What Are the Features Of the Best Smart Thermostats?

19 minutes read

The best smart thermostats typically offer a range of features designed to enhance convenience, energy efficiency, and overall home comfort. These devices often come equipped with intuitive user interfaces and can be controlled remotely via smartphone apps, allowing users to adjust the temperature from anywhere. They typically include compatibility with various smart home ecosystems, such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit, enabling voice control and integration with other smart devices. Advanced thermostats often feature learning capabilities that adapt to users' schedules and preferences over time, optimizing heating and cooling cycles to maximize energy savings. They may also provide detailed energy usage reports and insights, helping users monitor consumption and make informed decisions to reduce utility costs. Additional features might include geofencing, which adjusts settings based on the user's location, and the ability to control multiple zones or rooms independently. Some models come with built-in sensors to detect occupancy and adjust temperatures accordingly, ensuring comfort only where and when it's needed. Moreover, the best smart thermostats typically support scheduling, allowing users to set specific temperatures for different times and days, catering to a personalized climate control experience.

Best Smart Thermostats of February 2025

1
ecobee New Smart Thermostat Premium with Smart Sensor and Air Quality Monitor - Programmable Wifi Thermostat - Works with Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant

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

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Premium materials and advanced engineering mean a large, vibrant display with a cinematic interface, a timeless design, and next level occupancy sensing.
  • 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
Google Nest Thermostat - Smart Thermostat for Home - Programmable Wifi Thermostat - Snow

Rating is 4.9 out of 5

Google Nest Thermostat - Smart Thermostat for Home - Programmable Wifi Thermostat - Snow

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
ecobee3 Lite Smart Thermostat - Programmable Wifi Thermostat - Works with Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant - Energy Star Certified - DIY Install, Black

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

  • Save up to 23% annually on heating and cooling costs (compared to a hold of 72°F)
  • Control from anywhere using your Android or iOS device
  • Add SmartSensor to manage hot or cold spots and deliver enhanced comfort to the rooms that matter most
  • ecobee was named an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award winner
  • Integrates seamlessly with your preferred smart home system. Connectivity - Wi-Fi, 802.11 b/g/n @ 2.4 GHz
4
Amazon Smart Thermostat – Save money and energy - Works with Alexa and Ring - C-wire required

Rating is 4.7 out of 5

Amazon Smart Thermostat – Save money and energy - Works with Alexa and Ring - C-wire required

  • Smart upgrade - Amazon Smart Thermostat is an easy way to switch from a traditional thermostat and help reduce energy usage.
  • 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.
  • Save energy - According to EPA estimates, ENERGY STAR certified thermostats save an average of $50 on yearly energy bills.
  • Automatic Control - Alexa can automatically switch between your preferred home, away, and sleep temperatures.
  • On-the-go control - Let Alexa set the temperature, or set it yourself from anywhere with the Alexa app.
5
Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004 Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat, 7 Day Programmable, Touch Screen, Energy Star, Alexa Ready, Gray

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

  • COMFORT COMES IN YOUR COLOR. Personalize your Wi-Fi Smart Color Programmable Thermostat to fit your décor.
  • YOUR SCHEDULE. YOUR WAY. Flexible programming options for your schedule or utility company’s peak rate pricing.
  • EASY OPERATION AND INTUITIVE. Bright, easy-to-read touchscreen makes for simple operation.
  • 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.
  • ENERGY STAR certified. Help save energy, track your heating and cooling with monthly energy reports and get personalized tips on reducing energy use.
  • Works with most heat/cool oil furnace systems. Will not work with heating only oil furnace systems unless a C-Wire is present.
  • 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
Google Nest Learning Thermostat - 3rd Gen (2015) - Programmable Smart Thermostat for Home - Works with Alexa - Stainless Steel

Rating is 4.5 out of 5

Google Nest Learning Thermostat - 3rd Gen (2015) - Programmable Smart Thermostat for Home - Works with Alexa - Stainless Steel

  • Home/Away Assist: don't heat or cool an empty home. Home/Away Assist adjusts the temperature after you leave.
  • Remote control: Control your thermostat from anywhere using the Nest app.
  • Know more, save more Check your Energy History to see how much energy you use and why.
  • Look for the Leaf: The Nest Leaf appears when you choose a temperature that saves energy.
7
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"

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"

  • PRIVACY PROTECTION*: Sensi won’t sell your personal information to third parties
  • 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
  • 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
  • CONTROL FROM ANYWHERE: Remotely control your home comfort from your smartphone or tablet using the Sensi mobile app for Android and iOS devices
8
ecobee New Smart Thermostat Enhanced - Programmable Wifi Thermostat - Works with Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant - Energy Star Certified - Smart Home

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

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
Google Nest Thermostat E - Programmable Smart Thermostat for Home - 3rd Generation Nest Thermostat - Works with Alexa,White

Rating is 4.2 out of 5

Google Nest Thermostat E - Programmable Smart Thermostat for Home - 3rd Generation Nest Thermostat - Works with Alexa,White

  • Remote control lets family members change the temperature on this smart thermostat from anywhere using a phone, laptop, or tablet[1]
  • 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
  • Works with the Nest Temperature Sensor (sold separately) to help make sure a certain room is the exact temperature you want it to be
  • Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and other smart speakers so you can adjust the temperature with your voice
  • Designed to fit any home, with a frosted display that blends into the background
  • Easy installation, typically in 60 minutes or less, with everything you need included in the box; compatible with 95% of heating and cooling systems


What is multi-zone control in smart thermostats?

Multi-zone control in smart thermostats refers to the capability to manage and control the temperature in different areas or zones of a building independently. This feature allows for more precise and efficient heating or cooling, as you can tailor the climate settings to the specific needs of each zone rather than relying on a single thermostat to manage the entire space.


Benefits of multi-zone control include:

  1. Energy Efficiency: By only heating or cooling occupied or prioritized zones, you can reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills.
  2. Personal Comfort: Different areas of a home or building may have varying heating and cooling needs based on factors like sunlight exposure, room usage, and individual preferences. Multi-zone control allows you to cater to these differences.
  3. Flexibility: It offers flexibility in scheduling, so you can program specific temperatures for different times of the day in various zones, enhancing comfort and efficiency.
  4. Integration with Smart Home Systems: Many modern smart thermostats with multi-zone capability can integrate with other smart home devices, allowing for cohesive automation and control through apps or smart assistants.


To implement multi-zone control, a system typically requires multiple thermostats or smart temperature sensors that communicate with a central control system and compatible HVAC equipment capable of supporting zoning.


How to update the firmware of a smart thermostat?

Updating the firmware of a smart thermostat is an important process to ensure it operates with the latest features, improvements, and security patches. Here’s a general guide on how to update the firmware, but always consult your specific model's manual or the manufacturer's website for precise instructions:

  1. Check Compatibility: Ensure your thermostat model supports firmware updates and that your current firmware version supports the update process.
  2. Connect to Wi-Fi: Make sure your smart thermostat is connected to your home Wi-Fi network. A stable internet connection is usually required for downloading and installing updates.
  3. Access the Thermostat App: Use the mobile app or web portal associated with your smart thermostat. Most smart thermostats are controlled via an app provided by the manufacturer.
  4. Look for Firmware Updates: Navigate to the settings or device section in the app. Look for an option related to software or firmware updates. It might be under “About,” “Device Info,” or a specific updates section.
  5. Initiate the Update: If an update is available, you should see an option to start the update process. Follow the prompts to initiate the update. Some devices may have an automatic update feature, which means the update will proceed without manual initiation once available.
  6. Wait for the Update to Complete: The update process might take several minutes. Do not disturb the thermostat or your Wi-Fi connection during this time. The thermostat may reboot automatically as part of the process.
  7. Verify the Update: After the update is complete, check the firmware version in the app to ensure it matches the latest version provided by the manufacturer.
  8. Troubleshooting: If the update fails, try restarting your thermostat and checking your internet connection health. If problems persist, consult the support resources available on the manufacturer’s website or contact their customer support.


Important Note: Not all smart thermostats allow for user-initiated firmware updates; some may require professional service, and others may update automatically without user intervention. Always refer to the specific instructions provided by your smart thermostat’s manufacturer.


How to integrate a smart thermostat with smart home systems?

Integrating a smart thermostat with your smart home system can enhance energy efficiency and provide more seamless control over your home environment. Here are some general steps and considerations to successfully integrate a smart thermostat with your smart home system:

  1. Choose the Right Smart Thermostat: Compatibility: Ensure that the smart thermostat you choose is compatible with your HVAC system and the smart home platform you use (e.g., Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, SmartThings, etc.). Features: Consider the features that are important to you, such as remote control, learning algorithms, energy reports, geofencing, etc.
  2. Install the Thermostat: Turn Off Power: Before installation, turn off the power to your HVAC system to avoid any electrical hazards. Remove Old Thermostat: Take off the existing thermostat, being careful to note the wire connections and label them if necessary. Install Smart Thermostat: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing the smart thermostat. This typically involves connecting the wires to the appropriate terminals on the new thermostat.
  3. Connect to Wi-Fi: Use the thermostat’s app or interface to connect it to your home Wi-Fi network. You'll need a stable internet connection for seamless operation and remote control.
  4. Integration with Smart Home System: Use the Thermostat App: Open the thermostat’s dedicated app and follow the instructions to integrate it with your specific smart home system. You may need to authenticate the connection or provide permission for integration. Smart Home App/Platform Integration: Alternatively, open your smart home system’s app (e.g., Google Home, Apple Home, or Amazon Alexa) and look for the option to add a new device. Search for the thermostat and follow the pairing instructions.
  5. Configure Automation and Scenes: Once integrated, you can set up automation rules and scenes. For instance: Geofencing: Automatically adjust the temperature when you leave or approach home. Schedules: Program specific temperature settings for different times of the day. Voice Control: Use voice commands through your smart speaker to adjust the temperature.
  6. Test and Adjust Settings: Test the integration to ensure the thermostat responds to commands from your smart home system. Adjust settings and customize preferences according to your home climate needs.
  7. Regular Updates and Maintenance: Keep the thermostat’s firmware and the smart home app updated for improved functionality and security. Periodically check for new features or integrations offered by the manufacturers.
  8. Troubleshooting: If issues arise, consult the user manual, the support section of the thermostat’s app, or contact customer support for assistance.


By following these steps, you can integrate your smart thermostat into your smart home system effectively, enhancing both convenience and energy management.

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