10 Best Home Thermostats 2025 in the United States

The Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) is an impressive choice for those looking to enhance their home comfort while saving on energy bills. One of its standout features is its compatibility with a variety of heating and cooling systems, making it suitable for many households without the need for a C wire for installation. The included Nest Temperature Sensor adds value by allowing you to manage temperature variations in different rooms effectively.

This thermostat excels in programmability. It learns your temperature preferences and suggests adjustments to save energy, achieving an estimated 12% savings on heating bills and 15% on cooling bills. The Smart Schedule feature is particularly helpful for those who want a tailored heating and cooling experience without daily adjustments.

In terms of smart features, it integrates seamlessly with Alexa and Google Home, allowing for voice control, which is convenient for users who prefer hands-free operation. The user interface is user-friendly, with a large, borderless display that adjusts brightness based on the room's lighting, ensuring visibility from different angles.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. Although installation is generally straightforward, some users may still find it challenging if they're not comfortable with basic wiring. Additionally, while the thermostat is praised for energy savings, the initial investment can be higher than traditional thermostats, and some users might not experience the same level of savings depending on their specific usage patterns. The Google Nest Learning Thermostat's sleek design and high-quality materials make it an attractive addition to any home. It's ideal for tech-savvy individuals or families who prioritize comfort and efficiency. However, users who prefer simpler, non-smart devices or are on a tight budget might want to explore other options.

The Google Nest Learning Thermostat - 3rd Gen stands out in the home thermostat category due to its advanced programmability and smart features. One of its main strengths is its ability to learn your schedule and preferred temperatures, which allows it to automatically adjust settings to save energy and enhance comfort. This self-learning capability is complemented by the Home/Away Assist feature, which ensures your home remains energy-efficient even when you're not there.

The thermostat is also user-friendly, with a high-resolution display that makes it easy to view current settings and energy history. Its compatibility with both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa enhances convenience, allowing for voice control. Installation is typically straightforward, often completed within 30 minutes, and it works with 95% of heating and cooling systems, making it accessible for many households.

There are a few weaknesses to consider. While the thermostat boasts impressive features, some users may find the initial setup or navigation of its smart functions a bit complex if they are not tech-savvy. Also, the additional Nest Temperature Sensor, although helpful for achieving precise room temperatures, is sold separately, which adds to the cost if you wish to expand its capabilities. In terms of energy efficiency, the Nest Learning Thermostat excels by providing insights into energy usage and encouraging users to make more sustainable choices. However, it relies on Wi-Fi; any disruptions in your internet connection can impact its performance.

The Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004 Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat offers a range of features that make it a strong choice for a home thermostat. Compatibility is excellent, as it works with Alexa, SmartThings, Google Home, and IFTTT, making it easy to integrate into various smart home systems. The programmability is flexible, with 7-day scheduling options that can be tailored to fit your home or business needs, and it includes features to adjust for daylight savings and different time formats.

The smart features are robust, offering intelligent alerts for maintenance reminders and temperature warnings, which can help in maintaining the system efficiently. The user interface is user-friendly, with a customizable color touchscreen that displays easy-to-read numbers and text, as well as local weather information and humidity levels. This makes it straightforward to manage and monitor your home’s temperature settings.

Energy efficiency is another plus, as it's Energy Star certified and offers demand response programs to optimize energy use based on utility peak rate pricing. Installation may require a bit of technical know-how, as it involves setting up with Wi-Fi and possibly integrating with other smart devices. However, the auto-updates and remote control capabilities via mobile devices add convenience. The Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004 is well-suited for those looking to upgrade to a smart thermostat with comprehensive compatibility, ease of use, and energy-saving features, although some users might find installation a bit challenging without prior experience.