The Best Smart Thermostat Deals This Week*
- Emerson Sensi ST75 Touch Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat — $132.99 (List Price $169.99)
- Honeywell Home RTH9585WF Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat — $124.99 (List Price $179.99)
- Sensi Touch 2 ST76 Smart Wi-Fi Touchscreen Thermostat — $153.11 (List Price $209.99)
- Honeywell Home RTH6580WF Wi-Fi Thermostat — $99.98 (List Price $119.99)
- Ecobee Smart Wi-Fi Thermostat Premium With Smart Sensor — $219.99 (List Price $249.99)
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
If you're looking to smarten up your home, your thermostat is a good place to start and can help you save a considerable chunk of money by reducing your heating and cooling costs. However, not all smart thermostats are equally capable; some that work with simple heating and cooling systems just offer basic scheduling and programming options, while others that support complex multi-stage systems can control heating, cooling, dehumidifier, and ventilation systems. As is the case with most smart home devices, prices vary depending on features and capabilities. Read on to find out what to look for when shopping for your smart thermostat, as well as our favorite models in testing.
Table of Contents
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
Best Overall
Bottom Line:
The feature-rich Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium controls your heating and cooling, works as a smart speaker and security device, monitors air quality, and supports lots of third-party platforms.
PROS
- Supports Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, IFTTT, and SmartThings
- Doubles as a home security device and smart speaker
- Monitors air quality
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
- Beautiful design
CONS
- Pricey
- Some features require a subscription
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | 2 Stage |
| C-Wire | |
| Self-Install | |
| Multiple Zones | |
| Sensors | |
| Motion Activation | |
| Geofencing | |
| Smart Home Integration | Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, IFTTT, SmartThings |
Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Generation)
Best for Automatic Temperature Settings
Bottom Line:
The third-generation Nest Learning Thermostat has all the smarts of its predecessors and adds some new features including a larger display, geofencing support, a furnace monitor, and a few more sensors.
PROS
- Sleek design.
- Easy to install.
- Loaded with features.
- Interacts with other Nest and third-party devices.
- Support for Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT.
CONS
- Lacks remote room sensors.
- Pricey.
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | Multi-stage |
| C-Wire | |
| Self-Install | |
| Multiple Zones | |
| Sensors | |
| Motion Activation | |
| Geofencing | |
| Smart Home Integration | IFTTT, Nest |
Nest Thermostat
Most Affordable Nest Thermostat
Bottom Line:
The relatively affordable entry-level Nest Thermostat lets you control your heating and cooling system by phone or voice, set temperature schedules, and offers energy-saving features that can help lower your bill.
PROS
- Affordable
- Attractive design
- Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands
- Supports scheduling and routines
- Lets you monitor your energy usage and suggests ways to cut back
- Warns you about potential HVAC issues
CONS
- No touch screen
- Geofencing can be finicky
- Can't automatically set schedules
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | Multi-stage |
| C-Wire | |
| Self-Install | |
| Multiple Zones | |
| Sensors | |
| Motion Activation | |
| Geofencing | |
| Smart Home Integration | None |
Wyze Thermostat
Best Thermostat Under $100
Bottom Line:
The sub-$100 Wyze Thermostat lets you accurately control the cooling and heating in home with your phone or via Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands.
PROS
- Affordable
- Supports Alexa and Google Assistant
- Works with other Wyze devices
- Generates usage reports with energy-saving tips
CONS
- Doesn't support HomeKit or IFTTT
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | Multi-stage |
| C-Wire | |
| Self-Install | |
| Multiple Zones | |
| Sensors | |
| Motion Activation | |
| Geofencing | |
| Smart Home Integration | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant |
Amazon Smart Thermostat
Best for Alexa Users
Bottom Line:
The very affordable Amazon Smart Thermostat lets you control your heating and cooling system from your phone or via Alexa voice commands.
PROS
- Affordable
- Supports Alexa voice commands
- Reports energy usage
CONS
- Does not work with Google Assistant, HomeKit, or IFTTT
- Lacks remote sensors
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | Multi-stage |
| C-Wire | |
| Self-Install | |
| Multiple Zones | |
| Sensors | |
| Motion Activation | |
| Geofencing | |
| Smart Home Integration | Amazon Alexa |
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced
Best Affordable Ecobee Thermostat
Bottom Line:
The sleek Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced lets you control your HVAC system and monitor your home with your voice or phone for $60 less than the Premium model.
PROS
- Stylish design
- Easy to install
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, and IFTTT
- Doubles as a security hub
CONS
- Some features require a subscription
- Package doesn't include remote sensors
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | 2 Stage |
| C-Wire | |
| Self-Install | |
| Multiple Zones | |
| Sensors | |
| Motion Activation | |
| Geofencing | |
| Smart Home Integration | Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, IFTTT |
Sensi Touch 2 Smart Thermostat ST76
Best Touch Screen
Bottom Line:
The Sensi Touch 2 is a feature-rich smart thermostat with a large color touch screen, support for several popular home automation platforms, and compatibility with up to 15 remote sensors for balanced temperatures in every room.
PROS
- Responsive color touch screen
- Works with room sensors
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
- Supports Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and SmartThings
- Generates energy usage reports
CONS
- Doesn't work with Apple HomeKit, IFTTT, or Matter
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | Multi-stage |
| C-Wire | |
| Self-Install | |
| Multiple Zones | |
| Sensors | |
| Motion Activation | |
| Geofencing | |
| Smart Home Integration | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings |
Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat With Sensor
Best for Multiple Rooms
Bottom Line:
The Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat is a dual-band Wi-Fi thermostat that uses long-range sensors to provide uniform temperatures throughout your home.
PROS
- Easy to install
- Remote room sensor
- Works with Alexa, Cortana, and Google voice commands
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
CONS
- Doesn't integrate directly with other Honeywell smart devices
- Limited IFTTT functionality
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | Multi-stage |
| C-Wire | |
| Self-Install | |
| Multiple Zones | |
| Sensors | |
| Motion Activation | |
| Geofencing | |
| Smart Home Integration | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, IFTTT, SmartThings |
Sensi Smart Thermostat ST55
Best Affordable Model for HomeKit Users
Bottom Line:
The Sensi ST55 is a reasonably priced smart thermostat that’s easy to install and works with numerous home automation and voice control platforms.
PROS
- Affordable
- Works with multiple home automation platforms
- Compatible with Alexa, Google, and Siri voice commands
- Supports geofencing
CONS
- Ho-hum design
- Doesn't support IFTTT
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | Multi-stage |
| C-Wire | |
| Self-Install | |
| Multiple Zones | |
| Sensors | |
| Motion Activation | |
| Geofencing | |
| Smart Home Integration | Apple HomeKit |
Sinope TH1123WF Smart Wi-Fi Thermostat
Best for Electric Heating Systems
Bottom Line:
The Sinope TH1123WF smart thermostat is solely for line-voltage electric heating systems, but it offers Wi-Fi connectivity and works with several smart home devices and services for an affordable price.
PROS
- Reasonably priced
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit
- Easy to install
CONS
- Doesn't work with gas or oil systems
- Installation requires work with electrical wiring
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | Multi-stage |
| C-Wire | |
| Self-Install | |
| Multiple Zones | |
| Sensors | |
| Motion Activation | |
| Geofencing | |
| Smart Home Integration | Apple HomeKit, SmartThings |
How to Choose a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats offer a variety of features that can not only help keep your home comfortable, but can reduce heating and cooling costs. The most basic models are relatively inexpensive but still have Wi-Fi radios that allow you to connect the device to your home network and the internet. You can control them remotely from a mobile device, and sometimes even from a web browser.
Basic controls allow you to raise and lower the temperature, create a seven-day heating and cooling schedule, override the schedule if you or a family member plans to return home early or late, and turn the system on and off. The Nest Learning Thermostat takes scheduling a step further; it can create a heating and cooling schedule based on when you are usually home or away, factoring in what temperature you prefer during those times.
As is usually the case, you get more features if you pay more. A bright, colorful touch display makes it easy to configure and program the thermostat and gives it a touch of style—these types of screens are also usually legible from across a room. Moderately priced thermostats don't usually display the current time and temperature until you tap the screen, but more expensive devices use motion sensors to turn on their displays automatically when you enter the room.
Many of the latest smart thermostats contain humidity sensors that notify you of high or low humidity levels, and some models even show your local weather forecast. The Ecobee Smart Thermostat With Voice Control comes with a remote room sensor that helps keep temperatures uniform throughout your house, especially in rooms that are far away from the thermostat.
If you want your thermostat to automatically lower the temperature when you leave your house and kick back on when you arrive home, look for a model that supports geofencing technology, such as the Nest Thermostat. Geofencing uses your phone's location services to let the thermostat know when you have entered or exited a virtual perimeter around the house. You can set your preferred Home and Away temperatures via a companion app, and then the thermostat will work to achieve those numbers once it detects you entering or leaving the perimeter. Just make sure you have your phone with you when you leave the house.
Usage reporting is another helpful feature that lets you see historical data on how often your system is running and how long it takes to meet its target temperature. Some thermostats even tell you what the outside temperature was at the time so you can see how it impacted your HVAC system. Other common features to look for include reminders for maintenance and air filter replacements, vacation scheduling capabilities, and power cycle alerts that let you know if your system is acting erratically.
What Else Do Smart Thermostats Work With?
If you have other smart devices in your home, look for a thermostat that works with as many of them as possible. The Nest Learning Thermostat works with other Nest devices, as well as numerous third-party devices including smart switches, fans, and lighting systems. IFTTT support is a popular feature that allows you to configure the thermostat to trigger other compatible devices and services (or vice versa). For example, you can create an applet that turns on a smart air conditioner when your thermostat reaches a certain temperature. Matter is another emerging standard to look out for, as it promises to unite the IoT ecosystem across brands and standards.
Many of the latest smart thermostats support Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, and Google Assistant voice commands. That means you can change temperature settings and find out the current temperature simply by speaking. Some of the most feature-rich smart thermostats have built-in Alexa voice control and can do just about everything that a smart speaker does; you can ask them to play music, get the latest news and sports scores, find out the weather forecast, change temperature settings, and much more.
Can You Install a Smart Thermostat Yourself?
Smart thermostats are usually easy to install, but it's important to know how your system is wired before you begin. Always make note of your wiring before you remove your old thermostat, and if possible, take a picture. Most of the latest devices come with pre-printed labels that you can attach to the wires to help identify them during the installation. You should also know what type of system you have as that often comes up during setup. Common HVAC system types include gas, oil, electric, propane, forced air, and radiant.
Most smart thermostats work with multi-stage heating and cooling systems, but if you plan to control other components such as whole-house dehumidifiers, heat pumps, and ventilation systems, make sure you select a model that supports those devices. In fact, if you have a complex multi-component HVAC system, it's a good idea to have a professional HVAC technician install the thermostat for you to avoid damage to your system.
Another factor to consider is whether your system contains a C (common) wire, which supplies constant power to the thermostat. Almost all smart thermostats require a C wire to work, but older houses with older heating systems usually don't have a C wire because older thermostats do not require one. Some smart thermostats come with a power extender kit that you can install yourself to supply power to the device. Other devices, including Nest thermostats, can be installed without a C wire, but steal power from the furnace control circuits to provide enough power to keep the internal battery charged. Although this method usually works without issue, it still might cause problems with certain HVAC systems and might actually cycle on the system to steal power. If you prefer not to take a chance on frying your furnace's circuit boards, hire a professional technician to run a C wire for around $150 or so.
Between installation and the device itself, the cost of a smart thermostat can carry a significant premium over a traditional model. But keep in mind that it can save you money on heating and cooling costs over time, not to mention the flexibility it provides when you're both in and out of the house.
