7 Best Digital Thermostats for Heat Pumps in 2025

The Google Nest Thermostat is a game-changer for heat pump users who want intelligent automation without sacrificing comfort. With its adaptive learning algorithms and HVAC monitoring, it intelligently adjusts heating and cooling cycles to match your lifestyle—no more coming home to a frigid or sweltering house. Its Energy Star certification and Savings Finder feature actively hunt for efficiency improvements, making it a top-tier choice for eco-conscious homeowners tired of guesswork and high bills.

In real-world testing, the Nest excels at geofencing-based auto-scheduling, turning down the heat when you leave and warming the home before you return—all without manual input. It supports heat pumps with auxiliary heat, operates without a C-wire in most cases, and integrates seamlessly with Google Assistant and Matter-compatible devices for voice and app control. However, it can struggle with complex multi-zone heat pump systems where a dedicated C-wire or add-on power adapter is required, and the lack of a physical lock means kids or guests might accidentally alter settings.

Compared to the Honeywell RTH9585WF, the Nest offers smarter automation and better long-term energy insights but trades some immediate smart home flexibility and color touchscreen appeal. It’s ideal for tech-savvy users who value set-and-forget intelligence over granular manual control. For those upgrading from a basic programmable model like the Honeywell RTH6360D, the Nest delivers a massive leap in convenience, energy awareness, and integration, even if it demands a slightly higher upfront investment.

The Honeywell Home RTH9585WF stands out with its vibrant full-color touchscreen and deep smart home integration, making it a powerhouse for users who want visual clarity and voice control without compromise. Its real-time humidity tracking, both indoor and outdoor, is a breath of fresh air for heat pump owners trying to balance comfort and efficiency in variable climates. With Alexa, Google, and SmartThings compatibility, it’s a command center for modern homes, especially those already invested in ecosystem-driven automation.

During daily use, the thermostat shines in custom scheduling and utility-driven programming, adapting to peak-rate periods and demand-response plans with ease. The intelligent alerts—like filter change reminders and internet drop notifications—help prevent system strain and inefficiency. It handles heat pumps with auxiliary heat flawlessly and supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, though it lacks 5 GHz band support, which can be a limitation in congested networks. While the interface is intuitive, users new to smart thermostats may find the app setup slightly overwhelming at first.

Against the Google Nest, the RTH9585WF offers more immediate control and richer display feedback, but it lacks the Nest’s self-programming AI and long-term learning. It’s perfect for users who want hands-on customization and utility rebate eligibility, especially in regions with dynamic energy pricing. While not as autonomous as the Nest, it delivers greater transparency and interactivity, making it a better fit for analytical users who like to tweak and monitor.

The Bestechy Smart Thermostat is a feature-packed underdog that brings high-end app functionality and voice control to the heat pump market at a competitive price. What sets it apart is the included C-wire adapter, eliminating a major installation hurdle for older homes—a huge win for DIYers. With multi-scene DIY modes, including vacation and fan cycling, it offers personalized automation that rivals more expensive models, all controlled through a clean, responsive app.

In practice, the thermostat delivers solid remote performance and weather-responsive adjustments, automatically tweaking settings based on local forecasts. The LCD color screen is bright and legible, and touch controls are responsive, though the interface feels slightly less polished than Honeywell or Nest. It supports heat pumps, cooling-only, and dual-fuel systems, but struggles with high-voltage setups, clearly limiting its use in certain homes. The 28% energy savings claim is ambitious, but real-world results depend heavily on user behavior and climate.

When compared to the Google Nest, the Bestechy lacks adaptive learning, relying instead on manual programming and scene setup. But for users who want full app control and voice integration without paying a premium, it’s a smart alternative. It’s ideal for tech-forward households that prioritize custom automation and installation ease over AI-driven convenience. While not as refined as top-tier models, it offers exceptional versatility for the price, especially with its included power adapter.

The Honeywell RTH6360D is a no-nonsense workhorse that proves reliable automation doesn’t require Wi-Fi or voice commands. With Smart Response Technology, it learns your home’s thermal behavior and pre-conditions the space so your desired temperature is hit exactly when scheduled—no overshoot, no lag. Its 5-2 day programming is perfect for 9-to-5 routines, and the backlit LCD makes adjustments easy, even in low light.

In real-world use, it consistently delivers energy savings through precision scheduling, especially in homes with predictable occupancy. It handles heat pumps with electric backup seamlessly and retains settings during power outages—critical for maintaining comfort and efficiency. The auto changeover between heat and cool prevents system conflicts, and the filter change reminder adds a touch of proactive maintenance. However, it lacks remote access and can’t adapt to irregular schedules, making it less ideal for dynamic households.

Compared to the Heagstat H725, it offers similar programming logic but with Honeywell’s trusted reliability and wider compatibility. It’s best for budget-conscious users who want proven performance without smart features. While it doesn’t offer the bells and whistles of Wi-Fi models, it outperforms them in simplicity and dependability, making it a wise choice for secondary homes or rentals where connectivity is limited. It delivers more intelligence than expected at this price, especially with its predictive temperature ramping.

The Garystat Non-Programmable Thermostat is a refreshingly simple solution for heat pump users who want rock-solid reliability without complexity. Its large green-backlit display is a standout—crystal clear for older users or anyone who hates squinting at tiny digits. With ±1°F accuracy and dual power options (24VAC or AAA batteries), it ensures consistent comfort and uptime, even during power fluctuations.

In daily operation, it delivers precise, hands-on control with no learning curve—just set the temperature and let the system run. The built-in humidity monitor is a rare bonus at this price, giving users insight into indoor air quality. It installs easily without a C-wire and includes 3-minute compressor delay protection, safeguarding your heat pump from short cycling. However, the lack of programming means no energy-saving automation, so savings depend entirely on user discipline.

Against the ELECTECK model, it offers better display visibility and added humidity tracking, justifying the slight price bump. It’s ideal for seniors, second homes, or rental properties where ease of use trumps automation. While it can’t compete with programmable or smart thermostats in efficiency, it excels in durability and clarity, offering no-fuss operation with thoughtful touches. For those who just want a dependable, readable thermostat, it’s a quiet standout in the budget non-programmable space.

The ELECTECK Heat Pump Thermostat is a bare-bones but effective digital controller that delivers essential functionality at an unbeatable price. With a spacious 4.5 sq. in. blue-backlit LCD, it ensures temperature readings are easy to see from across the room, and the oversized buttons make adjustments simple for all ages. It supports multi-stage heat pumps and conventional systems, offering surprising versatility for a non-programmable unit.

In practice, it performs reliably with consistent temperature control and quick response times, thanks to its ±1°F accuracy. The dual power option (hardwired or batteries) adds flexibility, and the lack of a C-wire requirement makes it a plug-and-play upgrade for older homes. Installation is straightforward, though the lack of advanced features like humidity monitoring or scheduling means it’s purely functional. It won’t save energy automatically—users must remember to adjust it manually.

Compared to the Garystat, it offers a similar footprint and ease of use but misses out on humidity sensing and a more vibrant backlight. It’s best for budget-first buyers who need a basic, reliable replacement for a failing thermostat. While it doesn’t impress with extras, it gets the job done without fuss, making it a smart pick for cost-sensitive installations where smart features aren’t needed. It proves that affordability and functionality can coexist.

The Heagstat H725 strikes an excellent balance between affordability and intelligent programming, making it a top mid-range contender for heat pump users who want automation without Wi-Fi complexity. Its 5/1/1-day scheduling—separate programs for weekdays, Saturday, and Sunday—offers greater flexibility than basic 5-2 models, ideal for households with weekend routines. The 4.5 sq. in. white-backlit display is bright and legible, and the air filter reminder helps maintain system efficiency.

In real-world use, the 5-minute compressor delay and temperature swing settings protect your heat pump and reduce short cycling, extending system life. It handles heat pumps with auxiliary heat flawlessly and supports dual power sources, so it keeps running during outages. The temperature calibration feature lets you correct sensor inaccuracies, a rare perk at this price. However, it’s not compatible with mini-splits or conventional multistage systems, limiting its use in some homes.

Versus the Honeywell RTH6360D, the H725 offers more scheduling granularity and weekend-specific programming, a clear upgrade for irregular schedules. It’s perfect for homeowners who want automated efficiency without relying on apps or internet. While it doesn’t offer remote access, it delivers better energy management than basic models, with thoughtful touches like swing control and calibration. It’s a smart step up from entry-level programmables, offering real value for mid-tier buyers.