A smart thermostat is the tool anyone with a modern home needs, as it regulates the heating and cooling systems remotely and effortlessly. This neat little device enables you to have better control over your climate system even when you are away from home, and some of them even allow voice commands with Alexa, Siri and other assistants.
Most smart thermostats have ingenious features designed to detect motion or even someone’s presence and learn to adjust the temperature without your interference. Being able to connect with the system through your phone enables the device to activate your “away” mode when you are at a certain distance from your house.
The most valuable thing about smart thermostats is that they are energy-saving machines, as they tell you how much energy you are using and help you become more efficient. They are, therefore, astonishingly satisfying for both nature and your budget at the same time.
But there are hundreds of smart thermostat options on the market. Which is the right one for you?
Smart Thermostats Buying Guide
There are many aspects to take into consideration when you are choosing a smart thermostat.
Cost
The prices of these smart devices depend on the brand, features and quality. The most expensive ones are going to set you back $200+ and include premium features and an appealing design. These higher-priced thermostats are designed for bigger houses with more elaborate HVAC systems.
The middle category is between $100 and $200, and it contains most of the intelligent thermostats on the market. These devices can cover most homes and offer good quality and all essential features. At this price, however, you won’t get an ultra-modern gadget but one that’s good enough to help you lower your energy consumption and costs.
The last category contains cheaper models, with a price lower than $100, that will still do their job but will not have most of the cool features we will discuss later and they’re usually bulky.
House Size
The size of your house is a crucial factor when it comes to choosing the right smart thermostat for you. You might want to consider how each room reacts to temperature and if there is any place in your house that struggles heating up or cooling down.
If you do have such a room, you might want to consider the models with special sensors.
Features
Features are also something to look at when you are deciding on a thermostat. If you feel like your house needs a particular feature to maximize your efficiency, then look for that first.
If you own an Alexa or Google Assistant, you might want to check if the thermostat is compatible with your other gadget.
C-wire requirement
Some batteries will not do the job for a smart thermostat, but you should not worry about connecting all the wires existing into the house to bring it to life. Some of these intelligent devices will need a C-wire for good functionality.
Even though some of the thermostats mentioned below do not suggest a C-wire, the best option is still getting one installed. Other thermostats can work with an R-wire, but these are more likely to cause damage to your HVAC system.
User interface
We know that most intelligent devices sometimes become way too smart for the average buyer. If you install the thermostat or the app and immediately notice how complicated it is, you should reconsider your choice.
The last thing you want is to spend hours deciphering the instructions. The thermostats that are indeed smart are those with an easy interface, offering essential details at just a glance.
How do you install your thermostat?
The process of installing a smart thermostat is most of the time fairly easy, and it should not put the owner through a revolting experience. It should not take longer than thirty minutes to install the device, and a screwdriver is the only tool you might need.
On some of the thermostats’ manufacturer’s websites, you will find tutorials on how to install them easily. The package should also come with an instruction book, so it’s something each of us might be able to do.
Having said that, let’s take a closer look at the 15 best smart thermostats you could buy in 2022.
15. Bosch Connected Control BCC100 Thermostat
The Bosch Connected Control BCC100 made it to the list due to its simplicity and easy of use. Even though it is not as smart as many of its competitors from this list, this gadget can still connect to your HVAC system from anywhere.
A large, colored touchscreen completes the smooth design of this smart thermostat. It can follow a personalized schedule and will make sure to help you get your costs lower.
14. Cielo Breez Plus Thermostat
If you don’t think you will manage a complicated installing process or device, the Cielo Breez Plus is the right choice for you. It is very easy to place and use and will work in conjunction with most AC models. This model improves the performance of your cooling and heating systems, but does not have most of the high-tech features that other more expensive models do.
However, for smaller budgets, this smart thermostat will do its job perfectly. The design is beautiful, fitting all living areas, regardless of their color pattern or design.
13. Mysa Smart Thermostat
This model made it to our list due to a variety of reasons. The first thing that caught our attention was the pretty design the manufacturers created. Then, we noticed its compatibility with Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant. Therefore, it is a good choice for people who already own gadgets that come with these assistants.
However, the main reason why this is one of our choices is the thermostat’s unbelievable capacity of streamlining high-voltage heaters. People use the model for baseboard, fan-forced, radiant convectors rather than for traditional HVAC systems. As there are fewer options in this particular category of smart thermostats, we can agree that the price is more than acceptable.
12. Wyze Smart Home Thermostat
Wyze is one of those companies that never fails to amaze us with high-quality products at surprisingly affordable prices. A large number of people purchase their home gadgets due to their low price and great cost-quality balance. Their smart thermostat is no exception to the rule, shocking the market with a cost of around $75.
At this price, the model does most of the essential things a more expensive competitor would. It can also pair with more HVAC systems than other thermostats do. However, the disadvantage this model has is the design. The “not so stylish” look can make some people reconsider buying the product, choosing a more discrete one for their homes.
11. Sensi Touch ST75 Thermostat
The Sensi Touch ST75 has the fundamental features of a smart thermostat. You can control it with your voice, smartphone or thanks to its touchscreen panel. The device alerts you when the humidity is higher than recommended or if you are using too much energy.
This smart thermostat also helps you reduce your expenses and contributes to a healthier life in general. Most parents choose this model to keep their humidity levels low for the baby. Sensi Touch ST75 offers support for various intelligent home platforms.
10. Lux Kono Smart Thermostat
The Lux Kono Smart cares about design and personalization. Usually, the small gadgets come in black so they would fit in any home, without standing out too much. However, the company took into account the houses that have a certain colour pattern and decided to offer more options in terms of colour.
You are even able to create your own colour. Yet, this smart thermostat is not just a nice cover. It is a great model that adjusts to your needs and connects with most smart products on the market.
9. Sensi ST55 Thermostat
Even though it might look a bit outdated, the Sensi ST55 is a smart thermostat that works with most home assistants existing on the market: Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant and even Samsung SmartThings. It is a great product, offering most features for a reasonable price.
The gadget will send you reminders on the app, control your humidity levels and will help you balance the temperature in your home by improving air circulation. Installing it is also a pretty simple process, as all you need to do is follow the instruction. The results of using this thermostat are incredible: you will save around 23% on HVAC energy.
8. Honeywell T9 Smart Thermostat
The Honeywell T9 has some of the most distinctive features of an intelligent thermostat. This model has sensors for presence, detecting if there is anyone in the home in order to adjust the temperature. However, if you feel like this characteristic does not help you, you can decide to purchase it without the sensor for a lower price.
Another thing that this model offers is the geofencing feature. Honeywell’s design is a modern one, having a rectangular frame with a large display created for effortless usage. While it works with Alexa and Google Assistant, this model does not support Apple HomeKit, and the app is not so simple to use.
7. Nest Thermostat E
The Nest Thermostat E is one of the greatest thermostats for a price lower than $200. While it is not as advances as its siblings from Nest, this model is still suitable for most homes. However, for bigger houses or companies, it is relevant to know that this thermostat does not support too many HVAC systems and the materials from which it is made are not as qualitative.
The main component is plastic and only comes in white, unlike the Nest Learning Thermostat that is made from metal. The display might be challenging to read from a distance, but for the price, this might be a compromise you could make.
6. Sensibo Sky
The Sensibo Sky is one of the best thermostats for people who own in-wall/window AC that have IR remotes. The cost of this thermostat is pretty low, the price revolving around $100. The thermostat can be controlled remotely and has the ability to follow a schedule too.
A big plus is its geofencing feature, but there are also some disadvantages. One of them is the absence of a display that shows the temperature. However, the design is pretty and discrete, perfect for most homes out there. There is a new version to this model, called Sensibo Air, that has more features but it is also more expensive, reaching a price of $179.
5. Ecobee 3 Lite SmartThermostat
The Ecobee 3 Lite is one of the cheapest models from this innovative company, costing around $80 less than their “more intelligent” models.
The differences between this gadget and its newer siblings are that Amazon’s voice assistant is not built into the system, and it cannot support HVAC accessories. It also does not have an “eco+” mode- a huge game-changer for anyone who wishes for a more efficient home in terms of energy.
If those things we have listed above are not so important to you, this option could actually make you happy. Ecobee 3 Lite has a colour touchscreen and intelligent home integration. It is also possible to buy some extra sensors that will make your thermostat even smarter.
4. Nest Thermostat
The Nest Thermostat is one of the most basic thermostats created by Nest. At a low price, this thermostat offers most of the features a good thermostat has. However, you will not benefit from the “learning” abilities other Nest thermostats have, nor will you be able to adjust temperatures the way you want to.
The model does not have remote sensors either, but most people will be content with this simple and easy to understand device. Sometimes we do not need the most complex and high-tech designs for our simplistic houses.
3. Honeywell RTH6580WF Wi-Fi Thermostat
If you thought that making your house more efficient means spending a fortune in the beginning, you are probably wrong. The Honeywell RTH6580WF Thermostat is the best option for people on a tight budget that need a good model that includes most of the features an expensive thermostat would give.
This design does not have many limits, as it can connect not only with your smartphone but also with Alexa and Google Assistant. For less than $100, this thermostat has various partners, such as Arlo, SmartThings, Kevo, Lutron, Apple HomeKit and many others.
Of course, you will not benefit from a stylish look or more advanced sensors other models have, but the basic homeowner should find this thermostat satisfactory.
2. Nest Learning Thermostat
The Nest Learning Thermostat has a suggestive name. “Learning” means that this device studies your behaviour and learns to adjust temperatures according to your needs, activities and presence. The third version of Google’s Nest thermostat, this device stands out from the crowd because of its original, retro design.
With a larger display than its predecessors, the circular thermostat model catches your eye. It has a steel finish and a turning mechanism rarely seen in other models coming from competitors. This thermostat looks and feels premium, proving not only quality but also a sharp sense of good taste.
1. Ecobee SmartThermostat
This model is an improved alternative to Ecobee4, and it is considered one of the most reliable Alexa compatible tools, as it supports all of Alexa’s features. The new Ecobee is not only a thermostat- it is a device that integrates into your home, using as many features as possible to transform your house into the best environment for you and your family.
It has flawless speaker and Spotify compatibility, providing background music if you wish. It has remote sensors with extended battery life and a better range than its predecessors. However, as all things that exist and are human-made, the thermostat has its flaws. For example, the design is not too different from the old one, and external factors can deteriorate the plastic.
Conclusion
Smart Thermostats are becoming a huge part of more and more households, as they help owners achieve the best results for their heating or cooling systems.
Most intelligent thermostats will learn your patterns and behaviors and will adjust the temperature accordingly. New technology enables these tools to notice your presence or absence and teaches them to turn off or on the HVAC systems depending on your status.
All of these features reduce the amount of time your HVAC system is opened for no reason and creates a better, more cost-effective and healthy environment for you and your family.
