The best smart home thermostats
A smart thermostat is an app-enabled smart home device that does more than manage your home’s cooling and heating system. You can adjust your thermostat remotely anywhere your phone or mobile device is connected to a Wi-Fi or cellular network, so you can stay in control whether you’re at the grocery store, on vacation or just on the couch. Many models can also be voice controlled via Siri, Alexa or Google Assistant.
Some smart thermostat systems also use smart features like a motion sensor or occupancy sensor that determines if you’re home or away and automatically change the temperature — both heating and cooling — for you, without you having to fiddle with your HVAC system. Others have a geofencing feature: Once you get a certain distance from your home, they automatically switch to away mode and then back to home mode when you return.
Then there are features like remote sensors, a power extender kit, thermostats that work with existing infrastructures (in other words, that are compatible with Apple HomeKit) and, of course, thermostats that measure your energy usage so that your home can be more energy efficient. Truly, a smart home thermostat is an energy-saving smart device that’s good for both the environment and your wallet. Here are three that CNET has tagged as its favorites of 2021.
BEST THERMOSTAT OVERALL Ecobee Smart Thermostat
The Ecobee Smart Thermostat is our favorite pick for best smart thermostat available today. Yes, it’s expensive at $249, but it has the performance and features to back it up — especially if you want to talk to Alexa without having to buy an Amazon Echo. If you don’t want or need an Amazon Alexa speaker, the $169 Ecobee3 Lite Wi-Fi thermostat is also a great option.
BEST VALUE Nest Thermostat
The Nest Thermostat is an Alexa- and Google-Assistant-enabled smart thermostat from Google — and it’s only $130, or sometimes even less. Compared to the high-end $250 smart thermostats, this model offers a great value. It also looks nice, is easy to install and use in the Google Home app (or with a voice command; compatible smart speakers and displays sold separately) and performs well.
If you’re searching for a solid entry-level smart thermostat, the Nest Thermostat is an excellent option.
BEST DESIGN Nest Learning Thermostat
We hold that the $249 Nest Learning Thermostat is still the best-looking smart thermostat out there. Its rounded design harkens back to old-school thermostats, but the device has a modern look that fits in with nearly any home decor.
The $169 Nest Thermostat E looks nice too, but it has more plastic components that aren’t as appealing as the Learning Thermostat’s stainless steel.