Key Takeaways
- Smart thermostats save energy and money by learning your schedule and adjusting temperatures automatically, reducing wasted heating and cooling.
- They offer remote control via smartphone apps, so you can adjust your home’s temperature from anywhere, ensuring comfort when you arrive.
- Compatibility matters, check if your HVAC system works with the thermostat (like Nest, Ecobee, or Honeywell) before buying to avoid installation issues.
Keeping your home at a comfortable temperature can be expensive. In fact, the Department of Energy says that heating and cooling your home accounts for almost half of your monthly utility bills. A smart thermostat can help you save money on your utility bills by giving you complete control over your HVAC systems. The installation process is fairly simple and straightforward as well.
The 5 Best Smart Thermostats
Shopping for a smart thermostat can feel overwhelming with so many great options out there. Whether you’re looking to save energy, control your home’s temperature remotely, or just make life a little easier, there’s a perfect smart thermostat for you.
1. Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen)
Best for: Tech-savvy users who want a “set it and forget it” thermostat that learns their routine.
The Nest Learning Thermostat is one of the most popular smart thermostats, and for good reason. It learns your schedule and preferences over time, adjusting temps automatically to save energy. Its sleek, circular design with a high-res display looks great in any home, and it works seamlessly with Google Assistant, Alexa, and Apple HomeKit.
Pros:
- Learns your habits for hands-off convenience
- Energy-saving features (Nest Renew helps optimize green energy)
- Sharp, intuitive display with Farsight (shows temp from across the room)
- Works with most HVAC systems
Cons:
- Expensive upfront cost
- No touchscreen, adjustments are made via the rotating ring
2. Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
Best for: Larger homes or those who want smart speaker functionality built right in.
The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is a powerhouse with built-in Alexa, air quality monitoring, and remote room sensors to balance temperatures throughout your home. Its touchscreen interface is super user-friendly, and it integrates with all major smart home platforms.
Pros:
- Includes room sensors for better temperature accuracy
- Built-in Alexa (no need for an extra Echo device)
- Air quality and humidity monitoring
- Siri/HomeKit, Google Assistant, and Alexa compatible
Cons:
- More expensive than some competitors
- Requires a C-wire (though a Power Extender Kit is available)
3. Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who still want smart features and room sensors.
The Honeywell T9 is a reliable, no-nonsense smart thermostat with optional room sensors to keep your home evenly comfortable. It’s easy to install and works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.
Pros:
- Affordable compared to Nest and Ecobee
- Responsive touchscreen
- Room sensors help avoid hot/cold spots
- Geofencing (adjusts temps based on your location)
Cons:
- Design isn’t as sleek as Nest or Ecobee
- No built-in smart assistant
4. Emerson Sensi Touch 2
Best for: Renters or first-time smart thermostat buyers who want reliability without the high price tag.
The Emerson Sensi Touch 2 is a great budget-friendly option with a modern touchscreen and easy DIY installation. It works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit but lacks some of the advanced learning features of pricier models.
Pros:
- One of the most affordable smart thermostats
- Simple, intuitive touchscreen
- No C-wire required for most installations
- Great for renters (easy to uninstall and take with you)
Cons:
- No learning capabilities
- No built-in sensors
5. Wyze Thermostat
Best for: Those who want basic smart control without spending much.
The Wyze Thermostat is a fantastic budget pick with a clean design and essential smart features. While it doesn’t have room sensors or learning abilities, it’s a solid, no-frills option that gets the job done.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Simple, easy-to-use app
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
Cons:
- Limited advanced features
- No HomeKit support
Comparing the Best Smart Thermostats
| Thermostat | Price Range | Learning Ability | Room Sensors | Smart Assistant | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Nest Learning | $$$ | Yes | No | Google Assistant | Hands-free, automated scheduling |
| Ecobee Premium | $$$ | Yes | Yes | Built-in Alexa | Whole-home comfort + smart speaker |
| Honeywell T9 | $$ | No | Yes | Alexa/Google | Budget + room sensors |
| Emerson Sensi Touch 2 | $ | No | No | Alexa/Google | Renters & simple setups |
| Wyze Thermostat | $ | No | No | Alexa/Google | Basic smart control on a budget |
If you want the smartest, most automated option, go for the Nest or Ecobee. If you’re on a budget but still want room sensors, the Honeywell T9 is a great pick. And if you just need basic smart control, the Wyze or Emerson Sensi will do the trick.
How Smart Thermostats Work
Smart thermostats are wired into your HVAC system, just like your current thermostat. The big difference is that most smart thermostats connect to an app on your phone over WiFi. From this app, you can set heating and cooling schedules, adjust your temperature, and turn your system on and off even if you are not at home. Some also have voice controls through services like Alexa, Siri or Google that allow you to adjust the thermostat while you’re sitting on the couch watching TV or in the kitchen cooking dinner.
Many smart thermostats can also connect via WiFi to external sensors. These sensors can be placed in different parts of your home to better control temperatures in those spaces, instead of solely relying on the temperature sensor in your thermostat. The thermostat can be programmed to use different sensors during different parts of the day. If you spend a lot of time during the day in your home office, the thermostat can use a sensor placed in that room to determine temperature during the day and then switch to a sensor placed in your bedroom at night.
Installing a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats are fairly simple to install, but do require a small amount of wiring. If at any point you run into issues or unsure of what to do next, contact an electrician or a HVAC specialist. Below is the standard installation process for a smart thermostat, make sure to follow the instructions that are included with the one you are installing.
- Turn off the power
Since you will be working with wiring, make sure that the power to your furnace is turned off. - Remove the faceplate to your current thermostat
Take a picture of the wires and connections, so that you can refer back to it if needed. Some kits will include labels to keep track of where each wire was connected. Typically the colored wires will match up to the corresponding slot on your new thermostat. For example, the red wire would match up with the slot labeled R. Keep in mind, this is not always the case and to refer to your instruction manual for your particular thermostat. - Unscrew the existing backplate
After you’ve disconnected the wires from your existing thermostat, it’s time to remove the backplate, so you can replace it with the one for your new thermostat. - Connect the wires to your new thermostat
Match up the wires to the correct terminals on your new thermostat. As mentioned previously, the colors typically match up to the corresponding slot, but refer to your instruction manual just in case. - Install the new thermostat
The new thermostat should easily click into place directly on the new base you installed. It should now be safe to turn the power back on. Some thermostats will require you to install an extender in the furnace itself. Follow the instructions that came with your thermostat to see if this is necessary for you. - Follow setup instructions
Once the power is back on, your new thermostat should walk you through the final set up process. This includes connecting to the internet and the app on your mobile device. This process should be very simple and take just a few minutes to complete.
Save Money with a Smart Thermostat
Ecobee, a manufacturer of smart thermostats, suggests that you can save up to 23% on your heating and cooling bill using a smart thermostat. Not only can you control your thermostats settings from your smart device when you’re not home, but you can also optimize your heating and cooling based on your habits. The Department of Energy states that you can save up to 10% on your electric bill by adjusting your thermostat by as little as eight degrees for eight hours a day. A smart thermostat will allow you to set schedules to adjust temperatures for the times of day when no one is at home and return them back to normal when you are home.
As mentioned above, using separate temperature sensors can also give you more control over your heating and cooling by optimizing temperatures for the parts of your house that are being used. Not only can you set schedules around these sensors, but they can also detect when someone is in the room.
Ensuring that you have a clean air filter in your HVAC system will help it operate more efficiently. A smart thermostat can send you reminders to change your air filter, so that you don’t forget and keep your system running smoothly.
Choosing a Smart Thermostat
Which smart thermostat is right for you? There are quite a few choices out there, so here are a few key features to keep in mind as you choose your new smart thermostat.
- Cost
You can expect a smart thermostat to cost you somewhere between $140 and $300, depending on the features the thermostat has. Choose the one that fits your needs and most importantly your budget. - Smart App
Check out the reviews for the app that runs your smart thermostat. Make sure it’s easy to use, is compatible with your devices and fits your needs. - Compatibility with your heating and cooling system
Not all smart thermostats work with all heating and cooling systems. Check with the manufacturer to ensure the smart thermostat you are considering is compatible. No matter what system you have, odds are that there is a smart thermostat that will work for you. - Rebates or Incentives Available
Some energy companies offer rebates or incentives when you purchase a participating smart thermostat. Check with your energy provider to see if they offer any such incentives.
While there is some up front cost involved in switching to a smart thermostat, the potential energy savings are huge. Plus many energy companies are currently offering rebates or other incentives that will help cut that initial investment. Smart thermostats are a great way to make your home more energy efficient and save you money on your energy bills all year round.
FAQs About Smart Thermostats
How do smart thermostats work?
Can a smart thermostat help me save money on energy bills?
Are smart thermostats compatible with all HVAC systems?
Do smart thermostats work with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant?
What is a C-wire?
Can I install a smart thermostat without a C-wire?
What if I don’t have a C-wire?
1. Use a power adapter (like the Nest Power Connector or Ecobee Power Extender Kit). These use spare wires to create a C-wire.
2. Install a C-wire. An HVAC technician can run a new wire if needed.
3. Choose a thermostat that doesn’t require a C-wire. Some models (like the Emerson Sensi Touch 2 or Ecobee with Power Extender Kit) work without one.
How Much Does a Smart Thermostat Cost?
About the Author
David has been an integral part of some of the biggest utility sites on the internet, including InMyArea.com, HighSpeedInternet.com, BroadbandNow.com, and U.S. News. He brings over 15 years of experience writing about, compiling and analyzing utility data.