10 Best Smart Thermostats 2025 in the United States

The Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) is an impressive smart thermostat designed to enhance energy efficiency in your home. Its compatibility with most 24V heating and cooling systems makes it a versatile choice for many households. One of its standout features is its learning capability, allowing it to adapt to your preferences over time. This means it can automatically adjust temperatures based on your habits, promoting energy savings—averaging about 12% on heating and 15% on cooling bills.

Remote access through the Google Home app is another significant advantage. This feature allows you to control your home's temperature from anywhere, making it convenient for busy lifestyles. The inclusion of the Nest Temperature Sensor enhances its functionality, allowing you to manage temperature variations across different rooms effectively.

The design is sleek and modern, with a large display that's easy to read. The Adaptive Eco feature is a nice touch as it offers further energy-saving options, though it requires active monitoring and tweaking through the app. The Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) is well-suited for those looking to reduce energy costs while enjoying the convenience of modern technology. It's particularly beneficial for homeowners who appreciate smart home integration and are willing to take some time to set it up properly.

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.

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.