Thermostats

What's behind our thermostat Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 15 models in thermostats to see which ones perform best.

We look for:

Overall score
This is based mainly on temperature performance, programming ease, and display visibility. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points.
Temperature
The ability to maintain steady temperatures based on the difference when the thermostat turns the heating or cooling system on and off. Temperatures for highest scorers varied by just over 1degree F; lowest by about 5 degrees F.
Programming
Denotes ease of setup and making routine adjustments and changes to setback programs, including overrides.
Display
Includes clarity at arm's length (2 feet), in subdued room light, while lighted and unlighted, and at night.

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Recommended thermostats

Recommended thermostats are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices, weigh features, price, and attributes that matter to you.

Recommended thermostats

Thermostat buying guide

To find the thermostat that is right for you, read our expert advice on which features to consider and how to find the best value.

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Ratings & recommended thermostats

Thermostats (15)

Recommended models are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices among models, weigh performance, features, price, and attributes that matter to you, such as color, size, or style.

Thermostat buying guide

Programmable thermostats can help save energy by automatically raising or lowering temperatures at night and when you're away. But confusing controls on some can make it easy to burn more energy than you bargained for.

Manufacturers have taken steps to make programmable thermostats less daunting. Today's top thermostats have built-in energy-saving programs that are designed to cut heating and cooling costs by up to 20 percent, eliminating the need to create programs from scratch. But you'll still have to set the time, date, and the ... Read more

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