9 Best Thermostats to Buy in 2025

This feature-packed powerhouse redefines what a smart thermostat should be, blending crisp full-color touchscreen elegance with robust smart home integration. With support for Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, and IFTTT, it seamlessly fits into nearly any ecosystem, while its dual-humidity sensing—both indoor and outdoor—gives you unmatched control over comfort and air quality. For homeowners tired of clunky interfaces and limited automation, this thermostat delivers a true set-it-and-forget-it experience, complete with intelligent alerts for filter changes and extreme temperature swings.

In real-world use, the RTH9585WF shines with its 7-day flexible programming and adaptive recovery via Smart Response Technology, learning how long your system takes to reach target temps and starting early when needed. Its 2.4GHz Wi-Fi ensures stable remote access through the Honeywell Home app, letting you adjust settings from anywhere—perfect for last-minute changes before arriving home. The Energy Star certification isn’t just a badge; it translates to measurable savings, especially when leveraging utility demand-response programs. That said, it requires a C-wire in most setups, which can complicate DIY installs on older HVAC systems.

Compared to the budget-friendly Amazon Smart Thermostat, the Honeywell RTH9585WF offers richer data visualization, broader third-party compatibility, and a more premium interface—making it ideal for tech-savvy users who want maximum control without sacrificing ease of use. While the Amazon model wins on price, this Honeywell unit delivers a more complete smart home hub experience, especially for those already invested in ecosystems like SmartThings or IFTTT. It’s the best overall pick for users who value long-term reliability, deep customization, and professional-grade performance.

Meet the efficiency whisperer—a sleek, minimalist smart thermostat that quietly slashes energy bills without demanding your attention. The Nest Thermostat (2020 model) is engineered for hands-off energy savings, using Home/Away Assist to detect when you’re gone and automatically dial back heating or cooling. Its adaptive scheduling learns your rhythm in about a week, and with HVAC monitoring, it acts like a wellness tracker for your furnace or AC, alerting you to irregular behavior before costly breakdowns occur. If you want a thermostat that just works while cutting waste, this is your silent partner in sustainability.

During daily use, the Nest impresses with smooth app integration via Google Home, offering precise remote control and insightful energy reports. The Savings Finder feature is a standout—gently nudging you toward smarter temperature choices based on real usage patterns. It operates without a C-wire in most systems, a major win for renters or older homes, though heating-only or heat pump setups may still need an add-on power connector. While the interface is minimal (a rotating ring and small display), it’s intuitive once acclimated. However, lack of a lock feature means curious kids or guests can accidentally alter settings.

Stacked against the Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Gen), this model keeps the brains but trims the price, offering nearly identical energy-saving intelligence in a slightly more affordable package. It’s less flashy than the Honeywell RTH9585WF but focuses purely on performance and simplicity, making it perfect for users who prioritize energy reduction over screen size or color displays. For those seeking maximum savings with minimal input, this Nest is a no-frills champion that outperforms its modest appearance.

Don’t let the bare-bones design fool you—this thermostat is a budget-savvy game-changer, delivering premium smart features at a fraction of the cost. Built on Honeywell’s proven technology, it leverages Alexa’s intelligence to automate your home’s climate with voice-activated routines and presence-based adjustments using Echo devices. The Alexa app guides installation step-by-step, making DIY setup surprisingly painless—even if you’re not tech-inclined. For those upgrading from a dumb thermostat, this is the easiest, most affordable leap into smart climate control.

In practice, it delivers solid remote access and scheduling, with Alexa automatically adjusting temps when you’re away or asleep. The ENERGY STAR certification backs its efficiency claims, and Amazon’s post-purchase rebate email helps you uncover hidden utility incentives—a small but meaningful touch. It integrates smoothly with Ring and other Alexa-compatible devices, enabling whole-home automation (e.g., “Alexa, set home temperature when Ring detects motion”). However, it requires a C-wire, which can trip up older systems, and lacks advanced sensors or room-by-room control unless paired with additional Echo hardware.

When compared to the Google Nest Thermostat, it’s clearly the value king, trading some polish and autonomous learning for rock-bottom pricing and Alexa-first convenience. It doesn’t learn your habits like Nest, but if you’re already deep in the Alexa ecosystem, this thermostat feels like a natural extension. For cost-conscious users who want reliable, voice-driven control, it’s the smartest budget buy—proving you don’t need to spend big to save big.

This is the original genius that kicked off the smart thermostat revolution—a self-taught climate maestro that learns your schedule in just one week and programs itself. The Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Gen) eliminates the chore of manual programming with Auto-Schedule, adjusting based on your actual behavior, not a rigid timetable. Its elegant stainless steel ring doubles as a control dial, offering tactile feedback that feels premium, while Home/Away Assist uses phone location and motion sensing to avoid heating or cooling empty rooms. For anyone who’s ever forgotten to turn down the heat before bed, this thermostat is pure peace of mind.

On the performance front, it delivers consistent energy tracking through the Nest app, showing detailed Energy History so you can see exactly how your habits impact usage. The Leaf icon appears when you choose eco-friendly temps, gamifying conservation in a surprisingly effective way. It supports remote access and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, but lacks Matter support, making it slightly less future-proof than newer models. While it handles most HVAC systems well, C-wire requirements still apply for many installations, and its 2015 hardware shows its age in slower app response times.

Versus the newer Nest Thermostat (2020), this model offers stronger learning algorithms and a more iconic design, but at a higher price and without updated Matter compatibility. It’s a better fit than the Amazon Smart Thermostat for users who want true autonomy, but it’s overkill for those who prefer manual control. If you value proven self-programming and a sleek aesthetic, this legendary model still earns its place, even years after release—though you’re paying partly for nostalgia.

Built for the connected home warrior, the ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential brings triple-voice-assistant support—Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant—into one sleek, responsive package. Unlike many competitors, it’s designed to work seamlessly across ecosystems, letting you choose your preferred voice assistant without compromise. The high-resolution touchscreen is bright and responsive, and while it lacks a built-in sensor, its compatibility with remote temperature sensors (sold separately) allows for room-by-room comfort balancing—a rare perk at this price point. For smart home enthusiasts who hate ecosystem lock-in, this thermostat is a liberating choice.

In real-world testing, the app delivers smooth remote control and scheduling, with Energy Star-verified efficiency that tracks usage and suggests optimizations. It integrates flawlessly with Apple HomeKit, a major win for iPhone users who want thermostat control in the native Home app. The lack of a built-in occupancy sensor means it relies on phone location or external sensors for auto-away, which can delay response times. Also, while the interface is clean, it’s less intuitive than Nest or Honeywell for first-time users, requiring a bit of a learning curve to unlock its full potential.

Compared to the Honeywell RTH9585WF, the ecobee trades color weather display and humidity readouts for broader voice assistant support and HomeKit integration. It’s not as flashy, but for Apple-centric households, it’s the clear winner. Against the Amazon Smart Thermostat, it’s more expensive but offers superior cross-platform flexibility and better long-term scalability. If you want a smart thermostat that plays well with all your devices, this ecobee model is the ultimate bridge between ecosystems.

This workhorse of efficiency proves that sometimes, simple is smarter—delivering rock-solid programmability without Wi-Fi bloat or app fatigue. The RTH6360D excels with its 5-2 day scheduling, letting you set weekday and weekend routines separately for optimal comfort and energy savings. Its Smart Response Technology is the secret sauce: it learns how long your system takes to heat or cool and starts early to hit your target temp exactly when you want it. For homeowners who want automated control without internet dependency, this is the gold standard of dumb thermostats.

In daily use, it’s reliable and responsive, with a backlit LCD that clearly shows both current and set temperatures—no squinting in the dark. The power outage memory retention ensures your schedule stays intact, and filter and battery reminders keep maintenance on track. It’s compatible with a wide range of systems, including heat pumps with backup heat, making it more versatile than many budget models. However, it lacks remote access or smart features, so you’re locked into physical adjustments unless you’re already home.

Compared to the Honeywell RTH2300B, it offers better scheduling flexibility and faster recovery, making it worth the extra cost for those who value precision. Against the Amazon Smart Thermostat, it wins on no C-wire requirement and offline reliability, but loses on automation and remote control. If you’re looking for the best bang-for-buck programmable thermostat that just works, year after year, this model is a no-nonsense champion—perfect for second homes, rentals, or tech-minimalist households.

Stripped down to the essentials, this ultra-affordable automator delivers core programmability at a price that’s hard to beat. The RTH2300B uses a straightforward 5-2 day schedule with four daily periods—wake, leave, arrive, sleep—making it ideal for standard 9-to-5 routines. Its backlit digital display is easy to read, and one-touch controls simplify setting temps. With power-loss memory retention and filter/battery reminders, it handles maintenance without fuss. For budget-conscious users who want basic automation without smart features, this thermostat is a no-frills winner.

Performance is predictable and stable, with accurate temperature control within ±1°F—more than enough for consistent comfort. It installs easily on most common systems, including heat pumps without auxiliary heat, but excludes multi-stage and radiant systems, limiting its flexibility. There’s no learning curve because there’s no app, no Wi-Fi, and no voice control—just reliable, hands-on scheduling. While it lacks the intelligence of smart models, it’s immune to connectivity issues, making it perfect for older homes or secondary spaces.

Pitted against the RTH6360D, it’s slightly cheaper but misses out on Smart Response Technology and broader system compatibility. Compared to the non-programmable model, it offers real energy savings through automation, making it a smarter long-term investment. If you want a set-and-forget programmable thermostat that won’t break the bank, this Honeywell model is the most accessible entry point into automated temperature control.

Sometimes, simple is the ultimate sophistication—and this ultra-budget thermostat proves it. Designed for basic 1H/1C systems, it offers manual temperature control with a clean, backlit display and dual power options (24VAC or AAA batteries), making it perfect for cabins, garages, or older homes where smart tech isn’t needed. The adjustable temperature swing helps optimize system cycling, reducing wear and improving efficiency—even without programming. For DIYers who want a no-hassle replacement, this thermostat is a plug-and-play dream.

It performs exactly as expected: turn the dial, set the temp, and let the system run. The compressor delay protection prevents short-cycling, extending HVAC life, and the °F/°C toggle and calibration add a touch of customization. Installation takes under 30 minutes with universal sub-base compatibility, and the no C-wire requirement (on most systems) simplifies upgrades. However, it offers zero automation, so you’ll need to adjust manually for energy savings—meaning it’s best for spaces used infrequently or by one person.

Compared to the Honeywell RTH2300B, it’s cheaper but lacks scheduling—making it a better fit for seasonal use than daily living spaces. Against the Feekoon baseboard model, it’s more versatile across system types but doesn’t support line voltage. If you need a reliable, low-cost manual thermostat for a simple setup, this model is a smart, no-overhead solution—proof that not every home needs smart tech.

Engineered specifically for electric baseboard heating, this compact, built-in thermostat eliminates the need for external wall units, preserving space and aesthetics. The knob-based control lets you manually dial in temps between 45°F and 80°F, maintaining steady comfort without automatic shutoff—ideal for rooms needing constant warmth. Its metal construction ensures durability in high-heat environments, and dual-voltage support (120V/208V/240V) makes it adaptable to various Cadet heater models. For baseboard heater owners, this is a precision-fit upgrade that enhances both safety and efficiency.

Installation is straightforward: just wire it in place of the old thermostat using the included instructions. Since it’s not universal, it guarantees full compatibility with Cadet BTF1W systems, reducing risk of malfunction. The no C-wire requirement simplifies wiring, and the simple knob interface is easy for all ages. However, it offers no smart features, no remote access, and no automation—you’re fully in control, for better or worse. It’s also only for baseboard systems, limiting its use case.

Compared to the Honeywell non-programmable model, it’s less flexible but purpose-built for baseboard heat, where standard thermostats often fail. Against smart thermostats, it lacks connectivity but wins on direct integration and heat tolerance. If you have Cadet baseboard heaters and want a reliable, built-in control solution, this Feekoon thermostat is the only real choice—a niche product that nails its niche.