10 Best Smart Thermostats 2025 in the United States

The Google Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Gen is a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home's heating and cooling control with smart features. It works with about 95% of heating and cooling systems, making it a good fit for most homes. One of its key strengths is the learning capability—it studies your temperature preferences and daily schedule, then programs itself to save energy while keeping you comfortable. Remote access is well-developed, allowing you to adjust settings from your phone, tablet, or computer from anywhere. The thermostat provides useful energy reports, showing your usage history and helping you understand when and why energy is consumed. Integration with smart home systems like Alexa and Google Assistant is smooth, enhancing voice control and automation options. The Home/Away Assist feature uses your phone's location to adjust settings automatically when you leave or return, which helps reduce wasted energy. Installation is designed to be straightforward, usually taking around 30 minutes with all necessary tools included.

On the downside, the thermostat requires a Wi-Fi connection to unlock most smart features, so limited or unstable internet could reduce its benefits. Also, while the Nest Temperature Sensor can improve room-specific comfort, it is sold separately, adding to the cost if you want that feature. Geofencing works well for many users but can occasionally be inconsistent depending on phone and network settings. The sleek design and bright display add a nice touch, but some might find the initial setup a bit technical if they’re not comfortable with DIY projects. This thermostat is well-suited for those wanting an energy-conscious, adaptable smart thermostat with strong remote and learning capabilities, particularly if they use Alexa or Google smart home products.

The Honeywell Home RTH9600WF Smart Color Thermostat offers a blend of modern functionality and user-friendly features. Its ENERGY STAR certification is a significant advantage for energy savings, allowing users to track usage and receive personalized tips. Compatibility-wise, it supports a variety of heating and cooling systems but is not suitable for line volt heating or heating-only oil furnace systems, which can be a limitation for some households. The requirement for a C-wire can also complicate installation for users whose homes lack this wiring.

Remote access is robust, with control possible via mobile apps and integration with smart home systems like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana. This flexibility ensures that users can manage their home's climate from virtually anywhere. The customizable color touchscreen and on-screen display of indoor/outdoor temperatures, humidity, and weather forecasts enhance user experience by keeping critical information easily accessible.

However, the thermostat lacks advanced learning capabilities found in some competitors, meaning it won't automatically adjust to your habits over time. The energy reports and potential for participating in demand response programs are excellent for those looking to maximize energy savings and potentially earn rewards. Geofencing isn't explicitly mentioned, which might be a drawback for users seeking this feature for more automated adjustments based on their location. Installation ease is moderate; while many features are straightforward, the need for a C-wire can necessitate professional installation for those not comfortable with electrical work. The Honeywell Home RTH9600WF is well-suited for tech-savvy users or those with compatible home wiring who prioritize remote control and energy efficiency but might not meet the needs of users looking for more straightforward installation or advanced automation features.

The Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) is a polished and smart device designed to make managing your home’s heating and cooling easier while helping to save energy. It’s compatible with most common heating and cooling systems, including gas, electric, and heat pumps, and usually doesn’t require a C wire, simplifying installation for many homes. It works seamlessly with popular smart home platforms like Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant, and its Matter compatibility means it can fit well into a wide range of smart home setups.

A standout feature is its learning ability: the thermostat studies your habits and preferences to create an efficient heating and cooling schedule, and it even adjusts based on the outdoor temperature to naturally optimize comfort and energy use. The included Nest Temperature Sensor lets you monitor and control temperatures in different rooms, which is great for managing hot or cold spots in your home. The large, clear display with Dynamic Farsight lets you see temperature information from across the room, and the Google Home app provides easy control from anywhere. It also offers helpful notifications that ask before making schedule changes, giving you control without extra hassle. Energy reports and usage tracking help you understand your consumption and save on bills, with Google estimating around 12% savings on heating and 15% on cooling.

Some users may find the price higher than basic smart thermostats, and while installation is generally straightforward, homes with unusual wiring might need a professional. Battery-powered operation might require occasional battery changes, which is a minor maintenance aspect. Also, full benefits rely on consistent use of the app and sensors, which may be a learning curve for less tech-inclined users. This thermostat is well suited for homeowners seeking a smart, stylish, and energy-conscious device that integrates well with existing smart home systems and offers advanced learning and sensor features to optimize comfort and savings.