The Best Smart Thermostats of 2022
Updated: Dec. 12, 2022Find the best smart thermostat to control, adjust and monitor the temperature of your home directly from your smartphone or tablet.
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The best smart thermostat should be able to do a lot more than kick on the heat or pump up the air conditioning—it can be set on a heating or cooling schedule to help you save money, act as a smart speaker (just like an Amazon Echo) and even monitor your air quality.
A programmable thermostat is one of the best smart home devices for anyone looking for remote and instant access to temperature settings. They can help you remember when to change filters and prevent costly maintenance. Most models are easy to install—in fact, many smart thermostats can replace your existing one with only a few simple steps!
What are the best smart thermostats?
Smart thermostats allow you to control the temperature of your home even when you’re at the office or on vacation. But what sets the best models apart from the rest? Simple installation, connectivity and user-friendly displays. Brands like Nest, Honeybee and Ecobee are among the top contenders. Take a look at our list to find the right style and price to fit your home.
Best Overall Smart Thermostat
Google Nest Learning Thermostat
Nest was one of the first smart thermostats to hit the market, and the brand continues to be one of the most reliable when it comes to WiFi-connected temperature control. The 3rd Generation Google Nest thermostat learns your habits and schedule (like turning the temperature down before you go to bed) and begins to automatically change its settings to best fit your family’s needs.
You can use either Google Assistant or Alexa for voice control. It also sends an alert if something doesn’t seem right (like a sudden drop in temperature), along with helpful reminders to make maintenance easier.
Pros
- Learns your schedule and programs itself
- Compatible with 95% of heating and cooling systems
- Easy installation
Cons
- Small screen might be difficult for some to operate
- Additional room sensors sold separately
Best Splurge Smart Home Thermostat
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
The Ecobee Smart Thermostat is the latest model of this popular thermostat brand. It comes with a smart speaker and your choice of Siri or Alexa for voice commands. You can also use the speaker to listen to your favorite Spotify playlists and podcasts!
The latest Ecobee thermostat also features an upgraded smart sensor that lets you adjust your HVAC system’s output depending on whether a room is vacant or occupied. The Ecobee can also be used with or without a C-wire; however, those without one will need to purchase a separate C-wire adapter to do so.
Pros
- Includes smart speaker with voice control
- Built-in air quality monitor
- User-friendly screen
Cons
- More expensive than other models
- Might need to purchase a C-wire adapter
Best Budget Smart Thermostat
Google Nest Programmable WiFi Thermostat
The Google Nest programmable model is an entry-level Nest device that’s easy to install and can be purchased with an optional trim kit to hide wires and holes in the wall. It’s an attractive, simple device with most of its features accessible only in the app.
It’s the best smart thermostat for those on a budget (13,000+ five-star reviews on Amazon agree!). And while it may lack some learning capabilities featured in other Nest thermostats, it still has geofacing, and comes with quick scheduling features that should help reduce energy costs.
Pros
- Affordably priced at less than $100
- Works without a C-wire in most homes
- Easy to use swipe bar to change temperature
Cons
- Lack of on-unit controls: Must use the app for advanced settings
- Need to change the batteries often
Best Smart Thermostat for Large Homes
Honeywell Home T9 WiFi Smart Thermostat
If you have a large home and want to set different rooms at different temperatures, the Honeywell smart thermostat is exactly what you need. Put Smart Room Sensors in each room (the thermostat comes with one sensor, but you can purchase more)—and not only will they automatically detect if people are in the room, but they’ll also adjust the temperature for optimal comfort.
This best smart thermostat pick features geofencing—so the thermostat knows when you’re away—and voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant. Monthly energy reports help track your heating and cooling and offer tips on reducing energy use so you can save money on your bills.
Pros
- Multi-room temperature control
- Auto home and away modes
- Smart Room Sensors have an impressive 200-foot range
Cons
- C-wire required
- No backup battery
Best Large Screen Smart Thermostat
Emerson Sensi Touch
The Emerson Sensi smart thermostat has a large 4.3-inch touchscreen that’s easier on the eyes than most other smart models on the market. Even more helpful: The color of the screen changes—blue for cooling, red for heat—so you can immediately identify your HVAC mode.
The Sensi Touch also features flexible scheduling, which allows you to set your HVAC settings for each day of the week; and geofencing, which adjusts the temperature based on whether you’re home or not. According to Emerson these features, along with the other smart options built into the Sensi, will save you up to 23% on your energy bill.
Pros
- Large easy-to-read screen
- Simple DIY installation
- Maintenance reminders like filter replacement
Cons
- Some reviewers had trouble with the humidity sensor
- No back-up battery if the power goes out
Best Smart Thermostat for Scheduled Temperatures
Wyze Programmable Smart WiFi Thermostat
The Wyze smart thermostat boasts a seven day scheduling feature. You can set different temperatures for home, sleep and away on each day of the week without having to constantly adjust the thermostat, nor worry about kids changing the settings.
Control this smart thermostat with the app on your smartphone or tablet, or via voice control through Google Assistant or Alexa. This thermostat also helps you save energy by supplying tips based on your usage history, and unlike other models, it includes a C-wire adapter for homes without a C-wire.
Pros
- Seven day scheduling capability
- C-wire adapter included
- Easy turn-dial for adjusting temperature on the unit
Cons
- Setup not as easy as other models
- Frequent app updates according to some reviewers
What to consider when buying a smart thermostat
The most important thing to keep in mind when looking for the best smart thermostat for your needs is compatibility. While it’s not hard to install one of these devices, it’s crucial to make sure it can be used with your HVAC system first. Before you buy, ask yourself the following questions:
Does the smart thermostat need a C-wire?
Whether your thermostat has a C-wire (common wire) determines which devices you can install. If you already have a C-wire you’re good to go, and can pick from an array of devices. If you don’t have a C-wire, you’ll need to choose a thermostat that runs on rechargeable batteries. Battery-operated thermostats will be easy to set up, but you’ll need to keep track of when the battery is low.
Is the smart thermostat compatible with your HVAC system?
There are multiple kinds of HVAC units, and your thermostat needs to work with the one in your home. You typically need a central HVAC system, WiFi and a smartphone for full control. If your house has more than one temperature zone, you may need to get multiple thermostats.
Does the smart thermostat work with other smart home devices?
There are several smart home ecosystems these days, and they don’t always play well with each other. If you use Google Home, you’ll want a device that works with it. The same goes for Amazon Alexa or Apple HomeKit.
How We Chose the Best Smart Thermostats
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQs
What is a smart thermostat?
Smart thermostats are just like traditional thermostats, but they connect to WiFi, can be remotely controlled from your smartphone and can adapt and learn for optimal performance.
How do smart thermostats work?
Smart thermostats can be hardwired into your HVAC system, just like a standard thermostat, or run on rechargeable batteries. But it’s their WiFi connectivity that really sets them apart. Once connected, the thermostat will sense your home’s temperature and automatically make adjustments according to your settings. You can run it manually, or set it on a schedule. Some models can even “learn” your habits and set the right temperature when you’re home, away or sleeping.
Are smart thermostats worth it?
The greatest benefit to installing a smart thermostat is saving energy and money. Some claim the thermostat will pay for itself in two years, while others tout up to a 26% savings on heating and cooling costs. Of course, how you use it will ultimately determine how much you save. Additionally, it’s hard to beat the convenience of changing the temperature from your smartphone! With all these things combined, a smart thermostat is a no-brainer choice to upgrade your home to a smart home.
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