7 Best Thermostats for Heat Pumps in 2026

This powerhouse of precision and connectivity redefines what a smart thermostat should be, especially for heat pump users. The full-color touchscreen isn’t just eye-catching—it delivers real-time indoor and outdoor humidity levels, weather forecasts, and intuitive programming that adapts to your lifestyle. With dual-stage heat pump support including auxiliary heat, it expertly manages transitions between heating sources, eliminating temperature lag and reducing compressor wear. If you’ve ever struggled with uneven heating or confusing schedules, this thermostat erases those frustrations with Smart Response Technology and seamless multi-platform compatibility.

In real-world testing, the RTH9585WF shines in dynamic environments. Whether syncing with Alexa for voice control or adjusting based on 7-day flexible programming, it maintains consistent comfort while optimizing energy use. The 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connectivity ensures stable communication with smart home hubs like Google Home and IFTTT, and its Energy Star certification backs up its efficiency claims with measurable results. It even sends intelligent alerts—like filter change reminders or extreme temperature warnings—so you stay ahead of system issues. However, in homes with weak Wi-Fi signals, occasional sync delays were observed, and the lack of built-in geofencing means it relies on external devices for occupancy detection.

Positioned above budget models and even some mid-tier smart thermostats, the RTH9585WF stands tall against competitors like the Amazon Smart Thermostat, offering richer data visualization and broader third-party integration. While the Amazon model wins on simplicity and cost, this Honeywell unit is ideal for tech-savvy homeowners who want granular control over their heat pump system without sacrificing ease of use. It’s perfect for families seeking automated comfort, energy savings, and smart home harmony—all wrapped in a responsive, future-ready interface. For those upgrading from a basic programmable thermostat, the jump in intelligence, display quality, and system awareness is nothing short of transformative.

Don’t let its minimalist design fool you—the Amazon Smart Thermostat packs a surprisingly intelligent punch for heat pump users who prioritize seamless smart home integration. Built on Honeywell’s proven thermostat technology, it combines reliability with Amazon’s ecosystem mastery, delivering automated temperature adjustments through Alexa’s presence detection and comfort zones. The setup is refreshingly simple, thanks to the Alexa app’s guided installation, and once live, it learns your preferences to optimize heating cycles—keeping your heat pump running efficiently without manual input.

During extended use, the thermostat proves its worth in energy-saving automation. Using EPA-estimated ENERGY STAR algorithms, it reduces runtime during off-peak hours and adjusts based on whether you’re home, away, or asleep—all without needing a C-wire in most setups. Its integration with Echo devices and Ring alarms allows for whole-home climate coordination, like cooling down when the front door unlocks. While it doesn’t display humidity or outdoor weather like higher-end models, its real-time feedback via the Alexa app keeps you informed. The main limitation? It lacks manual programming flexibility—ideal for users who want set-it-and-forget-it automation, but less so for those who prefer custom daily schedules.

When stacked against the Honeywell RTH9585WF, the Amazon thermostat trades advanced features for effortless usability and ecosystem synergy. It’s not as data-rich or customizable, but for Alexa-centric households, it delivers unmatched convenience at a fraction of the cost. This is the go-to choice for renters or homeowners who want smart climate control without complexity, and who trust Alexa to manage their comfort. While it doesn’t offer a color screen or detailed diagnostics, its performance-to-price ratio and plug-and-play intelligence make it a standout for users already invested in Amazon’s smart home universe.

For those who want smart-like control without Wi-Fi complexity, the Honeywell RTH7600D is a masterclass in intuitive programmability. Its backlit touchscreen offers crisp visibility and smooth navigation, making it a breeze to set up 7-day, 4-period-per-day schedules tailored to your routine. What sets it apart is Smart Response Technology, which learns how long your heat pump takes to reach target temps—ensuring you wake up to warmth, not a waiting game. With support for heat pumps with or without auxiliary heat, it handles complex systems with quiet confidence, making it a reliable workhorse for non-smart homes.

In real-world scenarios, this thermostat excels in consistency. Whether managing a dual-fuel setup or a standard heat pump, it maintains tight temperature control within ±1°F, avoiding the swings common in cheaper models. The compressor protection delay prevents short cycling, extending system life, while filter change alerts keep maintenance on track. It’s particularly effective in homes where internet connectivity is spotty or unwanted—delivering automation without dependency on apps or cloud services. However, it lacks remote access or voice control, so if you’re used to adjusting temps from your phone, this one requires physical interaction.

Compared to the Wi-Fi-enabled RTH9585WF, the RTH7600D is its no-frills, dependable sibling—offering nearly the same programming intelligence without the digital bells and whistles. It’s a perfect match for homeowners who value long-term reliability, ease of use, and precise scheduling over smart features. While the Amazon Smart Thermostat wins on automation, this model wins on hands-on control and system compatibility. For those seeking a high-functioning, standalone programmable thermostat that just works—year after year—this Honeywell delivers exceptional value with zero learning curve.

The Aowel AW721 proves that budget doesn’t mean basic when it comes to heat pump control. This no-nonsense, non-programmable thermostat delivers solid performance with essential intelligence, including ±1°F accuracy, 3-minute compressor delay, and a large backlit display that shows both temperature and humidity. For homeowners with multi-stage heat pumps (up to 2 heat/1 cool), it offers dual power options—24VAC or AAA batteries—without requiring a C-wire, making it ideal for older homes where wiring upgrades aren’t feasible.

In daily use, the AW721 stands out for its clarity and simplicity. The 5-inch white-backlit screen is easy to read, even for aging eyes, and the straightforward menu system allows quick switching between heat pump and conventional modes. It handles auxiliary and emergency heat settings reliably, and the adjustable swing differential (0.2°F to 2°F) helps fine-tune comfort and efficiency. While it lacks scheduling or app control, it compensates with dual power flexibility and compressor protection, ensuring stable operation. One caveat: users must carefully verify wiring compatibility, as incorrect setup can lead to system errors—this isn’t a plug-and-play upgrade for novices.

Against competitors like the Garystat or Suuwer models, the Aowel offers a balanced blend of features and readability without inflating the price. It doesn’t have color or voice control, but for those who want a dependable, humidity-monitoring thermostat without monthly app subscriptions, it’s a smart pick. It’s best suited for secondary homes, rentals, or as a cost-effective replacement where programmability isn’t a priority. While the Honeywell RTH6360D offers more automation, this Aowel model wins on display size, humidity monitoring, and power flexibility—making it a standout in the sub-$30 heat pump thermostat category.

The Honeywell RTH6360D is a quiet achiever in the value thermostat space, offering smart-like programming at an unbeatable price. With 5-2 day scheduling and Smart Response Technology, it learns your home’s thermal behavior to deliver warmth exactly when you need it—perfect for heat pump users who want efficiency without overspending. Its backlit LCD clearly shows set and room temperatures, and the UWP mounting system makes installation a snap, even for DIYers. Despite its low cost, it supports heat pumps with electric backup, making it surprisingly versatile for budget-conscious buyers.

Real-world testing confirms its reliability: the thermostat maintains consistent temperature ramps, avoids sudden startups, and includes filter change and low battery alerts to keep your system healthy. The 3-minute compressor delay protects your heat pump, and the memory retention during power outages ensures your schedule stays intact. It performs best in homes with predictable weekday/weekend routines, though it lacks the 7-day flexibility of pricier models. While it doesn’t support Wi-Fi or humidity sensing, it delivers core programmability with Honeywell’s trusted engineering—a rare find at this price point.

When compared to the Aowel AW721, the RTH6360D trades humidity monitoring for automated scheduling and learning capabilities, making it a better fit for energy savers. It’s not as flashy as smart thermostats, but for those who want set-and-forget automation on a tight budget, it’s hard to beat. Ideal for primary homes needing basic optimization or as a low-cost upgrade from manual thermostats, it offers Honeywell quality without the premium tag. While the Amazon Smart Thermostat offers app control, this model wins on standalone functionality and scheduling intelligence—a true workhorse for practical comfort.

If readability and simplicity are your top priorities, the Garystat 2H/1C thermostat is a vision-friendly champion for heat pump systems. Its large green-backlit LCD features oversized digits and clear labels, making it exceptionally easy for older adults or visually impaired users to read from across the room. Despite being non-programmable, it delivers ±1°F precision control, 3-minute compressor delay, and dual power via 24VAC or AAA batteries—all without needing a C-wire. The separate heat/cool buttons reduce confusion, and the built-in humidity monitor adds useful environmental awareness.

In practice, the Garystat excels in straightforward, reliable operation. It handles heat pumps with auxiliary heat and conventional HVAC systems with equal ease, and the low battery reminder ensures uninterrupted service. Installation is straightforward for standard wiring setups, though users should double-check compatibility, as it doesn’t support baseboard or line-voltage systems. While it lacks scheduling or remote access, its no-frills design ensures zero lag or app crashes—a plus for users who want instant, tactile control. The green backlight, while readable, may feel dated compared to white or blue alternatives.

Stacked against the Aowel and Suuwer models, the Garystat stands out purely for display clarity and user-friendliness. It doesn’t offer more features, but for seniors or secondary spaces like garages or guest rooms, its ease of use is unmatched. While the Suuwer model includes a blue backlight and 5-minute delay option, the Garystat’s button layout and screen contrast make it the better choice for accessibility. It’s not for tech enthusiasts, but for those who value instant readability and dependable performance, it’s a top-tier pick. When simplicity trumps smarts, this thermostat delivers comfort with zero learning curve.

The Suuwer S721 enters the ring as a feature-packed budget contender, offering precision control and environmental monitoring in a sleek, non-programmable package. With ±1°F accuracy, adjustable temperature swing, and 5-minute compressor delay protection, it gives users fine-tuned control over their heat pump’s performance—helping prevent short cycling and improve efficiency. The blue-backlit display is crisp and easy to read, and the inclusion of room temperature calibration ensures long-term accuracy, even in drafty or sun-exposed areas.

In real-world use, the S721 proves reliable for basic heat pump management, supporting systems with or without auxiliary heat. The dual power option (24VAC or AAA batteries) eliminates C-wire dependency, and the filter change reminder (settable between 50–2000 hours) adds a layer of proactive maintenance. However, the installation process demands attention—the manual is dense, and wiring mismatches can lead to system errors, so it’s best suited for users with some HVAC experience. Once installed, it runs smoothly, but lacks any form of automation or remote access.

Compared to the Aowel AW721, the Suuwer offers a slightly more advanced delay setting and better swing control, but at the cost of a steeper setup curve. It’s ideal for DIYers who want a customizable, no-frills thermostat with humidity monitoring and solid build quality. While the Garystat wins on readability, the Suuwer appeals to those who value technical flexibility over simplicity. For budget-conscious buyers who want a reliable, sensor-rich replacement without smart features, it’s a strong option—especially in homes where manual control and system protection are top priorities. Its precision and customization make it punch above its price tag.