Smart thermostats provide a level of control over the climate system in your home that has never been seen before and save energy at the same time. Smart thermostats with WiFi connect to your home network so you can control the temperature remotely on your smartphone and connect with voice assistants such as Alexa and Google Home.
In addition to convenience, such devices are able to learn your schedule, adjust to your preferences and give detailed reports on energy usage.
We have compared several models and found the best WiFi thermostats according to the installation requirements, energy-saving features, compatibility with smart home, and user experience. Regardless of whether you want simple remote temperature control or sophisticated learning features, we have suggestions to fit different needs and budgets.
| Product | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Google Nest Learning Thermostat | Auto-scheduling, learning capabilities, premium design | Tech enthusiasts wanting automated temperature control |
| Amazon Smart Thermostat | Alexa integration, value pricing, energy rebates | Budget-conscious Amazon ecosystem users |
| Sensi Smart Thermostat | Easy DIY install, privacy protection, no C-wire required | Privacy-focused users and simple installations |
| Honeywell Home Color Thermostat | Customizable display, flexible programming, utility rewards | Those wanting personalization and energy program benefits |
| Honeywell Home T5 WiFi | Geofencing technology, 7-day programming, energy savings | Users wanting location-based temperature control |
#1 Google Nest Learning Thermostat: Premium Smart Control
The Google Nest Learning Thermostat stands out with its sophisticated auto-learning capabilities that eliminate the need for manual programming. After just a week of use, this device learns your temperature preferences and automatically creates a schedule that matches your routine.
The sleek stainless steel design makes it a stylish addition to any home while providing intuitive control through its rotating dial interface.
Among the most interesting ones is the Home/Away Assist option that relies on sensors and the location of your phone to prevent heating or cooling an unoccupied house. This smart automation helps save a lot of energy without the need to interfere with it continuously.
The Farsight feature of the Nest notices you in the other side of the room and turns on to display helpful data such as the temperature or the time.
The ability to control the temperature remotely with the help of the Nest app allows you to manage the temperature fully wherever you are with the help of your smartphone, tablet, or computer. The thermostat also gives monthly energy reports to enable you to monitor the consumption trend and find more ways of saving.
Its functionality can be extended by integrating with other smart home devices, so it can be used with voice assistants such as Alexa and other Nest products.
Installation usually needs a C-wire to provide steady power, but Nest has a built-in rechargeable battery to accommodate systems that do not have one. You can check compatibility with your HVAC system online before you buy using Google Nest Compatibility Checker.
The learning abilities are what actually make this thermostat stand out and it is perfect to those homeowners who desire an automated system that will provide maximum comfort and minimum energy consumption.
#2 Amazon Smart Thermostat: Budget-Friendly Efficiency
The Amazon Smart Thermostat offers an affordable entry point into smart climate control without sacrificing essential features. Developed in collaboration with Resideo (the company behind Honeywell Home thermostats), this device combines proven technology with Amazon’s smart home expertise.
Its clean, minimalist design features a simple touch interface that blends seamlessly with most home decor while providing intuitive temperature control.
Among the outstanding features is that it can be used as a temperature sensor with Echo devices. Combining the thermostat with Echo Dots or the Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor will help you to solve hot and cold spots in your home so that you can be comfortable in the rooms that matter most.
The thermostat needs a C-wire to be installed, which is normal in most smart thermostats, but might need an adapter in certain houses.
It pays a lot of attention to energy efficiency, and Amazon assists users in finding possible rebates offered by local energy providers once they make a purchase. Such rebates can greatly cover the initial cost, and this already affordable option will become even more affordable.
It is compatible with the Hunches feature of Amazon that can automatically change the temperatures when you are not at home according to the patterns of your usage of the Echo device.
Although it is not as smart as high-end models such as the Nest, the Amazon Smart Thermostat makes up with its easy integration with Alexa. You can change temperatures, make schedules, or see what settings are currently in use without opening an app using voice commands.
This thermostat is a great value offering to homeowners who are already invested in the Amazon ecosystem and want to get the critical smart features without the extra complexity.
#3 Sensi Smart Thermostat: Privacy-Focused Simplicity
The Sensi Smart Thermostat from Emerson brings over a century of HVAC expertise to the smart home market with a focus on privacy, ease of installation, and energy efficiency. Unlike many competitors that collect and potentially share user data, Sensi prioritizes privacy protection with a commitment not to sell personal information to third parties—an increasingly important consideration for privacy-conscious consumers.
Installation is especially convenient, as there are in-built level indicators and step-by-step instructions in the app that will help you install it. A major benefit is that it does not need a C-wire in most installations, and can be used in more homes without the need of adapters or professional installation.
The thermostat is compatible with the majority of HVAC systems used in the common homes, both conventional and heat pump systems.
The other good feature is energy efficiency, as the ENERGY STAR-certified device allows users to save about 23 percent of the HVAC energy use. This efficiency is achieved by such features as flexible scheduling that enables you to program temperature changes according to your daily schedule and usage reports that give you an idea of your energy consumption habits.
The remote access feature will allow you to manage the climate of your home remotely with the help of the mobile application.
Although the Sensi is a little more rectangular in shape than some of its rivals, it has a clear, backlit display that is easy to read. The interface is a compromise between the physical buttons and touch controls, which makes it easy to use by the user who wants to interact conventionally, and at the same time offering the latest connectivity options.
This thermostat is compatible with the most popular voice assistants such as Alexa, but it does not compromise simplicity or user privacy in favor of smart features.
#4 Honeywell Home WiFi Smart Color Thermostat: Customizable Comfort
The Honeywell Home RTH9585WF WiFi Smart Color Thermostat combines robust programming capabilities with aesthetic personalization. Its standout feature is the customizable color touchscreen display that allows you to match the interface to your home’s decor or personal preference.
This blend of functionality and design helps the thermostat serve as both a control center and complementary element of your interior design.
The flexibility of programming is very high and can be used to fit different scheduling requirements and utility rates. You may program your schedules according to your daily routine or you may program your schedules according to the peak rate pricing of your utility company to save as much as you can.
The thermostat gives smart warnings on extreme temperature, filter replacement, and internet connection problems, which allows you to keep your system running at its best.
Energy efficiency characteristics go beyond simple scheduling and include the possibility of participation in utility demand response programs. Such programs are able to reward financially the ability to make minor temperature changes during times of high energy demand.
The thermostat also provides monthly energy reports and customized savings suggestions depending on your usage habits, which allows you to find more ways to cut down consumption.
The device needs the installation of the C-wire to have a proper power supply and cannot be used with line voltage heating systems (usually present in some apartments and older houses). The Honeywell Home app allows remote access, so you can have full control wherever you are, and it is voice-control compatible with Alexa, which means you can operate it hands-free.
This thermostat is a great blend of visual customization, extensive programming capabilities, and energy-saving functionality that makes it a perfect choice of a discriminating homeowner.
#5 Honeywell Home T5 WiFi Smart Thermostat: Location-Based Control
The Honeywell Home T5 WiFi Smart Thermostat delivers impressive energy savings with high usage of its scheduling features saving customers between 8% and 16% on heating and cooling bills. This ENERGY STAR certified device combines traditional 7-day programming with innovative geofencing technology, giving users flexibility in how they manage their home climate systems.
The adaptive recovery feature ensures your home reaches your desired temperature exactly when scheduled, learning how long your system takes to achieve target temperatures.
Geofencing is one of the most valuable features, as it automatically changes temperatures depending on the location of your smartphone. This forms a convenient means of ensuring comfort at home and saving energy when you are not at home without having to manually adjust settings.
In families where schedules are different, this location-based method can be more effective than time-based programming.
Similar to other Honeywell models, the T5 provides the possibility to engage in utility demand response programs, which may reward a user continuously with the possibility of making small temperature changes during peak energy demand times. It needs a C-wire to power the installation, as is usual with most smart thermostats, and it is compatible with the majority of conventional forced air, heat pump, hot water, and steam heating systems.
The touchscreen interface is easy to use, intuitive, and has clear displays of temperature and simple controls. Smart alerts give you a timely warning when there are extreme temperatures, when the filters need changing, and when there are firmware updates.
The T5 is a great value to homeowners who want to control their climate efficiently without the complexity of having to program it in a way that is not necessary.
Buying Guide: How To Choose The Best WiFi Thermostat
Compatibility Requirements
Make sure that the WiFi thermostat is compatible with your heating and cooling system before buying any. The vast majority of smart thermostats are compatible with traditional forced air, heat pump, and radiant systems, although compatibility depends on the model.
Make sure you have C-wire needs – most smart thermostats require a C-wire (common wire) to maintain power. In case your system does not have this wire, you will have to get an adapter kit or you should get a model that is specifically designed to work without it, such as some Sensi models.
Installation Considerations
Before choosing a thermostat, consider your DIY comfort level. Other models are easier to install and have the bubble level, step-by-step app instructions, and labeled wire terminals.
In case you are not comfortable with electrical connections, seek models that provide professional installation services or one that is easy to install. The majority of manufacturers have compatibility checkers on their websites to help you see whether their thermostat is compatible with your system before you buy it.
Smart Home Integration
Test the compatibility of the thermostat within your current smart home. The Amazon Smart Thermostat or Sensi models are the best options to use with Amazon Alexa in case you use it a lot.
Users of Google Home may want the Nest Learning Thermostat because it is native. Think about whether you require the thermostat to communicate with other smart gadgets such as room sensors, humidifiers, or air purifiers. More integrated systems may rely on security systems presence detection to automatically adjust temperatures.
Energy Efficiency Features
Find thermostats that have special energy-saving features. Adaptive learning abilities that fit your time can make the most out of efficiency without the need of manual adjustments. Geofencing takes advantage of the location of your smartphone to change temperatures when you are out and back home.
The reports on the usage assist in finding the patterns and optimization possibilities. Ensure that the thermostat is ENERGY STAR certified and can receive utility rebates, which can greatly reduce the purchase price as well as offer long term savings benefits through demand response programs.
User Experience Considerations
Test the interface on the device and in its companion app. Touchscreens are easy to control but might be harder to use than physical buttons to some users. Think about the readability of the display, at a distance or by users with poor vision.
The quality of apps differs greatly among brands – read the current reviews to determine reliability and ease of use. There are models that have customisable displays that can either match your home decor or give you a better visibility depending on your taste.
Advanced Features Worth Considering
Some special features might be worth the higher price depending on your requirements. Hot or cold spots can be solved by giving priority to the readings of certain rooms at various times using temperature sensors. The ability to sense and control humidity assists in keeping up comfort in changing climates.
The manual programming is not required because learning algorithms automatically generate efficient schedules according to your patterns. The compatibility with voice control makes it more convenient, and the detailed energy reports allow monitoring the savings and finding more optimization possibilities.
