The 6 Best Smart Thermostats to Keep Your House Comfortable and Save You Money

ProsConnects to all major smart devicesEasy manual installation processConsSome users had issues with installation and power extender kitsThe ecobee covers the standard lineup of smart thermostat features, with climate control and money-saving that are commonplace among any of the top options, but sets itself apart with a wider range of smart features.It doubles as a security base for your home security, serving as the arming and disarming mechanism. It also features a built-in air quality monitor that alerts you to poor air quality and sends reminders when you need to replace air filters in your furnace.The ecobee comes with a separate smart sensor for precision control, allowing it to fine-tune the temperature in the rooms where you spend the most time. Though it comes with a single sensor, you can purchase more to add that precision throughout the house.It also provides free Eco+ Software which works on your smartphone and generates energy reports that further maximize your energy savings.The smart thermostat also comes with a host of standard smart features. After connecting to a Google assistant or Alexa, the smart speaker built directly on the thermostat itself can take voice commands and even play music. It also comes with a three-year warranty from date of purchase.Each purchase comes with a full converter kit as well, so if you aren’t currently in a home with a C-Wire, you can add one by following the kit instructions.ProsDIY installation processThree different temperature modes to fit your scheduleConsLacks additional smart features without purchasing air sensorsFor a smart thermostat that better fits a tight budget, Amazon has its own option that comes with many of the same energy-saving features at a lower overall price tag. Through the connected app, the thermostat tracks and reports your energy usage and peak time periods throughout the week and month.Through Alexa, you can also set home, away, and sleep temperatures that you can schedule throughout the day and week in order to further maximize savings on your energy bill and optimize your air conditioning to your exact schedule. You can also set the temperature remotely from your phone through the Alexa app.Beyond the controls, by using an Amazon product, the company will pass along potential rebate and saving opportunities that you could take advantage of by owning a smart thermostat.As for upfront costs, the device is designed specifically for easy DIY installation so there is no need to hire an HVAC technician unless you want one.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsTemperature and energy alerts to your phoneIndoor, outdoor, and humidity detectionConsRequires sensors for full load of featuresThe Honeywell T9 is a great choice if your primary concern is reducing energy use and lowering your bills. You need to pair it with one of Honeywell’s smart room sensors to take advantage of the thermostat’s full functionality, which is an extra hurdle, but the sensor only costs about $30, so it’s a short one.One of the key ways the T9 saves money is through virtual fencing. Using your phone’s GPS, the thermostat automatically switches between home and away mode as you come and go. So, when you leave your house, energy usage is reduced across the board.Honeywell also provides monthly usage reports that point out areas where energy can be reduced for a lower upfront cost. Adding more room sensors can increase the accuracy of those reports, giving you more chances to optimize your heating and cooling system.The Honeywell T9 doesn’t have the same wide spectrum of features as our other recommendations, but it’s core functionality is very solid.ProsInstallation kit made installation do-able aloneLight-up display shows weather and humidityConsNot optimal if you primarily use another smart home platformThe newest generation of the Google Nest Thermostat has impressed our team as an easy-to-install, easy-to-use option that reduces energy use and is compatible with most HVAC systems. Like previous models, the smart thermostat builds a schedule, learns your temperature preferences, and reduces energy when it isn’t needed.Reviews Editor Danny Perez installed the Nest in his own home and absolutely fell in the love with nearly every aspect of it. “To say I like this thermostat is an understatement: It lights up when I pass by to show me the interior temps, as well as local weather and humidity (it’s nice to know my presence is acknowledged, not gonna lie),” writes Perez.Beyond the basic features, Perez also pointed out how much he likes the actual display and design of the thermostat. “Sure, other thermostats and window a/c units have similar smart features, but they don’t blend into my home the way the Google Nest thermostat does. I genuinely enjoy looking at it. I light up when I pass by it.”Read Full Nest Thermostat ReviewAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsDisplay changes colorProvides weekly weather forecastsConsLacks virtual fencing feature With a large, responsive touch screen, this basic Honeywell thermostat is easy to see from across the room, thanks to a large, custom-color display. It’s a versatile option, compatible with multiple smart home assistants. Like other models, it’s Energy Star-certified, which means that using one can help you save even more money through local rebates. While the smart thermostat is great for easy scheduling and reading, it lacks the learning software of the Google Nest or the virtual fencing adjustments that many other smart thermostats have. That said, it’s also considerably cheaper.ProsMeasures humidity levelsCreates a geofence around your homeConsSome users report a hard time reconnecting to internet if disconnectedMost smart thermostats aren’t compatible with baseboard heating and cooling systems. This Mysa unit is the rare exception, and designed specifically to work with electric baseboards. Combine that with compatibility across every major smart home system, and the Mysa becomes one of very few thermostats with such capabilities.While the compatibility alone makes this a tempting choice, it also has many of the same high-end smart features as the competition. This includes virtual fencing, so when you head out for the day, the thermostat automatically reduces energy use.Another key feature is its temperature monitor. Unlike many other devices, which only provide you with degrees, the Mysa smart thermostat also measures and reports humidity levels.Tom Price is a reviews editor for Popular Mechanics while also contributing to Runner's World, Best Products, and Bicycling. Here at Popular Mechanics, Tom loves testing out home appliances, smart tech, gear for city life and outdoor adventures, small gadgets like watches and multitools, and anything else you can find piled up at his hoarder's nest of a desk. Prior to working here, Tom attended NYU, graduating with a degree in English and a minor in creative writing. He also wrote for Best Reviews, The Daily Beast, and other publications covering tech, fitness gear, gadgets, and lifestyle products. Furthermore, he covered startup news, pop culture, and even professional wrestling. To follow more of his work, check back here for new stories.