Thermostat Buying Guide
Senior Home & Appliances Writer
A thermostat is the brains behind your home’s heating and cooling system, whether that system has a heat pump, furnace, boiler, central AC, or a combination. By monitoring and controlling the temperature in each part of your home, a responsive thermostat is key to keeping it comfortable.
And some thermostats can save you money. A smart thermostat that you can adjust through an app can shave about 8 percent off your home’s heating and cooling bills, amounting to an average savings of $50 a year, according to Energy Star. (Some thermostat manufacturers claim that those savings can reach $100 or more.) Of course, nonconnected, programmable thermostats—which, according to the Energy Information Administration (PDF) are used in about 42 percent of U.S. homes—can also provide energy savings.
But a thermostat can save you money on your energy bills only when you set it to use less energy. You can do that manually every time you go to bed or leave the house, or program your thermostat to do it for you on a schedule.
Smart Thermostats Are Getting Easier to Use
Smart thermostats are gaining popularity.
These devices tend to have simple controls and touchscreen displays that are easy to navigate. More importantly, smart thermostats connect to the internet via WiFi, allowing you to change the temperature at home through an app on your smartphone wherever you happen to be—as easily as you would check your bank account balance.
These thermostat apps can even walk you through the programming process instead of requiring you to press a series of buttons to create a schedule. Smart thermostats can also factor in your local weather forecast and make temperature adjustments automatically using sensors and computer algorithms.
Energy Star began certifying smart thermostats back in 2017. The packaging label makes it easy for you to know which smart models will help lower your energy bills. As of February 2025, 85 smart thermostats had received Energy Star certification. For top-performing smart thermostats that will save you energy and money, see our guide to the best smart thermostats.
Some of the user interface improvements created for smart thermostats have also trickled down into nonconnected programmable thermostats. In our ratings, the best programmable thermostats receive high scores for being easy to program and having intuitive manual controls for adjusting the temperature. To see which programmable thermostats ace our usability tests, check out our list of the best programmable thermostats.
Thermostat Trends
The world of thermostats moves at a much slower pace than those of more popular electronics, such as smartphones and computers, but there are still some notable changes happening in the industry, especially around smart thermostats.
Ecobee was a pioneer when its smart thermostats began using wireless remote temperature sensors, which can be placed in areas away from the thermostat to more accurately heat and cool rooms that might run too hot or too cold. Now most new smart thermostats offer these sensors.
There are also a handful of startups making smart air vents, which connect to select smart thermostats and redirect the airflow of forced air HVAC systems for better heating and cooling. For more information on wireless temperature sensors and smart air vents, check out our guide to getting the right temperature in every room of your home.
A relatively new type of smart thermostat has emerged for ductless HVAC systems, such as wall-mounted heat pumps and mini splits, and window ACs. Often called mini-split thermostats or smart AC controllers, these devices act like WiFi-connected universal TV remotes. They only work with heating/cooling units that have an infrared remote control, taking the place of those remotes. You program them (or send commands) from their smartphone apps and they translate those commands into infrared signals that are sent to the heating/cooling unit.
Finally, smart thermostats are becoming much less expensive. Google released a new Nest Thermostat model in 2020 that now costs $100, while smart-home startup Wyze has a smart thermostat that costs about $75. Later this year, Ecobee will release a new $130 smart thermostat and Honeywell Home will release a new $80 smart thermostat. For more smart thermostat options in every price range, see our smart thermostat ratings.
Thermostat Types
The iconic round thermostat with a dial is a relic, though Google Nest makes a modern version. Today’s models have bright displays and easy-to-use interfaces.
Programmable Thermostats
With no connection to the internet, these models require you to set the temperature, as well as select the heating or cooling cycle of your HVAC system, on the unit itself. Most feature a digital interface with the option to schedule or automatically adjust your home’s temperature based on the times you specify.
Pros: Programmable thermostats are cost-effective. Most models allow you to set different temperatures for multiple times of the day and/or every day of the week.
Cons: They lack the convenience and flexibility of automation, remote control, and voice control.
Smart Thermostats
These models allow you to remotely control your thermostat via your smartphone or computer. Some employ multiple sensors to monitor temperatures in various parts of the home for more balanced heating or cooling. Some models track your temperature preferences and use that data to optimize your heating and cooling schedule.
Pros: Smart thermostats are energy-efficient and convenient. They offer finer control of your HVAC system to reduce your carbon footprint, lower your home’s energy usage, and save money. And they’re able to automate your heating and cooling with little to no manual input.
Cons: They tend to be more expensive than programmable and manual thermostats. Also, not every smart thermostat works with every home’s existing HVAC system.
Mini-Split Thermostats and Smart AC Controllers
Often called mini-split thermostats or smart AC controllers, these thermostats work with mini splits, wall-mounted heat pumps, and window ACs that have an infrared remote control. Like a universal TV remote, they learn the commands from the infrared remote and use them to control your heating and cooling.
Pros: They’re easier to install than traditional thermostats. They can automate an otherwise “dumb” appliance to help you save money.
Cons: They require a line of sight to your heating or cooling unit to send the infrared commands. They can be pricey, and you’ll need one for each mini split, wall-mounted heat pump, or window AC in your home.
How to Choose a Thermostat
1. Consider your HVAC system.
If you have a ductless HVAC system with mini splits or window ACs, you’ll need to consider mini-split thermostats and AC controllers. For traditional ducted HVAC systems, you’ll need either a programmable or smart thermostat. Nearly all of our tested models work on common heating and cooling systems, but check the packaging for exceptions. This is especially a concern with smart thermostats because not all models support all types of HVAC systems. For example, the Nest Thermostat doesn’t support ventilation systems, but the Nest Learning Thermostat does. And if you have separate heating and cooling systems, you may need to install a separate thermostat for each system and each zone of heating and cooling, or for each mini split or window AC in your home.
2. Decide whether you’re interested in a nonconnected programmable thermostat or a smart thermostat.
If all you care about is simple programming, a nonconnected thermostat will suffice, and these models are much more budget-friendly. If you’re interested in controlling your thermostat with your voice or an app, or letting it learn your habits and adjust the temperature accordingly, then you should consider a smart thermostat. To narrow your choices, factor in smart features (such as geofencing), price, and attributes that matter to you, such as color, size, or style.
3. Scope out your wiring.
If you have a ducted HVAC system, you’ll also want to open up your existing thermostat to see what kind of wiring you have. Most nonconnected programmable thermostats will work with as few as two low-voltage wires (common in older heating systems), but newer thermostats often require a common wire, a C-wire. The C-wire provides continuous power for features like displays and WiFi. If you aren’t sure ifr you have a C-wire, consult an HVAC technician.
If you know you don’t have a C-wire but you really want a smart thermostat, you have a few options:
- Choose a model with a power adapter or power extender that allows you to add a C-wire to your system, such as those from Ecobee and Honeywell Home.
- Buy and install a third-party add-a-wire adapter.
- Pick a model from our ratings that doesn’t require a C-wire (look under the Features & Specs tab in our ratings table). Both Nest and Emerson claim you don’t need a C-wire for many systems. Nest models, in particular, have an internal battery that charges whenever your system is running. But some HVAC professionals caution against this arrangement, saying it could potentially damage your HVAC system.
- Have a C-wire professionally installed.
4. Consider your home’s aesthetics.
If you’re replacing something that will stay on your home’s wall for the next decade, you’ll probably want it to look good. Today’s thermostats, especially smart models, come in a variety of shapes and styles. You can go for the classic, round look of Google Nest thermostats or the futuristic all-glass, rounded-square style of Ecobee models. Honeywell Home and Lennox thermostats offer a more modern, boxy look with large displays, and models from Emerson, Hunter, and Lux have a more conventional style that you would expect from programmable thermostats. Of course, when it comes to looks, the decision is entirely up to you. You’re the one who’s going to have to live with it, so choose the style that looks best in your home.
Thermostat Features
The features on thermostats vary from model to model. We’ve identified some that make it easier to control the thermostat, keep you comfortable, and allow you to maximize your energy savings.
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Automated Temperature Changes
First popularized by Nest, some smart thermostats “learn” your behaviors and routines through geofencing and other software cues to create a schedule of temperature changes without any manual programming.
Auto Changeover Switch
Models with an auto changeover automatically switch between heating and cooling, which is handy in places where nights are much cooler than days.
Clear Screen Prompts and Intuitive Controls
A large backlit display makes reading and programming easier in dark hallways and at night, while a clear-system status display shows whether the heat or AC is activated.
App and Voice Control
All smart thermostats offer companion smartphone apps so that you can control them remotely and enable automation features. Most models also work with virtual assistants, such as Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri, allowing you to change the temperature with your voice.
Filter-Change Reminder
This convenient feature tells you when the furnace or AC filter needs changing based on elapsed time.
PHOTO: NEST
Geofencing
Some smart thermostats offer the ability to track your location via your smartphone to adjust the temperature and save money based on when you leave and return home.
Automated Temperature Changes
First popularized by Nest, some smart thermostats “learn” your behaviors and routines through geofencing and other software cues to create a schedule of temperature changes without any manual programming.
Auto Changeover Switch
Models with an auto changeover automatically switch between heating and cooling, which is handy in places where nights are much cooler than days.
Clear Screen Prompts and Intuitive Controls
A large backlit display makes reading and programming easier in dark hallways and at night, while a clear-system status display shows whether the heat or AC is activated.
App and Voice Control
All smart thermostats offer companion smartphone apps so that you can control them remotely and enable automation features. Most models also work with virtual assistants, such as Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri, allowing you to change the temperature with your voice.
Filter-Change Reminder
This convenient feature tells you when the furnace or AC filter needs changing based on elapsed time.
PHOTO: NEST
Geofencing
Some smart thermostats offer the ability to track your location via your smartphone to adjust the temperature and save money based on when you leave and return home.
Installing Wired Thermostats
Most nonconnected thermostats can be wired easily into your home’s heating and cooling system. Simply take a photo of the wired connection on your current thermostat so that you know which wires go where and connect those wires to the corresponding ports on your new thermostat. Many smart thermostats will also include detailed installation instructions or video walkthroughs to make the process easier. Consumer Reports also has a step-by-step installation guide and video to help you complete the task.
TIP: Install a thermostat on an interior wall that’s centrally located and away from vents and other sources of drafts or direct sunlight, which could distort temperature readings.
How CR Tests Thermostats
At Consumer Reports, we’ve tested hundreds of thermostat models over the years. And while once upon a time they weren’t very accurate, most now are able to keep rooms close to the set temperature. It’s for this reason that we no longer test manual thermostats because all they do is hold a set temperature.
With temperature accuracy a given, we focus our testing on ease of use, taking note of how simple each thermostat is to set up, program, read, and operate.
For programmable thermostats, the ease of use testing is broken down into four aspects of the product experience: setup, ease of reading the display, programming, and manual operation.
Our setup test evaluates how easy the thermostat is to configure for an HVAC system after physical installation, and our display test judges how well information is presented and how easy it is to read. The programming test looks at the number of steps it takes to create a heating and cooling schedule and the cues provided for understanding the schedule-building process. The manual operation test assesses the ease of using a thermostat’s primary functions, including controlling the setpoint, building a schedule, setting home/away status, and creating a vacation period.
For smart thermostats, our testing has a different focus. We factor in smart features like alerts, app control, and geofencing (where the thermostat tracks your phone’s location to know whether you’re home).
We also account for machine learning and automation features, which allow smart thermostats to learn your habits and routines to adjust temperatures for you. And with the growing popularity of smart-home apps and digital assistants, we consider compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Apple Home and Siri, and Google Home and Assistant, if those integrations are available. These criteria factor into our unique Smart IQ and automation scores for smart thermostats. As with programmable thermostats, we also consider ease of manual operation.
For mini-split thermostats (aka AC controllers), we evaluate how easy they are to manually control if they have physical controls (not all do). We also judge their smartphone app functionality, including how easy they are to set up and use, and whether they offer robust app controls for temperature adjustments and powering on or off the mini split, wall-mounted heat pump, or window AC.
Our test engineers then take all of this data and incorporate it into our Overall Scores for all of these thermostats.
The Best Time to Buy Thermostats
Once you’ve picked out the perfect thermostat for your home, check its price at online retailers and your local hardware stores. And don’t forget to check your local electric utility, which might have rebates or discounts on new thermostats.
If you aren’t replacing a broken thermostat, the best time of year to buy one is October through December, when holiday and end-of-year sales will include thermostat discounts (even if they aren’t the greatest gift).
Thermostat Brands
Carrier is an arm of Carrier Global Corporation and is one of the largest HVAC brands in the U.S. Its smart thermostats are available only from HVAC dealers, and they range in price from $150 to $600.
Recently purchased by Generac, Ecobee is one of the youngest—but fastest growing—brands in the industry. Ecobee only makes smart thermostats, which range in price from $150 to $250. Its thermostats are available at Lowe’s, Home Depot, Best Buy, Amazon, and Overstock.
Emerson’s Climate Technologies division manufactures thermostats. The company also sells thermostats under the White Rodgers brand. Emerson produces both programmable and smart thermostats, such as its Sensi line of smart thermostats. Prices range from around $30 to $150, and Emerson models are sold at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, and other hardware stores.
Introduced in 2011, Nest was acquired by Google, which eventually folded the company into its hardware division and rebranded its products as Google Nest. It’s one of the fastest-growing thermostat brands and is well-known for introducing the industry’s first “learning” thermostat. Google Nest makes only smart thermostats, with prices ranging from $130 to $250. They’re available at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Best Buy, Amazon, and many more retailers.
Honeywell Home thermostats are made by Resideo, which was spun from Honeywell in 2018. Resideo is one of the largest thermostat manufacturers in the industry, making manual, programmable, and smart models. Honeywell Home thermostats range in price from $20 to $250 and can be purchased at Home Depot, Best Buy, Lowe’s, Amazon, dealers, and many other stores.
Lennox is a large, national HVAC company and sells its products through a network of more than 6,000 dealers. Lennox programmable and smart thermostats range in price from $130 to $850. They’re available on Amazon.
Lux is one of the oldest thermostat manufacturers in the U.S. It manufactures manual, programmable, and smart thermostats. They’re sold at Home Depot, Lowe’s, and other hardware stores, and range in price from $18 to $150.
Venstar is one of the largest thermostat manufacturers and suppliers. It makes programmable and smart thermostats that range in price from $75 to $220 and are sold at Amazon, specialty online retailers, and plumbing retailers.