6 Best WiFi Thermostats Under $100 of 2026

The Google Nest Thermostat isn’t just smart—it’s intuitively brilliant, blending sleek design with adaptive intelligence that learns your routine in days. With dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy, and Matter certification, it connects seamlessly to Google Home and other platforms, making it a powerhouse for voice control and remote access. It solves the classic pain point of wasted energy when no one’s home by using auto-away detection powered by motion and phone location—no geofencing gimmicks needed.

In real-world use, this thermostat shines in homes that value hands-off automation. Its HVAC monitoring alerts you to system irregularities before they become costly repairs, while Savings Finder in the Google Home app suggests schedule tweaks to cut costs—verified by ENERGY STAR certification. It supports most systems without a C-wire, a rare win in this price range, though heat pump and zoned systems may still require one. The only hiccup? It lacks geofencing, relying instead on passive detection, which can lag slightly compared to GPS-triggered models.

Compared to the Honeywell T5, the Nest trades custom scheduling precision for behavioral learning, making it ideal for users who hate programming. It’s pricier than the Sensi ST55, but justifies the cost with deeper ecosystem integration and smarter automation. While the Meross offers Matter support at the same price, Nest delivers a more polished experience with better app design and reliability. For those wanting set-and-forget comfort with energy savings, this is the best overall smart thermostat under $100.

The Honeywell Home X2S is a budget-savvy standout that packs Matter certification, flexible scheduling, and multi-platform compatibility into a no-frills design. With support for Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, it’s a true smart home team player, solving the common issue of fragmented ecosystems. Its auto-away technology and ENERGY STAR certification ensure energy isn’t wasted, while filter change reminders and humidity monitoring add practical value for homeowners who want control without complexity.

During testing, the X2S proved reliable in everyday scenarios—remote adjustments via the First Alert app were snappy, and the 5-1-1 day scheduling (weekday, Saturday, Sunday) made routine customization easy. It handles conventional and heat pump systems but requires a C-wire, which could trip up DIYers with older setups. While it lacks advanced features like HVAC diagnostics or geofencing, it delivers core smart thermostat functions without bloat. The app interface is functional but not as polished as Nest or Sensi, and voice control responses can be slightly delayed.

When stacked against the Sensi ST55, the X2S costs more but offers Apple HomeKit support and Matter integration—a big plus for Apple users. It’s less intuitive than the Google Nest, but for those prioritizing low cost and broad compatibility, the X2S is a smart pick. While the Vine Thermostat offers a color screen at a similar price, the X2S wins on ecosystem flexibility and brand trust. It’s the best budget-friendly option for users who want full smart home integration without overspending.

The Sensi ST55 is a DIY installer’s dream, engineered for homes without a C-wire—a major pain point for 30% of homeowners. With ENERGY STAR certification and a promise of 23% HVAC energy savings, it’s built to cut bills while being privacy-first: Sensi pledges not to sell your data, a rare and reassuring stance in the smart home world. Its button-based interface mimics traditional thermostats, eliminating the learning curve and avoiding wall damage during installation—perfect for renters or those who hate patching drywall.

In real-world use, the Sensi delivers solid, no-surprises performance. The mobile app is straightforward, offering remote access, usage reports, and maintenance alerts like filter changes. It adapts to your schedule with flexible programming and auto-away based on phone location, though it lacks geofencing precision or HVAC diagnostics. The thermostat operates smoothly on 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and supports Alexa and Google Assistant, but doesn’t work with Apple HomeKit. While it doesn’t learn behavior like the Nest, it’s more reliable for users who prefer manual control with smart perks.

Compared to the Honeywell X2S, the Sensi wins on installation ease and no C-wire requirement, but loses on Apple compatibility. It’s slightly pricier than the X2S but cheaper than the Nest, offering a sweet spot for simplicity and savings. While the Meross matches its price and adds Matter, Sensi’s 100-year brand heritage and privacy focus give it an edge for cautious buyers. For those who want a trouble-free, energy-saving upgrade without rewiring, the ST55 is the best no C-wire option under $100.

The Honeywell T5 stands out with geofencing technology that uses your smartphone’s GPS to trigger auto home/away modes, delivering comfort the moment you walk in—no motion sensors or guesswork. This feature, combined with 7-day flexible scheduling, helped users save 8–16% on heating and cooling bills in real-world trials, making it a performance-driven choice for energy-conscious households. ENERGY STAR certified and demand-response capable, it integrates with utility programs that reward energy savings—ideal for eco-minded users.

In practice, the T5 excels in predictable scheduling and location-based automation. The touchscreen is responsive, and the app allows detailed programming down to 30-minute intervals. It sends monthly energy reports with tips to cut usage, and its HVAC monitoring alerts you to system issues. However, it requires a C-wire, and compatibility with oil furnaces is limited—potential dealbreakers for older homes. While it supports Alexa and Google Assistant, it lacks Apple HomeKit and Matter support, narrowing its smart home reach.

Against the Vine Thermostat, the T5 offers superior geofencing and utility program integration, but at a higher price. It’s less privacy-focused than the Sensi, but far more advanced in energy tracking and automation. Compared to the Nest, it lacks learning smarts but wins on scheduling control. For users who want precision programming and GPS-based comfort, the T5 is the best geofencing thermostat under $100, delivering real energy savings with smart timing.

The meross Smart Thermostat is a Matter-powered sleeper hit, offering local, on-device control via Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings—a rare feat at this price. With 7x24h scheduling, smart alerts, and energy usage tracking, it’s built for users who want full home automation without cloud dependency. Its 2.4GHz Wi-Fi requirement and C-wire necessity are clear limitations, but the DIY install guide makes setup smooth in under 30 minutes, solving the complexity barrier many face.

In real-world testing, the meross delivered consistent app performance and reliable voice control, with schedules running even during Wi-Fi outages—a big win for stability. The filter change and malfunction alerts added peace of mind, and the energy tracking helped identify usage spikes. However, the app lacks the polish of Nest or Sensi, and customer support is limited to weekday hours. While it supports 95% of HVAC systems, it excludes electric baseboard heaters, narrowing its use case.

Compared to the Honeywell X2S, meross offers stronger Matter integration and better local control, but at nearly double the price. It matches the Google Nest in price but lacks adaptive learning and C-wire flexibility. Still, for Apple and SmartThings users, it’s the best Matter-supported thermostat under $100, delivering secure, responsive, and ecosystem-rich automation with minimal lag.

The Vine Thermostat punches above its weight with a 2.8-inch color touchscreen, ENERGY STAR certification, and 7-day/8-period programmable scheduling—all for under $75. Its Auto Home/Away mode adjusts temperature based on phone location, solving the ‘cold house after work’ problem with quiet efficiency. With support for Alexa and Google Assistant, plus Smart Life app integration, it’s a versatile pick for budget-focused smart homes that still want voice control and remote access.

In daily use, the Vine proved responsive and intuitive, with a bright display that’s easy to read in any light. The 8-period scheduling allows granular control—great for irregular routines—while child lock and filter change reminders add practical safety and maintenance features. It installs in under 20 minutes with online guides, but requires a C-wire and only supports 90% of HVAC systems, excluding some electric baseboards. The app works well, though it lacks the energy insights of Nest or T5.

Against the Honeywell T5, Vine offers a better screen and lower price, but misses out on geofencing precision and utility program support. It’s more affordable than the Meross and Nest, yet delivers strong core functionality for the price. For users who want great value with a modern display, the Vine is the best under $75, blending style, savings, and smart features without breaking the bank.