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The best smart thermostats can actually save you money
A smart thermostat can save you a lot of money by reducing energy usage in your home and lowering your electric bill every month. It gives you complete control, allowing you to adjust the temperature even when you're not home. You can also receive alerts that can help save you money and even prolong the life of your heating and cooling systems.
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However, a smart thermostat usually requires an investment, so it's important to buy the best smart thermostat for your needs. We researched and compared top options to find the best smart thermostats for your home.
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- Excellent design
- Voice support
- Flexible compatibility
- May take a little while to get going
- Limited controls
Tech Specs: Voice assistant: Yes | Touch screen: Yes | C-wire: Yes | Energy Star®-certified: Yes | Voice control: Yes
We love the Google Nest Learning Thermostat for its many features. This is a smart thermostat that learns your habits and adjusts itself accordingly to match your preferred schedule. There's also the Nest app which you can access via iTunes or Google Play to control your thermostat from anywhere and receive important alerts and notifications.
System Match will work with your existing heating and cooling system to activate the best features for your system. Look for the Nest Leaf to know when your chosen temperature is energy efficient. Plus, there is even a screwdriver included for easy installation.
Read the review: Google Nest Learning Thermostat review
- Affordable
- Alexa voice control
- Clean design
- No Google Assistant
- Not compatible with all systems
Tech Specs: Voice assistant: Yes | Touch screen: No | C-wire: Yes | Energy Star®-certified: Yes | Voice control: Yes
The Amazon Smart Thermostat might skip the touchscreen, but it still performs well, offering a budget-friendly option that incorporates the best of Alexa for your convenience. You have two options: you can set the temperature, or Alexa can -- it's all a matter of personal preference. This Energy Star®-certified device offers additional support with a guided installation process and voice control.
Read the review: Amazon Smart Thermostat review
- Wide compatibility
- Air quality monitoring
- Dual-band WiFi
- Subscription necessary for all features
- Expensive
Tech Specs: Voice assistant: Yes | Touch screen: Yes | C-wire: Yes | Energy Star®-certified: Yes | Voice control: Yes
If you have a bigger budget, the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is our pick for the best splurge. With geofencing technology, it can identify hot and cold spots in your home, changing the temperature as needed to ensure your favorite rooms are kept at the perfect temperature. You can enjoy great support, too, because it offers connectivity for Siri, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant for all your voice control needs.
Read the review: Ecobee SmartThermostat
- Voice control
- Great compatibility
- HVAC notifications
- No automatic schedules
- No touch screen
Tech Specs: Voice assistant: Yes | Touch screen: No | C-wire: Yes | Energy Star®-certified: Yes | Voice control: Yes
Google's Nest Thermostat has become synonymous with thermostats and for good reason. It's an affordable option that allows you to set your own schedule based on what works best for your family. Simply download the Google Home app for remote control over your device.
This app will actually track your phone's location to know when you have left the house, automatically adjusting to Eco mode while you are away. Voice control makes it easy to change the temperature, and you can count on alerts should something go awry.
Read the review: Google Nest Thermostat
- Monthly energy reports
- Advanced motion detection
- Accompanying app
- No Apple Homekit
- Higher price tag
Tech Specs: Voice assistant: No | Touch screen: Yes | C-wire: Yes | Energy Star®-certified: Yes | Voice control: Yes
The Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat is a smart thermostat made for larger spaces, like your entire home. With an easy touchscreen design, this unit features a built-in sensor, utilizing geofencing technology that automatically adjusts itself based on your movement. You can also control the system via the free Resideo app, available through iTunes or Google Play. Push notifications will let you know if there is cause for concern, plus you'll receive reminders to change your filter.
Read the review: Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat review
What is the best smart thermostat?
The Google Nest Learning Thermostat is both affordable and reliable with excellent features that keep you comfortable and save you money. To see how it compares to our other picks, here is an overview of the best smart thermostats.
Best smart thermostat | Cost | Touch screen |
Google Nest Learning Thermostat | $197 | ✔ |
Amazon Smart Thermostat | $80 | ✗ |
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium | $240 | ✔ |
Google Nest Thermostat | $94 | ✗ |
Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat | $158 | ✔ |
Which is the best smart thermostat for you?
It can be confusing to sort through different models, so we offer our expert recommendations to help you find the best smart thermostat for your home.
Choose this smart thermostat... | If you want... |
Google Nest Learning Thermostat | Automation and overall performance |
Amazon Smart Thermostat | To stick to a budget |
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium | To splurge on a high-end system |
Google Nest Thermostat | The most popular automated option |
Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat | To control the temperature in your entire home |
How did we choose these smart thermostats?
There are several factors we consider when choosing the best smart thermostats.
- Compatibility: A smart thermostat is hardly useful if it doesn't work with your home's system. Before you buy, be sure to check that your system will, in fact, work with your smart home system.
- Features: Many smart thermostats come with special features like a touchscreen, voice control, and even a virtual assistant to simplify everyday tasks for you.
- Room size: Most smart thermostats are designed to accommodate rooms of all sizes, but some smart thermostats also offer the option for multi-room sensors that offer a whole-home effect.
- Installation: The best smart thermostats feature a straightforward installation process that you can do yourself. Some even provide the tools you need to get the job done.
- Price: Cost is often a concern when shopping for the best smart thermostats, so we look for cost-effective options that suit a variety of different budgets.
What is a smart thermostat?
A smart thermostat uses the latest technology to offer temperature control via a Wi-Fi connection. These systems can perform all sorts of smart functions, like automatically adjusting themselves to your climate schedule and offering voice control with geofencing technology.
Are smart thermostats worth it?
Smart thermostats are worth the investment for many people because these systems offer a more efficient, cost-effective way to heat and cool your home. However, smart thermostats often cost more than traditional thermostats, so you have to be prepared to make that initial investment.
How much do the best smart thermostats cost?
Pricing for smart thermostats can run the gamut from under $100 to more than a few hundred. However, the best smart thermostats range in cost from $80 to about $240, depending on the model you choose.
Are there alternative smart thermostats worth considering?
In our search, we also found these runner-ups for best smart thermostats that may be worth a second look for your home.
For other options, check out our picks for the best home automation systems, the best smart displays, and the best cheap smart home gadgets!