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Sensi

Sensi Touch 2 Smart Thermostat: the downsides first

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#6 of 8
$$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 IFTTT

    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.

    Source: PCMag review
  • No learning or presence sensing

    CNET lists the lack of smart features like built-in presence sensing and learning. Room sensors cost $39.99 each (PCMag).

    Source: CNET, PCMag review
  • Wi-Fi trouble for some; needs a C wire

    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.

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

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.

    Source: PCMag review, CNET, Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • Easy setup and reliable in testing

    PCMag found installation a breeze; it followed schedules without issue, and geofencing worked. CNET cites quick setup.

    Source: PCMag review, CNET
  • 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.

    Source: PCMag review, CNET, Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
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).
    Source: PCMag review, 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.
    Source: PCMag review, Amazon.com product page
  • Easy install & compatibility3.5
    Why 3.5?PCMag calls installation a breeze and CNET says setup is quick, but it requires a C wire.
    Source: PCMag review, CNET
  • 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.
    Source: PCMag best picks, CNET
  • 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.
    Source: PCMag review, Amazon.com product page

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.
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 →