Best Thermostat Choices and Tips for Your Home
Finding the best thermostat for your home involves comparing features, functionality, compatibility, and cost. With advanced smart thermostats and more basic programmable models available, selecting the right one takes research. This guide examines the top-rated thermostats on the market while providing tips for weighing options to meet your climate control needs.
Our Top 3 Smart Thermostat Picks
| Thermostat | Key Features | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium | Whole home comfort with room sensors, advanced features, sleek design | $$$$ |
 | 2. Nest Learning Thermostat | Intuitive interface, built-in learning, integrated motion sensor | $$$ |
 | 3. Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced | Room sensors, remote access, voice control, energy tracking | $$ |
For most homeowners, a smart thermostat offers the best blend of convenience, efficiency, and flexibility. Models like the Ecobee Smart Premium, Nest Learning, and Ecobee Enhanced rise to the top for their robust features and proven performance. But several other options exist at more affordable price points.
Key Factors to Compare
Choosing your ideal thermostat involves looking at a number of factors:
Smart vs. Programmable Functionality
Smart thermostats connected to your wi-fi go beyond basic programmable models by automatically optimizing temperatures based on your usage patterns and presence in the home. This provides added efficiency and convenience.
Features and Capabilities
Consider must-have features like mobile app access, voice control integration, multi-zone management, usage reports, and auto-scheduling when evaluating models.
Compatibility with HVAC System
Make sure any thermostat under consideration is engineered specifically for your type of heating/cooling system. Most work with forced air, but alternative systems like radiant heat require a different thermostat.
Cost and Budget
Prices for smart thermostats range from around $50.00 to over $400.00. Decide how much you’re willing to invest for the functionality you want.
Top 10 Smart Thermostat Contenders
Here is a detailed overview of 10 top-rated smart thermostat options along with their key features and differences:
1. Ecobee SmartThermostat Premium
The Ecobee SmartThermostat Premium justifies its position as the best smart thermostat available today with its unmatched range of capabilities. It’s the most expensive option but also the most advanced.
Key benefits include:
- Room sensors detect occupancy and temperature for whole home comfort
- Integration with Apple Homekit, Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings
- Remote access and control via smartphone app
- Automatic scheduling based on usage patterns
- Detailed home energy usage reports and insights
- Sleek, modern design with simple interface
With comprehensive climate management, the Ecobee Premium SmartThermostat ensures ideal comfort and efficiency. The high price is the only downside.
2. Google Nest Learning Thermostat
Google’s Nest Learning Thermostat earns second place for its highly intuitive design and hassle-free, automated temperature control. Once installed, it requires very little manual intervention.
Key features:
- Learns your temperature adjustment patterns
- Auto-schedules based on your household routines
- Integrates with Google Assistant for voice control
- Stylish circular design with simple dial control
- Motion sensor detects when you leave to enter Eco mode
- Remote adjustment via mobile app
- Lack of room sensors only main drawback
With smart learning capabilities and stylish aesthetic, the Nest Learning Thermostat offers formidable performance despite its limitations. It justifies its high ratings.
3. Ecobee SmartThermostat Enhanced
For buyers wanting Ecobee’s superior comfort of the Premium but at a more affordable cost, the Enhanced version strikes an excellent balance.
It retains core features like:
- Room sensors to detect occupancy
- HomeKit, Alexa and Google Assistant integration
- Easy mobile app for remote access
- Energy usage reports for conservation
- Automatic temperature scheduling based on manual changes
With robust smart climate control for hundreds less, the Ecobee Enhanced hits the sweet spot for many households.
4. Emerson Sensi Touch WiFi Thermostat
For budget-focused shoppers, the Emerson Sensi WiFi thermostat provides adaptive smart control without all the high-end features.
Benefits include:
- Compatibility with Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings
- Easy mobile app for remote access
- Automatic scheduling based on manual adjustments
- Straightforward touchscreen interface
- Lack of room sensors or advanced controls
- Very affordable price point under $$
The Emerson Sensi Touch gives cost-conscious households solid smart climate control on a budget.
5. Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat
Honeywell’s Home T9 Smart Thermostat competes closely with the Emerson Sensi as an affordable smart option with everyday functionality.
It includes:
- Alexa and Google Assistant voice control
- Easy-to-use smartphone app
- Auto-scheduling based on your adjustments
- Daily energy usage reports
- Basic display lacks intuitiveness of pricier models
- No room sensor support
For the price, the Honeywell Home T9 satisfies most core smart thermostat needs adequately.
6. Lux Geo WiFi Thermostat
On the lower end of affordable smart models is the Lux Geo WiFi thermostat. It connects via your home wi-fi to offer the basics of smart climate control.
Highlights:
- Control via smartphone app
- Programmable scheduling
- Compatibility with Alexa, Google Assistant
- Larger room temperature display
- Very few extra features or functionality
While lacking some of the perks of pricier alternatives, the Lux Geo WiFi Thermostat provides an entry-level smart climate control option.
7. Amazon Smart Thermostat
Given the ultra-low price, the Amazon Smart Thermostat impresses by including smart technology and Alexa voice control. But options are limited beyond the essentials.
It offers:
- Alexa built-in for voice commands
- Smartphone app for remote access
- Auto-scheduling based on adjustments
- No advanced features or settings
- Very simple, basic LCD display
For basic smart climate control on a tight budget, the Amazon Smart Thermostat delivers satisfactory performance and convenience.
8. White Rodgers Emerson Sensi Touch Wifi Thermostat
As a step above the Lux Geo and Amazon options, the White Rodgers Emerson Sensi provides better smart functionality despite the low price.
Its features include:
- Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings
- Easy-to-use smartphone app
- Programmable scheduling options
- More intuitive touchscreen interface
- Lacks room sensors or advanced controls
The White Rodgers Emerson Sensi Touch hits a sweet spot for budget but adequate smart temperature management.
9. Mysa Smart Thermostat
For homeowners with baseboard heaters, Mysa is one of the only thermostats engineered specifically for them. This makes it the top choice for baseboard heating systems.
Key perks:
- Designed exclusively for voltage line baseboards
- Room sensors available for zoned control
- Learning capabilities customize heating to your routines
- Integrates with Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit
- Provides detailed energy usage feedback
With tailored control for baseboards, the Mysa Smart Thermostat ensures maximum efficiency and comfort.
10. Braeburn Thermostat
As a programmable alternative that lacks smart technology, the Braeburn Thermostat provides basic scheduled climate control at the lowest price point.
It offers:
- 5-2 or 7 day programmable schedules
- Easy to set temperature and time schedules
- Simple display with manual buttons
- No app, voice control, or connectivity
For straightforward programmable control, the affordable Braeburn Thermostat gets the job done.
Smart Thermostat Comparison Chart
Use this comparison chart to evaluate smart thermostat options based on features and pricing:
| Thermostat | WiFi Enabled | Room Sensors | Smart Home Integration | Remote Access | Programming | Motion/ Occupancy Detection | Energy Usage Tracking | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ecobee Smart Premium | Yes | Yes | Yes | App | Auto-scheduling | Yes | Yes | $$$$ |
| Nest Learning | Yes | No | Yes | App | Auto-scheduling | Yes | Yes | $$$ |
| Ecobee Smart Enhanced | Yes | Yes | Yes | App | Auto-scheduling | Yes | Yes | $$ |
| Emerson Sensi | Yes | No | Yes | App | Manual | No | Yes | $$ |
| Honeywell Home T9 | Yes | No | Yes | App | Auto | No | Yes | $$ |
| Lux Geo | Yes | No | Yes | App | Manual | No | No | $ |
| Amazon Smart | Yes | No | Alexa only | App | Auto | No | No | $ |
| White Rodgers Emerson Sensi Touch | Yes | No | Yes | App | Auto | No | No | $ |
| Mysa Smart | Yes | Additional sensors | Yes | App | Auto | No | Yes | $$ |
Tips for Choosing and Installing
Keep these tips in mind when selecting and setting up your new thermostat:
- Double check compatibility with your HVAC system before purchasing
- Consider professional installation if wiring seems complex
- Pick smart vs. programmable based on features needed
- Evaluate capabilities like remote access, scheduling, usage reports
- For baseboard heating, seek out an intentionally designed model like Mysa
- Confirm C wire connectivity required for powering smart thermostats
- Select top rated brands like Ecobee, Nest, or Honeywell for reliability
Conclusion
Optimizing home comfort and efficiency starts with picking the right thermostat. Models with smart wi-fi connectivity provide the most convenience through features like remote temperature adjustments, voice commands, and automatic scheduling based on your usage patterns. Leading smart thermostats from Ecobee and Nest deliver premium performance for a higher price. More affordable options from Honeywell and Emerson offer budget-friendly alternatives. For baseboard heating, the Mysa Smart Thermostat is specifically engineered for maximum control and savings. Use this guide to compare the current top thermostat choices for your climate control needs.
