With the best smart thermostat, controlling the temperature of your home doesn't even require you to be there. Using the internet, these devices let you adjust the temperature of individual rooms straight from your smartphone. Smart thermostats can also work alongside other elements of your smart home to create the automated haven you've always dreamed of.
There are two types of smart thermostats you need to consider - those that control the whole of your heating or cooling system, and those that allow each area of your home to be customized individually. As you might assume, the latter type tends to be more expensive, and usually requires additional devices like smart radiator valves or cooling vents.
Whichever you choose, the best smart thermostats are designed to make managing the climate of your home much easier. For example, you can use them with the best smart speakers and displays to control the temperature using just your voice. Some even have voice assistants built-in, so you don't need an existing speaker.
And it doesn't stop there, smart thermostats will integrate with everything from the best smart lights and lamps to the best smart plugs and switches - creating the perfect cozy atmosphere with a single command. Switching can also save you money, as a smart thermostat means you won't accidentally leave the heating on full blast when no one is home.
For example, if you're late for work then you can just log into an app on your phone and control your home's heating from the office, car, or train. The best WiFi thermostats are also loaded with sensors that can help determine whether a room needs heating or cooling at any given moment. Or if there's a window open, it'll automatically power down so that you won't be wasting energy while heat escapes. Then there are schedules that allow you to set automated routines for your home's heating system.
If you're looking to upgrade, it can be overwhelming with the amount of choice available. Smart thermostats are now available from leading brands including Google's Nest, Ecobee, and Honeywell. We've put a range of these models to the test, using them on a daily basis in our homes to discover which is the best.
The best smart thermostat 2022
How we test smart thermostats
To find out which are the best smart thermostats on the market, we assess how easy they are to install and control. We evaluate how responsive they are when it comes to switching the heating and cooling systems on or off from a smartphone, both when we’re away from home and close by. We also judge how effectively AI amends the heating and cooling schedule based on how quickly or slowly your house changes temperature, along with any sensors that detect activity (or lack of it) and open windows.
We also appraise each design on how durable it is, and how effectively Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri respond to commands related to the smart thermostat. We also assess any extra kit available for the smart thermostat, such as hubs and radiator valves, and consider whether it requires reading a thick instruction manual before use.
How to choose the best smart thermostat for you
What to consider when buying a smart thermostat
Before selecting the right smart thermostat for you, there are some aspects to consider.
As we’ve already mentioned; there are two types of smart thermostat to consider. Smart thermostats that control your system as a whole are usually more affordable and easier to install than smart thermostats that offer zonal control. However, you may find you’re still heating or cooling rooms that you’re not using, and subsequently wasting energy and money.
Smart thermostats that offer zonal control are more expensive as you’ll need to install a smart valve on each radiator or cooling outlet - this allows you to heat or cool each individual room to a different temperature.
Some smart thermostats use AI to adjust your heating and cooling schedule based on how long it takes your home to heat up or cool down, while others include sensors that will automatically switch the heating and cooling system off if they detect an open window, or think no-one is using the house at the time, saving even more energy.
Finally, not all smart thermostats are compatible with all voice assistants, so if you already use a voice assistant in your home, check whether it will integrate with your chosen smart thermostat. Also consider whether it will integrate with other smart home devices you already own such as home security cameras, video doorbells, and smart lights.
Is it worth getting a smart thermostat?
Unsure about whether a smart thermostat is worth it? It’s no surprise given these are one of the most expensive smart home devices on the market, and they are fiddly to install too, which means many of us will end up employing a professional to take on the installation.
However, smart thermostats can make life easier as well as potentially put an end to wasting energy. If you’re going to be late home from work, you can switch the heating or air conditioning off remotely, so it's running full blast in an empty house. Similarly, if you’ve been away on holiday, a smart thermostat can make sure your house is at a cozy temperature as soon as you walk through the door, rather than having to wait hours for the property to warm up as the HVAC system has been switched off for a week or two.
When it comes to saving money, many smart thermostats make bold claims about just how much you can claw back by installing one. Energy-saving standards firm Energy Star estimates having a smart thermostat installed will use around 8% less energy a year, equating to $50 in the US - although this will differ in other territories.
How you use your heating and cooling system will also affect just how much of a saving you make. If you have it running all the time, then chances are you’ll generate some hefty savings, but if you already use a schedule to adjust the temperature in your home, the savings won’t be as big, but every little helps.
Either way, we certainly believe that the convenience and savings a smart thermostat offers make it more than worth it.
How do smart thermostats work?
Smart thermostats connect to your home Wi-Fi network and ensure an app on your smartphone, or a voice assistant can be used to switch your home’s heating and cooling system, even if you’re not at home. As well as adjusting the temperature in your home, most smart thermostats also enable you to set schedules, provide a report charting your energy use and even stop your heating coming on at all because, for example, you’re heading out of town.
Like most home smart home gadgets, smart thermostats can also be used in home automations that use other smart home gadgets, such as smart lights and smart plugs, all controlled at the same time. So you can turn the heating up, dim the light and watch your favorite TV show with one command.