A smart thermostat functions by connecting to your home’s Wi-Fi network, allowing you to control your heating and cooling systems remotely via a smartphone app or voice commands through smart home systems like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. It collects data about your routine, such as when you’re home or away, and learns your temperature preferences to create an optimized heating and cooling schedule. Many smart thermostats have sensors to detect humidity and movement, using this information to adjust settings automatically to improve efficiency and comfort. They can also provide insights into energy consumption, helping you understand and potentially reduce your energy usage. Some smart thermostats even integrate with other smart home devices, allowing for a more interconnected and automated home environment.
Best Smart Thermostats of February 2025
1
Rating is 5 out of 5
ecobee New Smart Thermostat Premium with Smart Sensor and Air Quality Monitor - Programmable Wifi Thermostat - Works with Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant
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Save up to 26% per year on heating and cooling costs. ENERGY STAR certified. Included SmartSensor (50 dollar value) adjusts the temperature in the rooms that matter most to reduce hot or cold spots to keep you comfortable. Compared to a hold of 72°F.
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Built-in air quality monitor alerts you to poor air quality, provides tips on how to improve it, and reminds you when it’s time to change your furnace’s air filter.
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Premium materials and advanced engineering mean a large, vibrant display with a cinematic interface, a timeless design, and next level occupancy sensing.
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Compatible with most 24VAC HVAC systems: furnaces, ACs (2H/2C), heat pumps (2H/2C + 2 stage AUX), boilers, PTACs, and fan coil units (3 fan speeds). Includes Power Extender Kit for C-Wire-less homes, ensuring easy installation.
2
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
Google Nest Thermostat - Smart Thermostat for Home - Programmable Wifi Thermostat - Snow
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The Nest Thermostat is designed to work without a C wire in most homes, but for some systems, including heating only, cooling only, zone controlled, and heat pump systems, you’ll need a C wire or other compatible power accessory. Lock feature: No
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Nest Thermostat turns itself down when you leave, so you don’t waste energy heating or cooling an empty home; easily program an energy efficient schedule in the Google home app on your Android or iPhone
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Control Nest Thermostat with Google Home and other smart home platforms. Compatible with Google Assistant and all Matter-certified voice assistants. Voice control requires a compatible smart device.
3
Rating is 4.8 out of 5
ecobee3 Lite Smart Thermostat - Programmable Wifi Thermostat - Works with Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant - Energy Star Certified - DIY Install, Black
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Save up to 23% annually on heating and cooling costs (compared to a hold of 72°F)
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Control from anywhere using your Android or iOS device
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Add SmartSensor to manage hot or cold spots and deliver enhanced comfort to the rooms that matter most
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ecobee was named an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award winner
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Integrates seamlessly with your preferred smart home system. Connectivity - Wi-Fi, 802.11 b/g/n @ 2.4 GHz
4
Rating is 4.7 out of 5
Amazon Smart Thermostat – Save money and energy - Works with Alexa and Ring - C-wire required
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Smart upgrade - Amazon Smart Thermostat is an easy way to switch from a traditional thermostat and help reduce energy usage.
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Save money - After purchase, Amazon will send you an email with details about rebates that may be available from energy providers in your area. Explore rebates above.
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Save energy - According to EPA estimates, ENERGY STAR certified thermostats save an average of $50 on yearly energy bills.
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Automatic Control - Alexa can automatically switch between your preferred home, away, and sleep temperatures.
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On-the-go control - Let Alexa set the temperature, or set it yourself from anywhere with the Alexa app.
5
Rating is 4.6 out of 5
Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004 Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat, 7 Day Programmable, Touch Screen, Energy Star, Alexa Ready, Gray
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COMFORT COMES IN YOUR COLOR. Personalize your Wi-Fi Smart Color Programmable Thermostat to fit your décor.
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YOUR SCHEDULE. YOUR WAY. Flexible programming options for your schedule or utility company’s peak rate pricing.
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EASY OPERATION AND INTUITIVE. Bright, easy-to-read touchscreen makes for simple operation.
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COMPATIBLE WITH: Forced air (gas, oil or electric), hot water and steam, and heat pumps with electric backup. Does NOT work with electric baseboard heat (120-240V). C-Wire required.
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ENERGY STAR certified. Help save energy, track your heating and cooling with monthly energy reports and get personalized tips on reducing energy use.
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Works with most heat/cool oil furnace systems. Will not work with heating only oil furnace systems unless a C-Wire is present.
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Fan Control Options include On: Fan is always on; Automatic: Fan runs only when the heating or cooling system is on; and Circulate: Fan runs randomly about 35% of the time.
6
Rating is 4.5 out of 5
Google Nest Learning Thermostat - 3rd Gen (2015) - Programmable Smart Thermostat for Home - Works with Alexa - Stainless Steel
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Home/Away Assist: don't heat or cool an empty home. Home/Away Assist adjusts the temperature after you leave.
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Remote control: Control your thermostat from anywhere using the Nest app.
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Know more, save more Check your Energy History to see how much energy you use and why.
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Look for the Leaf: The Nest Leaf appears when you choose a temperature that saves energy.
7
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat with Touchscreen Color Display, Works with Alexa, Energy Star Certified, C-wire Required, ST75 Black 5.625" x 3.4" x 1.17"
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PRIVACY PROTECTION*: Sensi won’t sell your personal information to third parties
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SAVE ABOUT 23% ON HVAC ENERGY*: The ENERGY STAR-certified Sensi smart thermostat can help you save energy with features like flexible scheduling, remote access and usage reports
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SLEEK, MODERN DESIGN: The large color display features easy-to-read temperatures and intuitive menus. Available in black, white and silver to complement your home décor
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CONTROL FROM ANYWHERE: Remotely control your home comfort from your smartphone or tablet using the Sensi mobile app for Android and iOS devices
8
Rating is 4.3 out of 5
ecobee New Smart Thermostat Enhanced - Programmable Wifi Thermostat - Works with Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant - Energy Star Certified - Smart Home
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Save up to 26% per year on heating and cooling costs. ENERGY STAR certified. Automatically adjusts the temperature when you’re away to never heat or cool an empty home. Compared to a hold of 72°F.
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Enjoy comfort without compromise. Smart Thermostat Enhanced preheats or precools your home before you arrive, so it’s the perfect temperature the moment you walk in. Automatically adjusts to your desired temperature when you’re home or sleeping to keep you comfortable day and night. Adjusts the temperature to account for humidity so your home always feels like the temperature you’ve set.
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ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced is made with quality materials and designed to last on your wall for over a decade. It’s hardwired so you never have to worry about losing control or replacing batteries. If you run into problems, our dedicated support team is available 7 days a week.
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Add in a SmartSensor which allows you to measure the temperature in rooms that matter most, like the nursery or bedroom. It reads temperature and movement in whatever room it is placed in for complete home monitoring and energy savings (SmartSensor sold separately).
9
Rating is 4.2 out of 5
Google Nest Thermostat E - Programmable Smart Thermostat for Home - 3rd Generation Nest Thermostat - Works with Alexa,White
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Remote control lets family members change the temperature on this smart thermostat from anywhere using a phone, laptop, or tablet[1]
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The Nest Leaf appears when you choose a temperature that saves energy; with Energy History, just check your phone to see how much energy you used and find out how to save mo
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Works with the Nest Temperature Sensor (sold separately) to help make sure a certain room is the exact temperature you want it to be
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Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and other smart speakers so you can adjust the temperature with your voice
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Designed to fit any home, with a frosted display that blends into the background
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Easy installation, typically in 60 minutes or less, with everything you need included in the box; compatible with 95% of heating and cooling systems
How to disable Wi-Fi on a smart thermostat?
Disabling Wi-Fi on a smart thermostat can vary depending on the brand and model of the thermostat. However, here are some general steps you can follow for most smart thermostats:
- Access the Thermostat Menu:
Look for the main menu button on your thermostat. This could be a physical button or a touchscreen icon, depending on the model.
- Navigate to Settings:
Once in the menu, navigate to the "Settings" section. This might be labeled as "Settings," "Configuration," "Setup," or something similar.
- Find Wi-Fi Settings:
Within the settings menu, look for a section related to "Wi-Fi" or "Network." This section will include options for managing Wi-Fi connections.
- Disable Wi-Fi:
In the Wi-Fi settings, there should be an option to disable Wi-Fi. It might be labeled "Wi-Fi On/Off," "Network On/Off," or "Disconnect Wi-Fi." Toggle this option to turn off the Wi-Fi connection.
- Save and Exit:
Make sure to save any changes you've made. Some thermostats might automatically save changes, while others require confirmation.
- Restart (If Necessary):
Some models might require you to restart the thermostat for changes to take effect.
If these steps do not match your thermostat, you might need to consult the user manual specific to your model for detailed instructions. Additionally, if you are unable to figure it out or if you have special configurations like remote control features that rely on Wi-Fi, consider contacting the customer support of your thermostat's manufacturer for assistance.
What is a learning thermostat?
A learning thermostat is a type of programmable thermostat that uses advanced algorithms and sensors to automatically adjust the temperature in a home or building based on the occupants' habits and preferences. Unlike traditional thermostats, which require manual programming, learning thermostats observe and adapt to human behavior over time to optimize heating and cooling schedules.
Key features of learning thermostats include:
- Adaptive Learning: They learn the household's daily routines and preferences by monitoring when people are home, when they are away, and their preferred temperature settings.
- Energy Efficiency: By optimizing heating and cooling based on occupancy and usage patterns, learning thermostats can help reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills.
- Remote Access: Many learning thermostats can be controlled remotely via smartphone apps, allowing users to adjust settings from anywhere.
- Integration with Smart Home Systems: They often integrate with other smart home devices and platforms, enabling voice control and coordination with other systems.
- Data Monitoring and Reporting: Users can often access detailed reports on energy usage, providing insights that can help further improve energy management.
- User-Friendly Interfaces: Typically, they come with intuitive interfaces, making it easy for users to interact with and understand their energy usage.
Popular examples of learning thermostats include the Nest Learning Thermostat and the Ecobee SmartThermostat, which have received attention for their intelligent features and user-friendly designs.
How to troubleshoot a smart thermostat?
Troubleshooting a smart thermostat involves a systematic approach to identify and resolve issues. Here’s a general guide to help you diagnose and fix common problems:
- Check Power Supply:
Ensure that the thermostat is receiving power. Check the circuit breaker or fuse box for any tripped breakers or blown fuses.
Inspect any battery compartments, if applicable, and replace the batteries if they’re low or dead.
- Verify Wi-Fi Connection:
Ensure your thermostat is connected to the Wi-Fi network. Check the router and ensure internet connectivity.
Restart your router and the thermostat to refresh the connection.
- Inspect Wiring:
Turn off the power to the thermostat and HVAC system.
Remove the thermostat faceplate and check the wiring connections to ensure they are snug and correctly installed.
Refer to the user manual for correct wiring configurations.
- Review Thermostat Settings:
Double-check the thermostat’s scheduling and temperature settings.
Make sure the system is set to the correct mode (e.g., heating or cooling).
- Firmware and App Updates:
Ensure that the thermostat firmware is up to date.
Update the mobile app used to control the thermostat for any recent bug fixes or improvements.
- Reset the Thermostat:
Perform a soft reset by turning the thermostat off and on or perform a factory reset if the problem persists. Note that a factory reset will erase all settings, so reconfiguration will be necessary.
- Environmental Interference:
Make sure the thermostat is not being influenced by external factors like direct sunlight, drafts, or other appliances that could cause false readings.
- Check HVAC System:
If the thermostat appears functional but the HVAC system is not responding, inspect the system itself for issues like clogged filters or tripped safety switches.
- Refer to Troubleshooting Guides:
Consult the user manual or the manufacturer’s website for specific troubleshooting advice for your model.
- Contact Support:
If you’ve tried all troubleshooting steps and the issue persists, contact the manufacturer’s customer service or a professional technician for assistance.
Document any error codes or uncommon behavior you observe during troubleshooting, as these can be helpful when seeking support.
