10 Best Thermostats For Homes 2026 in the United States

The Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004 is a smart Wi-Fi thermostat designed for home heating and cooling control. It supports a wide range of heating systems including forced air, hot water, steam, and heat pumps, though it won’t work with electric baseboard heating unless you have a C-wire. Installation requires some wiring knowledge, especially ensuring a C-wire is present or using an adapter, so it might not be the easiest for complete beginners but is straightforward for most homes with modern HVAC systems.

The thermostat features a bright, customizable color touchscreen that is easy to read and use, making daily adjustments simple. It also works with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Home, allowing remote control via your phone or voice commands for added convenience. One of its strong points is energy management: it’s Energy Star certified, offers monthly energy reports, and can participate in energy-saving programs with local utilities, which might even earn you rebates or rewards. The thermostat includes flexible scheduling to match your lifestyle or utility peak pricing, helping reduce energy bills.

The device requires a steady Wi-Fi connection and proper wiring, and while the touchscreen is intuitive, those unfamiliar with smart devices might face a small learning curve. Its 1-year warranty is standard but shorter than some competitors. This Honeywell model is a solid choice for homeowners looking for a smart, customizable thermostat with good energy features and reliable connectivity, especially if they want voice control and are comfortable with moderate installation steps.

The Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen, 2024) is designed to enhance convenience and energy savings in your home. Its advanced compatibility means it works with most 24V systems, including gas, electric, oil, and more, without requiring a C wire for installation, which simplifies the setup for many users.

The thermostat has a modern design with a 60% larger display and Dynamic Farsight, making it easy to read from across the room. It also boasts impressive energy-saving features, like the ability to learn your schedule and adapt the temperature to save energy when you're away, potentially reducing heating bills by 12% and cooling bills by 15%. The included Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen) helps manage hot and cold spots in your home by allowing you to set the temperature for different rooms at different times.

Additionally, the thermostat's integration with the Google Home app and compatibility with Alexa makes it easy to control from anywhere using your phone or voice commands. However, it requires occasional battery replacements (1 CR2 battery is included), and some users might find the initial setup complex despite the no C wire requirement. With a polished silver finish, it adds a sleek touch to any home decor. This thermostat is best suited for users looking for a smart, energy-efficient solution that's easy to control and integrates seamlessly with other smart home devices.

The ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium stands out with its extensive feature set and smart home integrations, making it a strong choice for those looking to enhance their home automation. Its major strengths include compatibility with multiple HVAC systems and popular voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant, allowing for versatile and convenient control.

The thermostat's energy-saving capabilities are notable, with claims of saving up to 26% on heating and cooling costs and smart sensors that ensure optimal temperature control in key areas of your home. Additionally, the built-in air quality monitor and notifications for air filter changes are valuable for maintaining a healthy indoor environment.

The large, vibrant display and intuitive user interface make it easy to use, while the included Power Extender Kit simplifies installation even in homes without a C-wire. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind. The initial cost may be higher than other thermostats, and accessing certain features like smoke alarm detection or break-in alerts requires an additional subscription to the ecobee Smart Security plan. The built-in speaker is a nice addition for basic functions, but it might not replace a dedicated smart speaker for high-quality audio. This thermostat is ideal for tech-savvy users who want a comprehensive, smart, and energy-efficient solution for their home's climate control.