Heating and cooling are the biggest energy costs in most homes, and a smart thermostat quietly trims them. It learns your schedule, adjusts when you leave and lets you fix the temperature from your phone.
We kept six: Google's 4th-gen Nest Learning Thermostat, ecobee's Premium and Enhanced, two Sensi models known for easy DIY installs and Honeywell's color touchscreen.
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#1 — Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen)
- Nest’s smartest, most advanced thermostat yet, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) is a beautiful, brilliant w…
- Savings you can count on: The Nest Learning Thermostat can help save up to 31% on heating and cooling bills [2]
- Improved compatibility: It works with most 24V systems, including gas, electric, oil, forced air, heat pump, and radiant…
Nest's most advanced thermostat learns your preferences and adjusts itself, and the bundle includes a Nest Temperature Sensor for the room that matters most. Its large display and Google Home integration feel genuinely premium.
Best for: Hands-off, learning comfort
Verdict: ★★★★☆
#2 — ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
- Save Up to 26% on your energy bills: ENERGY STAR certified. Automatically adjusts your temperature based on occupancy. C…
- Manage hot or cold spots in your home: The included SmartSensor ($50 dollar value) detects which rooms you’re actually u…
- See and talk to visitors from your thermostat: Stream a live view of your front door and use two-way talk to answer visi…
ecobee's Premium has Siri and Alexa built in, a SmartSensor for room-by-room comfort and an air quality monitor. ENERGY STAR certified, it can save a meaningful share on yearly heating and cooling bills.
Best for: Multi-room comfort and air quality
Verdict: ★★★★☆
#3 — ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced
- Saves you energy automatically — Save up to 26% per year on heating and cooling costs.* The Smart Thermostat Enhanced au…
- Smart comfort for everyday life — Built-in occupancy sensing detects when people are home and can preheat or precool you…
- Compatible with 90% of HVAC systems: Use the Compatibility Checker on the ecobee support page to confirm. ecobee.com/com…
The Enhanced model keeps ecobee's automatic energy savings and smart scheduling and works with major voice assistants. It is a great value if you do not need the built-in speaker.
Best for: ecobee smarts for less
Verdict: ★★★★☆
#4 — Sensi Smart Thermostat ST55
- PRIVACY PROTECTION*: Sensi won’t sell your personal information to third parties
- EASY DIY INSTALLATION: Use the built-in level and step-by-step app instructions for a quick installation. Works with HVA…
- SAVE ABOUT 23% ON HVAC ENERGY*: The ENERGY STAR-certified Sensi smart thermostat can help you save energy with features …
Sensi is known for guided, do-it-yourself installation and works with most HVAC systems. It is ENERGY STAR certified, supports Alexa, and Sensi says it will not sell your personal data.
Best for: Easy DIY installs
Verdict: ★★★★☆
#5 — Sensi Touch Smart Thermostat
- PRIVACY PROTECTION: Sensi won’t sell your personal information to third parties
- EASY DIY INSTALLATION: Use the built-in level, illuminated easy-click terminals and step-by-step app instructions for a …
- SAVE ABOUT 23% ON HVAC ENERGY: The ENERGY STAR-certified Sensi smart thermostat can help you save energy with features l…
Sensi Touch adds a bright color touchscreen to Sensi's easy setup and app controls. It shows humidity, supports flexible scheduling and works with popular voice assistants.
Best for: A color touchscreen with simple controls
Verdict: ★★★★☆
#6 — Honeywell Home RTH9600WF
- ENERGY STAR certified to help save energy, track your heating and cooling and send personalized tips on reducing energy …
- SAVE ENERGY AND GET REWARDED by checking with your energy provider about available energy savings rebates to save on you…
- CONTROL FROM ANYWHERE by using the app or compatible smart home partners including AMAZON ALEXA, GOOGLE ASSISTANT, MICRO…
Honeywell's Wi-Fi thermostat has a customizable color display, smart alerts and app control from anywhere. It is ENERGY STAR certified and a familiar, reliable upgrade from a basic programmable unit.
Best for: A trusted brand with a color screen
Verdict: ★★★★☆
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose
Check C-wire compatibility
Most smart thermostats need a common wire. Run the brand's online compatibility checker first.
Room sensors fix hot and cold spots
Remote sensors average temperatures across rooms instead of reading only the hallway.
Learning vs scheduling
Learning models build a schedule for you. Others let you set it once in the app.
Look for ENERGY STAR
Certified models are proven to save energy when used as designed.
Final Thoughts
The Nest Learning Thermostat is the smartest hands-off pick, the ecobee Premium is best for multi-room comfort, and Sensi is the easiest DIY install. Honeywell's RTH9600WF is a dependable touchscreen upgrade.
Upgrade the next room: read our guides to the best robot vacuums and smart locks.
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