7 Best Honeywell Programmable Thermostats to Buy in 2026

This feature-rich powerhouse redefines what a smart thermostat should be—sleek, intuitive, and packed with intelligent energy-saving tech. The full-color customizable display isn’t just eye candy; it transforms your wall into a personalized climate command center, while ENERGY STAR certification ensures every degree adjustment contributes to lower utility bills. With built-in geofencing, demand response program support, and deep integration across Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Cortana, it solves the modern homeowner’s biggest pain point: wanting total control without complexity.

In real-world testing, the RTH9600WF shines in homes that demand both automation and oversight. Its Wi-Fi connectivity allows remote adjustments from the Honeywell Home app, letting you tweak temperatures while commuting or on vacation—no more wasted energy from forgotten settings. The high-resolution touchscreen responds instantly, and on-screen weather forecasts with humidity data make it easy to fine-tune comfort. However, it requires a C-wire, which can trip up DIYers with older HVAC systems, and it doesn’t support line-voltage heating, limiting its use in certain electric baseboard setups.

When stacked against the budget-friendly RTH6580WF, the RTH9600WF offers a more immersive smart experience with its vibrant display and richer UI, though it comes at a premium. It’s the ideal pick for tech-savvy homeowners who want aesthetic flair and advanced automation, especially those enrolled in utility rebate programs. For those seeking maximum smart home synergy and visual customization, this model delivers superior features and polish compared to mid-tier Honeywells—it’s the flagship experience done right.

The Honeywell Home RTH6580WF is a no-nonsense, budget-smart gateway into Wi-Fi climate control—delivering reliable automation without the frills. What makes it stand out is its perfect balance of simplicity and functionality, featuring ENERGY STAR certification, smart response learning, and seamless app control via Honeywell Home or Total Connect Comfort. For homeowners tired of manual adjustments and rising energy bills, this thermostat delivers set-it-and-forget-it intelligence with the added perk of voice control through Alexa and Google Assistant.

During daily use, the RTH6580WF proves its worth in mid-sized homes with standard HVAC systems. Its 7-day programmable schedule adapts to busy lifestyles, letting you assign different temps for each day with minimal setup. The backlit LCD is crisp and legible, even in low light, and the learning algorithm anticipates when to start heating or cooling to hit your target temp on time. While it lacks a touchscreen or color display, its reliability over time and solid app performance make it a workhorse. Just note: like all Wi-Fi models here, it requires a C-wire, which may require an add-on adapter in older homes.

Compared to the pricier RTH9600WF, this model trades visual flair for affordability and ease, making it the smarter pick for cost-conscious buyers who still want remote access. It’s ideal for renters or secondary homes where full smart integration isn’t critical. While it doesn’t offer geofencing or a color screen, it provides 90% of the core smart features at less than half the cost, making it a more practical daily driver than high-end models for average users.

Meet the Honeywell T5, a smart climate orchestrator that blends geofencing intelligence with adaptive scheduling to keep your home comfortable without lifting a finger. This thermostat learns your routine and uses your phone’s location to switch between Home and Away modes—no manual overrides needed. With ENERGY STAR certification and reported energy savings of up to 16%, it directly tackles one of homeowners’ biggest frustrations: paying to heat or cool an empty house. Plus, its utility program compatibility unlocks rebates and demand-response rewards, turning energy efficiency into real incentives.

In real-world use, the T5 excels in families with unpredictable schedules. The 7-day flexible programming works alongside geofencing, so if you come home early, the system adjusts automatically. The touchscreen is responsive and clear, though not full-color like the RTH9600WF, and the monthly energy reports offer actionable insights—like when your AC runs longest or how often you override settings. It requires a C-wire, and while installation is straightforward for most, it won’t work with heating-only oil systems without a C-wire, which could limit some retrofits.

Against the RTH6580WF, the T5 adds location-based automation as a game-changer, making it better for frequent travelers or dynamic households. It’s less flashy than the RTH9600WF but more intelligent than the base Wi-Fi model, striking a sweet spot for smart home enthusiasts who want automation without overspending. For those who value convenience and utility savings over aesthetics, the T5 offers smarter automation and better energy feedback than similarly priced competitors.

The RTH8560D is a stylish, no-Wi-Fi workhorse designed for users who want touchscreen convenience without cloud dependency. Its crystal-clear blue-backlit display is not only easy on the eyes but also highly functional, showing real-time indoor temperature and humidity—a rare perk at this tier. With Smart Response Learning technology, it anticipates your heating and cooling needs, ensuring your home reaches the perfect temperature exactly when you want it. For those wary of internet-connected devices or lacking Wi-Fi reliability, this model delivers dependable automation with zero lag or login hassles.

In practice, the RTH8560D thrives in older homes or setups where simplicity and reliability trump remote control. The 7-day touchscreen programming is intuitive, letting you drag or tap to set periods for weekdays and weekends. It supports both battery and hardwired power, offering flexibility for installations where a C-wire isn’t available—unlike most Wi-Fi models. However, without Wi-Fi, you lose app control, geofencing, and energy reports, limiting smart features. That said, the filter and battery change reminders displayed directly on screen add real value for maintenance.

Compared to the Wi-Fi-enabled RTH7600D, this model offers a superior display and humidity sensing, though both share similar programming logic. It’s the best choice for users who want modern touchscreen ease but don’t need remote access—think vacation homes, basements, or tech-minimalist households. While it lacks connectivity, it gains in reliability and local control, making it a more robust standalone unit than Wi-Fi models dependent on network uptime.

The RTH6360D is a barebones efficiency champion, built for budget-focused homeowners who want automated climate control without bells, whistles, or subscription anxiety. Its 5-2 day programming lets you set weekday and weekend schedules separately—perfect for 9-to-5 routines—while Smart Response Technology learns your system’s cycle times to hit target temps on schedule. Unlike Wi-Fi models, it operates independently, making it ideal for users who dislike apps or have spotty internet. It solves the basic but critical problem: how to save energy without remembering to adjust the thermostat.

In real-world use, this thermostat performs best in smaller homes or apartments with consistent daily patterns. The backlit LCD clearly shows current and set temps, and the auto changeover between heat and cool prevents system conflicts. It retains settings during outages and adjusts for daylight saving time automatically—small touches that add up. However, the lack of touchscreen or remote access means all changes are manual, and the interface feels dated next to modern Honeywells. Still, for a sub-$35 device, it delivers remarkable reliability and core functionality.

Against the RTH2300B, it offers more programming flexibility with 5-2 scheduling, while both share basic learning and reminders. It’s a clear step up from non-programmable models and perfect for first-time upgraders. While it can’t compete with Wi-Fi smarts, it offers better scheduling and learning than entry-level programmables, making it the most capable non-connected Honeywell under $40.

The RTH2300B is a minimalist marvel—a thermostat that does one job exceptionally well: keeping your home on schedule at a rock-bottom price. With simple 5-2 day programming and four daily periods (wake, leave, arrive, sleep), it automates temperature changes to match a typical workweek, slashing energy waste. Its precise ±1°F control and temperature limits prevent overheating or overcooling, addressing the common frustration of inconsistent comfort. For renters or those on a tight budget, it’s a no-risk upgrade from manual thermostats that pays for itself in a single season.

In everyday use, the RTH2300B proves reliable and refreshingly straightforward. The backlit digital display is easy to read, and one-touch adjustments make programming hassle-free. It retains memory during power outages and includes filter and battery change reminders—a thoughtful touch for maintenance. However, its compatibility is limited: it doesn’t work with heat pumps that have backup heat or multistage systems, which could exclude some modern HVAC setups. Still, for basic forced-air or hot water systems, it delivers unbeatable value and simplicity.

Compared to the RTH6360D, it lacks Smart Response learning and auto changeover, making it less intelligent but even more affordable. It’s the best entry point for first-time programmable users or secondary zones like garages or guest rooms. While it doesn’t learn or connect, it outperforms non-programmable models in efficiency and ease, making it the most cost-effective way to start saving on energy bills.

The RTH7600D stands out as the most user-friendly programmable thermostat in Honeywell’s lineup, thanks to its intuitive touchscreen and menu-driven 7-day scheduling. With four time periods per day and temporary hold options, it adapts easily to shifting routines—perfect for households where someone works weekends or kids have irregular schedules. Its Smart Response Technology learns your HVAC’s run times, so it starts heating or cooling early enough to hit your desired temp right on time. For users overwhelmed by complex interfaces, this model turns programming from a chore into a 5-minute setup.

In testing, the backlit touchscreen proved responsive and clear, even for users with limited tech experience. The real-time clock adjusts for daylight saving automatically, and the compressor protection delay prevents short cycling, extending system life. It supports a wide range of HVAC types, including heat pumps with auxiliary heat, making it more versatile than many budget models. However, like others in this tier, it lacks Wi-Fi and remote access, and the interface, while simple, feels dated next to full-color smart thermostats.

When compared to the RTH8560D, it offers similar touchscreen ease but without humidity sensing or hardwire/battery flexibility. It’s ideal for older adults or DIYers who want clarity over connectivity. While it doesn’t offer app control, it excels in ease of use and scheduling depth, making it a better choice for programming simplicity than higher-end Wi-Fi models with steeper learning curves.