7 Best Smart Thermostats for 2026

At a Glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium	excellent room sensors and energy reports
Best value	Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat	reliable performance at lower cost
Best for Google homes	Google Nest Learning Thermostat	seamless integration with Google ecosystem
Best budget option	Amazon Smart Thermostat	basic smart features at entry price
Best for contractors and new installations	Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential	Designed for easy DIY installation
Also recommended	Nest Thermostat E	a budget-friendly pick with smart learning features
Also recommended	Trane Link UX360	deep integration for trane hvac systems

How we chose and tested

We evaluated smart thermostats based on installation ease, compatibility with different HVAC systems, energy saving features, and smart home integration. Models were assessed for their learning capabilities, remote sensor support, and overall user experience. Price and long-term value were also key factors in our recommendations.

The best smart thermostats right now

Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium - Best overall

The Ecobee Premium keeps homes consistently comfortable while providing detailed energy insights that can save you money. It comes with a remote sensor that helps balance temperatures throughout different rooms.

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Key highlights

Includes remote room sensor for multi-room temperature monitoring
Provides monthly energy usage reports with savings suggestions
Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit
Features built-in air quality monitoring
Offers humidity-based temperature adjustments for better comfort

Pros

Excellent room-by-room temperature control
Detailed energy tracking helps identify savings opportunities
Broad smart home compatibility
Helpful humidity adjustments improve comfort

Cons

More expensive than basic models
Setup can be complex for some users
Remote sensors sold separately for additional rooms

Who it is for: Homeowners who want detailed energy insights and multi-room temperature control, especially those with uneven heating or cooling throughout their home.

Skip if

You only need basic scheduling or have a very simple single-zone system.

Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat - Best value

The Honeywell T9 delivers reliable smart features at a more accessible price point without sacrificing core functionality. It offers room sensors and solid scheduling options for most households.

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Key highlights

Includes one remote room sensor in the box
Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
Features geofencing for automatic temperature adjustments
Provides 7-day flexible scheduling
Compatible with most common HVAC systems

Pros

Good value with sensor included
Reliable performance and easy to use
Solid scheduling capabilities
Works with multiple voice assistants

Cons

Less advanced energy analysis than premium models
Room-by-room control not as comprehensive as Ecobee
App interface could be more intuitive

Who it is for: Budget-conscious homeowners who want room sensors and reliable smart features without the premium price tag.

Skip if

You need detailed energy reports or advanced humidity-based adjustments.

Google Nest Learning Thermostat - Best for Google homes

Google's premium thermostat learns your schedule and preferences over time, offering seamless integration with Google Home devices. Its distinctive circular design and intuitive dial make it pleasant to use daily.

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Key highlights

Learns your temperature preferences and schedule automatically
Works seamlessly with Google Home and Assistant
Includes Matter support for future compatibility
Features a remote room sensor in premium packages
Provides energy history and savings tips

Pros

Excellent learning capabilities reduce manual programming
Great Google ecosystem integration
Sleek, premium design
Good energy saving suggestions

Cons

More expensive than basic Nest models
No touch screen interface
Apple HomeKit support requires additional hardware

Who it is for: Google Home users who want a thermostat that learns their habits and integrates tightly with their existing smart home setup.

Skip if

You use Apple HomeKit primarily or prefer touch screen controls.

Amazon Smart Thermostat - Best budget option

Amazon's entry-level thermostat offers basic smart features at an affordable price, making smart temperature control accessible to more households. It provides reliable scheduling and Alexa integration without unnecessary complexity.

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Key highlights

Most affordable smart thermostat option
Works with Alexa voice commands
Provides basic energy usage reports
Easy installation with included C-wire adapter
Simple scheduling through the app

Pros

Very affordable entry point
Easy to install and set up
Reliable Alexa integration
Basic energy tracking included

Cons

Doesn't work with Google Assistant or HomeKit
Lacks remote sensors
Limited advanced features
Basic app interface

Who it is for: First-time smart thermostat buyers or budget-focused homeowners who want basic scheduling and Alexa control.

Skip if

You need multi-room sensors, Google/Apple integration, or detailed energy analytics.

Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential - Best for contractors and new installations

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Designed with input from HVAC professionals, the Ecobee Essential offers simplified installation and reliable performance for 24-volt systems. It's built to save up to 23% on heating and cooling costs with straightforward operation.

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Key highlights

Designed for easy DIY installation
Works with most HVAC systems up to 4H/2C
Hardwired design eliminates battery issues
Can save up to 23% on energy costs
Simple setup with contractor-friendly features

Pros

Reliable hardwired installation
Professional-grade durability
Good energy savings potential
Contractor-friendly setup tools

Cons

Fewer smart features than premium models
Basic interface compared to touchscreen options
Limited advanced scheduling

Who it is for: HVAC professionals installing new systems or homeowners wanting a reliable, contractor-grade thermostat without premium features.

Skip if

You want touchscreen controls, advanced learning features, or extensive smart home integrations.

Also Good

Nest Thermostat E - a budget-friendly pick with smart learning features.
Trane Link UX360 - deep integration for trane hvac systems.

How to Choose

Consider these factors when selecting your smart thermostat:

HVAC compatibility: Check if the thermostat works with your specific heating and cooling system. Some models support multi-stage systems, heat pumps, or radiant heating while others are more limited.

Room sensors: If you have temperature variations between rooms, models with remote sensors can provide more consistent comfort. Consider how many sensors you might need and their cost.

Smart home ecosystem: Choose a thermostat that works with your existing voice assistants and smart home platforms. Google users might prefer Nest, while Alexa households have more options.

Energy reporting: Detailed energy insights can help you save money, but basic models may only offer simple usage tracking. Decide how much data you want about your consumption.

Installation complexity: Some thermostats are DIY-friendly with detailed guides, while others might benefit from professional installation, especially if your wiring is complex.

FAQ

How much can a smart thermostat save me?

Savings vary by home and usage, but many users report 10-23% reductions in heating and cooling costs. The exact amount depends on your climate, existing habits, and how well you use the thermostat's features.

Do I need a C-wire for installation?

Many modern smart thermostats require a C-wire (common wire) for constant power. Some models include adapters for systems without one, but check compatibility with your specific wiring setup before purchasing.

Can smart thermostats work with heat pumps?

Yes, most quality smart thermostats support heat pumps, including multi-stage systems. Check the manufacturer's compatibility list to ensure proper support for your specific heat pump model.

What's the difference between learning and programmable thermostats?

Learning thermostats automatically create schedules based on your behavior over time, while programmable models require you to set schedules manually. Learning models offer more convenience but often cost more.

Are smart thermostats worth it for apartments or rentals?

They can be if you plan to stay long enough to recoup the investment through energy savings. Consider portable options or check with your landlord about installation permissions first.