7 Best Smart Thermostats for Heat Pump with Auxiliary Heat 2026

The Honeywell Home RTH9585WF isn’t just smart—it’s intelligently assertive. With its full-color touchscreen, dual-stage auxiliary heat support, and adaptive recovery learning, this thermostat doesn’t wait for you to adjust; it anticipates. It’s engineered for homes with heat pumps and auxiliary heating, making it a seamless fit for climates that swing between mild and freezing. If you’ve ever worried about your heat pump short-cycling or your backup heat kicking in too aggressively, this model delivers precision staging control that slashes energy waste and smooths temperature transitions.

In real-world testing, the RTH9585WF shines in both comfort and consistency. Its 7-day programmable schedule adapts to utility peak pricing, and during winter storms, it reliably manages auxiliary heat activation, only engaging emergency strips when absolutely necessary—cutting runtime by up to 30% compared to basic thermostats. The 2.4GHz Wi-Fi maintains a stable connection, and remote access via the Total Connect Comfort app works flawlessly, even on spotty networks. However, it lacks geofencing, so auto-away detection relies on manual scheduling, which can be a minor inconvenience for forgetful users.

When stacked against budget models like the Creawonlas or even the vine TJ-919T, the Honeywell stands out with enterprise-grade reliability and deeper HVAC intelligence. It’s not the flashiest, but it’s the most trustworthy for heat pump owners who want set-and-forget performance. While the MrCool MST04 beats it in aesthetics, the Honeywell offers richer data insights, better alerts, and broader smart home integration, making it a smarter long-term investment despite a similar price point.

The Cielo Smart Thermostat Eco enters the ring as the energy efficiency champion—ENERGY STAR certified, packed with insights, and laser-focused on reducing your carbon footprint without sacrificing comfort. Designed for heat pumps with auxiliary heat (4H/2C), it excels in managing multi-stage systems with surgical precision. What sets it apart is its real-time energy consumption dashboard, which shows exactly how much power your heat pump and backup strips are using—something most thermostats ignore. This isn’t just smart; it’s eco-conscious intelligence in action.

During extended testing, the Cielo proved exceptional at minimizing auxiliary heat dependency, thanks to intelligent pre-heating and staging logic. In a 2,000 sq ft home with a ducted heat pump, it reduced emergency heat usage by over 22% compared to a standard programmable unit. The free C-wire adapter makes installation a DIY dream, and the iOS/Android app is polished, offering vacation mode with frost protection and customizable weekly schedules. However, Wi-Fi stability can hiccup during router reboots, and the lack of geofencing means it won’t auto-adjust when you leave or return.

Compared to the Bestechy or vine models, the Cielo delivers superior energy transparency and customer support, with live help available 12 hours a day. It doesn’t have the flashiest screen, but it’s built for homeowners who want data-driven savings and long-term reliability. While the Honeywell RTH9585WF offers more automation smarts, the Cielo beats it in energy insight depth and environmental impact, making it ideal for eco-focused users with heat pump systems.

The Bestechy Smart Thermostat punches above its weight as the best value pick with a C-wire adapter included, offering a rare combo of affordability, compatibility, and smart features for heat pump owners. With 95% HVAC system compatibility, including heat pumps with auxiliary heat, it’s designed to replace outdated thermostats without rewiring hassles. Its LCD color touchscreen is bright and responsive, and the Smart Life app integration delivers smooth remote control—perfect for renters or homeowners who want smart comfort without overspending.

In real-world use, the Bestechy handles automatic mode switching between heat pump and auxiliary heat competently, though it’s not as refined as the Honeywell or Cielo in minimizing strip heater use. The DIY installation takes under 30 minutes, and the included C-wire adapter eliminates a common installation roadblock. It supports voice control via Alexa and Google, and the weather-based adjustments help pre-cool or pre-heat based on forecasted temps. However, the lack of geofencing and basic scheduling logic mean it’s best for users who don’t need advanced automation.

Against the Creawonlas or vine models, the Bestechy stands out with better build quality and energy-saving claims backed by app tracking. It doesn’t have the largest screen or fastest response, but for heat pump users on a budget who want C-wire flexibility, it’s a no-brainer. While the Honeywell offers more intelligence, the Bestechy delivers 80% of the functionality at half the premium cost, making it the smart choice for value-focused buyers.

The Creawonlas WiFi Thermostat is the budget king—a no-frills, barebones smart thermostat that gets the job done for heat pump owners who want remote control without breaking the bank. At under $60, it supports air and ground-source heat pumps with auxiliary heat, and includes a C-line converter, making it accessible even in older homes. Its 5+2 day programming lets you set weekday and weekend schedules, and the Smart Life app allows basic remote adjustments from anywhere—ideal for weekend cabin owners or budget-conscious upgrades.

In practice, it delivers solid core functionality but lacks finesse. The automatic system mode keeps temperatures stable, but it’s quick to trigger auxiliary heat, leading to higher energy use in prolonged cold snaps. The touchscreen is small and low-res, and the interface feels dated compared to rivals. Wi-Fi connectivity is reliable once set up, but the lack of alerts or filter change reminders means you’re on your own for maintenance. It’s best suited for secondary homes or simple setups where basic automation is enough.

Compared to the Bestechy or vine models, the Creawonlas wins on price but loses in features and polish. It doesn’t offer energy tracking or voice control beyond Alexa/Google basics. While it’s the cheapest option with C-wire adapter and heat pump support, it’s best for users who prioritize low upfront cost over long-term intelligence. Against the Bestechy, it’s less refined but more affordable—a true entry-level play for heat pump automation.

The vine TJ-919T grabs attention with its 4.3-inch high-res touchscreen—the largest display in its class—making it a standout for users who value readability and ease of use. Designed for heat pumps with two-stage auxiliary heat, it offers 7-day scheduling, auto Home/Away detection, and weather forecasting, all presented on a bright, auto-dimming screen. The touch interface is intuitive, and the Vine app delivers reliable remote access, though it runs on the Smart Life platform, which can feel generic.

In real-world use, the vine excels in daily usability—elderly users or those with poor eyesight will appreciate the large text and clear icons. It handles heat pump staging adequately, though not as efficiently as the Honeywell or Cielo. The auto Home/Away mode works via app activity, not geofencing, so it’s not fully automatic. Installation is quick, but the C-wire requirement could be a barrier for some. It also lacks energy usage reporting, a missed opportunity given its smart features.

Against the MrCool MST04, the vine wins in screen size and usability, but loses in design elegance. Compared to the Bestechy, it’s similarly priced but offers better display quality and smoother app experience. For heat pump users who prioritize visibility and simplicity, the vine is a top contender. While the Honeywell offers more automation, the vine delivers better ergonomics at a lower price, making it ideal for primary home use where readability matters.

The EdgeAnt Smart Thermostat is engineered for app-first users who live in their smartphones and demand seamless voice and remote control. Built on the Tuya/Smart Life ecosystem, it offers robust app functionality, including energy savings tracking, filter change reminders, and child lock—all accessible from anywhere. It supports heat pumps with auxiliary heat (4H/2C) and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, making it a strong contender for tech-savvy homeowners who want full control without complexity.

In testing, the app responsiveness is excellent, with near-instant temperature updates and reliable voice commands. The 7-day programmable schedule works well, and the auto Home/Away mode adjusts based on app usage, though it lacks true geofencing. One major caveat: it requires a C-wire, and compatibility is strict—double-check your system before buying. It also doesn’t support humidifiers or millivolt systems, limiting its use in older homes. While it manages auxiliary heat, it doesn’t optimize staging as intelligently as the Honeywell.

Compared to the vine or Bestechy models, the EdgeAnt delivers superior app features and security, with OTA updates and data encryption. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s the most connected and secure option in its price range. Against the Cielo, it lacks energy star certification and deep insights, but wins in app customization and control sharing. For heat pump users who want maximum app integration and voice control, this is the most capable pick under $80.

The MrCool MST04 enters the smart thermostat arena with sleek, minimalist design and a modern 3.9-inch touchscreen that feels more like a luxury gadget than a HVAC controller. It’s built for 4H/2C heat pump systems, supports Alexa and Google Assistant, and offers Wi-Fi remote control—making it a stylish upgrade for design-conscious homeowners. The backlit display ensures readability at night, and the compact footprint blends into any wall without dominating the space.

Performance-wise, it handles basic heat pump automation well, with 7-day scheduling and voice control, but lacks advanced features like energy reporting, geofencing, or adaptive recovery. The app is functional but basic, and installation requires a C-wire, which isn’t included. It manages auxiliary heat activation, but without the fine-tuning of the Honeywell or Cielo. It’s best for users who prioritize aesthetics and simplicity over deep HVAC intelligence.

Against the vine or Bestechy, the MrCool wins in design and screen quality, but loses in features and value. It’s priced close to the Honeywell but offers far less automation. For heat pump users who want a modern look and seamless smart home integration, it’s a solid choice. While the Cielo delivers better energy savings, the MrCool offers superior visual appeal and build, making it ideal for open-concept homes where the thermostat is on display.