Buying Guide
It can be tough to decide what the right Smart Thermostat is for your home. Below, we break our selection into Pricing Tiers, Smart Home Connectivity, and handy Feature Comparison Charts.
Pricing Tiers
Standard
These thermostats provide basic smart features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, access and control via a mobile app, HVAC alerts, the ability to schedule or program, the option to pre-condition your space, and vacation or away mode settings.
Standard devices are intuitive and easy to use and will help you save on your energy bill, but they lack more advanced features and functionality.
Progressive
These devices are slightly more expensive. They build upon the standard tier with additional features like optional room sensor compatibility.
This tier of smart thermostats offers some of the features from the premium tier, but at a reduced price mainly due to differences in product components (plastic vs. glass or steel) or user interface (manual buttons vs. touchscreen).
Premium
The smart thermostat models within the premium tier are the most advanced, offering sophisticated technology such as built-in voice control, multi-room speakers, indoor air quality monitors, or other luxury features.
These models offer the greatest system compatibility and personalization.
Smart Home Connectivity
Smart thermostats are a key part of a connected home system. They offer the convenience of remote control via mobile apps, and some even support voice control. Plus, they all seamlessly integrate with Google Home Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
Also compatible with Apple HomeKit and Samsung SmartThings. Ideal for Amazon Alexa users, given the advanced features and controls on premium models.

Also compatible with Apple HomeKit and Samsung SmartThings. Ideal for Google Home Assistant users since Nest is the smart thermostat within their smart home ecosystem.

Also compatible with Samsung SmartThings. Some models are compatible with Apple HomeKit.

Feature Comparison Charts
Standard
STANDARD | Sensi Lite | Sensi ST55 | Nest Thermostat | ecobee 3Lite |
---|---|---|---|---|
Unique Features | ||||
Touchscreen Interface | ✓ | |||
Manual Interface | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Learning | ✓ | |||
Indoor Air Quality Monitor | ||||
Humidity Control | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Room Sensor Compatibility | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Real-time Weather Monitoring | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Multiroom Speakers | ||||
Built-in Voice Control | ||||
HVAC Systems Compatibility & Warranty | ||||
Low Voltage System (12-24V) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
High Voltage System (120V) | ||||
C-Wire Needed | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Manufacturer Warranty (Years) | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
Progressive
PROGRESSIVE | ecobee Enhanced | Honeywell T9 | Sensi Touch |
---|---|---|---|
Unique Features | |||
Touchscreen Interface | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Manual Interface | |||
Learning | |||
Indoor Air Quality Monitor | |||
Humidity Control | ✓ | ✓ | |
Room Sensor Compatibility | ✓ | ✓ | |
Real-time Weather Monitoring | ✓ | ||
Multiroom Speakers | |||
Built-in Voice Control | |||
HVAC Systems Compatibility & Warranty | |||
Low Voltage System (12-24V) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
High Voltage System (120V) | |||
C-Wire Needed | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Manufacturer Warranty (Years) | 3 | 2 | 3 |
Premium
PREMIUM | Sensi Touch 2 | ecobee Premium | Nest Learning |
---|---|---|---|
Unique Features | |||
Touchscreen Interface | ✓ | ✓ | |
Manual Interface | ✓ | ||
Learning | ✓ | ||
Indoor Air Quality Monitor | ✓ | ||
Humidity Control | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Room Sensor Compatibility | ✓ | ✓ | |
Real-time Weather Monitoring | ✓ | ✓ | |
Multiroom Speakers | ✓ | ||
Built-in Voice Control | ✓ | ✓ | |
HVAC Systems Compatibility & Warranty | |||
Low Voltage System (12-24V) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
High Voltage System (120V) | |||
C-Wire Needed | Yes | Yes | No |
Manufacturer Warranty (Years) | 3 | 3 | 1 |