Best Programmable Thermostats of 2026
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Programmable thermostats are a modern and convenient solution for controlling your home's temperature. These devices allow you to program your heating and cooling systems to automatically adjust to your preferred temperature settings throughout the day, which can help you save money on energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint. Programmable thermostats are user-friendly and easy to install, making them a great addition to any home. With customizable settings and features like Wi-Fi connectivity and voice control, these thermostats offer a level of convenience and comfort that traditional thermostats simply can't match.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Programmable Thermostats
Google Nest Thermostat - Smart Thermostat for Home
The Google Nest Thermostat is an ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat for home that saves energy and ensures comfort. It can be easily programmed through the Google Home app on your phone, and the remote control feature allows you to adjust the temperature from anywhere. The thermostat can also monitor your heating and cooling systems, alerting you if something is wrong and suggesting maintenance tips. It is compatible with 85% of heating and cooling systems, and can be voice-controlled with smart home devices that work with Google Assistant or Alexa.
ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential
The ecobee Thermostat Essential helps you save up to 23% annually on heating and cooling by adjusting your home's temperature based on your schedule. This means it lowers energy use when you're away and keeps things comfortable when you're home. It works with most HVAC systems, so you can easily check if it fits your setup. You can control the temperature using the colorful touchscreen or the ecobee app, giving you convenience whether you're at home or on the go. Plus, the thermostat automatically adapts to your routine to maximize comfort and energy savings without extra effort from you.
Amazon Smart Thermostat – ENERGY STAR certified
The Amazon Smart Thermostat is an ENERGY STAR certified programmable thermostat that offers an easy way to upgrade from a traditional thermostat and save money on energy bills. It can help reduce energy usage and comes with an Alexa app that offers automatic comfort and on-the-go control. Additionally, the Alexa app provides installation guidance, and customer service is available for further support. The product is reliable, made with Honeywell Home Thermostat Technology, and backed by 130 years of experience.
ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced
The ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced is ENERGY STAR certified and can save up to 26% per year on heating and cooling costs. It is compatible with most 24VAC HVAC equipment and comes with easy installation instructions. The thermostat provides comfort without compromise by preheating or precooling your home before you arrive, and automatically adjusting to your desired temperature when you're home or sleeping. It is made with quality materials and designed to last for over a decade, and a SmartSensor is available for separate purchase to measure temperature and movement in specific rooms.
ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium 2022 with Siri and Alexa
The ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium 2022 with Siri and Alexa is an ENERGY STAR certified programmable thermostat. Its SmartSensor adjusts the temperature in the rooms that matter most to keep you comfortable. The built-in air quality monitor alerts you to poor air quality, provides tips on how to improve it, and reminds you when it's time to change your furnace's air filter. It acts as a complete home monitoring hub and includes built-in smoke alarm detection, alerts to possible break-ins, and notifications during sudden temperature drops that could cause damage. It comes with a smart speaker and your choice of Siri or Alexa Built-in, enabling you to control your home using your voice and listen to your favorite Spotify playlists and podcasts through your thermostat's speaker.
Honeywell Home RTH20B Programmable Thermostat
The Honeywell RTH20B Thermostat offers easy customization so you can get reminders to change your air filter and adjust display settings for better usability. You can set your heating and cooling schedule with a flexible 5-2 day programming option, or choose a simple non-programmable mode if you prefer. The large, clear screen makes it easy to read and manage daily settings. Installation is straightforward with the included Honeywell UWP wall plate, which also makes future upgrades hassle-free. These features help you control your home’s temperature comfortably and conveniently.
Google Nest Learning Thermostat - 3rd Gen
The Google Nest Learning Thermostat is a 3rd generation smart thermostat that learns from you and programs itself with Auto-Schedule, eliminating the need for manual programming. Home/Away Assist adjusts the temperature after you leave to save energy. With remote control via the Nest app, you can control your thermostat from anywhere. Check your Energy History to see how much energy you use and why, and the Nest Leaf appears when you choose a temperature that saves energy.
Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat
The Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat is an ENERGY STAR-certified programmable thermostat that can help you save about 23% on HVAC energy. It has a built-in level and step-by-step app instructions for easy DIY installation, and works with most HVAC equipment found in homes. The thermostat has smart maintenance features, such as performance monitoring, equipment alerts, and maintenance reminders. It also protects your privacy by not selling your personal information to third parties.
Honeywell Home RTH9585WF Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat
The Honeywell Home RTH9585WF Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat is a programmable thermostat that allows you to personalize its color to fit your décor. Its touchscreen interface makes it easy to read and operate, and it is compatible with most heating and cooling systems. The thermostat is Energy Star certified, and can help save energy by providing monthly energy reports and personalized tips on reducing energy use. It also allows you to enroll in your local utility's "DEMAND RESPONSE PROGRAM" which can reward you for allowing slight adjustments to your AC or furnace temperature settings during high energy demand.
Google Nest Learning Thermostat 4th Gen + Temp Sensor
The Google Nest Learning Thermostat offers a smart and stylish way to control your home's temperature while saving energy. It fits most heating and cooling systems without needing a C wire, making installation easier for you. You can adjust your thermostat from anywhere using the Google Home app or by voice commands through Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant, adding convenience to your daily routine. Its large, clear display with Dynamic Farsight lets you see important info from across the room, and you can customize the look to show what matters most to you. This thermostat is designed to keep your home comfortable with smart, user-friendly features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do you really need a programmable thermostat?
Yes, a programmable thermostat is beneficial for saving energy. By adjusting the temperature by just 1°F, you can reduce energy usage by around 1%. Proper installation, setup, and use are important for maximizing energy savings.
2. Is a programmable thermostat the same as a smart thermostat?
No, programmable thermostats offer some benefits, but smart thermostats provide more advantages. Smart thermostats offer customizable settings, real-time energy reporting and monitoring, and automation features, resulting in higher energy efficiency.
3. Are programmable thermostats worth it?
Absolutely! By adjusting your thermostat by just 1 degree Fahrenheit, you can save up to 3% on energy usage. For example, lowering the temperature by 10 degrees at night can lead to up to 30% less energy consumption.
4. Do I need an electrician to install a programmable thermostat?
If you don't have a C-wire installed, it is recommended to hire a professional for the installation of a smart thermostat. While there are versions available that don't require a C-wire, they may have frequent malfunctions or stop working altogether.
5. What are the disadvantages of a smart thermostat?
Some disadvantages of smart thermostats include their higher cost compared to manual and programmable thermostats, compatibility issues with certain heating and cooling systems, and the need for comfort with technology to utilize their full potential.
6. Can you just replace a thermostat with a smart thermostat?
Replacing a thermostat with a smart thermostat may require additional considerations, such as the condition of the wall behind the existing thermostat. While it may be straightforward in some homes, others may require additional wall repair alongside the thermostat replacement.
7. What is better, a programmable or non-programmable thermostat?
A simple programmable thermostat is a better fit if you want to save money on energy bills. Non-programmable thermostats with additional features may use more energy. Consistency in using a smart thermostat is also important for optimal energy savings.
8. Do you need Wi-Fi for a programmable thermostat?
Yes, having an internet connection is necessary for a smart thermostat to work optimally. Without Wi-Fi, you won't receive necessary updates, reports, and notifications. Homeowners often turn off the thermostat when leaving home to save money and reduce energy bills.
9. Can I install a programmable thermostat myself?
Yes, if you are satisfied with the current thermostat's location, installing a smart thermostat yourself is a relatively simple task. However, it is important to disconnect the power to the HVAC system before starting the installation.
During our programmable thermostat research, we found 24 programmable thermostat products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 554,378 customer reviews through our big data system to write the programmable thermostats list. We found that most customers choose programmable thermostats with an average price of $117.21.
The programmable thermostats are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of programmable thermostats, including Google, ecobee, Honeywell Home, Emerson. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 101 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.
Howard Chester is an architect from New York who holds a master's degree in architectural design, his passions for interior design and home improvement contribute to his extensive knowledge of all things furniture and home goods. Howard Chester Specializes in various architectural and interior design projects. He often publishes articles related to decoration on key websites and interior design magazines.
Programmable Thermostats Comparison Table
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| Brand | ecobee | Amazon | ecobee | ecobee | Honeywell Home | Emerson | Honeywell Home | |||
| Model Name | Google Nest Thermostat | ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential | - | Smart Thermostat Enhanced | Smart Thermostat Premium | RTH20B | Nest Learning Thermostat | Wi-Fi Thermostat for Smart Home, DIY Version | RTH9585WF1004 | Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) |
| Controller Type | Amazon Alexa, Android, Google Assistant, iOS, nest | Amazon Alexa, Android, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, iOS | - | Amazon Alexa, Android, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, iOS | Amazon Alexa, Android, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, iOS | Push Button | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, nest | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings, Vera | Touch Screen, Voice | Amazon Alexa, Android, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, iOS |
| Special Feature | Programmable | Auto-Away Mode, Auto-Scheduling, Fan Control, Programmable, Temperature Display | - | Wired Smart Thermostat | Amazon Alexa, Siri, Wired Smart Thermostat | Programmable, Filter Indicator | Wireless: Working Wi-Fi connection: 802.11b/g/n @ 2.4GHz, 5GHz, Wireless interconnect: 802.15.4 @ 2.4GHz, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) | Auto Changeover, Clock Display, Daylight Savings Time Ready, Fan Control, Filter Indicator | Customizable color touchscreen, Smart Response Technology, Energy Star certified | Auto Away Mode, Auto Scheduling, Temperature Display |
| Color | Snow | White | - | Black | - | White | - | White | Gray | - |
| Temperature Control Type | Heating, Cooling | Cooling | - | Heating | - | Programmable | - | Programmable, Smart/Remote | Heating and Cooling | - |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | - | Corded Electric | - | Battery Powered | - | Corded Electric | AC Power Supply | - |
| Item Weight | 0.11 Pounds | 0.2 Pounds | - | 1.1 Pounds | - | 0.84 Pounds | - | 13.6 ounces | 0.45 Pounds | - |
| Display Type | LCD | LCD | - | LCD | - | LCD | - | LED | LED | - |
| Control Method | Voice | Touch | - | App | - | Touch | - | Voice | Voice | - |
| Mounting Type | Wall Mount | Wall Mount | - | Wall Mount | - | Wall Mount | - | Wall Mount | Wall Mount | - |
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