Shopping for a smart thermostat is actually really smart. That’s because the temperature monitoring features these devices offer can make a massive difference in your power bill. Think about it this way: a traditional thermostat only lets you change the temperature manually while you’re at home—some offer a timer function but that’s about it when it comes to capabilities. With a smart thermostat, you can do more than just schedule temperature adjustment. You can operate your thermostat remotely from a mobile app, and some of the thermostats even adjust to your habits or the time of year. This can result in big energy cost savings. Here, we break down the best smart thermostats on the market to help you decide which is right for your home, your needs and your budget.
The Top Picks
- Nest Learning Thermostat: Best Overall
- Honeywell Home T10 Pro Smart Thermostat: Best Versatility
- Ecobee4: Best Home Automation
- Honeywell Home T5+ Smart Thermostat: Best Value
Our 9 Favorite Smart Thermostats
Nest Learning Thermostat: Best Overall
Nest is not only a pioneer in the smart thermostat market, it is the best smart thermostat out there. Aside from its sleek look, it learns your habits and adjusts itself to save power (and money). With Nest, you can also make a temperature adjustment schedule yourself, and see a full history of how much power you saved. The company estimates you’ll save 10% to 12% on your heating and cooling bills.
- Tech Specs: The Nest Learning Thermostat has temperature and humidity sensors, a smartphone app and plenty of smart home integration options.
- Security plan required: No
Nerd Pros
- Smart home integration options: Nest is one of the best wifi thermostat options if you’re looking to create a smart home ecosystem. This temperature monitoring system is compatible with Google Hub, Amazon Echo Show 8, and a number of smart lock and smart light products.
- Energy savings: Nest claims most people will be able to pay for the product itself in two years, thanks to the energy you’ll save using this smart thermostat.
- Track record: This is the first Energy Star-certified temperature monitoring system on the market. It may have a high price tag, but you know you’re paying for quality.
Nerd Cons
- Price: ~$250 (MSRP) is a steep price tag for people on a tight budget.
- Two-year warranty: It’s one of the least generous warranties for thermostat equipment.
- No more programming: With Auto-Schedule, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat learns from you and programs itself..Product note: You can also...
- Home/Away Assist: don't heat or cool an empty home. Home/Away Assist adjusts the temperature after you leave.
- Remote control: Control your thermostat from anywhere using the Nest app.
- Know more, save more Check your Energy History to see how much energy you use and why.
- Look for the Leaf: The Nest Leaf appears when you choose a temperature that saves energy.
Honeywell Home T10 Pro: Best Versatility
The Honeywell Home T10 Pro is the best smart thermostat if you want to keep different rooms at different temperatures. Using Redlink room sensor technology, you can set different temperatures for rooms you are in, and the app can give you alerts to change your air filters, if you use them.
- Tech Specs: The Honeywell Home T10 Pro offers temperature and humidity sensors, room control, smartphone app, scheduling and smart alerts.
- Security plan required: No
Nerd Pros
- Multi-room sensors: This Honeywell temperature monitoring system can set different rooms to different temperatures, which can be great if you and your significant other disagree about the temperature in different parts of the house.
- Energy savings: You’ll likely save money on your energy bills every month, as the system learns your schedule and adjusts the temperature as needed.
- Smart alerts: Whether you want to know if it’s too humid, too cold or if you need a filter change, you can get an alert via the Honeywell smartphone app.
Nerd Cons
- Price: At first glance, the Honeywell Home T10 Pro is certainly cheaper than the Nest, but it may end up costing you more, due to installation costs.
- Professional installation required: Setup isn’t quite as easy for this smart thermostat as it is for its DIY counterparts. In fact, Honeywell recommends professional installation. It will connect you to a local pro on its website.
- Country of Origin: UNITED STATES
- The Package Length of the product is 7.11 inches
- The Package Width of the product is 14.22 inches
- The Package Height of the product is 15.49 inches
ecobee SmartThermostat: Best Home Automation
The ecobee SmartThermostat earns high marks for its smart home compatibility. How can it not, with a built-in Alexa? This smart thermostat also works with Apple HomeKit, IFTTT and more. Control the temperature from anywhere using the system’s smartphone app. The company claims you can save up to 23% per year on heating and cooling costs.
- Tech Specs: The ecobee SmartThermostat has temperature and humidity sensors, home automation integrations, built-in Alexa smartphone app, scheduling, smart alerts and a touchscreen.
- Security plan required: No
Nerd Pros
- Built-in Alexa: Ask Alexa to set your room to a certain temperature, or even have her play music—all through your ecobee. When you purchase this temperature control system, you’ll get Alexa along with it which seems like a bargain.
- Simple installation: You should be able to get your ecobee up and running in half an hour or less.
- Cost savings: Not only will you save money with this smart thermostat, but it also has a history function to let you see exactly how much money you’ve saved over time.
Nerd Cons
- Price: This smart thermostat is definitely on par with other high-quality temperature monitoring system options, which isn’t cheap! But at least customers get an Alexa as part of the deal.
- Connection issues: Some ecobee reviews say the thermostat has had intermittent issues connecting to the app or the web interface, causing disconnection problems. It doesn’t seem like a widespread issue, but it happens.
- Save up to 26%*per year on heating and cooling costs. ENERGY STARcertified. Included SmartSensor (50 dollar value) adjusts the temperature...
- Included SmartSensor keeps you comfortable where you are, not just where your thermostat is. Simply place SmartSensor in the bedroom,...
- Control from anywhere with your iOS or Android device
- Integrates seamlessly with your preferred smart home system.
- Comes with Siri and Alexa Built-in for hands-free control, your way
Honeywell Home T5+: Best Value
Honeywell Home T5+ has impressive features at half the cost of its competitors. This smart thermostat is Energy Star certified, and works with Alexa and Apple HomeKit. It provides temperature scheduling, smart alerts and more for just over $100.
- Tech Specs: The Honeywell Home T5+ offers home automation, scheduling, geofencing and a smartphone app.
- Security plan required: No
Nerd Pros
- Price: This is the best smart thermostat for shoppers on a budget. It’s about half the cost of many of its competitors, but it also has plenty of features.
- Home automation: Customers can utilize Alexa and Apple HomeKit with the Honeywell Home T5+.
- Geofencing: Connect your phone with this smart thermostat, so it can sense when you’re leaving or entering your home and can set the temperature appropriately.
Nerd Cons
- 1-year warranty: One year isn’t a very long warranty, however it’s also on the less expensive side of temperature monitoring system options.
- No humidity or motion sensors: Many of the other wifi thermostat options can also alert you to humidity. The Honeywell Home T5+ also does not have motion sensors, but the geofencing option takes its place.
- No energy usage reports: There’s no energy usage reported through the app, so you’ll need to keep a close eye on your energy bill if you want to see if you’re using less energy than before.
- ENERGY STAR certified. Help save energy, track your heating and cooling with monthly energy reports and get personalized tips on reducing...
- Save Energy and Get Rewarded by checking with your energy provider about available energy savings rebates to save on your purchase (rebate...
- 7-Day Flexible Scheduling or Location Based Temperature control (GeoFencing)
- The T5 Smart thermostat is fully compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, IFTTT, Cortana and other ecosystems
- Adaptive recovery learns how long it takes to achieve the right temperature at the right time and automatically runs your system to get to...
ADT Smart Thermostat: Best Security Integration
ADT Smart Thermostat is a solid option if you also want a professionally monitored home security system (or already have ADT). This thermostat provides scheduling, home automation options and the potential to save money on your energy bill. You can control everything from ADT’s app, while getting smart alerts if there are any temperature issues in your home.
- Tech Specs: ADT Smart Thermostat offers home automation, scheduling, a smartphone app and custom settings for different activities or parts of your day.
- Security plan required: Yes
Nerd Pros
- Professionally monitored: Professional monitoring is a plus with this system. In case of emergency, you’ll have ADT available to call emergency services.
- Home automation: If you’d like to create a home ecosystem, there’s a lot of potential, as this thermostat option is compatible with any Z-Wave device.
Nerd Cons
- Security system required: You must use ADT Home Security to have this thermostat, which can be a con for consumers who want a temperature regulation without the extra cost of a home security system.
- No motion sensors: You’ll have to set temperatures or “scene” settings like “at home” or “away,” to adjust settings, since there are no motion sensors with this product.
Honeywell Home: Best Bare-Bones Smart Thermostat
While this Honeywell smart thermostat isn’t as snazzy as some of the company’s higher-end models, it gets the job done without breaking the bank. There aren’t a ton of complicated features but you’ll be able to adjust the temperature through your smartphone, and even control it with Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT and more, all for (typically) under $100.
- Tech Specs: The Honeywell Home Wi-Fi 7-Day Programmable offers scheduling, 7-day programming and an app.
- Security plan required: No
Nerd Pros
- Price: If you want the spoils of a smart thermostat, but don’t need the pretty package, this one will get you what you need at a bargain price.
- Scheduling: Temperature scheduling is at the heart of every smart home thermostat, and what allows consumers to save money in the long run.
- Home automation: At this price point, it is pretty incredible that smart home integration is wrapped up into this thermostat.
Nerd Cons
- Design: It doesn’t have the most modern look. When you compare it to some of its competitors, this Honeywell smart thermostat looks unimpressive.
- Limited features: There aren’t multiroom sensors or humidity sensors like you may find with other, more expensive models.
- ENERGY STAR certified. Help save energy, track your heating and cooling with monthly energy reports and get personalized tips on reducing...
- SAVE ENERGY AND GET REWARDED by checking with your energy provider about available energy savings rebates to save on your purchase (rebate...
- C-WIRE POWER ADAPTER REQUIRED: Before purchasing, check to see if this thermostat is compatible with your home and to determine if your home...
- SMART HOME INTEGRATION. The Wi-Fi 7-Day is compatible with voice assistant devices like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Microsoft Cortana,...
- THERMOSTAT THAT FITS YOUR LIFE. 7-day, 4 periods per day, flexible programming lets you sync your comfort with your schedule.
Mysa Smart Thermostat: Best for High-Voltage Heaters
The Mysa is the best smart thermostat for high-voltage heaters, such as electric baseboard heaters. With a modern design and a ton of smart home integrations, you aren’t sacrificing any features while sitting at a very affordable price point. Add on an incredibly easy installation, and you’ve got one of the best wifi thermostat options on the market.
- Tech Specs: The Mysa Smart Thermostat offers geofencing, high-voltage heater compatibility, smart home automation, temperature reports and a smartphone app.
- Security plan required: No
Nerd Pros
- Price: Customers can choose from a robust offering of smart home products, since Mysa is compatible with just about any major third party you can think of, including Alexa, Google, HomeKit, SmartThings and IFTTT.
- High voltage compatible: This is the only smart thermostat that is compatible with high-voltage heaters, such as electric baseboard heaters.
Nerd Cons
- Minimal display: Although the minimalist design can be a pro, if you like to see more than the temperature on display, you may not like the simplicity of the Mysa display.
- Only compatible with high voltage: If you don’t have a high voltage heater, you’ll want to stay away from this product.
- For High/Line Voltage Systems — Mysa works with 120-240V electric baseboards and electric fan-forced heaters and requires one neutral or...
- Save 26% on Your Energy Bill — Mysa helps you save money by using home energy more efficiently.
- Smart Integrations — Mysa works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. Stay cozy and connected.
- Sleek, Minimalist Design — Mysa’s premium look subtly enhances your home’s style. Goodbye, boring beige!
- Quick Install — Mysa installs easily in 15 minutes or less with step-by-step online guides and videos.
Emerson Sensi Touch Smart Thermostat: Best Touchscreen
Consumers love this touchscreen model, which comes complete with third-party smart home integration options. It also has a humidity sensor along with a built-in fan built to improve temperature circulation. Temperature reports help you learn about your consumption trends which can help to save money in the long run.
- Tech Specs: The Emerson Sensi Touch comes with temperature scheduling, temperature reports, smart home options, smart alerts, an app, a circulating fan and geofencing capability.
- Security plan required: No
Nerd Pros
- Display: If you love a good, easy-to-use touchscreen display, the Sensi Touch is a smart choice. It’s easy to use and simple to navigate.
- Smart home options: The Sensi Touch is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit and SmartThings, giving it tons of potential for pairing with other smart home devices.
Nerd Cons
- No motion sensing: The only way the system knows when you are walking in or leaving is by geofencing through your cell phone. If you didn’t have your phone with you or if the phone battery were dead, you’d have to adjust the temperature manually.
- Requires C-wire: You won’t be able to install this system without a C-wire, so it’s important to check that your current system has one before purchasing.
- EDITORS CHOICE BEST OVERALL SMART THERMOSTAT by USA Today’s reviewed.com.SMART MAINTENANCE: Sensi can help monitor the performance and...
- SAVE ABOUT 23% ON HVAC ENERGY*: By adjusting the temperature using flexible scheduling, remote access, and geofencing, Sensi customers saved...
- MOST INSTALL IN 30 MINUTES OR LESS**: Use the built-in level, illuminated easy-click terminals and step-by-step app instructions for a quick...
- SMART HOME COMPATIBLE: Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings smart home platforms.
- USAGE REPORTS: Monitor current day and historical heating, cooling and fan runtimes right in the app.
Bosch Connected Control BCC100: Best Humidity Control
The Bosch BCC100 has many attractive features at a cheaper price point than your average smart thermostat. It has a large display screen with both indoor and outdoor temperatures, and the stand out feature here is superior humidity control. Bosch says its dehumidifier algorithm sets a comfortable level in conjunction with a compatible appliance, like a Bosch water heat pump. But you can also control humidity levels with a compatible dehumidifier accessory.
- Tech Specs: The Bosch BCC 100 is Alexa and Google Home enabled, and it has a touchscreen, humidity control and a mobile app.
- Security plan required: No
Nerd Pros
- Large display: If a large display touchscreen is important to you, this might is a great option. It shows outside and inside temperature, along with humidity levels.
- 5-year warranty: This product has a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty, which is much more generous than some of its competitors.
Nerd Cons
- No motion sensing: This smart thermostat isn’t quite as smart as some of its competitors. There is no motion sensing or geofencing option, so scheduling is up to you, not the device.
- Requires C-wire: You won’t be able to install this system without a C-wire, so it’s important to check if your current system has one before purchasing.
- SAVE ENERGY AND MONEY: This Alexa-enabled, internet-connected programmable thermostat simply connects to Wi-Fi to control temperature and...
- MODERN SLEEK TOUCH SCREEN: The full color, 5-inch display touchscreen allows easy scheduling to provide the most comfortable temperature for...
- MULTI-USE COMPATIBILITY: Including heat pump (4 Heat, 2 Cool) or conventional (2 Heat, 2 Cool) systems, any 1-wire internally powered...
- NEW COMMERCIAL UPDATES: Updates allow control of both evaporation and steam type external humidifier accessories. Plus, hot gas reheat and...
- C-WIRE REQUIRED: A C-wire (common wire) is required to power the unit. Two wire systems are not supported. The C-wire is used to provide...
Things to consider before buying a smart thermostat
- Wired or wireless: You can choose between a battery-powered thermostat, or a hardwired one. There are also hybrid models that are hardwired with a battery backup, which will kick in if you have a power outage.
- Design and features: What smart thermostat features appeal to you most? Do you need a temperature monitoring system that senses you when you walk in and gets to know your habits? Or would you prefer to schedule everything yourself manually and save some money?
- Smart home compatibility: If you already have home automation products, you’ll likely want a smart thermostat that’s compatible with them. That includes things like smart lights, doorbells and anything else you want to work seamlessly with your doorbell, especially a smart assistant. If you already have an existing security system, make sure to check with your provider for a list of compatible thermostats for your system.
The best smart thermostats: Wrapping it up
A smart thermostat is a relatively inexpensive way to up your home automation game while saving money. We think it’s worth it to spring for a version with either motion sensing or geofencing to allow the product to adapt to your habits. After all, you want it to be “smart”.
Smart thermostats can save you anywhere between 10% and 26% on electricity bills, which means the products may essentially pay for themselves in a couple of years. The best smart thermostat for your home is one that is compatible with existing equipment, has a useful app and makes your life easier.
This article has been reviewed and approved by Officer Banta.
Officer Banta is the official SecurityNerd home security and safety expert. A member of the Biloxi Police Department for over 24 years, Officer Banta reviews all articles before lending his stamp of approval. Click here for more information on Officer Banta and the rest of our team.
