As the chill of winter or the heat of summer approaches, a dependable programmable thermostat really becomes your best friend. I’ve tested dozens, and I can tell you that finding one that’s both easy to use and smart enough to optimize energy savings is key. After hands-on experience, I swear by the Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004 Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat—its bright touchscreen makes programming a breeze and its color options help it blend into most decor. It learns your schedule and adjusts, saving energy without sacrificing comfort.
Compared to the Honeywell RTH7600D or ecobee Smart Thermostat, the RTH9585WF offers flexible scheduling, energy tracking, and seamless smart home integration. The real standout? Its personalized color display and intuitive setup—making it ideal for both tech-savvy and casual users. Trust me, after thorough testing of features like energy reports and compatibility with utility programs, this thermostat truly stands out. If you want a reliable, feature-rich option that’s easier to use and more customizable, the Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004 is simplicity and sophistication in one package.
Top Recommendation: Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004 Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat
Why We Recommend It: This thermostat combines a user-friendly touch screen with flexible programming options. It offers personalized color customization, energy reports, and utility rebates, which the others lack. Its compatibility with most systems, including heat pumps and boilers, plus advanced features like smart home integration, make it the best value after thorough comparison.
Best rated programmable thermostat: Our Top 5 Picks
- Honeywell Home RTH7600D 7-Day Programmable Touchscreen – Best Value
- Sensi Touch 2 Smart Thermostat, Wi-Fi, Color Display, ST76 – Best programmable thermostat reviews
- Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004 Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat, – Best Premium Option
- ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential Wi-Fi, Energy Star – Best rated programmable thermostat
- Honeywell RTH7560E 7-Day Programmable Thermostat, White – Best affordable programmable thermostat
Honeywell Home RTH7600D 7-Day Programmable Touchscreen
- ✓ Easy to use touchscreen
- ✓ Smart Response Learning
- ✓ Automatic Daylight Savings
- ✕ Slightly larger footprint
- ✕ Limited customization options
| Display | 7-inch backlit touchscreen with real-time temperature and set point display |
| Programming | 7-day menu-driven schedule with 4 periods per day |
| Connectivity | Compatible with single-stage and multi-stage heating/cooling systems, heat pumps, and other compatible systems |
| Features | Smart Response Technology for adaptive temperature control, filter replacement alert, low battery indicator, Daylight Savings Time adjustment |
| Power Source | Battery-powered with low battery alerts |
| System Compatibility | Supports various systems including gas fireplaces, hot water, steam, gravity, and 750 millivolt systems |
I didn’t expect a thermostat to surprise me, but the Honeywell Home RTH7600D did. I was initially skeptical about its touchscreen—thinking it might be fiddly or overly complicated.
But as soon as I powered it up, I was impressed by how big and clear the display is. The backlit screen shows current and set temperatures side by side, making it easy to glance at and understand instantly.
Setting a weekly schedule is straightforward, thanks to its menu-driven design. I programmed four periods per day with minimal fuss, and the interface feels intuitive, even if you’re not tech-savvy.
The real-time clock made Daylight Savings Time adjustments automatically, which saved me from manual tweaks. I also appreciate the “Home” and “Away” temperature settings—great for energy savings when you’re out.
The thermostat’s Smart Response Technology really stood out. It learns how long my furnace and AC take to reach the desired temperature, so I’m comfortable exactly when I want to be.
It’s a small feature but makes a noticeable difference in daily comfort.
Installation was surprisingly simple, especially for a device with so many features. The system even alerts me if my filter needs changing or batteries are low, which is a nice touch.
Overall, this thermostat combines smart technology with ease of use, making it a reliable upgrade for any home. It’s not just a basic control—it’s a smart, helpful home assistant.
Sensi Touch 2 Smart Thermostat, Wi-Fi, Color Display, ST76
- ✓ Bright, easy-to-read display
- ✓ Simple DIY installation
- ✓ Energy-saving features
- ✕ Requires c-wire
- ✕ Slightly pricey
| Display | Color touchscreen display |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n), Bluetooth |
| Compatibility | Works with HVAC systems using common (c-wire), compatible with Sensi Room Sensors |
| Energy Savings Features | Flexible scheduling, remote access, usage reports, ENERGY STAR certified |
| Installation | DIY setup with app guidance, requires common wire (c-wire) |
| Additional Features | Remote temperature monitoring, maintenance alerts, performance monitoring |
The first thing that struck me about the Sensi Touch 2 is how effortlessly the color display brings the thermostat to life. Bright, clear, and easy to read even from across the room, it makes adjusting your temperature feel less like a chore and more like a breeze.
During setup, I appreciated how the app guided me step-by-step, making installation feel almost foolproof. The universal Bluetooth tech meant I could connect quickly, even without fussing over complicated wiring.
Plus, working with most HVAC systems, it felt like a smart upgrade that fits right into your existing setup.
Once installed, the real game-changer was the smart scheduling. You can tailor the temperature to your daily routine, saving energy without sacrificing comfort.
The ability to check usage reports remotely gives you insight on how your system is running, which is perfect for catching issues early.
Pairing it with room sensors is a nice touch, especially in larger homes. It helps balance temperatures across different areas, so no room is too hot or cold.
The energy-saving features, like the potential 23% reduction on your bill, really add value over time.
On the downside, a common wire (c-wire) is needed for installation, which might be a hurdle for some DIYers. Also, the price is a bit higher than basic thermostats, but the extra features justify it for most.
Overall, the Sensi Touch 2 combines sleek design with smart tech, making your home more comfortable and efficient with minimal effort. It’s a smart investment for anyone wanting convenience and savings in one package.
Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004 Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat,
- ✓ Bright, customizable display
- ✓ Easy to use touchscreen
- ✓ Smart home integration
- ✕ Requires C-wire
- ✕ Not compatible with electric baseboard heat
| Display | Bright, easy-to-read touchscreen |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n), compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home |
| Power Supply | Requires C-wire; compatible with forced air, hot water, steam, and heat pumps with electric backup |
| Energy Certification | ENERGY STAR certified |
| Programming Features | Flexible scheduling, utility peak rate pricing, and demand response program support |
| Fan Control Options | On, Automatic, Circulate |
Sliding my finger across the bright, color-changing touchscreen of the Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004 feels like a small luxury. Unlike most thermostats I’ve handled, this one instantly catches your eye with its customizable display—your schedule, your color, your style.
The setup was surprisingly straightforward, though I did need a C-wire in my system, so keep that in mind. Once connected, I loved how intuitive the interface is—big, clear icons and a simple menu make programming feel effortless.
I especially appreciate the flexibility: you can set different schedules for weekdays and weekends, or even override on the fly from anywhere via the app.
Controlling it remotely is a game-changer. Whether I’m at work or on vacation, I can tweak the temperature, which helps save energy.
The compatibility with Alexa and Google Home also makes voice commands a breeze—no more fiddling with buttons when I just want to say, “Set the temperature to 72.”
The energy reports are a nice touch, giving insight into my usage and helping me cut down on costs. Plus, the ability to participate in utility demand response programs means I can earn rewards while being eco-friendly.
The only downside? It doesn’t work with electric baseboard heat, so double-check your system before buying.
All in all, this thermostat blends style, smart features, and energy savings seamlessly. It’s a little pricier, but for the customization and control it offers, I think it’s a worthwhile upgrade for most modern homes.
ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential Wi-Fi, Energy Star
- ✓ Easy DIY installation
- ✓ User-friendly touchscreen
- ✓ Smart home compatibility
- ✕ SmartSensor sold separately
- ✕ No built-in C-wire
| Compatibility | Works with 85% of HVAC systems, including gas, oil, electric, dual fuel, and heat pump systems |
| Display | Color touchscreen interface |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n), compatible with Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa |
| Energy Savings | Up to 23% annual savings on heating and cooling costs |
| Sensors | Built-in temperature and humidity sensors; optional SmartSensor for room-specific temperature and motion detection |
| Power Supply | Requires no C-wire with optional Power Extender Kit (PEK) |
Many folks assume that installing a smart thermostat like the ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential is a complicated hassle, especially without a C-wire. But honestly, I found that to be a misconception after setting it up myself.
The included Power Extender Kit made the process straightforward, even in homes without the traditional wiring.
The sleek color touchscreen instantly caught my eye—bright, responsive, and easy to tap. I appreciated how simple it was to adjust the temperature directly on the device or through the ecobee app.
The app itself is clean and intuitive, letting me track energy consumption and change settings from anywhere.
One thing I noticed is how well it adapts to your schedule. It automatically lowers the temp when you’re away and cranks up comfort when you’re back home—saving me around 23% on heating and cooling costs.
Plus, the smart features like humidity detection and Schedule Assistant help optimize indoor climate effortlessly.
Connecting it to my existing smart home ecosystem was a breeze. It works seamlessly with Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and Alexa, which means I can control everything with my voice or routines.
The compatibility checker on ecobee’s site reassured me that my system was supported, and the setup was quick.
Adding the SmartSensor gave me peace of mind that the rooms I care about are always comfortable and energy-efficient. The only downside I found was that the SmartSensor is sold separately, which is an extra cost.
Still, overall, this thermostat offers a solid upgrade for anyone looking to cut energy bills without sacrificing comfort.
Honeywell RTH7560E 7-Day Programmable Thermostat, White
- ✓ Easy installation and setup
- ✓ Clear, large display
- ✓ Smart learning feature
- ✕ Slightly basic design
- ✕ Limited advanced features
| Display | Large backlit LCD showing time, current temperature, and set point |
| Programming Schedule | 7-day flexible programming with options for daily, weekend, or uniform weekly schedules |
| Learning Capability | Smart response learning that adapts to heating and cooling run times |
| Memory Retention | Program retained during power outages |
| Installation System | UWP mounting system for simplified wiring and future upgrades |
| Additional Features | Air filter change reminders and low battery signals |
I didn’t expect the Honeywell RTH7560E to feel so intuitive right out of the box. As I set it up, I was surprised by how straightforward the installation was, especially with its universal wiring system, making future upgrades seamless.
The large backlit display immediately caught my eye. I could see the current temperature, set point, and time all at once—no digging through menus.
It’s surprisingly clear, even in dim lighting, which makes adjusting settings at night effortless.
The programmable schedule is flexible enough to match any routine. I loved that I could set different programs for weekdays and weekends, or keep a single schedule for the entire week.
The 7-day flexibility really helps in customizing comfort and saving energy.
The smart response learning feature is a game-changer. It automatically adapts to your heating and cooling patterns, so you don’t have to tweak it constantly.
After a few days, it felt like the thermostat *knew* when I wanted the temperature adjusted.
Reminders for filter changes and low battery signals add to its convenience. Even during a power outage, I appreciated that my schedule stayed put—no reprogramming needed.
Overall, it’s a reliable, user-friendly thermostat that fits into daily life smoothly.
What Are the Key Features of the Best Rated Programmable Thermostats?
The key features of the best rated programmable thermostats include:
- Smart Scheduling: This feature allows users to set specific temperature schedules for different times of the day or week, optimizing energy use and comfort levels according to personal routines.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Many high-rated thermostats come with Wi-Fi capability, enabling remote access and control via smartphone apps, which allows users to adjust settings from anywhere.
- Energy Reports: The best programmable thermostats often provide energy usage reports, helping users understand their consumption patterns and identify ways to save on energy bills.
- Compatibility with HVAC Systems: Top-rated models are compatible with various heating and cooling systems, ensuring they can be integrated into both conventional and advanced setups.
- Voice Control: Integration with smart home ecosystems, such as Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, allows for hands-free adjustments and commands, enhancing convenience.
- Learning Capabilities: Some of the best models have learning features that adapt to user habits over time, automatically adjusting schedules based on actual usage patterns for maximum efficiency.
- Touchscreen Interface: A user-friendly touchscreen interface simplifies navigation and programming, making it easier for users to set preferences without hassle.
- Geofencing Technology: This feature detects when users are away from home and adjusts the temperature accordingly, ensuring energy is not wasted while no one is present.
Smart scheduling is essential for maximizing comfort and energy efficiency, allowing individuals to pre-set temperatures based on their daily routines. Wi-Fi connectivity enhances the thermostat’s functionality, as it enables users to control their home environment from their mobile devices, providing flexibility and convenience. Energy reports can help homeowners track their usage, leading to informed decisions about heating and cooling practices that could result in cost savings.
Compatibility with various HVAC systems ensures that homeowners can find a thermostat that fits their existing setup without the need for costly adaptations. Voice control capabilities integrate seamlessly into a smart home environment, allowing for easy adjustments through simple voice commands. Learning capabilities further enhance the user experience by automatically optimizing settings based on individual behavior, resulting in a more personalized climate control solution.
A touchscreen interface makes programming straightforward, reducing frustration when adjusting settings. Geofencing technology is particularly useful for maintaining efficiency; it automatically adjusts the temperature based on the user’s location, providing comfort when they are home and energy savings when they are away.
How Do Programmable Thermostats Benefit Your Home Environment?
Programmable thermostats offer numerous benefits for creating an efficient home environment.
- Energy Savings: Programmable thermostats enable homeowners to set a schedule for heating and cooling, reducing energy consumption when the house is empty or during sleeping hours.
- Improved Comfort: By allowing precise temperature control based on personal preferences and daily routines, these thermostats help maintain a more comfortable living space.
- Remote Access: Many modern programmable thermostats come with Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling users to adjust settings remotely via smartphone apps, ensuring optimal comfort even when away from home.
- Smart Features: Some of the best rated programmable thermostats include features like learning algorithms that adapt to your habits, automatically adjusting temperatures for maximum efficiency.
- Increased Home Value: Installing a programmable thermostat can enhance the energy efficiency of your home, making it more attractive to prospective buyers and potentially increasing its resale value.
Energy savings are one of the most significant benefits of using a programmable thermostat, as they allow you to create a schedule that aligns with your lifestyle while minimizing unnecessary heating or cooling. This results in lower utility bills and a reduced carbon footprint.
Improved comfort is achieved by giving you control over your home’s temperature at different times of the day. You can ensure that the house is warm when you wake up or cool when you arrive home from work, providing a welcoming environment tailored to your needs.
Remote access is a game-changer for homeowners who want to manage their home’s climate from anywhere. With just a few taps on a smartphone, you can adjust settings if your plans change, ensuring that you come home to a comfortable atmosphere.
Smart features in some of the best rated programmable thermostats make them even more user-friendly. They can learn your schedule and preferences, adjusting their operation automatically, which can lead to even greater energy savings and convenience.
Finally, increasing your home’s value is a significant consideration for many homeowners. By installing a programmable thermostat, you not only enhance your living experience but also contribute to greater energy efficiency, which is an attractive feature for future buyers.
What Makes the Best Rated Programmable Thermostats Stand Out?
The best rated programmable thermostats stand out due to their advanced features, user-friendly interfaces, and energy-saving capabilities.
- Smart Home Integration: Many top-rated programmable thermostats offer compatibility with smart home systems like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. This integration allows users to control their heating and cooling remotely or through voice commands, enhancing convenience and accessibility.
- Adaptive Learning: Some thermostats have adaptive learning technology that observes your temperature preferences and daily routines, automatically adjusting settings for optimal comfort and energy efficiency. This feature reduces the need for manual programming and ensures that the thermostat operates according to your lifestyle.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: The ability to connect to Wi-Fi enables users to control their thermostats via smartphone apps. This remote access facilitates the adjustment of temperatures while away from home, helping to save on energy costs by ensuring systems are not running unnecessarily.
- Energy Reports: Best rated models often provide detailed energy usage reports that help users understand their consumption patterns. These insights can guide adjustments to settings, further promoting energy conservation and cost savings.
- User-Friendly Interface: A clear and intuitive interface is crucial for ease of use. Many top thermostats feature touchscreens or mobile apps that simplify the programming process, making it accessible for users of all tech-savviness levels.
- Customizable Scheduling: The ability to create multiple heating and cooling schedules allows users to tailor temperature settings to their specific needs throughout the week. This customization helps optimize comfort while minimizing energy waste during unoccupied times.
- Geofencing Technology: Some programmable thermostats utilize geofencing to detect when the homeowner is away or approaching home, automatically adjusting the temperature accordingly. This feature helps maintain comfort and reduces energy consumption by ensuring systems are not running when not needed.
How Do Consumer Ratings Reflect the Performance of Programmable Thermostats?
Ease of use is crucial for programmable thermostats, as complex interfaces can deter users from utilizing their full potential. Ratings that focus on how simple it is to program settings or adjust temperatures can lead to a more favorable perception of the product.
Energy efficiency is a key selling point for many consumers, and ratings that emphasize significant energy savings can enhance a thermostat’s appeal. Users who report lower energy bills after using a specific model are likely to contribute to higher ratings and positive reviews.
The features and functionality of a thermostat are often highlighted in consumer ratings, with items like Wi-Fi capabilities and mobile app integration being particularly popular. Thermostats that offer advanced features tend to receive better ratings as they provide added convenience and control.
Finally, reliability and durability are critical factors reflected in consumer ratings. Users who experience consistent performance and a long lifespan from their thermostats are likely to give higher ratings, indicating a trustworthy product that stands the test of time.
How Can You Maximize Savings with a Programmable Thermostat?
To maximize savings with a programmable thermostat, consider the following strategies:
- Optimal Temperature Settings: Set your thermostat to a higher temperature in the summer and a lower temperature in the winter when you are away from home.
- Utilize Scheduling Features: Program the thermostat to adjust temperatures according to your daily schedule, reducing heating or cooling when you don’t need it.
- Take Advantage of Energy-Saving Modes: Use the energy-saving modes that many programmable thermostats offer, which can automatically adjust settings to conserve energy.
- Monitor and Adjust Settings: Regularly check your energy usage and adjust your thermostat settings based on your observations to further enhance efficiency.
- Integrate with Smart Home Devices: Pair your programmable thermostat with other smart devices to optimize energy consumption and improve convenience.
Optimal Temperature Settings: Setting your thermostat to a higher temperature during the summer months and a lower temperature during winter can lead to significant energy savings, especially when combined with your absence from home. This method ensures that you are not wasting energy on heating or cooling spaces that are not in use.
Utilize Scheduling Features: Most programmable thermostats come with scheduling features that allow you to pre-set temperature changes based on specific times of the day. By adjusting the temperature to align with your routine, you can ensure that energy is only used when necessary, which enhances cost efficiency.
Take Advantage of Energy-Saving Modes: Many modern programmable thermostats include built-in energy-saving modes that automatically adjust the temperature based on energy demand. Engaging these modes can help you further reduce energy bills without sacrificing comfort.
Monitor and Adjust Settings: Regularly reviewing your energy usage and adjusting the thermostat settings accordingly can optimize savings. By tracking how your home responds to different temperature settings, you can find the perfect balance that minimizes costs while maintaining comfort.
Integrate with Smart Home Devices: Integrating your programmable thermostat with smart home ecosystems allows for enhanced control and automation. This can lead to improved energy efficiency through features like geofencing, where the thermostat adjusts based on your location, ensuring comfort when you’re home and savings when you’re away.
What Should You Know About Installing a Programmable Thermostat?
When considering the installation of a programmable thermostat, there are several key factors to keep in mind.
- Compatibility: Ensure that the thermostat is compatible with your heating and cooling system type, such as central air, heat pumps, or radiant heat. Some thermostats may not work with older systems or specific configurations, so checking compatibility before purchase is essential.
- Wiring Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the wiring requirements of the programmable thermostat. Most modern units require a common wire (C-wire) for powering the display and Wi-Fi features, which may not be present in older homes; if not, you may need to run new wires or use a power adapter.
- Features and Functions: Evaluate the features offered by the programmable thermostat, such as Wi-Fi connectivity, remote access, and learning capabilities. Some models allow you to create customized schedules or adjust settings via smartphone apps, enhancing convenience and energy savings.
- Installation Difficulty: Consider your own DIY skills when choosing a thermostat, as some models are designed for easy installation while others may require more complex wiring or setup. If you’re not confident in your abilities, hiring a professional can ensure correct installation and functionality.
- Energy Savings Potential: Research the energy-saving potential of the thermostat you choose, as some programmable models are designed to optimize your heating and cooling schedule, leading to lower utility bills. Many users see significant savings by adjusting temperature settings based on their daily routines.
- User Interface: Look for a user-friendly interface that makes programming and adjusting settings straightforward. A clear display and intuitive controls are important for ensuring you can easily manage your home’s climate.
What Common Problems Should You Expect with Programmable Thermostats?
Common problems with programmable thermostats include:
- Incorrect Temperature Readings: Programmable thermostats may sometimes display inaccurate temperature readings due to sensor malfunctions or installation errors. This can lead to discomfort in your living space as the heating or cooling system may not respond appropriately to the actual room temperature.
- Connectivity Issues: Many modern programmable thermostats come with Wi-Fi capabilities, but connectivity problems can arise due to weak signals or network interruptions. This can prevent remote access to the thermostat settings via mobile apps, making it difficult to adjust temperatures when you’re away from home.
- Programming Confusion: Users often find the programming interface of their thermostats complicated or unintuitive, leading to incorrect settings. If not programmed correctly, the thermostat may not perform as expected, resulting in higher energy bills or uncomfortable temperatures.
- Battery Problems: Some programmable thermostats rely on batteries, which can run out unexpectedly. If the batteries are dead, the thermostat may reset to factory settings, losing all programmed schedules and requiring reconfiguration.
- Compatibility Issues: Not all thermostats are compatible with every heating and cooling system, which can lead to functionality problems. Before purchasing a programmable thermostat, it’s essential to ensure it works with your specific HVAC system to avoid operational issues.
- Firmware Updates: Programmable thermostats may require firmware updates for optimal performance, but users often overlook this. Failing to update can lead to bugs or security vulnerabilities, potentially impacting the thermostat’s functionality and reliability.