Why I like it:
Pros
- Learning and vacation modes for complete control
- Reliable air quality monitoring
- Built-in speaker for Alexa or Siri
- Included remote temperature sensor
- Can control other Ecobee products
Cons
- Very expensive
Why I like it:
Pros
- Built-in Alexa and Echo compatibility
- Useful learning features for the price
- Affordable at less than $100
- Explains energy settings to users
Cons
- Basic design compared to competitor models
- Amazon's data privacy raises more questions than other thermostat brands
Why I like it:
Pros
- Beautiful round display
- Easy-to-use Eco Modes and energy reports
- Satellite sensor for targeted heating
- Compatibility with some Nest products like the Nest Hub Max
- No C-wire required for installation
- High-quality presence sensing
Cons
- Expensive
- Shiny display can be a little distracting
Why I like it:
Pros
- Simple, clean touchscreen interface
- Quick setup
- Alexa and Google compatibility
- Affordable when on sale
- Provides energy, equipment and maintenance reports
Cons
- Lacks smart features like built-in presence sensing and learning capabilities
Why I like it:
Pros
- 5-inch touchscreen display with multiple face options
- Included room sensor
- Compatibility with Apple, Alexa and Google
- Can see and talk through video doorbells from brands like Ring
- Indoor air quality and humidity monitor
Cons
- Supported video doorbells are limited
- C-wire required
Why I like it:
Pros
- Affordable at less than $150
- Keeps many of the best Ecobee features like auto-away mode
- Streamlined for ease of use
- Retains the stylish touchscreen
Cons
- Users who want to pay less than $100 will have to look elsewhere
- Lacks more advanced sensors
Best smart thermostats of 2026
Winter is fast approaching, and it's time to think about thermostat changes. If there's one device that can make your new heating needs much easier to manage while also saving you a surprising amount of cash, it's a smart thermostat. These gadgets are small but powerful upgrades for your home that can learn your daily patterns, automate energy savings, and help you identify and fix cold or hot spots, all without a subscription fee.
In addition to remote app control, these thermostats make setting schedules speedy and can give you insights on just how efficient your home heating or cooling is. CNET's reviewers have tested the best over the past several years, and here's what we prefer for our own homes.
What is the best thermostat overall?
After many hours testing the functions of the latest smart thermostats, our experts recommend the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium as the top Wi-Fi thermostat that can do everything. This programmable thermostat not only learns your schedule, it also monitors your indoor air quality and lets you adopt Siri or Alexa voice assistant options if you don't have a smart speaker.
We've also chosen Amazon's model for an excellent Alexa choice; Nest's latest thermostat for a beautiful, energy-saving powerhouse; an Ecobee model for a budget choice; and more. Take a look at the latest picks and our smart thermostat reviews, below.
Like
- Beautiful round display
- Easy-to-use Eco Modes and energy reports
- Satellite sensor for targeted heating
- Compatibility with some Nest products like the Nest Hub Max
- No C-wire required for installation
- High-quality presence sensing
Don't like
- Expensive
- Shiny display can be a little distracting
The newest version of the Nest Learning Thermostat combines the best high-tech smart technology with an attractive design that works even if your home doesn't have a C-wire. The new model builds on its predecessor by adding a sensor that can detect your distance from the thermostat and update the information on the faceplate accordingly. Mine can even show weather effects like falling snow or the setting sun, depending on what's happening outside.
Like
- Simple, effective controls and app
- Easy setup
- Satellite sensor options
- Humidity and air quality sensors for air management
Don't like
- Making full use of this thermostat requires big investment in Resideo's ecosystem
The Honeywell Home T9 was a very nice thermostat that combined smart features with a traditional design, but the upgrades for the T10 truly impressed us. Installation remains simple, and you can largely avoid app use if you prefer to stick with onboard controls. However, smart features still abound, and the thermostat works with remote sensors for targeted heating.
Like
- Simple, clean touchscreen interface
- Quick setup
- Alexa and Google compatibility
- Affordable when on sale
- Provides energy, equipment and maintenance reports
Don't like
- Lacks smart features like built-in presence sensing and learning capabilities
The Sensi Touch 2 is an excellent choice if you interact a lot with the physical thermostat. The app is good, and the thermostat is compatible with Alexa and Google Home, but the display on this one really shines. It’s simple, intuitive and clear, making changes easy.
Some thermostats require you to know what the particular icon means, but this one is straightforward. Additionally, the temperature setting is prominently displayed, allowing you to easily set a range of temperatures with the tap of a finger.
Like
- Learning and vacation modes for complete control
- Reliable air quality monitoring
- Built-in speaker for Alexa or Siri
- Included remote temperature sensor
- Can control other Ecobee products
Don't like
- Expensive, depending on your budget
One of the selling points of a smart thermostat is that it can save you money, so we can’t say money is no object. But if money is no object, the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium eclipses the competition. It offers the most advanced features, like a little sensor with a magnetic stand I could put in any room, and the ability to show a four-day forecast on the thermostat itself.
Like
- Affordable at under $150
- Keeps many of the best Ecobee features like auto-away mode
- Streamlined for ease of use
- Retains the stylish touchscreen
Don't like
- Users who want to pay under $100 will have to look elsewhere
- Lacks more advanced sensors
While it's not quite as inexpensive as my Amazon pick, I still think the Ecobee Essential model is one of the best budget thermostats if you're willing to spend around $140 for one. While it doesn't have the Premium's extra sensor or wireless satellite sensor, it does come with all the learning functions, useful screen information and all the app controls you could want.
Like
- Built-in Alexa and Echo compatibility
- Useful learning features for the price
- Affordable at under $100
- Explains energy settings to users
Don't like
- Basic design compared to competitor models
- Amazon's data privacy raises more questions than other thermostat brands
The Amazon Smart Thermostat stands out among its peers in the sub-$100 category by having far better technology, including the ability to sense if you’re home and Alexa’s “hunches” to see if a setting will work while saving you energy. It'll save you lots of energy while paying itself off faster, making it an excellent starter model. And if you add an Echo Dot 5, the thermostat can use it as a separate room and air sensor, too.