ConsFirst / Smart thermostats
Smart thermostats: the downsides, first
Check your wiring first: most smart thermostats here need a C wire (or an adapter), and Wi-Fi drops and units that quit are the most repeated owner complaints. Google ended app support for the 1st- and 2nd-gen Nest Learning Thermostats on October 25, 2025. Here are the most popular smart thermostats in the US, with their downsides first.
8 models compared21 sources readUpdated October 2026
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All 8 smart thermostats, ranked
Ranked by test scores, minus how common and serious the complaints are. How we rank
#1
ecobee
$$$Smart (sensor-based)Score 4.3/5
13%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Wirecutter's and CNET's top pick and PCMag's Best Overall (4.5/5). Its included room sensor and humidity-aware Eco+ mode kept Wirecutter's test home the most evenly comfortable. It's expensive, though, advanced settings need a web browser, and Wirecutter found ecobee's phone support poor. About 1 in 8 Amazon ratings are 1 or 2 stars.
Subscription: Optional: Smart Security plan from $5/mo for camera storage and alerts (PCMag); not needed for thermostat features
Top complaints
- Expensive, with paid security extrasVery common
PCMag lists 'pricey' and 'some features require a subscription' as cons; its review says the Smart Security plan starts at $5 a month. CNET calls it 'very expensive'. On Amazon, value for money is mixed, and some owners call it a costly disappointment.
- Doesn't always hold the set temperatureMentioned often
Amazon's review summary says some owners report it doesn't reach the set temperature and some see connectivity problems with smart-home systems. Wirecutter says it first changed temperatures too drastically to save energy, so its heat pump ran almost nonstop until it was fine-tuned by hand.
- Weak customer support; setup is not the simplestMentioned often
A Wirecutter editor waited 30 minutes on hold, never got the promised callback, and had the case closed with no solution. Wirecutter also says it isn't the easiest model to set up and advanced settings need a web browser. Most homes need a C wire; a power adapter kit for homes without one is included.
What owners love
- Most consistently comfortable in testing
Wirecutter says it kept its three-level test home more consistently comfortable than any other model, helped by Eco+, which uses indoor humidity to heat or cool a little less.
- Best room sensor included
The included SmartSensor detects temperature and presence, so the room you're in can be prioritized. Wirecutter calls it the best remote sensor it has tested, and PCMag notes support for up to 32 sensors.
- Works with every major platform
PCMag lists Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, IFTTT and SmartThings support, plus a built-in Alexa speaker and air-quality monitor. Wirecutter says Siri and AirPlay also work through the speaker.
Skip it if…- You want the cheapest way to get app control
- You want to set it and forget it without fine-tuning
- You don't want a microphone on your wall (it can be turned off)
Good for- Homes with hot or cold rooms (presence-sensing room sensor included)
- People who want Alexa or Siri built into the thermostat
- Mixed Apple, Google and Alexa smart homes
Scores (tap for why)
- Scheduling & savings features5.0
Why 5.0?
Eco+ humidity-aware adjustments, Smart Recovery, schedule suggestions and presence-sensing room sensors; it was the most consistently comfortable in Wirecutter's tests. - App & smart home4.5
Why 4.5?
Works with Alexa, Google, HomeKit, IFTTT and SmartThings, and doubles as an Alexa speaker. Advanced settings need the web portal, and Amazon owners are mixed on smart-home connectivity. - Easy install & compatibility4.0
Why 4.0?
The app guides setup step by step, and a power adapter kit for homes without a C wire is in the box. Wirecutter says it isn't the absolute easiest to set up. - Display & controls4.5
Why 4.5?
Glass and metal touch screen showing weather, time and air-quality scores, plus voice control. PCMag calls the design beautiful. - Reliability3.5
Why 3.5?
Trouble-free for Wirecutter over about 18 months after fine-tuning, and ecobee still supports its earliest models. Support is weak, Amazon owners give quality negative feedback, and 13% of Amazon ratings are 1-2 stars.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick (updated 2026-01-20): the best performer at keeping the whole house comfortable, with the best remote sensor and a best-in-class privacy policy. The flaws are a complex setup for power users, intrusive Alexa notifications by default, and poor customer support.
- PCMag: Best Overall, 4.5 Outstanding (list re-checked 2026-09-22). It's pricey and some features need a subscription.
- CNET: Best overall (8.3/10): learning and vacation modes, reliable air-quality monitoring and an included sensor, but very expensive.
#2
Google
$$$LearningScore 4.2/5
10%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)2,610 ratings. The listing (thermostat plus Temperature Sensor 2nd gen) offers several colors.The only true learning thermostat here, picked by all four guides. It comes with a room sensor, adds Matter, and Tom's Guide and CNET say it needs no C wire. But it's one of the priciest, Wirecutter had to keep overriding its AI, and its sensor can't detect presence. Google cut off the 1st- and 2nd-gen Learning models on Oct. 25, 2025, which makes Tom's Guide question its long-term support.
Subscription: None required (Tom's Guide says none of its picks need a monthly fee)
Top complaints
- AI overrides your settingsVery common
Wirecutter says the AI sometimes went haywire in long-term testing, forcing manual corrections several times a day, and that other owners report the same. Amazon owners are mixed on temperature control, with some reporting it randomly set itself to 80F.
- ExpensiveVery common
PCMag, Tom's Guide and CNET all list the price as a con. PCMag gives a $279.99 list price. Some Amazon owners call it a waste of $300.
- Long-term support worriesMentioned often
Google ended support for the 1st- and 2nd-gen Nest Learning Thermostats (2011, 2012, and 2014 Europe) on Oct. 25, 2025: app control, remote access and updates stopped, though on-device schedules keep running. Tom's Guide calls this a reason it's hard to be fully behind Nest and advises not expecting more than about 10 years from a smart thermostat. Some Amazon owners also report it won't connect to the app.
What owners love
- Easiest setup and smartest scheduling
Wirecutter says its AI does most of the setup work and excels at timing heating and cooling. Tom's Guide says Smart Schedule suggests changes you approve and accounts for outdoor weather.
- Sensor included, Matter support
It's the only model in Tom's Guide's picks that comes with a room sensor. PCMag notes Matter support for Alexa, Apple Home and SmartThings.
- Beautiful display and dial
CNET names it the best design, and PCMag praises the large display. Wirecutter likes the easier-to-twist dial and the Farsight screen that wakes as you approach. Amazon owners like the modern style.
Skip it if…- You want full manual control without the AI second-guessing you
- You want room sensors that detect presence
- You worry about Google ending support early
Good for- Google Home and Nest households
- People who want the thermostat to build its own schedule
- Homes without a C wire (per Tom's Guide and CNET)
Scores (tap for why)
- Scheduling & savings features4.5
Why 4.5?
Auto-learned schedules, early-start timing, weather-aware Smart Schedule and an included sensor. Wirecutter still had to rein in its setbacks by hand. - App & smart home4.0
Why 4.0?
Google Home app plus Matter for Alexa, Apple Home and SmartThings. Some Amazon owners can't get it to connect to the app. - Easy install & compatibility4.5
Why 4.5?
Tom's Guide and CNET say no C wire is required, and Amazon owners call setup easy. Wirecutter still recommends using a C wire if you have one, since running without it may risk some sensitive HVAC systems. - Display & controls4.5
Why 4.5?
Large round display with a motion-activated Farsight screen and a twist dial. There's no touch screen (PCMag), and CNET finds the shiny display a little distracting. - Reliability3.5
Why 3.5?
10% of Amazon ratings are 1-2 stars, the lowest here, but Wirecutter hit AI glitches in long-term testing, and Google ended support for older Learning models after about a decade.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Best for the smartest thermostat: the easiest to set up thanks to AI, but pricier and prone to glitches. Its sensors don't detect presence, and picky users will still adjust it by hand.
- PCMag: Best for AI-powered energy savings, 4.0 Excellent. Expensive, with no touch screen.
- Tom's Guide: Best Nest: no C wire required and improved Matter support, but one of the most expensive, and Google's track record makes its long-term future uncertain.
#3
Honeywell Home
$$$Smart (sensor-based)Score 4.0/5
13%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Very small sample (142 ratings). The listing offers White/Black and with-sensor/no-sensor styles.Tom's Guide's new best overall and CNET's whole-house pick: a 5-inch smart-display thermostat with room priority scheduling, Matter and Apple Home support, and Ring doorbell video. It requires a C wire (Honeywell sends a free adapter), Tom's Guide's install took about two hours, and doorbell support is limited. It's too new for a meaningful Amazon track record.
Subscription: None required (Tom's Guide says none of its picks need a monthly fee)
Top complaints
- Fussy, slow installationVery common
Tom's Guide lists 'installation can be tricky and time-consuming'; its reviewer's install took close to two hours, and the guide suggests a professional for first-timers. CNET lists 'C-wire required'. Tom's Guide says Honeywell provides a free C-wire power adapter via a promo code in the box.
- Limited, patchy doorbell featureMentioned often
Tom's Guide says only Ring or First Alert doorbells are supported and incoming audio was intermittent. CNET also lists limited doorbell support. One Amazon owner reports Ring integration issues.
- Pricey for someOccasional
Amazon's review summary says value for money is mixed, with some owners finding it too expensive. Tom's Guide puts its $220 price at the high end of smart thermostats.
What owners love
- Room-priority scheduling
With remote sensors, you can tell it which room to prioritize and when; Tom's Guide's reviewer heated the bedroom before bedtime. The review says the sensors detect temperature and presence.
- Big, customizable screen
A 5-inch touch screen with multiple faces (CNET). Tom's Guide calls it large and vibrant, like a small smart display. It also monitors indoor air quality and humidity (CNET).
- Works with everything
Tom's Guide lists Alexa, Google Home, HomeKit and Matter, and CNET adds SmartThings. Amazon owners find it easy to use and setup straightforward.
Skip it if…- You want a quick, simple DIY install
- You need a long reliability track record
- You want doorbell video from brands other than Ring or First Alert
Good for- People who want to prioritize specific rooms at set times
- Ring doorbell owners
- Mixed Apple, Google and Alexa homes (Matter)
Scores (tap for why)
- Scheduling & savings features4.5
Why 4.5?
Advanced scheduling with timed room priorities and presence-sensing sensors (Tom's Guide). It also tracks humidity and air quality (CNET). - App & smart home4.5
Why 4.5?
Alexa, Google Home, HomeKit, Matter and SmartThings, plus Ring doorbell video on the screen, though doorbell audio was patchy. - Easy install & compatibility2.5
Why 2.5?
Requires a C wire (with a free adapter on request), and Tom's Guide's install took close to two hours and was fussy. Some Amazon owners still found setup straightforward. - Display & controls5.0
Why 5.0?
The biggest screen here: a 5-inch customizable touch screen and a useful temperature screensaver. - Reliability3.5
Why 3.5?
No long-term data yet; Amazon has only 142 ratings (13% at 1-2 stars). Tom's Guide notes Honeywell still supports a model from 2012.
What experts say
- Tom's Guide: Best overall (updated about 2026-10-08): advanced scheduling and a large, vibrant display, but installation can be tricky, doorbell support is limited and doorbell audio is intermittent.
- CNET: Best for whole-house control: a 5-inch touch screen, room sensor, broad platform support and air-quality monitoring, but limited doorbell support and a C wire is required.
#4
ecobee
$$Smart (sensor-based)Score 3.7/5
15%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)1,901 ratings.The budget pick or runner-up at Wirecutter, PCMag, Tom's Guide and CNET. It has the same core smarts as the Premium for much less, and with add-on sensors it matched the Premium in Wirecutter's tests. It needs a C wire (or a $24.99 adapter kit), its sensors and wall plate cost extra, and some Amazon owners say it stopped working or dropped Wi-Fi.
Subscription: None required (Tom's Guide says none of its picks need a monthly fee)
Top complaints
- Some units fail or drop Wi-FiMentioned often
Amazon's review summary says reliability is mixed: some owners say it works better than Nest, while others say it stopped working after a month or could no longer connect to Wi-Fi. Some also say it doesn't keep the requested temperature.
- Stripped down; sensors and wall plate cost extraVery common
Wirecutter says it lacks an occupancy sensor, air-quality sensor and microphone, and has no mounting plate ($15 extra). Sensors come only in pairs and add about $100. Tom's Guide lists 'limited advanced features' and 'design feels a bit cheap' as cons.
- Needs a C wire; setup asks technical questionsMentioned often
PCMag says installation requires a C wire, with a $24.99 Power Extender Kit as the workaround. Wirecutter says setup asks obscure technical questions, though the app now suggests likely answers, and support took a couple of tries plus a callback.
What owners love
- Premium-level comfort for less
With optional sensors added, it equaled the Premium in Wirecutter's tests and beat every other brand on consistent comfort, thanks to the same humidity-aware temperature logic.
- Broad platform support
Works with Alexa, Google and Apple HomeKit (PCMag, Tom's Guide). PCMag says it worked flawlessly in testing and responded instantly to Alexa and HomeKit commands.
- Easy app and install
Amazon owners say the app makes things easy and installation is straightforward. CNET calls it streamlined for ease of use, and it keeps the color touch screen.
Skip it if…- Your wiring has no C wire and you don't want to fit an adapter
- You need room sensors now (a pair adds about $100)
- Your Wi-Fi is 5GHz only (it uses 2.4GHz)
Good for- Homes with fairly even temperatures
- Apple Home, Google and Alexa users on a budget
- People who may add room sensors later
Scores (tap for why)
- Scheduling & savings features4.0
Why 4.0?
Shares the Premium's Eco+ and scheduling, and matched it with add-on sensors (Wirecutter). It lacks a built-in occupancy sensor, and sensors cost extra. - App & smart home4.0
Why 4.0?
Alexa, Google and HomeKit, with energy reports. 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only, and some Amazon owners lose the Wi-Fi connection. - Easy install & compatibility3.5
Why 3.5?
Straightforward according to Amazon owners, but it needs a C wire or a $24.99 adapter kit, setup asks technical questions, and there's no wall plate in the box. - Display & controls3.5
Why 3.5?
A color touch screen (PCMag, CNET), but a smaller plastic body that Tom's Guide says feels a bit cheap. - Reliability3.5
Why 3.5?
Flawless in PCMag's testing, but Amazon owners report units that stop working or drop Wi-Fi, and 15% of ratings are 1-2 stars.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Runner-up for bang for the buck: most of the Premium's smarts at a lower price; ideal if your home's temperatures are already balanced.
- PCMag: Best Affordable Smart Thermostat, 4.0 Excellent. Room sensors are sold separately and it only supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi.
- Tom's Guide: Best budget pick (updated about 2026-10-08): easy and inexpensive, but advanced features are limited and the design feels a bit cheap.
#5
Sensi
$$Basic smartScore 3.5/5
11%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)23,090 ratings. The listing includes DIY and Pro styles.PCMag's best affordable HomeKit pick (4.0): a plain button-and-LCD thermostat that works with Alexa, Google, Siri/HomeKit and SmartThings and was easy to install. It has a ho-hum design, no touch screen, no learning, and PCMag says it needs a C wire. On Amazon it has 23,000-plus ratings and the lowest 1-2 star share in this group (11%).
Top complaints
- Plain design, small monochrome screenMentioned often
PCMag lists 'ho-hum design' as a con and describes a 1.7-by-2.7-inch monochrome LCD with buttons, much plainer than the Sensi Touch or Nest.
- Some units fail or lose Wi-FiMentioned often
Amazon's review summary says reliability is mixed, with some owners reporting it failed, and while many connect fine, some have Wi-Fi connection issues.
- Limited integrations and smartsOccasional
PCMag says it doesn't support IFTTT and integrates with fewer third-party devices than the Nest Thermostat. It requires a C wire, doesn't work with electric baseboard heat, and uses 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only.
What owners love
- Works with Alexa, Google and Siri
PCMag says it supports all three voice assistants plus HomeKit and SmartThings, which the Nest Thermostat doesn't match on Siri.
- Easy to install and program
PCMag found it easy to install, and the dedicated Schedule button and app make programming easy. Amazon owners find it easy to install and use, with accurate temperature control.
- Battery backup
PCMag says two included AA batteries keep it running during a power outage.
Skip it if…- You want a color touch screen
- You want learning or room sensors
- You have electric baseboard heat
Good for- Apple Home users on a budget
- People who like physical buttons
- Simple schedules plus geofencing
Scores (tap for why)
- Scheduling & savings features3.0
Why 3.0?
Schedules, geofencing (a 3-degree setback when you leave), usage reports and maintenance reminders, but no learning or sensors. - App & smart home4.0
Why 4.0?
A user-friendly app with Alexa, Google, Siri/HomeKit and SmartThings, but no IFTTT. Amazon owners rate the app well, though some have Wi-Fi issues. - Easy install & compatibility4.0
Why 4.0?
Easy to install (PCMag, Amazon owners) on most single- and two-stage systems, but PCMag says it requires a C wire, and it doesn't work with electric baseboard heat. - Display & controls2.5
Why 2.5?
A small monochrome backlit LCD with physical buttons and a ho-hum design. - Reliability4.0
Why 4.0?
Worked without a hitch in PCMag's testing, and it has the lowest 1-2 star share here (11% of 23,090 Amazon ratings), though some owners report failures.
What experts say
- PCMag: Best Affordable Thermostat for HomeKit, 4.0 Excellent. Ho-hum design, no IFTTT.
#6
Sensi
$$Smart (sensor-based)Score 3.6/5
13%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (1,255 ratings).PCMag's best touch screen pick (4.0) and CNET's most user-friendly pick: a responsive color screen, support for up to 15 add-on room sensors and dual-band Wi-Fi. But it doesn't learn, dropped HomeKit (no Matter or IFTTT either), needs a C wire, and the sensors are sold separately.
Top complaints
- No HomeKit, Matter or IFTTTVery common
PCMag's only listed con is that it doesn't work with Apple HomeKit, IFTTT or Matter; unlike its predecessor, it dropped HomeKit and Siri.
- No learning or presence sensingMentioned often
CNET lists the lack of smart features like built-in presence sensing and learning. Room sensors cost $39.99 each (PCMag).
- Wi-Fi trouble for some; needs a C wireMentioned often
Amazon's review summary calls Wi-Fi connectivity mixed, with some owners struggling to connect. Value is also divided. PCMag says it requires a C wire.
What owners love
- Responsive color touch screen
PCMag says the 4.3-inch screen was bright and responsive. CNET calls the interface simple and clean, and Amazon owners like the large display.
- Easy setup and reliable in testing
PCMag found installation a breeze; it followed schedules without issue, and geofencing worked. CNET cites quick setup.
- Up to 15 room sensors, useful reports
Supports up to 15 sensors, dual-band Wi-Fi, and energy, equipment and maintenance reports (PCMag, CNET). Amazon owners like the 8 schedule points a day.
Skip it if…- You use Apple Home or Matter
- You want it to learn or sense presence
- You have no C wire
Good for- People who adjust the thermostat by hand a lot
- Alexa, Google or SmartThings homes
- Large homes that may add many sensors
Scores (tap for why)
- Scheduling & savings features3.0
Why 3.0?
Flexible schedules, geofencing and usage reports, plus optional sensors, but no learning or presence sensing (CNET). - App & smart home3.5
Why 3.5?
A user-friendly app with Alexa, Google and SmartThings, but no HomeKit, Matter or IFTTT. Wi-Fi feedback on Amazon is mixed. - Easy install & compatibility3.5
Why 3.5?
PCMag calls installation a breeze and CNET says setup is quick, but it requires a C wire. - Display & controls4.5
Why 4.5?
PCMag's best touch screen pick: a bright, responsive 4.3-inch color display. CNET calls it simple and clean. - Reliability3.5
Why 3.5?
Worked well in PCMag's testing, and Amazon owners praise its quality. Some have Wi-Fi trouble, and 13% of a small sample are 1-2 stars.
What experts say
- PCMag: Best Touch Screen, 4.0 Excellent. Its only con: it doesn't work with Apple HomeKit, IFTTT or Matter.
- CNET: Most user-friendly (7.4/10): great if you interact with the thermostat a lot, but it lacks presence sensing and learning.
#7
Google
$$Basic smartScore 3.1/5
16%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)29,694 ratings. The listing offers several colors.PCMag's most affordable Nest pick (4.0, Editors' Choice), and Google designed it to work without a C wire on most 24V systems. It doesn't learn your schedule, supports no room sensors and has no touch screen. Tom's Guide and CNET say the ecobee Essential gives more for the money, and Amazon owners often report Wi-Fi drops.
Top complaints
- Wi-Fi and app connection dropsVery common
Amazon's review summary says connectivity issues are significant, with many owners reporting it stops connecting to Wi-Fi or the Google Home app. Reliability is mixed, with some saying it quits working.
- No learning, no sensors, no touch screenVery common
PCMag's cons are no touch screen and can't automatically set schedules; it also doesn't support Nest Temperature Sensors. Tom's Guide says it doesn't support remote sensors and you get more for your money with the ecobee Essential.
- Finicky geofencing and a Google Home-only appMentioned often
PCMag says geofencing more than once thought the reviewer was away and switched to Eco. CNET says it uses the Google Home app instead of the more feature-rich Nest app and pushes you straight into scheduling at install.
What owners love
- Works without a C wire
PCMag reports Nest says it is compatible with 85% of 24V systems and designed to work without a C wire.
- Attractive and affordable
PCMag calls it one of the most attractive products in the category and a tremendous value at $129.99. Some Amazon owners find it super easy to use.
- Energy and HVAC alerts
PCMag notes an energy dashboard, Savings Finder suggestions and HVAC alerts, such as filter reminders based on actual runtime.
Skip it if…- You want room sensors or automatic schedules
- You use Apple Home
- You want a touch screen
Good for- Google Home users on a budget
- Homes without a C wire
- People happy to set a schedule themselves
Scores (tap for why)
- Scheduling & savings features3.0
Why 3.0?
Manual schedules, Eco presets, geofencing and Savings Finder tips, but no automatic scheduling or sensor support. - App & smart home3.0
Why 3.0?
Google Home app with Google Assistant and Alexa voice control, but no HomeKit. Amazon owners often report Wi-Fi and app disconnects, and CNET finds Google Home less intuitive than the Nest app. - Easy install & compatibility4.0
Why 4.0?
Designed to work without a C wire on most 24V systems, with app-guided install in about 30 minutes (Nest's claim, per PCMag). Amazon owners are mixed, and some find it tricky. - Display & controls3.0
Why 3.0?
An attractive mirrored display, but no touch screen. You use a side touch bar instead, which PCMag found confusing at first. - Reliability2.5
Why 2.5?
Many Amazon owners report Wi-Fi drops and units that quit, and 16% of ratings are 1-2 stars. PCMag notes only a one-year warranty.
What experts say
- PCMag: Most Affordable Nest Thermostat, 4.0 Excellent, Editors' Choice. No touch screen, finicky geofencing, and it can't set schedules automatically.
- Tom's Guide: Also tested: about the same price as the ecobee Essential, but no remote sensors and not as good-looking.
- CNET: Not a pick: lacks the Learning model's interface and features, and uses the Google Home app rather than the Nest app.
#8
Amazon
$Basic smartScore 2.8/5
18%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)25,562 ratings.The cheapest pick ($79.99), made with Honeywell maker Resideo: Wirecutter's budget pick and the Alexa pick at PCMag and CNET. It's simple and works with many systems, but it needs a C wire (or a $24.99 adapter), works only with Alexa, and has no remote sensors. About 1 in 6 Amazon ratings are 1 or 2 stars, citing units dying within months.
Top complaints
- Units stop working; Wi-Fi dropsVery common
Amazon's review summary says reliability is a concern, with many reporting it stops working within two months, and connectivity problems are frequent, including failure to connect to Wi-Fi. Alexa compatibility feedback is mixed.
- Alexa only, no remote sensorsVery common
PCMag's cons: it doesn't work with Google Assistant, HomeKit or IFTTT, and lacks remote sensors. Wirecutter calls the controls spartan and the AI rudimentary, though 4th-gen and newer Echo speakers can act as temperature sensors.
- C wire needed, fussy setup, privacy questionsMentioned often
PCMag says it requires a C wire; a Honeywell C-wire adapter costs $24.99. Wirecutter says the app forced a restart if setup paused too long, the relay clicks audibly, and the Alexa app asks for far more personal data than needed. CNET also flags Amazon's data privacy.
What owners love
- Very cheap
PCMag says it's the least expensive model it has tested, at $79.99. CNET says it's affordable at under $100.
- Simple, with learning suggestions
Wirecutter calls it dead simple and widely compatible. Alexa Hunches can learn your patterns and suggest settings. CNET says it has useful learning features for the price and explains energy settings.
- Easy install with Alexa
Amazon owners find it easy to install and use with Alexa and like setting temperatures through the day.
Skip it if…- You use Google Home or Apple Home
- You have no C wire and don't want to fit an adapter
- You have uneven rooms that need sensors
Good for- Alexa households
- Tight budgets
- People who want simple, no-frills control
Scores (tap for why)
- Scheduling & savings features3.0
Why 3.0?
Timed schedules, Alexa Hunches suggestions and energy reports, but no remote sensors (Echo speakers are a workaround) and only rudimentary AI. - App & smart home2.5
Why 2.5?
Alexa app only (plus Ring), with no Google, HomeKit or IFTTT. Amazon owners are mixed on Alexa compatibility, and the Alexa app asks for excessive permissions. - Easy install & compatibility3.5
Why 3.5?
Works with most 24V forced-air, heat-pump and radiant systems and owners find it easy, but it requires a C wire or a $24.99 adapter, and the app restarts setup if you pause. - Display & controls2.5
Why 2.5?
A basic screen that wakes on tap, with up/down arrows. CNET calls the design basic, and Wirecutter notes an audible click. - Reliability2.5
Why 2.5?
Wirecutter trusts the Resideo/Honeywell build, but Amazon owners frequently report units stopping within two months, and 18% of ratings are 1-2 stars, the highest here.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Budget pick: basic, but does what it does well. The flaws are an audible click, a setup that restarts if you pause, and data-hungry Alexa app permissions.
- PCMag: Best for Alexa Users, 4.0 Excellent. Doesn't work with Google Assistant, HomeKit or IFTTT, and lacks remote sensors.
- CNET: Best for Alexa integration: far better technology than most sub-$100 models, but a basic design and Amazon's privacy practices raise questions.