10 Best Thermostats 2026 in the United States

The ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is designed to work well with typical home heating and cooling systems, making it compatible with most furnaces. It includes a helpful 2-pack of SmartSensors that detect temperature in different rooms, helping to reduce hot or cold spots and keep your home more comfortable. This thermostat is highly programmable and can be controlled remotely using voice commands with Alexa or Siri, or through your smartphone, offering convenient smart features. It also stands out with a built-in air quality monitor that alerts you to poor indoor air quality and suggests ways to improve it, including reminders for furnace filter changes.

Energy saving is a key strength here, as the device is ENERGY STAR certified and claims to save up to 26% on heating and cooling costs by optimizing your home's temperature. Installation requires hardwiring to your home's electrical system, which might be a bit challenging if you’re not comfortable with DIY projects, but many users find it worth the effort for the long-term benefits.

The inclusion of door and window sensors adds a layer of security by monitoring entry, exit, and movement, which can be integrated with ecobee’s Smart Security system for customized alerts. The built-in speaker and clear LCD display make daily interaction easy and user-friendly. Some features like smart security alerts require an additional subscription, which could add to the cost. This thermostat represents a strong choice for homeowners looking to combine comfort, energy savings, and smart home integration. Its advanced sensors and air quality monitoring provide extra value beyond basic temperature control, though installation might require professional help, and some security features come at an extra cost.

The Honeywell Home Smart Color Wi-Fi Thermostat is a solid choice for anyone looking to modernize their heating and cooling system with smart features. It works well with most forced air systems, heat pumps, and hot water or steam heating, but it won’t work with electric baseboard heat, so it’s important to check your home’s setup first. It requires a C-wire, which means a continuous power source from your HVAC system, and if you don’t have one, you’ll need to add an adapter, making installation a bit more involved for some users.

This thermostat shines with its easy-to-use, customizable color touchscreen that lets you pick your favorite display color and view indoor/outdoor temperature alongside humidity and weather forecasts right on the screen. It supports flexible programming if you want to set schedules or simply use the smart features to adjust temperatures automatically. A big plus is its compatibility with popular smart home assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana, letting you control your thermostat by voice or through an app from anywhere. The ENERGY STAR certification means it’s designed to help save energy, and it even offers perks like energy-saving rebates and utility demand response programs, which can lower your energy bills further.

One downside is that it’s not the simplest thermostat to install yourself if your wiring isn’t already compatible. Also, it doesn’t support certain heating systems such as line voltage or heating-only oil furnaces without a C-wire. This thermostat is best suited for homeowners with compatible HVAC systems who want smart, energy-efficient control with modern features and are comfortable doing or arranging a slightly technical installation.

The Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004 Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat is a strong contender in the smart thermostat category, particularly for those looking for versatility and convenience. Its compatibility with major smart home systems like Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings allows for seamless integration into your existing setup. The customizable color touchscreen is a standout feature, making it visually appealing and easy to navigate. Users can easily adjust settings and view important information like local weather and indoor humidity levels at a glance.

Programmability is another key strength; it offers flexible scheduling options that can be tailored to your daily routine or adjusted based on energy pricing. This can lead to notable energy savings, a crucial aspect for budget-conscious consumers mindful of their environmental impact. The intelligent alerts for maintenance reminders, such as air filter changes, enhance user experience by keeping you informed about your system's health.

However, there are a few points to consider. While installation is generally straightforward, some users may find it a bit challenging if they lack experience with home wiring or HVAC systems. Additionally, being a Wi-Fi thermostat, it relies on a stable internet connection to utilize its smart features fully. Any connectivity issues could hinder performance, especially when you're counting on alerts or remote access.

The price point may be higher than traditional thermostats, which could deter budget-conscious buyers who aren't interested in smart features. Nevertheless, those who appreciate advanced capabilities and energy management will likely find the investment worthwhile. The Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004 is best suited for homeowners or small businesses looking to enhance their heating and cooling systems with modern technology and energy efficiency.