Best Thermostats

Review & Comparison, Last Update December 2, 2023
We all have to cope with the problem of maintaining the comfort in our houses. Modern utility and HVAC systems make it possible by ...Read more
PROS

Use the Total Connect Comfort app to take full control of your home's electricity consumption. Voice control is also available. Energy Savings mode will allow you to save on monthly bills. Fix your own temperature schedules for up to 7 days.

CONS

The plastic housing material looks cheap.

OUR VERDICT

The Honeywell TH9320WF5003 is a thermostat with a responsive color display that will be a great addition to any smart home. You can apply the desired settings even when you are not at home. This device always shows the temperature inside and outside the room, as well as the humidity level.

detailed parameters
Control type

Remote: via a Wi-Fi connection, from the iOS and Android-based mobile devices (through the Honeywell app), IFTTT, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa

Manual: via the touchscreen menu

HVAC compatibility

24 VAC-powered systems such as forced air, hydronic, cooling systems, heat pump, oil, gas, and electric

Power supply

Wired from the C-wire

Display type

Large rectangular full-color display

Programming type

7-day programming

Warranty

5 years limited

PROS

The device will allow you to program a schedule for each day of the week. As it receives convenient weather updates, figuring out that schedule will be particularly easy. The app changes the color of its background to let you know at a single glance whether your home system is heating or cooling.

CONS

The voice control feature isn't always reliable. 

OUR VERDICT

We would recommend the Emerson Sensi wireless thermostat to just about any customer who is looking to get as many convenient features as possible for the most reasonable price. Plus, the model's sleek, minimalist design will look great on any wall.

detailed parameters
Control type

Smartphone or tablet using the free Sensi app for Android and iOS devices

Works with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit (c-wire required), Google assistant, and wink smarthome platforms

HVAC compatibility

Heat Only and Cool Only systems; Conventional - up to two stages of heating and two stages of cooling (2H/2C); Heat pump systems without auxiliary, up to 4 stages of heating and two stages of cooling(4H/2C); Gas, oil, electric, geothermal, radiant heat systems

Power supply

2 AA batteries (included)

Display type

Large backlit display

Programming type

7-day flexible scheduling

Warranty

5 years (limited)

PROS

You won't have to reconfigure the settings in the events of power failure or Internet connection loss. The moment it gets back online, the thermostat will continue with the usual schedule without requiring any interference on your part. The SMART Response will ensure the desired temperature at the set time. 

CONS

Connecting to Wi-Fi can be a difficult and tedious process. 

OUR VERDICT

The Honeywell RTH6580WF will be a good fit for anyone who wants to have as much control over the environment in their household as possible. It occupies that perfect middle ground for people who would like to receive the advantages of high-tech devices but don't feel like paying the seldom reasonable price.

detailed parameters
Control type

Remote: via a Wi-Fi connection, from the iOS and Android-based mobile devices (through the Honeywell app)

Manual: via 7 mechanical push-buttons

HVAC compatibility

24 VAC-powered systems such as forced air, hydronic, cooling systems, heat pump, oil, gas, and electric

Power supply

Wired from the C-wire

Display type

Rectangular monochrome backlit display

Programming type

7-day programming with 4 program periods per day

Warranty

1 year (limited)

PROS

The model works with 2-wire hot water systems and millivolt systems. It is also compatible with heat pumps that work without auxiliary/backup heat. The Copy and Paste feature will allow you to quickly and easily set up a schedule for the entire week without wasting too much of your time. 

CONS

The batteries aren't included in the package. 

OUR VERDICT

The Orbit 83521 makes the often complicated interactions between the cooling/heating systems and the thermostat simple and straightforward. The model looks good and it doesn't disappoint in any other important area. Plus, it streamlines the whole programming process.

detailed parameters
Control type

Manual only: via 5 mechanical push-buttons and 2 slide switches

HVAC compatibility

Gas, oil, or electric furnaces, Central air conditioners, 2-wire hot water systems, millivolt systems, central heating and cooling systems, heat pumps without auxiliary/backup heat

Power supply

3 AAA batteries (sold separately)

Display type

Rectangular monochrome backlit display

Programming type

7-day programming with 4 program periods per day

Warranty

3 years

PROS

When this model turns on after a power outage, you don't have to reset the desired settings, as everything will be preserved. The informative reminders to change batteries and filter will keep your thermostat in good working order.

CONS

The display is too small.

OUR VERDICT

The Honeywell Home RTH2300B is a thermostat with extremely simple settings that will help you control the microclimate in your home, regardless of your lifestyle. You can set the temperature as accurately as possible (+/- 1 degree Fahrenheit). This device is compatible with most heating/cooling systems, as well as heat pumps.

detailed parameters
Control type

Manual only: via 5 mechanical push-buttons

HVAC compatibility

Gas, oil, or electric furnace, Central air conditioner, Hot water system with or without pump, Millivolt system, Central heating and cooling system, Heat pump without auxiliary/backup heat

Power supply

2 AA batteries (sold separately)

Display type

Rectangular monochrome backlit display

Programming type

7-day programming with 4 program periods per day

Warranty

1 year limited

Your Perfect Home Climate

Time to save up on your energy bills. Adjust the temperature at home and set your own schedule from anywhere with the Honeywell wireless thermostat.

If you haven’t used such a device before, you’ll be amazed at how convenient and flexible it is. Honeywell lets you pick an accurate temperature for your home, which can be easily checked with a separate thermometer. This device shows the indoor as well as outdoor temperature and humidity level, informing you of the real situation inside and outside the house.

Instead of keeping the indoor temp at a constant level, turn it down when you’re at work or traveling. This will help you reduce the monthly energy costs and spend the money on something more fun than electricity. Managing the in-house temperature is the key to fewer expenses and an improved domestic budget.

Need to fix a temp schedule for an entire week? Super easy with Honeywell, as it allows you to program the regular temperature periods for up to 7 days. A real no-brainer for those that leave home for office and arrive back at around the same time.

As an added pro, the touchscreen of this thermostat is user-friendly with crisp and bright colors.

Control the Temperature Remotely

You don’t actually need to be at home to control the temp. Install the Total Connect Comfort app and use Wi-Fi to change the temperature at your home or fix the schedule from your office, car, or condo. Additionally, keep track of your domestic climate and fix the emergencies without having to rush back in.

Even better; Honeywell is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, which means you can adjust the temp by a simple voice command. No need to get up from the sofa and use the touchscreen at all. This thermostat fits a modern smart home like a glove.

Installing Honeywell is easy, and you don’t have to be a thermostat expert to do it. Just follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and you’re good. Don’t forget that it requires a 5-wire connection, as this could be a problem for some households.

As this thermostat is user focused, it’s a real find for a family with elder members. The touchscreen is amazingly easy to read, and the entire system can be used without being tech savvy.

Overall, the Honeywell Wi-Fi thermostat lives up to each and every expectation of a smart home owner.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $139.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00G4CIG7M

Plenty of Functions in a Simple Package

Emerson Sensi is the perfect example of how something so simple-looking can offer just about anything you would want out of a wireless thermostat. Simply download the Sensi app and you will have access to a rich number of features that the model comes equipped with.

The said features include the ability to remotely control the temperature in your home. They also include the geofencing technology. As some of you may know, the aforementioned technology identifies the location of your smartphone and adjusts the temperature according to that location.

People lead all kinds of lives, which is why it's a good thing that this product comes equipped with the sort of technologies that will allow you to program a schedule for each day of the week. And since the model receives convenient weather updates, figuring out that schedule will be particularly easy.

A Lot to go On

The app's interface is another example of how something so simple can be so effective. For instance, the app changes the color of its background to let you know at a single glance whether your home system is heating or cooling. It also sends you alerts whenever the wireless thermostat detects inconvenient or extreme changes in temperature or humidity.

Finally, the app automatically adjusts between the cooling and the heating mode in order to keep the user as comfortable as possible. It's HVAC compatibility coverage is superb. On top of it, the model's also compatible with iPhone, iPad, any Android device, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit (the c-wire is required), Google assistant and wink smart home platforms.

All in all, we would recommend the Emerson Sensi wireless thermostat to just about any customer who is looking to get as many convenient features as possible for the most affordable price. Plus, the model's sleek, minimalist design will look great on any wall.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $99.77
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B01NB1OB0I

Enough Features to Go Around

Honeywell develops a variety of different household solutions. A lot of people tend to associate their products with some of the more expensive segments of the market. But they do produce a number of budget-friendly options too. On that note, we would like to talk about Honeywell RTH6580WF.

If we had to sum up this model in one sentence, we'd say that it occupies that perfect middle ground for people who would like to receive the advantages of high-tech devices but don't feel like paying the seldom reasonable price.

To start things off, the model comes equipped with a large backlit LCD screen. The values are easy to read and the interface is straightforward enough. The model packs a decent number of features but you should be able to easily make manual adjustments.

Of course, this is a Honeywell thermostat, so you'll also be able to pair it with the Total Connect Comfort application and control the device remotely via your smartphone or tablet. The app will provide you with cooling and heating schedules and settings, with the ability to easily adjust and change both of them.

Of course, it will also display the temperature and give you the option to control that temperature. A 5-day weather forecast will help you with the latter. Not the most popular function but the Honeywell application will also grant you access to multiple smart thermostats. Finally, you can set the program to send you low- and high-temperature alerts.

Control the Environment

With app out of the way, we reckon it wouldn't hurt to talk about some of the more basic and general features and characteristics of this model. The one seemingly small thing that we really like is the real-time clock. This clock keeps track of the time and date, so it automatically adjusts to the daylight savings time.

Plus, you won't have to reconfigure the settings in the events of power failure or Internet connection loss. The moment it gets back online, the thermostat will continue with the usual schedule without requiring any interference on your part.

But the most noteworthy feature is probably the so-called SMART Response. In short, this function enables the thermostat to predict the amount of time your heating or cooling system takes to reach the programmed temperature settings. That means you won't have to waste your time calculating whether the system will be able to reach the temperature in time as the feature will do it for you, ensuring the desired at the time you set.

In conclusion, the Honeywell RTH6580WF will prove to be a good fit for anyone who would like to have as much control over the environment in their household as possible but without paying an exorbitant price.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $56.77
Stock In stock
ASIN B00Y6M2OUC

Meshes With the Surroundings

The Orbit 83521 is, for the most part, one of the more basic models. Though we can't say that we were disappointed with its functionality, you won't really find here an array of next-gen features here that some people have come to expect out of programmable thermostats.

But it isn't like the product has nothing to feature to some of the more demanding customers. Sure, you won't be able to control the device via your smartphone. It doesn't support any application, so manual control is your only option. But the 5 mechanical push-buttons are intuitive enough, with Set, Run, and Hold reserved for the usual functions and a couple of up and down arrows to the right of the thermostat for menu navigation.

The menu itself is nothing to write home about. It doesn't bring anything new to the table but neither is it too complicated or convoluted, so anyone will be able to make sense of it without wasting a lot of time with the manual.

Though we can't say the same about the design of this thermostat. It looks sleek and sharp, attractive yet subtle, incorporating the sort of appearance that meshes quite well with any contemporary décor. The display is bright enough and the warm backlight will allow you to view the values and settings across an entire room.

Any Heating or Cooling System

One thing that we can definitely say about this model is that it absolutely does not disappoint as far as compatibility is concerned. The model works perfectly fine with the standard gas, oil, and electric furnaces. It is compatible with central air conditioners. You can pair the thermostat with 2-wire hot water systems or millivolt systems and have full control over them.

Of course, just like any other similar device, the Orbit 83521 works with the absolute majority of central heating and cooling systems. But it is also compatible with heat pumps that work without auxiliary/backup heat, which isn't something we can say about the majority of the model's competition.

On the functionality front, the device in question incorporates enough features to go around. Naturally, there's the usual 7-day programming setting that comes with 4 program periods a day.

There's also the so-called Early Start mode, the mode that makes sure that the temperature you want will be reached by the time that you've set. Using this mode, you'll be able to create and maintain a comfortable environment in your home, regardless of your definition of comfortable.

One last thing before we conclude the review is the model's seemingly basic but surprisingly unique Copy and Paste feature. The feature streamlines programming as you won't have to waste your time setting the same schedule for each day of the week.

In other words, the Orbit 83521 makes the often complicated interactions between the cooling/heating systems and the thermostat simple and straightforward. The model looks good and it doesn't disappoint in any other important area.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $38.44
Stock In stock
ASIN B01D16HAFW

Simple yet Efficient

Need to set up a precise temperature at your home? Why not try the Honeywell programmable thermostat? It’s easy to install and operates with a flexible schedule as well as program memory for your convenience.

Honeywell goes well with most heating and cooling systems, including various types of furnace, air conditioning, central heating/cooling, and more. You can install and set it up in under 5 minutes without paying a specialist. The key to this is a very simple and informative manual that can be used by a person with no previous experience.

Unlike other thermostats that let the temperatures vary, Honeywell gives you the perfect control over your domestic microclimate. This device offers precise +1/-1 degree temperatures, which you can easily check yourself. Create an ideal atmosphere at your home without having to correct the temp by hand.

Although the monochrome display of Honeywell could be bigger, it’s backlit and gives you the welcome one-touch access to the temperature setup. It’s also intuitive in use, which is a big plus for older family members. In short, using and programming this thermostat is definitely not rocket science.

A Flexible Weekly Schedule

As your routine is different during the weekdays and the weekend, so should be the temperature at your home. Why waste electricity and get the costly bills when you can set up the separate heating schedules for the two parts of the week? Honeywell has thought of that and lets you set up the temps as you need it and when you need it.

But that’s not all; you are free to program for the 4 periods per day. Whether you’re asleep or awake, at home or work, this thermostat is ready to take orders. You don’t really need the added heat while you’re away at the office, right? Honeywell is really flexible in this aspect, so you can tailor your indoor climate to the max.

If you think of it, life is much more than keeping track of your thermostat’s battery. This model will automatically remind you about the battery charge as well as filter change. But don’t worry, the batteries will last longer than in your previous thermostat (if you had one before, of course).

In case of a power outage, Honeywell will not forget the settings. Everything will be safely stored in its memory, not causing you any trouble.

Summing up, this programmable thermostat is a simple yet effective temperature manager for your home.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00CTSY6G0

What Is a Thermostat?

A room thermostat is ideal for fine adjustment of indoor climate. The principle of thermostat operation is very simple: you set the desired indoor air temperature and the controller turns the HVAC or heat pump system equipment on. The equipment keeps running until the indoor temperature reaches the value set. Thus, when the indoor air temperature drops below the set value, the thermostat automatically turns on the heating system. It can also work the other way: when the room air temperature exceeds the preset value the thermostat activates the cooling system, so the indoor air temperature is kept at a comfortable level in summer.

If you are looking for a device that provides local heating of small enclosures you should see our space heaters review.

What Features to Compare

When purchasing a thermostat device, first of all, one should pay attention to such important device parameter as thermostat Control type. It is this feature that makes it possible to characterize the approach to thermostat's temperature control and, most importantly, ease of use and apprehensibility of the device operation. By control type, the thermostats can be divided into the ones with a manual and the ones with an automatic control. With that the home thermostats furnished with analog control, which is implemented via either dials or mechanical buttons accompanied by simple indicators or LEDs, are controlled manually. Electronic or digital thermostat control in its turn implies the availability of menu buttons (sensor or mechanical) and a display (touchscreen) for critical information output.  In addition the electronic type of thermostat control opens the wide possibilities of digital thermostat remote control: you can easily control your home thermostat via an internet Wi-Fi connection from literally any location using a PC, laptop or a smartphone. This clearly shows the advantage of the electronic control type over the analog one.

Having determined the thermostat control type, you should pay attention to such an important feature as HVAC compatibility and power supply. Information about HVAC compatibility and power supply gives you an idea of what house systems you will be able to control with a specific thermostat. Modern thermostats are designed to control the wide variety of utilities, such as heating, cooling systems, including gas, electric, forced air supply systems of low and high-voltage type. These systems are controlled by high or low voltage power, thus, the compatibility with low-voltage or high-voltage HVAC systems determines the device applicability to the HVAC equipment installed in your house.

The third consumer-wise important feature concerning the digital thermostats is the Programming type. By programming type, the thermostats can be divided into non-programmable, user-programmable and self-programmable devices. Non-programmable thermostats have very few configurable parameters such as indoor air temperature or water supply temperature. The user sets the value of such a parameter and the thermostat maintains the temperature value set by operating HVAC equipment regardless of the date, time, and season. User-programmable thermostats are more flexible in operation. Digital thermostats also can be self-programmable: they can automatically adjust and reconfigure the values of parameters controlled based on the data, acquired from the external sensors, i.e. auto-adjust the desired temperature considering the season.

 

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