ConsFirst / Smart thermostats

Sensi

Sensi Smart Thermostat: the downsides first

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#5 of 8
$$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 screen

    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.

    Source: PCMag review
  • Some units fail or lose Wi-Fi

    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.

    Source: Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • Limited integrations and smarts

    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.

    Source: PCMag review

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.

    Source: PCMag review
  • 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.

    Source: PCMag review, Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • Battery backup

    PCMag says two included AA batteries keep it running during a power outage.

    Source: PCMag review
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.
    Source: PCMag review
  • 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.
    Source: PCMag review, Amazon.com product page
  • 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.
    Source: PCMag review, Amazon.com product page
  • Display & controls2.5
    Why 2.5?A small monochrome backlit LCD with physical buttons and a ho-hum design.
    Source: PCMag review
  • 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.
    Source: PCMag review, Amazon.com product page

What experts say

  • PCMag: Best Affordable Thermostat for HomeKit, 4.0 Excellent. Ho-hum design, no IFTTT.
Check price on AmazonWe don't list prices — they change daily. Paid link.

If that catch is a deal-breaker

Highly ranked smart thermostats whose biggest complaint is something else.

#1 in smart thermostatsecobee Smart Thermostat Premium

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.

Its catch: expensive, with paid security extras#2 in smart thermostatsGoogle Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen)

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.

Its catch: ai overrides your settings#3 in smart thermostatsHoneywell Home X8S Smart Thermostat

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.

Its catch: fussy, slow installation

See all 8 smart thermostats ranked →