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Smart thermostats

The Best Smart Thermostats for Energy Savings in 2025

The Best Smart Thermostats for Energy Savings in 2025

Smart thermostats are a game-changer for homeowners looking to save energy, reduce utility bills, and add convenience to their daily lives.

In 2025, the market is brimming with advanced models that offer intuitive app control, seamless smart home integration, and impressive energy-saving features.

This buyer’s guide compares five top-rated smart thermostats—Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen), Ecobee SmartThermostat Premium, Honeywell Home T9, Amazon Smart Thermostat, and Emerson Sensi Touch 2—based on energy savings, ease of installation, app control, and compatibility with Alexa and Google Home.

We’ll break down their pros, cons, price ranges, and ideal homeowner profiles to help you make an informed choice.

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1. Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen)

Price Range: ~$247–$280

The Google Nest Learning Thermostat is a premium choice known for its sleek design and AI-driven energy savings.

Its learning algorithm adapts to your schedule, adjusting temperatures to optimize comfort and efficiency.

Google claims it saves 10–12% on heating and 15% on cooling bills, thanks to features like Adaptive Eco and Nest Renew, which align energy use with off-peak grid times.

Pros:

  • AI learns your habits, creating custom schedules within a week.
  • Includes a Nest Temperature Sensor for balancing temperatures in specific rooms.
  • Supports Matter, integrating with Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit.
  • Gorgeous, high-resolution touchscreen display.

Cons:

  • Higher price point compared to budget models.
  • Installation may require professional help for complex HVAC systems.
  • Limited sensor functionality compared to Ecobee (senses temperature only, not motion).

Best For: Tech-savvy homeowners invested in the Google ecosystem who want a stylish, autonomous thermostat.

Energy Savings: Exceptional due to AI optimization and detailed energy reports.

2. Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium

Price Range: ~$220–$250

Ecobee’s flagship model is a feature-packed powerhouse, boasting a built-in Alexa speaker, air quality monitoring, and radar occupancy sensors.

Ecobee claims up to 26% savings on energy bills through precise scheduling, geofencing, and its eco+ software, which adjusts for humidity and occupancy.

Pros:

  • Includes a SmartSensor for temperature and motion detection in remote rooms.
  • Built-in Alexa, plus compatibility with Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and SmartThings.
  • Intuitive Ecobee app with detailed Home Energy Reports.
  • Monitors indoor air quality and humidity.

Cons:

  • Premium price may deter budget-conscious buyers.
  • Scheduling can be complex for new users.
  • Glass design prone to smudges.

Best For: Homeowners with complex HVAC systems or those seeking a multi-functional device (thermostat, speaker, security monitor).
Energy Savings: Top-tier, thanks to advanced sensors and eco+ automation.

3. Honeywell Home T9

Price Range: ~$140–$180

The Honeywell Home T9 offers robust features at a mid-range price, including a remote sensor for multi-room temperature control.

Its Smart Response technology learns your HVAC system’s heating/cooling speed, optimizing energy use.

It supports geofencing and provides monthly energy reports via the Resideo app.

Pros:

  • Supports up to 20 remote sensors for large homes.
  • Compatible with Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and IFTTT.
  • Straightforward touchscreen and app interface.
  • More affordable than Nest or Ecobee Premium.

Cons:

  • Remote sensors sold separately (except one included).
  • Less sleek design compared to Nest or Ecobee.
  • Requires C-wire or adapter (included).

Best For: Families needing consistent temperatures across multiple rooms without breaking the bank.
Energy Savings: Strong, enhanced by multi-room sensors and geofencing.

4. Amazon Smart Thermostat

Price Range: ~$59–$80

The Amazon Smart Thermostat, built with Honeywell technology, is a budget-friendly option for Alexa users.

It uses Alexa Hunches for location-based learning, adjusting temperatures to save energy when you’re away.

While it lacks advanced sensors, it’s Energy Star-certified and delivers reliable performance.

Pros:

  • Lowest price among top models, often on sale.
  • Seamless Alexa integration; works with Google Home via Matter.
  • Simple installation with included C-wire adapter.
  • Energy dashboard in Alexa app tracks usage.

Cons:

  • No remote sensors for multi-room monitoring.
  • Basic design lacks premium aesthetics.
  • Limited to single-stage HVAC systems.

Best For: Budget-conscious renters or Alexa-centric households needing basic smart features.
Energy Savings: Good, with automated adjustments via Alexa Hunches.

5. Emerson Sensi Touch 2

Price Range: ~$130–$170

The Sensi Touch 2 combines a large, vibrant touchscreen with practical smart features like geofencing and scheduling.

It’s designed for hands-on users who prefer physical interaction but still want app control.

It supports up to 15 remote sensors (sold separately) and integrates with Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit.

Pros:

  • Large 4.3-inch color touchscreen for easy manual control.
  • User-friendly Sensi app with maintenance alerts.
  • Supports multi-stage HVAC systems.
  • Competitive price for its feature set.

Cons:

  • No included remote sensors.
  • Lacks advanced learning algorithms like Nest or Ecobee.
  • Design less premium than competitors.

Best For: Homeowners who value tactile control and want a balance of smart features and affordability.

Energy Savings: Solid, with geofencing and scheduling, but less automated than Nest or Ecobee.

Installation and App Control

  • Ease of Installation: Most models are DIY-friendly, taking 30–60 minutes with a screwdriver and app-guided steps. The Amazon Smart Thermostat and Sensi Touch 2 are simplest, including C-wire adapters. Nest and Ecobee may require professional help for complex systems or if no C-wire is present. Honeywell T9 includes an adapter but needs careful wiring attention.
  • App Control: Ecobee’s app leads with customization and energy reports, followed by Nest’s polished Google Home app. Honeywell’s Resideo and Sensi apps are intuitive but less feature-rich. Amazon’s Alexa app is straightforward but limited to basic scheduling and energy tracking.

Compatibility

All five thermostats support Alexa and Google Home, with Ecobee, Honeywell T9, and Sensi Touch 2 also offering Apple HomeKit.

Nest and Ecobee Premium excel in broader smart home ecosystems (Matter, SmartThings, IFTTT).

Check HVAC compatibility before buying—Amazon is limited to single-stage systems, while others handle multi-stage or dual-fuel setups.

Which Thermostat Suits Your Needs?

Final Thoughts

Investing in a smart thermostat in 2025 is a smart move for energy savings and comfort.

The Ecobee SmartThermostat Premium stands out for its versatility and advanced features, while the Google Nest Learning Thermostat excels in AI-driven automation.

For budget buyers, the Amazon Smart Thermostat delivers impressive value, and the Honeywell T9 and Sensi Touch 2 offer balanced options for mid-range needs.

Before purchasing, verify HVAC compatibility and consider whether you need remote sensors or premium aesthetics.

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