still provide scheduling and remote control.
Smart Home Integration
All major models support Alexa and Google Assistant voice control. Apple HomeKit compatibility is limited—only select Honeywell models qualify if iOS integration matters. Check if your preferred ecosystem (SmartThings, Home Assistant, IFTTT) is supported. The Amazon Smart Thermostat integrates seamlessly with Alexa Hunches but lacks Google Home support. Wi-Fi connectivity is standard; avoid models requiring proprietary hubs.
Display and User Interface
Touchscreen models ($100+) like Honeywell RTH8800WF offer intuitive on-device control with 3.5-4.5" color displays. Basic models use smartphone apps as the primary interface with small LED screens showing only temperature. Consider household members' tech comfort—older users often prefer physical controls and clear displays. App quality varies: Google and Honeywell offer polished experiences, while budget options may have clunkier interfaces with occasional connectivity issues.