Best Smart Thermostats Under $500
All Smart ThermostatsHand-picked smart thermostats priced under $500, ranked by weighted Amazon ratings. 8 picks updated regularly.
A privacy-friendly DIY-installable Wi-Fi thermostat that works with Alexa and is Energy Star certified. Reviewers praise how simple installation and the mobile app are, while a few wish the screen off...
Why we like it: A no-fuss Wi-Fi thermostat ideal for renters and DIY upgraders who care about data privacy.
The ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced uses built-in radar occupancy to pre-cool or pre-heat before you arrive, claims up to 26% energy savings, and works with Alexa, Google, Siri, and SmartThings. Incl...
Why we like it: Strong mid-tier smart thermostat with radar occupancy and PEK in the box; biggest miss is the lack of a continuous fan-circulate setting.
The 4th-gen Nest Learning Thermostat brings a 2.7-inch curved display, a redesigned aluminum ring, and Gemini-era automation that learns your schedule in about a week. Far-field sensing and the includ...
Why we like it: Beautiful and smarter than ever, but the new Google Home dependency and premium price draw the most owner complaints.
A 7-day programmable Wi-Fi thermostat with a customizable color touchscreen and Alexa support
Why we like it: A solid mid-range smart thermostat with a colorful, easy-to-read touchscreen.
The ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium adds a built-in air-quality monitor, premium speaker for Alexa and Siri, smart doorbell live view, and a SmartSensor in the box, claiming up to 26% savings on heati...
Why we like it: Top-tier ecobee with built-in voice, air-quality, and a SmartSensor included; the premium feel costs about $80 more than the Enhanced.
The ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential is the brand's budget pick, covering up to 85% of 24VAC HVAC systems with a clean color touchscreen and Alexa, Google, and HomeKit support, claiming up to 23% ene...
Why we like it: Affordable ecobee entry with strong app and schedules; budget for a PEK separately if your wiring lacks a C wire.
The 3rd-generation Nest Learning Thermostat delivers the classic high-resolution Farsight display, auto-schedule learning, and Home/Away Assist across iOS and Android. Works with most 24V systems incl...
Why we like it: A proven, beautifully designed thermostat that still impresses, though the platform is starting to show its age.
A budget Energy Star certified thermostat that works with Alexa and Ring and uses Honeywell technology under the hood
Why we like it: An aggressively priced way to add Alexa-driven climate control to your home.
Compare Features
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Sensi ST55 Smart Wi-Fi Thermostat
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Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced
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Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen)
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Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004 Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat
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Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
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Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential
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Google Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Gen)
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Amazon Smart Thermostat
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Install | DIY | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Privacy | data privacy focus | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Alexa | works with | — | — | compatible | — | — | — | works with |
| Energy Star | certified | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Display | — | Color touchscreen | Mirror 2.7" LCD | color touchscreen | Glass touchscreen | Touchscreen | 2.08" LCD | — |
| Sensors | — | Built-in temp + humidity | Built-in temp + humidity + proximity | — | SmartSensor (room) + air quality + radar | Built-in temp + humidity | Built-in temp + humidity + activity | — |
| Remote | — | App control (iOS/Android) | Google Home app | — | App + Apple HomeKit | App | Google Home / Nest app | — |
| Voice Assistant | — | Alexa, Google, HomeKit, SmartThings | Google Assistant + Alexa | — | Alexa + Siri | Alexa, Google | Google Assistant + Alexa | — |
| C-wire | — | Required (or PEK) | Optional (battery-backed) | — | Required (or PEK) | Required | Optional | — |
| Power | — | 24V HVAC | 24V HVAC | — | 24V HVAC | 24V HVAC | 24V HVAC | — |
| Wi-Fi | — | — | — | yes | — | — | — | — |
| Schedule | — | — | — | 7 day | — | — | — | — |
| Ring | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | works with |
| Wire | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | C-wire required |
| Price | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | budget |
| Rating | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.0 |
| Price | $90.55 | $199.00 | $245.00 | $150.22 | $259.99 | $139.99 | $219.99 | $79.99 |
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