A smart thermostat can help you save a considerable amount of money by reducing your heating and cooling costs, while also allowing for convenient app and voice controls. However, not all smart thermostats are equally capable; some that work with simple heating and cooling systems offer only basic scheduling and programming options, while others that support complex multi-stage systems can control heating, cooling, dehumidification, and ventilation systems. At PCMag, we have been reviewing smart thermostats for over a decade, since the original Nest Learning Thermostat debuted in 2012. Our top pick, the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium, not only controls your heating and cooling but also serves as a voice assistant, an air quality monitor, and a home security device. It isn't the only model we recommend, however, so read on for more of our top picks.
Overview
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![Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium]()
Best OverallEcobee Smart Thermostat Premium
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![Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential]()
Best Affordable Smart ThermostatEcobee Smart Thermostat Essential
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![Nest Thermostat]()
Most Affordable Nest ThermostatNest Thermostat
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![Amazon Smart Thermostat]()
Best for Alexa UsersAmazon Smart Thermostat
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![Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen)]()
Best for AI-Powered Energy SavingsGoogle Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen)
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![Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat With Sensor]()
Best for Remote Room MonitoringHoneywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat With Sensor
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![Sensi Touch 2 Smart Thermostat ST76]()
Best Touch ScreenSensi Touch 2 Smart Thermostat ST76
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![Sensi Smart Thermostat ST55]()
Best Affordable Thermostat for HomeKitSensi Smart Thermostat ST55
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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![Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium]()
Best OverallEcobee Smart Thermostat Premium
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is one of the most full-featured smart thermostats available. It supports five different smart home platforms (Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, IFTTT, and Samsung SmartThings), monitors air quality, and can work as a home security device and a smart speaker. It also does a terrific job of controlling your HVAC system.
Who It's For
Versatility seekers: Since it does much more than just control your heating and cooling, this is a top choice for anyone willing to pay a premium for versatility. This stylish device houses an air quality monitor, comes with a remote room sensor, and can function as both a home security hub and a standalone Alexa-powered smart speaker. It works with most 24V HVAC equipment, including conventional gas and oil furnaces, air conditioning systems, heat pumps, boilers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and ventilators.
Platform-agnostic users: No other smart thermostat we've tested supports as many smart home platforms, which is particularly helpful if you have a hybrid setup or enjoy experimenting with the latest features each platform has to offer. While it lacks Matter integration, its broad support for third-party devices means it should still work with all your other connected gadgets.
People who care about air quality: The inclusion of an air quality sensor is highly uncommon, but very sensible, as it means one less device to buy, and thermostats tend to be located in key areas of the home. The air quality sensor monitors VOC (volatile organic compounds), humidity, and carbon dioxide levels, and sends an alert when these measurements are in an unhealthy range.
Specs & Configurations
C-Wire Compatibility 2 Stage Geofencing Motion Activation Multiple Zones Self-Install Sensors Smart Home Integration Amazon Alexa Smart Home Integration Apple HomeKit Smart Home Integration Google Assistant Smart Home Integration IFTTT Smart Home Integration SmartThings Learn More Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium Review -
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![Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential]()
Best Affordable Smart ThermostatEcobee Smart Thermostat Essential
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Ecobee's most affordable smart thermostat allows you to control your home's temperature from your phone, by voice, or via its touchscreen. It works with the most popular smart home automation platforms for voice control and third-party device integrations, offering energy usage reports and Eco+ settings for automated savings. Additionally, it can optionally be paired with remote room sensors (sold separately) for consistent temperature control throughout your home.
Who It's For
Budget-minded buyers: The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential is a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget. It doesn’t offer built-in Alexa smart speaker functionality or air quality monitoring like Ecobee's Premium thermostat, but it worked flawlessly in testing, making it easy to control the temperature using the app, touch screen, and voice commands. It supports remote room sensors (sold separately) and can also serve as a home security hub when paired with other Ecobee devices. Additionally, it provides energy usage reports that can help you reduce your energy consumption.
Homeowners who need versatile compatibility: This thermostat works with most 24V gas, oil, heat pump, electric, forced air, and conventional HVAC systems and supports two heating/one cooling or one heating/two cooling stages. Installation requires a C (common) wire; however, a Power Extender Kit ($24.99) can be purchased as a workaround. It supports Alexa, Google, and HomeKit for voice control, as well as third-party device integrations.
Specs & Configurations
C-Wire Geofencing Multiple Zones Self-Install Smart Home Integration Amazon Alexa Smart Home Integration Apple HomeKit Smart Home Integration Google Assistant Smart Home Integration IFTTT Learn More Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential Review -
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![Nest Thermostat]()
Most Affordable Nest ThermostatNest Thermostat
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
With a gorgeous design, the entry-level Nest Thermostat allows you to control your heating and cooling system remotely via phone or voice, set temperature schedules, and offers energy-saving features that can help lower your energy bill. Unlike its pricier sibling below, it doesn't automatically learn your temperature preferences and set schedules, but it can walk you through the process of manually creating them.
Who It's For
Budget-minded Google and Nest users: This is a top pick for anyone shopping for a smart thermostat on a budget. It's ideal if you have a smart home built around Google Assistant, especially if you use other Nest devices, since they are all designed to work together. However, its Matter support means you can also integrate it with other smart home platforms. Be aware of its limitations, though, like a lack of support for three-stage heating systems, automatic scheduling, and remote room sensors.
Design fans: Although the Nest Thermostat doesn't include a touch screen, its mirrored display and clean lines make it one of the better-looking smart thermostats we've tested. Controlling it via the capacitive pad on the edge is easy, keeping fingerprints at bay. It comes in a range of attractive colors, including white (Snow), peach (Sand), dark gray (Charcoal), and green (Fog).
Specs & Configurations
Compatibility Multi-stage Geofencing Motion Activation Self-Install Sensors Smart Home Integration Amazon Alexa Smart Home Integration Google Assistant Learn More Nest Thermostat Review -
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![Amazon Smart Thermostat]()
Best for Alexa UsersAmazon Smart Thermostat
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
It was inevitable that Amazon would add smart thermostats to its extensive lineup of smart home devices, and the Amazon Smart Thermostat is a solid budget pick. At $80, it's one of the cheapest options out there, and if you use Alexa to control your smart home, it has you covered. It doesn't work with Google Assistant, IFTTT, or Matter, though.
Who It's For
Budget-minded Alexa users: The Amazon Smart Thermostat is best for budget shoppers who already have a home built around Alexa (and Ring) devices. It doesn't integrate well with other devices, but if you have an Echo, it's a budget-friendly option that works well with Alexa voice commands.
Minimalists: With its white exterior and understated design, this smart thermostat is meant to blend in rather than stand out. It lacks some niceties of more expensive models, such as remote room sensors, but it supports scheduling, works with hunches that will adjust the set point when Alexa detects you're away or asleep, and provides energy usage reports.
Specs & Configurations
C-Wire Compatibility Multi-stage Multiple Zones Self-Install Smart Home Integration Amazon Alexa Learn More Amazon Smart Thermostat Review -
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![Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen)]()
Best for AI-Powered Energy SavingsGoogle Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Nest was one of the first major smart thermostat brands and is still one of the best. The fourth-generation Nest Learning Thermostat utilizes AI to create personalized heating and cooling schedules, helping you reduce your energy usage. Its gorgeous design is a big aesthetic upgrade from most traditional thermostats, and it comes with a remote room sensor to ensure even temperatures throughout your home. Like the standard model, it supports Matter, allowing you to integrate it with various smart home platforms.
Who It's For
Automation fans: If you're looking for a thermostat that learns from your behavior and then automatically adjusts, and you want premium features like AI-powered scheduling and remote room sensing, the fourth-generation Nest Learning Thermostat is a top choice. It works with the Google Home app (available on Android and iOS) and supports Google Assistant voice commands, as well as Matter, which enables integration with Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, and Samsung SmartThings ecosystems, allowing for control through those respective apps.
Design lovers: Available in Polished Gold, Obsidian, or Silver, the fourth-generation Nest Learning Thermostat features an attractively designed mirrored display and a stainless steel bezel. If your old thermostat is an eyesore, this should be a big aesthetic and functional upgrade.
Specs & Configurations
C-Wire Compatibility Multi-stage Geofencing Motion Activation Multiple Zones Self-Install Sensors Smart Home Integration Amazon Alexa Smart Home Integration Apple HomeKit Smart Home Integration Google Assistant Smart Home Integration SmartThings -
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![Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat With Sensor]()
Best for Remote Room MonitoringHoneywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat With Sensor
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Honeywell has been making thermostats for longer than computers have used electricity, and it shows. The company's high-end Home T9 Smart Thermostat is packed with features, including a remote room sensor included in the box, allowing you to monitor two areas of your house simultaneously without purchasing additional sensors. It's also easy to install and features a large, user-friendly touch screen.
Who It's For
Owners of large homes: The Honeywell Home T9 makes it easy to maintain uniform temperatures throughout your home. You can add up to 20 remote room sensors that help reduce heating costs by informing the T9 whether a room is occupied or unoccupied. The thermostat is compatible with most standard HVAC systems and features push-to-connect wire terminals for heating and cooling, as well as auxiliary terminals for accessories such as heat pumps and fans.
Alexa and Google fans: This thermostat offers fairly flexible smart home integration, compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT, although its triggers for the latter are somewhat limited.
Specs & Configurations
C-Wire Compatibility Multi-stage Geofencing Multiple Zones Self-Install Sensors Smart Home Integration Amazon Alexa Smart Home Integration Apple HomeKit Smart Home Integration Google Assistant Smart Home Integration IFTTT Smart Home Integration SmartThings -
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![Sensi Touch 2 Smart Thermostat ST76]()
Best Touch ScreenSensi Touch 2 Smart Thermostat ST76
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
If a dial and simple temperature display are too old-fashioned for you, the Sensi Touch 2 relies entirely on a 4.3-inch color touch screen to control your heating and air conditioning. It features the largest touch screen we've seen on a smart thermostat, and its interface is designed around it. It can also work with up to 15 room sensors for whole-home temperature monitoring.
Who It's For
Hands-on users: While most smart thermostats have rudimentary interfaces and only display basic information, leaving you to fine-tune settings via their apps, the Sensi Touch 2 features a large, responsive, color touch screen.
Those with large homes: The thermostat supports up to 15 room sensors for balanced temperatures throughout your home. As a downside, you'll have to buy them separately, and at $39.99, the cost can add up if you need a lot of them.
Specs & Configurations
C-Wire Compatibility Multi-stage Geofencing Multiple Zones Self-Install Smart Home Integration Amazon Alexa Smart Home Integration Google Assistant Smart Home Integration SmartThings Learn More Sensi Touch 2 Smart Thermostat ST76 Review -
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![Sensi Smart Thermostat ST55]()
Best Affordable Thermostat for HomeKitSensi Smart Thermostat ST55
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Sensi ST55 is the rare budget-friendly smart thermostat that supports Apple HomeKit. While it doesn't look particularly advanced (or like a smart thermostat at all, with its flat, rectangular face and monochrome LCD), it can work with all the major smart home automation platforms. It even supports geofencing, which sets the thermostat back three degrees when you leave a three-mile radius of your home.
Who It's For
Apple users on a budget: If you're a dedicated Apple fan and you want to use Siri to control your home's temperature, the ST55 is one of the more affordable options. In addition to HomeKit and Siri, it works with the Alexa, Google, SmartThings, and Wink home automation systems.
Traditionalists: It's also the best choice if you prefer a model that resembles a conventional thermostat rather than a smart home device. Its LCD offers a wealth of information, including Wi-Fi and battery level indicators, the current time, the current set temperature and mode (heating, cooling), and the current room temperature.
Specs & Configurations
C-Wire Compatibility Multi-stage Geofencing Self-Install Smart Home Integration Apple HomeKit Learn More Sensi Smart Thermostat ST55 Review -
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Best For | Best Overall | Best Affordable Smart Thermostat | Most Affordable Nest Thermostat | Best for Alexa Users | Best for AI-Powered Energy Savings | Best for Remote Room Monitoring | Best Touch Screen | Best Affordable Thermostat for HomeKit | Best Overall | Best Affordable Smart Thermostat | Most Affordable Nest Thermostat |
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Smart Home Integration | Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, IFTTT, SmartThings | Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, IFTTT | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa | Amazon Alexa | Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, SmartThings | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, IFTTT, SmartThings | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings | Apple HomeKit | Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, IFTTT, SmartThings | Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, IFTTT | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa |
Buying Guide: The Best Smart Thermostats for 2026
How to Choose a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats offer a range of features that can help keep your home comfortable and lower your heating and cooling costs. The most basic models are relatively inexpensive but still have Wi-Fi radios that allow you to connect the device to your home network and the internet. You can control them remotely from a mobile device and sometimes even from a web browser.
Basic controls enable you to adjust the temperature, create a seven-day heating and cooling schedule, override the schedule if you or a family member plans to return home early or late, and turn the system on and off. The Nest Learning Thermostat takes scheduling a step further; it can create a heating and cooling schedule based on when you are usually home or away, factoring in what temperature you prefer during those times.
As is usually the case, you get more features for a higher price. A bright, colorful touch display makes it easy to configure and program the thermostat, adding a touch of style. These types of screens are also usually legible from across a room. Moderately priced thermostats typically do not display the current time and temperature until you tap the screen, whereas more expensive devices utilize motion sensors to automatically turn on their displays when you enter the room.
Many of the latest smart thermostats feature humidity sensors that alert you to high or low humidity levels, and some models even display your local weather forecast. The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium comes with a remote room sensor that helps maintain uniform temperatures throughout your house, especially in rooms that are far from the thermostat.
If you want your thermostat to automatically lower the temperature when you leave your house and raise it when you arrive home, look for a model that supports geofencing technology, such as the Nest Thermostat. Geofencing uses your phone's location services to notify the thermostat when you enter or exit a virtual perimeter around your house. You can set your preferred Home and Away temperatures via a companion app. Then the thermostat will work to achieve those numbers once it detects you entering or leaving the perimeter. Just make sure you have your phone with you when you leave the house.
Usage reporting is another helpful feature that allows you to view historical data on how often your system is running and how long it takes to reach its target temperature. Some thermostats even display the outside temperature at the time, allowing you to see how it affected your HVAC system. Other common features to look for include reminders for maintenance and air filter replacements, vacation scheduling capabilities, and power cycle alerts that notify you if your system is operating erratically.
What Else Do Smart Thermostats Work With?
If you have other smart devices in your home, look for a thermostat that works with as many of them as possible. The Nest Learning Thermostat works with other Nest devices, as well as numerous third-party devices, including smart switches, fans, and lighting systems. IFTTT support is a popular feature that allows you to configure the thermostat to trigger other compatible devices and services (or vice versa). For example, you can create an applet that activates a smart air conditioner when your thermostat reaches a specific temperature. Matter is another emerging standard to watch, as it promises to unify the IoT ecosystem across brands and standards.
Many of the latest smart thermostats support voice commands from Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, and Google Assistant. That means you can change temperature settings and find out the current temperature simply by speaking. Some of the most feature-rich smart thermostats have built-in Alexa voice control and can do just about everything that a smart speaker does; you can ask them to play music, get the latest news and sports scores, find out the weather forecast, change temperature settings, and much more.
Can You Install a Smart Thermostat Yourself?
Smart thermostats are usually easy to install, but it's important to know how your system is wired before you begin. Always take note of your wiring before removing your old thermostat, and if possible, take a picture. Most of the latest devices come with pre-printed labels that you can attach to the wires to help identify them during the installation. You should also know what type of system you have, as that often comes up during setup. Common types of HVAC systems include gas, oil, electric, propane, forced air, and radiant.
Most smart thermostats are compatible with multi-stage heating and cooling systems, but if you plan to control additional components, such as whole-house dehumidifiers, heat pumps, and ventilation systems, ensure you select a model that supports these devices. In fact, if you have a complex multi-component HVAC system, it's a good idea to have a professional HVAC technician install the thermostat for you to avoid damage to your system.
Another factor to consider is whether your system contains a C (common) wire, which supplies constant power to the thermostat. Almost all smart thermostats require a C wire to function, but older houses with older heating systems often lack one, as older thermostats typically do not require it. Some smart thermostats come with a power extender kit that you can install yourself to supply power to the device. Other devices, including Nest thermostats, can be installed without a C wire but steal power from the furnace control circuits to provide enough power to keep the internal battery charged. Although this method usually works without issue, it may still cause problems with certain HVAC systems and could actually cycle on the system to steal power. If you prefer not to risk frying your furnace's circuit boards, hire a professional technician to run a C wire for around $150 or so.
Between installation and the device itself, a smart thermostat can cost a significant premium over a traditional model. But keep in mind that it can save you money on heating and cooling costs over time, not to mention the flexibility it provides when you're both in and out of the house.