Thermostats, on the face of it, sound pretty dull, don’t they? Of course, they help us regulate the temperature of our homes but can anyone make them exciting or clever? Actually, yes – the best smart thermostats have lots of advantages and could be just what you need this winter.
With gas and electricity bills rising once again and temperatures plummeting across the country, smart thermostats are becoming more important than ever. Not only can you control them with your voice or via a smartphone app, saving you a trip downstairs to turn up the heat, but they can also save you money on your bills in the long run.
Plus, if you’re heading home after a few days away, you can switch the heating on via your smartphone before you begin your journey, so you don’t return to a freezing house.
Some smart thermostats work in tandem with other smart gadgets. For example, if a smoke alarm detects smoke, the thermostat can turn off the boiler, to prevent making a fire worse. Other smart thermostats work with smart radiator units, to control the temperature in each room more precisely.
Then there are those that work in conjunction with your smartphone, so the system knows when everyone’s left the house and can turn down the temperature – no longer will you go away on holiday only to later realise you left the heating on full blast.
How we tested the best smart thermostats
We tested a range of smart thermostats for simplicity of setup and use, flexibility of system and level of features – keep reading to find out which ones made the hot list.
The best smart thermostats for 2024 are:
- Best smart thermostat overall – Google Nest learning thermostat, 3rd gen: £189, Amazon.co.uk
- Best budget smart thermostat – Tado smart thermostat: £99.99, Amazon.co.uk
- Best value smart thermostat – Hive mini: £119, Amazon.co.uk
- Best smart thermostat for control in multiple areas – Honeywell evohome: £307.68, Amazon.co.uk
- Best smart thermostat for simplicity – Nest thermostat E: £149, Toolstation.com
Google Nest learning thermostat
Google’s Nest thermostat looks great and performs brilliantly. Walk towards it and the screen turns on as you approach, which is an oddly intimate experience. It’s not a touchscreen, but you spin the stainless-steel outer ring to turn the temperature up or down (which is also satisfying). When you interact with it, it learns your favourite temperatures and when you want them, creating a weekly program. You can create your own schedule as well. It will recognise when you’re home or away, based on where your smartphone is, so it can turn the heat down when you go away. It can also control your hot water tank, again knowing to not heat water when you’re not there.
Google recommends professional installation, which we think is best for all but the keenest DIYers with a stout constitution. Once it’s in place, it’s a dream to use. It also confers with other Nest devices like smoke detectors, so it will cut out if it learns there’s a fire.
Buy now £188.98, Amazon.co.uk
Tado smart thermostat
The Tado is highly affordable but doesn’t stint on clever features, such as learning your behaviour and adjusting its heating schedule accordingly. It also tracks your presence and absence through your smartphone. Additionally, if you choose the brand’s smart radiator valves, sold separately, it can control the temperature in different zones. The simple but attractive design means most of the controls are accessed through the smartphone app. Unlike some devices, it’s compatible with Apple HomeKit. Professional installation is available for £120, and there’s an optional Auto Assist subscription for some services such as energy costs and automated open window detection, for £3.99 a month.
Buy now £99.99, Amazon.co.uk
Hive mini
The Hive mini is exceptional value and has a highly attractive, mirrored touchscreen design. Like the Tado, you mostly control it through your smartphone rather than on the device itself. It doesn’t have the learning smarts of the Nest, but it offers portability as it’s powered by four AAA batteries. If you are upgrading from the original hive, you don’t need to buy the receiver, it works with the one from the original. Like the Tado, there are optional smart radiator valves available, not to mention window and door sensors, smart lights and more. There’s also a £3.99 per month subscription with tips to save energy and a carbon calculator.
Buy now £110.67, Amazon.co.uk
Honeywell evohome bundle
There are different versions of this system so you can choose what you need. The strength of the Honeywell is that each individual area can be controlled separately from the colour touchscreen display unit or the smartphone app. The controls are sophisticated and allow you to schedule the heating as you need, and for up to 12 separate heating zones. This system comes with two wireless radiator controllers, though it’s also available without them for £249.99.
Buy now £307.11, Amazon.co.uk
Nest thermostat E
If you like the look of the Nest above but want something more affordable, this is what you’re looking for. It has a familiar round design but with a frosted display made of plastic rather than metal and glass. The thermostat E is capable and useful but lacks the features of the pricier model – though there are some learning capabilities here, where it takes note of your routines in the first few days, for instance. There’s a built-in stand which means you can put it anywhere, and Nest says this model is easier for DIY installation than its more expensive sibling. It works with central heating systems but isn’t as compatible as the bigger thermostat, so check compatibility before you buy.
Buy now £149.00, Toolstation.com
Smart thermostats FAQs
What to look for in a smart thermostat
Setting them apart from other boiler controllers, smart thermostats have many cost- and fuel-saving features. The best ones to look out for include hot water control, multi-room control, the ability to learn your routine, motion sensors, GPS tracking and weather-responsive functionality.
Is it worth getting a smart thermostat?
There are several factors to consider before installing a smart thermostat. If easy control is what you want, then going “smart” with your heating is probably for you. If you don’t already have a boiler controller, you can save money by opting for a smart thermostat by being able to control your heating remotely, see how much you’re using and create different heating zones.
Can you install a smart thermostat yourself?
Many models require professional installation, adding to your overall cost but there are smart thermostats on the market that can be installed by a competent DIYer.
Potential disadvantages to smart thermostats
Among the cons, you may have to pay higher upfront costs or become locked into a brand and its compatible products. The less tech-savvy among us might struggle to get used to a smarter system, too.
What is the difference between a smart thermostat and a wifi thermostat?
Unlike smart thermostats, wifi models don’t have the ability to learn from your usage nor the means of programming to change the temperature in your home automatically at a certain time. Smart thermostats can help you save on your bills over time.
The verdict: Smart thermostats
Google’s Nest is the standout brand here – its learning thermostat is really excellent (extremely easy to use but full of worthwhile features) and the more affordable Nest thermostat E is also decent. Meanwhile, the Hive mini is really affordable and offers a great-looking thermostat that works as a strong foundation for a smart home, if you add other elements later.
For extra cosiness, snuggle up under one of the best electric blankets that will keep you warm throughout winter
