Wide compatibility comes first with the best rated smart thermostat, before extra features or fancy displays. A model that fits your system type and wiring will save trouble later. Start with system type, then compare scheduling, sensors and voice control.
We compared models using manufacturer specifications and owner feedback. Buyers seeking widely compatible models can consult our best smart thermostat and smart thermostat reviews guides. Our Editorial Policy gives the reasoning behind these widely compatible picks. Turn off power at the breaker before removing an old thermostat. Thick 120V or 240V wires mean line-voltage heat, so call a licensed electrician.
Top 3 Rated Smart Thermostats with Wide Compatibility
Google Nest Thermostat
- ENERGY STAR certified model
- No C wire needed in most homes
- Turns down on its own when you leave
ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced
- Occupancy sensing, with preheat and precool before you arrive
- Learns preferences and schedule, and adjusts for humidity
- Power Extender Kit and trim kit are included
Amazon Smart Thermostat
- Alexa and Ring compatibility
- Honeywell Home technology inside
- Schedules for home, away and sleep in the Alexa app
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Rated Smart Thermostats at a Glance
| # | Product | Key Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Google Nest Thermostat |
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| 2 |  ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced |
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| 3 |  Amazon Smart Thermostat |
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| 4 |  Honeywell Home RTH9585WF Smart Color Thermostat |
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| 5 |  Sensi Smart Thermostat (ST55) |
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1. Google Nest Thermostat
Best Overall
- ENERGY STAR certified model
- No C wire needed in most homes
- Turns down on its own when you leave
- System alerts and maintenance reminders through HVAC monitoring
- A C wire or power accessory is needed for heating-only, cooling-only, zoned and heat pump systems
- No way to lock the settings
- C wire: Not needed in most homes
- Wi-Fi: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
- App: Google Home
Automatic setback when you leave keeps daily control simple.
Schedule tweaks come through Savings Finder suggestions in the Google Home app.
Who gets the most from the Nest Thermostat
Choose this for simple app scheduling and broad system support.
When to pass on the Nest Thermostat
Skip it if a thermostat lock matters to you.
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2. ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced
Best Occupancy Pick
- Occupancy sensing, with preheat and precool before you arrive
- Learns preferences and schedule, and adjusts for humidity
- Power Extender Kit and trim kit are included
- Control from anywhere in the ecobee app
- Check compatibility on the ecobee site first
- You need the ecobee app for remote control
- Comfort: Preheat and precool
- Humidity: Adjusts for humidity
- Power: Power Extender Kit included
Occupancy sensing makes the house comfortable before you arrive, without extra steps.
Learned preferences and humidity adjustment shape the schedule around daily life.
Who gets the most from the ecobee Enhanced
A good match for occupancy sensing and humidity adjustment.
When to pass on the ecobee Enhanced
Look elsewhere if you would rather skip a compatibility check.
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3. Amazon Smart Thermostat
Best Alexa Pick
- Alexa and Ring compatibility
- Honeywell Home technology inside
- Schedules for home, away and sleep in the Alexa app
- Zones based on readings from select Alexa devices
- Select Alexa devices are needed for comfort zones
- Voice and automatic control need Alexa
- Technology: Honeywell Home
- Schedules: Home, away, sleep
- Setup: Guided in the Alexa app
Alexa control from anywhere keeps temperature changes simple day to day.
Home, away and sleep schedules work through the Alexa app.
Who gets the most from the Amazon Smart Thermostat
Best for Alexa homes that need a widely compatible model.
When to pass on the Amazon Smart Thermostat
Avoid it if you prefer a voice assistant other than Alexa.
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4. Honeywell Home RTH9585WF Smart Color Thermostat
Best Color Pick
- Color touchscreen that matches your decor
- 7-day programming, with peak-rate pricing options
- Monthly reports on energy use
- Works with forced air, hot water, steam and heat pumps with electric backup
- Installation needs a C wire
- Electric baseboard heat is excluded
- Schedule: 7-day programmable
- Reports: Monthly energy reports
- Systems: Forced air, hot water, steam
A color touchscreen gives the wall a decor-matching presence.
Weekly schedules benefit from peak-rate pricing options and monthly reports.
Who gets the most from the Honeywell RTH9585WF
Suits homes that want a color touchscreen and 7-day programming.
When to pass on the Honeywell RTH9585WF
Not ideal if electric baseboard heat is your system.
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5. Sensi Smart Thermostat (ST55)
Best Traditional Pick
- Buttons and a traditional look
- Same wall space as a traditional thermostat
- Most applications need no C wire
- Works with Alexa
- Physical buttons only, no touchscreen
- Alexa is the only voice assistant listed
- Install: Built-in level
- C wire: Not needed in most applications
- Rating: ENERGY STAR certified
Physical buttons give this one a familiar feel on the wall.
Step-by-step app install and a built-in level make mounting straightforward.
Who gets the most from the Sensi ST55
Pick this for buttons and a familiar wall fit.
When to pass on the Sensi ST55
Choose another model if you prefer a touchscreen.
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How to Find the Best Rated Smart Thermostat for Your System
- Match the thermostat to your system type first, before you compare extra features.
- Check peak-rate pricing options if your utility charges more at peak times.
- Choose buttons over a touchscreen if you prefer a traditional look on the wall.
- Use the ecobee compatibility checker before you buy, to avoid a wiring surprise.
- Look for monthly reports if you want a regular view of energy use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which rated model has physical buttons instead of a touchscreen?
The Sensi ST55, with physical buttons and a traditional look.
Which thermostat can I match to my decor?
The Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004, with a color touchscreen you can match to your decor.
Does the ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced come with a Power Extender Kit?
Yes, a Power Extender Kit and trim kit are included. Check compatibility on the ecobee site first.
Which model works with Alexa and Ring?
The Amazon Smart Thermostat, which works with Alexa and Ring. It is built with Honeywell Home technology.
Final Verdict
For the best rated smart thermostat, the Google Nest Thermostat leads with wide system support and app scheduling. Occupancy sensing suits the ecobee model, while Alexa control suits the Amazon model. Color touchscreen control suits the Honeywell model, while buttons suit the Sensi model.
Best Overall: Google Nest Thermostat Check Latest Price
Best Occupancy Pick: ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced Check Latest Price
Best Alexa Pick: Amazon Smart Thermostat Check Latest Price
Plan compatibility, schedules and sensors early, and the new thermostat will fit the home.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
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