The Best Smart Thermostats of 2023 for Your Home
Smart thermostats are becoming increasingly popular for homeowners looking to gain more control over their home’s heating and cooling. The best smart thermostats of 2023 allow you to adjust temperatures remotely via your smartphone or voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. They can help optimize your HVAC system and ultimately save you money on energy costs.
But with so many smart thermostat options on the market in 2023, how do you determine which is the best smart thermostat? In this comprehensive guide, we tested and reviewed the top smart thermostats to help you find the right model for your home.
What Makes a Smart Thermostat “Smart”?
Before diving into the best smart thermostats of 2023, let’s first cover what makes these connected thermostats “smart.” Unlike traditional programmable thermostats, smart thermostats have built-in wi-fi and smart home integration. This allows you to control your home’s temperature from anywhere using your smartphone or device.
Many smart thermostats also have features like:
- Remote access and control through an app
- Voice control with smart speakers like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant
- Automation based on your habits and preferences
- Smart sensors to detect occupancy and adjust accordingly
- Integration with other smart devices and home automation systems
These smart features allow your thermostat to optimize heating and cooling based on real-time data and usage patterns. The result is increased convenience, efficiency, and potential energy savings compared to standard programmable thermostats.
The 6 Best Smart Thermostats of 2023
Based on our hands-on testing and research, these are the top 6 smart thermostats worth considering in 2023:
1. Nest Learning Thermostat
The Nest Learning Thermostat is one of the most popular smart thermostats on the market. This smart thermostat learns from your temperature adjustments and programing schedules to automate climate control.
The Nest thermostat supports remote access via the Nest app for Android and iOS, Google Assistant voice control, and integrates with Nest temperature sensors to optimize heating and cooling throughout your home. This smart thermostat also automatically switches to an Eco temperature when you’re away to save energy.
Overall, the Nest Learning Thermostat is one of the best smart thermostat options with advanced learning capability and robust smart home integration.
2. Ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control
The Ecobee SmartThermostat is a top competitor to the Nest, offering Alexa built-in for hands-free voice control. This smart thermostat has a room sensor that detects occupancy and adjusts the temperature accordingly when you’re home or away.
The Ecobee SmartThermostat supports remote climate control through the Ecobee app for Android and iOS. It also supports Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, and other popular smart home platforms.
One of the best features of the Ecobee SmartThermostat is its +SmartSensors that detect motion and temperatures in specific rooms. This allows you to maintain the perfect temperature in the rooms you use most.
3. Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat
The Honeywell Home T9 stands out as a top budget-friendly smart thermostat with Alexa and Google Assistant support. It has a slim, modern design with an easy to use touchscreen interface.
The Honeywell Home T9 thermostat enables remote access and voice control of your heating and cooling system. It also supports scheduling and geofencing features to automatically adjust the temperature when you leave or return home. This smart thermostat will help optimize your HVAC system with 7-day flexible scheduling.
For the price, the Honeywell Home T9 smart thermostat works with most existing heating and cooling systems making it a great budget option.
4. Emerson Sensi Smart Thermostat
The Emerson Sensi smart thermostat line works with Alexa and Google Assistant for convenient voice control. It has straight-forward DIY installation and setup across most HVAC systems.
Key features include remote access, scheduling, geofencing, and it supports remote temperature sensors (sold separately). The Sensi Touch WiFi Thermostat has a stylish glass touchscreen display that looks great on the wall. There is also a more affordable Sensi WiFi Thermostat with a simple LED screen.
Both Sensi smart thermostat models provide solid smart features and easy usability at an affordable price point compared to top competitors.
5. Wyze Thermostat
As a budget smart thermostat under $100, the Wyze Thermostat packs a punch with robust features and support for Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. It works with the Wyze app for remote access and integrates with smart home platforms like IFTTT.
The Wyze Thermostat supports scheduling, geo-fencing for home/away automation, and Wyze temperature sensors (sold separately). The setup process is also super simple with easy DIY installation and onboarding.
For the price, the Wyze Thermostat provides reliable performance and smart home integration making it one of the best values on the market.
6. Amazon Smart Thermostat
Amazon entered the smart thermostat market in late 2021 with the release of the Amazon Smart Thermostat. Priced under $60, it’s the most affordable smart thermostat that doesn’t compromise key features.
Designed for simple installation and use, the Amazon Smart Thermostat works with Alexa for hands-free voice control. The Alexa app enables easy remote access and temperature adjustments on-the-go. It also supports most HVAC systems with C-wire or common wire power.
While the Amazon Smart Thermostat lacks some advanced features like sensors and complex algorithms, it nails the basics like smart scheduling, remote access, and voice control at an unbeatable price point.
What To Look For When Buying a Smart Thermostat
Here are some key factors and features to consider when shopping for the best smart thermostat for your home:
- Compatibility – Confirm the thermostat works with your existing HVAC system. Most require c-wire/common wire power.
- Smart home integration – Consider voice assistants and smart home platforms you want to connect.
- Remote sensors – Remote sensors help optimize temps in different rooms.
- Advanced algorithms – Learning capability for automated schedules based on usage.
- Display – Easy to use and read display. Touchscreen vs basic LED.
- Scheduling/automation – Customizable heating and cooling schedules for convenience and efficiency.
- Geofencing – Auto home/away mode based on your phone location.
- Energy tracking – View energy usage insights and savings over time.
- Price – Smart thermostats range from $60-$250. Balance features and budget.
Carefully compare the design, features, smart home compatibility, and price of each model with your needs and home setup. This will help you zero in on the best smart thermostat in 2023 tailored for your household.
How Do Smart Thermostats Work?
Smart thermostats connect to the internet via wi-fi and allow users to control temperature settings from their smartphone remotely. Most models involve the following:
- Power connections to your HVAC system to control heating and cooling.
- Installation in place of your old thermostat (typically with c-wire).
- Connecting to your home wi-fi network.
- Syncing with a mobile app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Optional integration with smart speakers for voice control.
Many smart thermostats also have built in sensors to detect local weather conditions, motion, humidity, and occupancy. These sensors allow the thermostat to optimize and automate temperature adjustments, detecting when you are home versus away.
Advanced algorithms take historical usage data into account to predict desired heating and cooling. This auto-schedules temperatures for greater efficiency and cost savings compared to basic programmable thermostats.
Smart Thermostats Make Life More Convenient
Here are some of the key benefits and conveniences of using a smart wi-fi connected thermostat in your home:
- Control from anywhere – The ability to adjust your thermostat remotely using your smartphone is incredibly convenient. You can set the temp to your comfort preference before arriving home.
- Voice control – Making temperature changes hands-free with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri voice commands is useful, especially if your hands are full in the kitchen!
- Smart scheduling – Automation based on your comings and goings helps maintain comfortable temps when home and savings when away. No more programming a complex weekly schedule.
- Remote sensors – With remote sensors, temperatures are optimized in the rooms you actually use vs just where the thermostat is installed.
- Insights & alerts – View runtimes, energy history, reminders, and other insights to better understand your HVAC usage.
- Easy installation & setup – DIY smart thermostat installation is straightforward. The software wizard guides you through connecting to wi-fi and customizing settings.
- Smart home hub – A single app to control your thermostat along with other connected smart devices throughout your home.
Bottom line – smart thermostats make it easier than ever to strike the right balance between comfort and energy savings. Once connected to your home’s wi-fi, you have climate control at your fingertips anytime.
FAQs About Smart Thermostats
Do smart thermostats really save money?
Yes, smart thermostats can save homeowners money on their energy bills in most cases. The Department of Energy estimates savings of 8-15% on heating and cooling costs. Savings come from:
- Auto-scheduling when you are home vs away
- Optimizing temperatures in used spaces
- Learning your patterns over time
- Providing energy usage insights and reminders
Note that energy savings vary based on climate, HVAC system efficiency, and your manual temperature settings. But overall, smart thermostats create opportunities to save that traditional thermostats lack.
Do I need a C wire for my smart thermostat?
Most smart thermostats require a power C wire connection to your HVAC system, though there are some models like the Ecobee SmartThermostat that offer power extender kits. The C wire provides continuous 24V power to the thermostat for the wi-fi connection.
If your home does not have an existing C wire, these alternatives add a power source:
- Use the PEK (power extender kit) – available from most brands
- Install a new C wire to your HVAC system
- Use a FAST-STAT common maker
- Consider a battery-powered smart thermostat
Consult a professional if needed to add c-wire power during smart thermostat installation.
Are smart thermostats worth the higher price?
Smart thermostats range from $60 on the low end up to $250 for top models with the most features. The higher price tag of premium smart thermostats like the Nest and Ecobee are worth it for most smart home owners.
Factors that help justify the price include connectivity, smart sensors, advanced algorithms, sleek designs, and seamless integration. If you’ll utilize the remote access, automation, and energy efficiency – a pricier smart thermostat will pay off over time.
That being said, affordable options like the Amazon Smart Thermostat and Wyze Thermostat still provide smart functionality and heating/cooling control if you’re on a tighter budget.
Can I install a smart thermostat myself?
Installing smart thermostats like the Nest, Ecobee, or Honeywell Home can usually be done DIY without the need for a professional. The key steps are:
- Switch off power to your current thermostat at the breaker
- Remove existing thermostat
- Install thermostat base using provided screws and anchors
- Connect labeled wires to new thermostat base
- Snap on the thermostat and turn breaker back on
- Follow in-app instructions to connect to wi-fi and customize
Always refer to the manufacturer’s installation guide. While DIY is straightforward for most homeowners, if you’re uncomfortable working with your HVAC system’s wiring, hire a local pro for installation help.
Get A Smart Thermostat to Take Control of Your Comfort in 2023
After reviewing the top options and features, the Nest, Ecobee, and Honeywell Home smart thermostats emerge as the best smart thermostats for most households in 2023. Each provides the ideal blend of smart connectivity, efficiency and usability.
Whichever model you choose, a smart thermostat allows you to set the perfect temperature from anywhere while saving energy and gaining automation. With programmable schedules, smart sensors, and usage insights – you have total home climate control.
Visit Amazon for the latest deals and pricing on smart thermostats. And enjoy simplified home comfort management with a smart thermostat in 2023!
