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Best Smart Thermostats
Aside from the changing of the weather condition, you know that you have to get a new thermostat when your old model is not functioning well. When you tried everything but even your service provider could not do anything to make it function properly; this is the time to get yourself a new thermostat. But you do not want just any thermostat but the best smart thermostat there is in the market today.
You would like to have one that automatically makes your life so much easier and of course lower your energy cost. The best thermostat picks up your routine like leaving the house in the morning and going to bed at night. These new breeds of thermostats allow you to control them from anywhere in the globe using your smartphone. You can adjust the temperatures of every room and some would even allow you to control the amount of heat using only your voice.
Like most of the latest technology, there is a wide assortment of this type of thermostat. Each model has its own unique selling points that could match your lifestyle and your needs. In this buying guide, we have listed the biggest names in the market today to narrow down your choices to only ten. Check out the product review section below to see which model perfectly fits your preferences.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Materials
The most important thing that you should take into consideration is quality.
There are many ways that you can do to determine if the model that you like is a high-quality product. The quality of the product can be checked through its build. Most of the time, good quality products are made of high-quality materials. Another thing that you can do is to check the aesthetics of the product.
The design is well-constructed and well made. You can also check if the model has received approval and certificates from regulating bodies and institutions like Energy Star certificate. You can also check out the product reviews, the feedback of the customers, as well as product information.
Compatibility
In addition to quality, another important criterion that you should consider is the compatibility of the product.
No matter how expensive the product is if it is not compatible with your HVAC system, it is still useless. Compatibility should mean that the product should seamlessly work well with your heating system and your air conditioning system. There are other brands that can work well with gas, oil, and electric HVAC. Several others are only limited to a number of systems.
Another thing that you should take a good look at is if you are using a multi-stage heating and air conditioning systems. You have to know if the product that you like supports this setup. There are brands that can support a couple of stages. There are others that can back three stages and some other support more.
C-wire Requirement
The majority of the thermostats in the market today entail much electrical power more than a pair of batteries can produce. Luckily, they do not really require so much power than necessary to be placed into the wall. Instead, they depend on the low-voltage power supplied by your HVAC system. Some of the models of the latest thermostats today require a dedicated C or common wire.
Although some brands can suck power from an alternative source, this practice is often the cause of some issues with the HVAC system that includes long-lasting damage. If you wish to have the best smart thermostat and you found out that you have no C wire, it is best that you install one. While it is not required, most manufacturers highly advise to utilizing one.
Home System Integration
Most of the models nowadays are equipped with an application so you can manipulate it using your tablets, smartphones, and other mobile devices. However, the best smart thermostat models are those that can be integrated with other home devices and home systems. Aside from controlling temperature, it can also integrate with digital assistants like that of Google Home or that of Amazon and use a voice command to adjust the temperature. It can also be linked to the smoke detector or include IFTTT support.
Ease of Use
The days where the user interface of a thermostat is consists of numbers are long gone.
A good device should help you understand crucial information in a jiffy and could easily adapt to your needs.
Another crucial factor that you should consider in choosing is that it should not be hard to install. Look for the model where the manufacturer provides all-inclusive but easy to understand guidelines and instructions that include photographs and illustrations to help you through the entire process. The product itself should plainly indicate the wires and where they should be placed. There are companies that put labels on these wires so you can easily attach them to the wires in the wall as you remove and disconnect the old thermostat. It is also important that the wires are color coded. Some users take a picture of the old model to use it as a reference before removing it.
Style
This factor is not really important if you are the type that is not very particular with the design.
However, if you want to make the most out of your money, picking a well-designed product is a way to. You can choose a design that could complement the motif of your home so it would not look out of place. In choosing a design, it is also important that it does not only look good but it is also functional.
Among the design considerations that you should factor into includes a great display. The latest models now have digital displays. The display should be easily readable or visible even if you are from afar. It would also help if it comes with a backlight so you can still clearly see it even if the lights are off.
Another important design consideration is the controls. The controls should be easy to use so you will not have a hard time controlling your desired temperature. The mount should also be durable and could be easily affixed on the wall. It should also be secure so you will not wake up with your thermostat on all broken on the floor.
Advanced Features
One of the reasons why you would like to acquire the best thermostat is because you are fascinated by its features.
These features include connectivity to Wi-Fi, compatibility with virtual assistant devices and other voice operated platforms, and automatic functionalities. Other features include the ability to learn new routines, and programmability. There are brands that can support more than one voice control device.
Geofencing
This particular feature utilizes the app of the thermostat and the GPS of your smartphone to build a border around your home or workplace. When you are away from that established perimeter, you no longer need heat or cooling. Geofencing enables you to adjust the temperature of the place to prevent itself from operating unnecessarily. As soon as you reach the perimeter again, your HVAC system can spring into life so you will feel cold or hot or comfortable when you arrived home.
System Complexity
Another important feature that you would want to consider is its system complexity. The list of products included in this guide support HVAC systems, heat pump systems, and multi-stage heating. If your homes are built on different zones that are either cooled or heated separately from each other, you will need a thermostat for every zone. This multiple zones could be easily controlled by a single app.
Remote Access
The remote access feature of a thermostat allows you to manipulate the temperature of your home or workplace even if you are far from the actual place. You can adjust or check the level of temperature wherever you are in the world as long as there is an internet connection.
Sensors
While Geofencing is good, it is only functional if everyone who is residing in the place has a smartphone. Another feature that many users like about this new breed of the thermostat are their sensors. These radars provide another way to determining if you or a family member is at home. The first thermostat from Nest was heavily criticized because it depends so much on the motion sensors. Several models have the capacity to use windows, doors, and motion sensors for the home’s security system. There are also others that are equipped with proximity sensors. This triggers the thermostat to turn on its display when someone walks past it. Some users use this as a light to their pathway during night time.
Best Smart Thermostat
1. ecobee4 Smart with Alexa
This could be the ideal choice if you are looking for a product that offers versatile scheduling equipped with a web-interface and mobile app, remote room sensors, and motion-sensing technology to help you save more money.
Read moreProduct Features
This is one top reviewed product because of its impressive features. This includes a built-in far-field voice technology and Alexa Voice Service. This means that it is capable of playing music, relaying the news, as well as controlling the smart lights in your home aside from adjusting the heating and cooling systems. In addition, it does not require another Echo to manipulate it using your own voice.
Aside from Alexa, this device also works with Goole Assistant and with Siri. This device utilizes readings from the remote sensors and occupancy detectors. This allows you to get the ideal temperature in various rooms instead of the room where the device is placed. It also allows you to save 23 percent of energy.
Design and Usability
It has 4-inches LED touchscreen with digital color display and backlight. It comes with a strip that turns blue when you start a voice command with Alexa and turns red when the mic is turned off. This smart device is compatible with the conventional 2H or 2C, 4H or 2C heat pump. It supports two-stage auxiliary heat, oil, gas, dual and electric fuel support. It also offers accessory support to ventilators, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, ERV, and HRV.
Overall Components
It has all the necessary features to make controlling your home temperature much more easily. It has proximity and motion sensors that send a signal to the thermostat if you are away or at home. This signal enables the device to switch to a programmed temperature setting. The 802.11 Wi-Fi connectivity, far-field voice technology, and built-in mics enable you to give commands to Alexa even if you are across the room.
Product Description
For customer installation, this product comes with a 3-year warranty. It has a product dimension of 4 –inches x 1 -inch x 4 –inches. It is a lightweight device that only weighs a pound. 2 Lithium Metal batteries required.
2. Honeywell Lyric T5
Offering almost the same features as the popular brand, this product could be the perfect choice if you are looking for an Alexa and HomeKit compatible product that will not burn your budget.
Read moreProduct Features
This product works with Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa for those who would like to control this device using their voice. It also comes with Smart Alerts that informs you for filter changes or warns you about the temperature. In addition, it has a 7-day scheduling or temperature control based on location otherwise known as Geofencing. This means that it utilizes geofencing to monitor the location of your smartphone.
It allows you to control the temperature at home even if you are away. It also features auto changeover, which automatically determines if your home needs cooling or heating to give you the ultimate comfort that you need. This device has an adaptive recovery that studies and learns the length of time it would take to get the right temperature at a particular time. It runs the system automatically so you achieve your desired temperature.
Design and Usability
This model is Energy Star certified, which means that it saves you energy and is energy efficient. It is compatible with almost all single-stage and multi-stage heating and cooling systems. This device also enables you to control it using your Android or iOS smartphones and devices. It requires C or common wire and will not work without it.
Overall Components
The features of this product all contribute to give its user an efficient way of controlling the temperature at home. Since it is Energy Star certified, you are assured that it will not be a burden to use because it is energy-efficient. You can also operate it using your voice since it is compatible with Alexa and HomeKit.
Product Description
This is a lightweight device that only weighs 13.6 ounces. It has a product dimension of 4 –inches x 4 –inches x 1.2 –inches.
3. Nest
Equipped with more features and more supported systems, this could be your best choice if you are looking for a product that learns the kind of temperature you like and creates a schedule around yours.
Read moreProduct Features
This third generation product from NEST looks bolder and offers much more features than its predecessor. It works with Amazon’s voice assistant Alexa so you can control it using your voice. It features an auto schedule that learns the temperature that you prefer and sets it for a week. It comes with Home Away Assist that automatically turns itself off when no one is at home to save energy.
This product can connect to the Wi-Fi to allow you to control it using your tablet, laptop, smartphones, and other compatible devices. It also features Farsight that enables the unit to automatically light when it senses that you are at home or across the room. This allows you to clearly see the weather, time, and the current temperature. You can also check the Energy History in the Nest app that contains your energy use. When you choose an energy-saving temperature, the device displays the Nest Leaf to guide you on the right path.
Design and Usability
This model is available in four various designs that could complement any type of hone motif. You can have it in Stainless Steel, Black, Gold, and Silver colors. You can get the Copper design if you want to add warmth to your aesthetics and the stainless steel for a vintage appeal. This model has a thinner design but with a much sharper and bigger display. It supports single, dual, and multi-stage heating and cooling systems, humidifier, dehumidifier, and heat pump.
Overall Components
This is the first product to receive Energy Star approval, which means that it is the pioneer in advocating energy-efficiency in thermostats. Aside from helping you track your energy consumption through the energy History, it also helps you make the right decision in terms of setting up your temperature through Nest Leaf.
Product Description
This device has a product dimension of 3.3 –inches x 1.2 –inches x 3.3 –inches. It has a 5.3 cm 24-bit color high-resolution LCD display.
4. Emerson Sensi
Offering simplicity and usability at an affordable price, this could be the ideal choice if you are looking for a product that is easy to install and use and costs half the price of the leading brands.
Read moreProduct Features
This model features geofencing that allows you to control temperature using your linked smartphone and other mobile devices. To help you save energy, it comes with a 7-day flexible scheduling. This helps you save more energy as it turns off when no one is at home. This device integrates Amazon’s voice assistant Alexa to let you control it using your voice. It is also compatible with Google Assistant and Google Home.
Design and Usability
Unlike the three products discussed above, this one has a square shape. It also has a square digital screen with backlight. This device supports most HVAC system and requires a C wire to function. This could be utilized for cool-only, heat-only and heat pump systems without an auxiliary.
Overall Components
At a very affordable price, this product is a good alternative to getting yourself the best one in the market. It is loaded with helpful features that independently contribute to make setting your home temperature easy and give you a more comfortable temperature at home.
Product Description
This model has a product dimension of 5.9 -inches x 1.1 -inches x 3.8 –inches. It has an item weight of 8 –ounces and a shipping weight of 11.4 –ounces. This product comes with a 3-year warranty.
5. Honeywell RTH9580WF
This could be the best choice if you are looking for a product with a display that can be customized and sends notifications for extreme temperatures.
Read moreProduct Features
This device is compatible with Amazon’s voice assistant Alexa and you can use it to control the temperature using your voice. It features a customizable display so it can complement any type of internal decoration. This model allows you to manipulate it anywhere you are using linked Android and iOS devices. It also comes with a locking touchscreen with locking features for convenient and secure control.
This model utilizes Smart response Technology that learns your cooling and heating cycle times to give you the right level of temperature whenever you need it.
Design and Usability
This product is designed for home and business installation. Its home screen shows indoor and outdoor humidity and temperature details. It is equipped with a simple programming and an easy installation process that does not require manual, tools, or setup.
Overall Components
In addition to its great features, this model allows you to select programmable modes so you can save on your yearly cooling and heating expenses. It also enables you to manipulate it using your devices to help you save energy since you can turn off the heating and cooling system when no one is at home.
Product Description
This unit has a product dimension of 4.5 –inches x 0.9 –inches x 3.5 –inches. It only weighs 8.06 ounces.
6. ecobee lite Smart
If you are looking for a quality and functional product that will not let you pay for the built-in Alexa, then this could be the best choice for you.
Read moreProduct Features
This model works well with popular smart home setups like Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Microsoft Cortana, Wink, IFTTT, and Samsung SmartThings. It also functions well with various room sensors. All you have to do is place them in places where you and your family usually stays and have the temperature well distributed all throughout your house. The sensors send signals to this thermostat to instantly switch to the proper mode for your comfort when you are at home. Its app is available in iOS store and Google Play so you can control it using your smartphones and other devices linked to the unit.
Design and Usability
This easy to install product is coated in a matte black finish so it could perfectly blend in your interior design. It has a clear and shard digital display that allows you to view it even if you are across the room. Moreover, its LCD display is a touchscreen for easy temperature control.
Overall Components
Unlike other brands and models, this one functions almost the same but will not cost you more. It is also certified by Energy Star, which means that it is an energy-efficient device. In fact, using this device will allow you to save approximately 23 percent of energy from your yearly heating and cooling system.
Product Description
This model has a product dimension of 4 -inches x 1 –inch x 4 –inches. It is lightweight and only weighs a pound. It comes with a 3-year limited warranty.
7. Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi
This could be your ideal choice if you are looking for a slightly advanced product loaded with impressive features to make cooling and heating your home an easy task.
Read moreProduct Features
This model is hailed by USA Today as the best thermostat this year. It has a remote control feature that allows you to adjust your home’s temperature using your mobile devices. It also has geofencing and a 7-day flexible scheduling. It comes with Smart Alerts that notify you if your home is running on extreme temperature and humidity level.
Design and Usability
Unlike other models, this device is packed with a high definition touchscreen color display. It comes with a back glow, intuitive menus, and very legible temperatures. It works well with Wink, HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Assistant. This device supports almost all types and kinds of HVAC system used by most homes in the US today.
Overall Components
This product is designed for easy do-it-yourself installation and comes with a step by step procedure to guide you. It is loaded with great features that make manipulating your home’s temperature a very easy task.
Product Description
It has a product dimension of 3.4 -inches x 5.63 -inches x 1.17 –inches. It is very light and only weighs a pound.
8. GoControl
This could be a great choice if you are looking for a product that works well with almost all modern home HVAC systems.
Read moreProduct Features
This device features Monitor Climate Control which allows users to manipulate the temperature settings of the HVAC system even if you are not at home. It is also compatible with all Z-Wave hubs. This means you can connect with Telguard, Alarm.com, and Uplink systems.
Design and Usability
Engineered for flexibility and easy installation, this device works with almost all modern HVAC system used by most Americans at home regardless if it is a heat pump or standard. The front part keeps four double A batteries that can last up to a couple of years. It requires C Wire but it can still function without it.
Overall Components
This model is made by Nortek, the number 1 network provider of all Z Wave products. It very easy to use and allows you to control it even when you are away from home. This means allowing you to save more since you can turn your HVAC off when no one is at home.
Product Description
It has a product dimension of 9.59 –inches x 6.16 –inches x 2.08 –inches.
9. Nest Learning
This could be the best choice if you are looking for a compact product loaded with outstanding features to bring your comfort at home.
Read moreProduct Features
This second generation device from Nest has an energy-saving feature that automatically shuts itself down when you are away from home. It is equipped with Auto-schedule that learns your preferred temperatures and programs it itself. It can be connected to Wi-Fi so you can control it using your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or other mobile devices.
Design and Usability
This model is 20 percent thinner in design compared to its predecessor. It is capable of supporting 95 percent of most homes with a low voltage system. This includes electric, forced air, gas, radiant, heat pump, hot water, geothermal and even solar. It backs heating stages 1,2 and 3 and cooling stages 1 and 2. It is made of solid and high-quality stainless steel ring.
Overall Components
This model is equipped with necessary features that could make controlling temperature at home an easy task. It also helps you save energy so you could enjoy comfort without getting worried about your bill. It is also very easy to install and would cost you just 30 minutes of your time.
Product Description
It has a product dimension of 9.6 -inches x 6.2 -inches x 2.1 –inches. It has an item weight of 3.2 –ounces. This product comes with a 1-year warranty
10. The Simple
This could be the ideal choice if you are looking for an Energy Star certified product that provides convenient access to applications.
Read moreProduct Features
This device works well with Amazon’s voice assistant Alexa. It is equipped with a C-wire kit so users will not have a hard time looking for one if they do not have it. This item is capable of learning your preferences and guides you on how to save more energy. It also allows you to easily access the applications like changing schedules, set the device to Away mode to save energy, and adjust the temperature. It is Alexa-enabled that provides convenience to you if you want to control the device using your voice.
Design and Usability
This is a rectangular shaped product in a black color. It has a sharp and clear display that allows you to see the temperature even if you are away from the device.
Overall Components
This easy to install product comes with a C-wire kit so you can easily install it if you do not have one. It works well with Alexa so you can use your voice to control it without the need to touch the item.
Product Description
It has a product dimension of 4.25 –inches x 1 -inch x 4.25 –inches. It has an item weight of 11.7 –ounces.