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 Google Nest Thermostat is a smart, programmable thermostat designed to help you save energy and keep your home comfortable. It works with many HVAC systems and connects via Wi-Fi to your smartphone or tablet through the Google Home app, allowing remote control from anywhere. One of its strengths is its ability to adjust the temperature automatically when you leave, preventing wasted energy. The Savings Finder feature even suggests personalized schedule tweaks to help you save more.

It's compatible with voice assistants like Google Assistant, making temperature changes easy with just your voice. Installation is generally straightforward, and it can work without a C wire in most homes, though some heating or cooling systems may require extra wiring or power accessories. The thermostat monitors your HVAC system and sends alerts if it detects any issues or needs maintenance reminders, which helps in keeping your system running smoothly. The touch control and glossy LCD display are user-friendly, providing clear temperature information.

Compatibility depends on your specific heating and cooling system, so it's important to check that before buying. It requires a Wi-Fi connection and a smartphone or tablet to use all smart features, which might be limiting if you don’t have these. The product runs on two AAA batteries, which are included, and comes with a one-year warranty. Featuring Energy Star certification and positive customer feedback, this thermostat is a strong choice for those looking to upgrade to a smart, energy-saving device that balances ease of use with useful technology.