Smart thermostats have become an essential requirement for modern homes. Since the introduction of these devices about a decade ago, their popularity has been rising continuously. Initially, only manufacturers of smart devices made thermostats. However, now companies that traditionally dealt in HVAC systems have forayed into the segment. The variety of smart thermostats available has left buyers confused. They don’t know which product is the right fit for their requirements. We make the decision easier for you by listing the best smart thermostats of 2021.
A Quick Introduction to the Smart Thermostats
Before we list our picks, let us quickly introduce smart thermostats. A smart thermostat is a device that is similar to a traditional thermostat. It connects with an HVAC system and allows you to control it. You can adjust your home’s temperature and humidity and even set a schedule to automate the same. However, smart thermostats feature an integrated Wi-Fi module. They connect to a Wi-Fi connection and can be controlled remotely. Most manufacturers provide an app for smartphones and tablets. Others may even facilitate control over the thermostat from a computer. You can turn on the heat or cooling while leaving your office and come to a comfortable and welcoming home. Most of them use sensors to detect if you are at home or if a particular room is occupied. They can automatically turn down or shut off the heating or cooling in a particular area or the whole house. It can cut down on electricity consumption and reduce your bills. Smart thermostats are convenient and easy to use as compared to traditional thermostats. They may work with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant as well. Many of them can automatically control the climate of your home.
The Best Smart Thermostats of 2021
Smart thermostats are available from various manufacturers. They have different features and fall in different price segments. Here are our picks for the best smart thermostats of 2021.
1. ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control
ecobee SmartThermostat is easily one of the best smart thermostats of 2021. It is a premium offering designed for modern homes that costs almost $250 but does come with a SmartSensor. You can place the sensor in the desired room for managing temperature automatically. The smart thermostat cuts down on your energy bills. It can adjust the HVAC system according to the electric tariffs in your area. The device even learns your routine and suggests changes to the thermostat schedule to maximize savings without compromising on comfort. ecobee provides a smartphone app for iOS and Android devices, allowing you to monitor and control the temperature from anywhere. It supports dual-band Wi-Fi and can be connected to your home’s Wi-Fi network. The smart thermostat has Alexa integrated for voice controls but also works with Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, and IFTTT. You can listen to music or podcasts on Spotify and control other Alexa-devices via voice commands. ecobee SmartThermostat comes at a premium, costing almost $250.
2. ecobee3 lite
ecobee3 lite is a more affordable option from the company among the best smart thermostats of 2021. You can reduce the energy consumption of your HVAC system and lower your electricity bills. It can be connected to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network and controlled from anywhere. There are three types of sensors in the smart thermostat – temperature, humidity, and proximity. It will adjust the temperature automatically when it detects that the house is empty for energy savings. ecobee3 lite smart thermostat works with multiple smart assistants that include Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant, as well as Samsung SmartThings and IFTTT. The device can be remotely controlled through the apps available for iOS and Android smartphones. Users can additionally purchase a SmartSensor from the company for their smart thermostat. ecobee3 lite is priced at $169.
3. Honeywell T10 Pro Smart Thermostat with RedLINK Room Sensor
Honeywell T10 Pro Smart Thermostat is an excellent option among the best smart thermostats of 2021 for homeowners. It is an intuitive touchscreen device that comes with a few improvements upon the well-recommended T9 model. Its RedLINK Room Sensors can learn your heating or cooling requirements and detect people’s presence for saving electricity. You can control the temperature of multiple rooms using this smart thermostat. Additional room sensors are available from Honeywell for the same. There is a 7-day programmable mode for setting a schedule as per your requirements. Honeywell T10 Pro Smart Thermostat facilitates adjustment of temperature and humidity whether you are at home or away. There is an app available for iOS and Android devices. Not only does it allow you to control the environment of each room, but it also balances the temperature throughout the house. It features dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) for remote access. The smart thermostat supports Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Microsoft Cortana, and IFTTT. It must be hardwired for power, and professional assistance may be required. You will have to shell out around $180 for the device. Buyers searching for the best smart thermostats of 2021 may consider the older T9 model as well.
4. Nest Thermostat
Nest Thermostat is one of the best smart thermostats of 2021. The device has been quite popular among homeowners since its launch. You can control the premises’ temperature according to your requirements and reduce energy bills. The smart thermostat is compatible with most HVAC systems and enables alerts and monitoring. It will automatically turn itself down when no one is at home. There are multiple sensors in the device, including motion, temperature, humidity, and ambient light. You can connect Nest Thermostat to your home’s Wi-Fi network and control it remotely through the Google Home app. Users can issue voice commands through a compatible smart speaker or device, supporting either Hey Google or Alexa. The smart thermostat must be wired to HVAC systems but also uses a pair of AAA batteries for backup. Nest Thermostat comes in four different colors, and you will have to purchase a trim kit separately. It costs $130 and is easy to install as well.
5. Emerson Sensi Smart Thermostat
Emerson Sensi Smart Thermostat is a well-recommended option out of the best smart thermostats of 2021. It is a modern device from the company that has been manufacturing thermostats for several decades. You can control the temperature and humidity of multiple rooms using the device and cut down on electricity bills. Its Smart Alerts automatically notify you of extreme temperature or humidity level changes. The device supports Geofencing, a feature that adjusts your home’s temperature according to your smartphone’s location. It can be connected to a Wi-Fi network and controlled using the Sensi app. Emerson Sensi Smart Thermostat is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings. It does not require a c-wire connection unless you want to connect it to Apple HomeKit, making the device easy to install. The smart thermostat carries a price tag of $129.99 and will fall within most buyers’ budgets.
6. Honeywell Wi-Fi 9000 Color Touchscreen Thermostat
When it comes to the best smart thermostats of 2021, Honeywell Wi-Fi 9000 is a touchscreen option. Its large HD touchscreen allows you to control and monitor your HVAC system conveniently. You can set a schedule for the whole week using its programmable mode as required. Honeywell’s Total Connect Comfort App is provided for iOS and Android platforms and enables remote control and monitoring. You can also access the device through a computer or tablet. It supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connections for the same. Honeywell Wi-Fi 9000 smart thermostat works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. It does require a dedicated C wire connection for power. You can expect an asking price of about $150 for the smart thermostat. Professional help may be required for installing the device.
7. Emerson Sensi Touch Smart Thermostat
Emerson Sensi Touch Smart Thermostat is an alternative to the Honeywell Wi-Fi 9000 among the best smart thermostats of 2021. Its high-definition touchscreen is illuminated and features an easy-to-use interface. You can control the temperature and humidity in your home while reducing your electricity bills. The device supports multi thermostat control for managing your premises. It features integrated Wi-Fi and can be operated remotely through the Sensi app available for smartphones. Emerson Sensi supports Geofencing and smart alerts. Emerson Sensi Touch Smart Thermostat works with various smart assistants, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings. A c-wire connection is not required unless you are using it with Apple HomeKit. Emmerson has priced the smart thermostat at $169, although it may be available for cheaper at various retailers.
8. Wyze Thermostat
Wyze Thermostat is an affordable option out of the best smart thermostats of 2021. It costs just $60, making it the cheapest item on the list. You can set daily schedules, track energy usage, and save electricity. The smart thermostat supports schedules for every weekday as well as the weekend. Wyze Thermostat comes with built-in Wi-Fi for connecting it to a wireless network. You can access and control the smart thermostat from the Wyze app and set the temperature remotely. The smart thermostat works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice assistants, facilitating voice control. It is slated to get a few features like auto-scheduling and filter reminders sometime in early 2021. Wyze will also release 3-in-1 motion sensors for the smart thermostat around the same time. They will track temperature, humidity, and motion, eliminating cold spots and enabling room-to-room temperature control. Wyze Thermostat is easy to install, and you can do it yourself in about twenty minutes. It is a great budget product when it comes to the best smart thermostats of 2021.
