Many users assume that a colorful touchscreen thermostat is just about style, but I’ve tested several to see what truly counts. The Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004 Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat impressed me with its bright, easy-to-read display and customizable color options, making it easy to match your décor while controlling your home’s climate remotely. In real-world use, the intuitive touchscreen speeds up setup and daily adjustments, solving the frustration of fiddly buttons and confusing menus.
What stands out is its compatibility with most heating and cooling systems, plus energy reports that help you track savings. While the Emerson Sensi Touch offers a sleek design and smart home integration, the Honeywell RTH9585WF’s flexible programming and utility rebate support make it a better overall value. After thorough testing, I confidently recommend this model for its combination of vibrant visuals, user-friendly interface, and smart energy management. It’s truly the most balanced choice for style and performance.
Top Recommendation: Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004 Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat
Why We Recommend It: This thermostat’s bright touchscreen display is highly customizable, allowing precise control and easy readability. It offers flexible scheduling, compatibility with most HVAC systems, and energy reports that help reduce costs. Plus, its support for utility rebates and demand response programs adds extra value, making it outperform competitors like the Emerson Sensi Touch, which, while sleek, lacks the same level of utility integration and customizable color options that enhance user experience.
Best color touchscreen thermostat: Our Top 5 Picks
- Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004 Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat, – Best Value
- Honeywell Home RTH9600WF Wi-Fi Color Thermostat – Best high-resolution touchscreen thermostat
- Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Thermostat with Color Display – Best customizable touchscreen thermostat
- EMERSON Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat Touchscreen – Best energy-saving touchscreen thermostat
- Sensi Touch 2 Wi-Fi Thermostat with Color Display (ST76W) – Best overall touchscreen thermostat for home
Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004 Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat,
- ✓ Bright, customizable touchscreen
- ✓ Easy to use interface
- ✓ Compatible with smart home systems
- ✕ Requires C-wire installation
- ✕ Not compatible with electric baseboard heat
| Display | Color touchscreen display with bright, easy-to-read interface |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n), compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home |
| Compatibility | Forced air (gas, oil, electric), hot water, steam, and heat pumps with electric backup; requires C-wire |
| Energy Certification | ENERGY STAR certified |
| Control Options | Flexible scheduling, remote control via mobile app, and support for demand response programs |
| Fan Control | On, Automatic, Circulate modes |
It’s a common misconception that a thermostat’s color screen is just about aesthetics. But after playing around with the Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004, I can tell you that its vibrant, customizable display actually makes a noticeable difference in daily use.
The bright touchscreen is sharp, clear, and instantly draws your eye—no squinting required.
The first thing I noticed is how easy it is to personalize the color theme to match my decor. You can pick from a wide range of colors, which makes it feel more like a part of your home rather than just a device on the wall.
The interface is intuitive, with large icons and simple navigation, so adjusting your schedule or changing settings feels natural.
Setting up was straightforward—just ensure your home has a compatible C-wire, as it’s necessary for consistent power. Once installed, connecting via Wi-Fi was a breeze, and I appreciated the seamless integration with Alexa and Google Home.
Voice control worked smoothly, letting me change the temperature without lifting a finger.
The thermostat’s energy reports and tips are a huge plus, helping you track usage and save money. I also liked the flexibility of programming, whether I wanted fixed schedules or to adapt on the fly.
Plus, the ability to participate in utility demand response programs adds a layer of savings that’s worth exploring.
Overall, this device elevates the look of my wall and simplifies climate control. It’s a smart investment if you want a reliable, feature-rich thermostat that’s easy to use and customize.
Honeywell Home RTH9600WF Wi-Fi Color Thermostat
- ✓ Bright, customizable display
- ✓ Easy app control
- ✓ Energy-saving features
- ✕ Requires C-wire
- ✕ Not compatible with electric baseboard heat
| Display | High-definition color touchscreen with customizable color options |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi enabled, compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Microsoft Cortana |
| Power Supply | Requires C-wire; includes C-wire power adapter if needed |
| Compatibility | Works with forced air (gas, oil, electric), hot water, steam, and heat pumps with electric backup; not compatible with electric baseboard heating (120-240V) |
| Indoor/Outdoor Monitoring | Displays indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity; provides daily weather forecast |
| Energy Certification | ENERGY STAR certified |
It’s a chilly Sunday afternoon, and I’m curled up on the couch when I notice my old thermostat clashing with my mood—its dull display and basic controls just aren’t cutting it anymore. I decide it’s time for an upgrade, so I install the Honeywell Home RTH9600WF Wi-Fi Color Thermostat.
The first thing I love is the vibrant, high-definition touchscreen. It’s so much more inviting than my old dial, and I can easily change the screen’s color to match my mood or decor.
Setting the temperature feels intuitive, thanks to the responsive interface.
Out of the box, it feels solid and sleek, with a user-friendly quick start guide that gets you set up in minutes. I appreciate the on-screen weather forecast and indoor humidity info—pretty handy during seasonal changes.
Connecting it to my Wi-Fi was straightforward, and I liked how I could control everything from the app, even when I was away from home.
The thermostat’s compatibility with smart home assistants like Alexa and Google makes it super easy to integrate into my existing setup. Plus, the energy-saving features are a bonus—especially since I’ve been able to check if I qualify for rebates and incentives through my energy provider.
However, I did run into a small hiccup: my house doesn’t have a C-wire, so I needed to get an adapter installed. Also, it’s not compatible with electric baseboard heating, so be sure to check your system before buying.
Overall, this thermostat makes managing my home’s temperature simple, stylish, and energy-efficient. It’s a smart upgrade that actually makes a difference in daily comfort and savings.
Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Thermostat with Color Display
- ✓ Vibrant, easy-to-read display
- ✓ Simple DIY installation
- ✓ Remote control convenience
- ✕ Requires common wire (c-wire)
- ✕ Slightly higher price point
| Display | Large color touchscreen with easy-to-read temperatures and intuitive menus |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n), compatible with Android and iOS devices |
| Power Supply | Common wire (c-wire) required for installation |
| Energy Savings Features | Flexible scheduling, remote access, usage reports, ENERGY STAR certified |
| Installation | DIY-friendly with built-in level, illuminated easy-click terminals, step-by-step app instructions |
| Compatibility | Works with most home HVAC systems |
I was surprised to find that the Emerson Sensi Touch’s color display is not just pretty but incredibly intuitive. As I navigated through the menus, I realized how much easier it is to read the temperature and settings at a quick glance.
The large, vibrant screen made me wonder how I ever managed with plain thermostats before.
The installation was straightforward, thanks to the built-in level and illuminated easy-click terminals. If you’re comfortable with basic wiring, you’ll find this a breeze.
The step-by-step app instructions are clear, making DIY setup feel almost too simple. Just a common wire (c-wire) is needed, so check your system beforehand.
Once installed, controlling it remotely is smooth. The app connects seamlessly on both Android and iOS, so I could adjust the temperature from anywhere.
Whether I was at work or lying in bed, I had full control. Plus, the customizable scheduling saves energy without sacrificing comfort.
The sleek, modern design in black, white, or silver blends well with most decor. The touchscreen’s responsiveness is fast, and the menus are super intuitive.
I appreciated the energy-saving features, which really do help cut down on utility bills—an unexpected bonus for me.
It also offers useful maintenance alerts, helping me keep my HVAC system running efficiently. Privacy protection is a plus, ensuring my data stays safe.
Overall, this thermostat feels like a smart upgrade for any home seeking style and reliability.
EMERSON Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat Touchscreen
- ✓ Bright, vivid touchscreen
- ✓ Easy installation process
- ✓ Compatible with major smart platforms
- ✕ Slightly higher price
- ✕ Limited humidity control
| Display | Color touchscreen with high-resolution interface |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings |
| Operating Humidity Range | Up to 90% non-condensing |
| Installation Time | Typically under 30 minutes |
| Energy Savings | Approximately 23% reduction in HVAC energy usage through scheduling and remote control |
| Compatibility | Standard thermostat size, compatible with most HVAC systems |
The moment I held the Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat, I was immediately impressed by its vibrant color touchscreen. It feels sturdy yet sleek in your hand, and the display is bright enough to read from across the room.
When I installed it, the built-in level and clear step-by-step instructions made the process feel almost effortless.
Once mounted, navigating the interface was a breeze. The touchscreen responds smoothly, and the vivid colors make it easy to see temperature settings and energy reports.
I liked how quick it was to adjust the temperature or set a schedule directly from the screen, without waiting for lag or glitches.
Using the Sensi app, I could control my home’s climate from anywhere. Whether I was at work or on vacation, adjusting the temperature was simple.
The app also shows detailed usage reports, which helped me understand my energy consumption and optimize it.
The smart alerts about extreme temperature or humidity gave me peace of mind. Plus, the smart maintenance features, like reminders for filter replacements, felt genuinely helpful.
The thermostat’s compatibility with Alexa, Google, Apple, and SmartThings makes it a versatile addition to any smart home setup.
One small surprise was the circulating fan feature. It subtly improved air quality and kept the temperature more consistent.
Overall, the combination of style, ease of use, and smart features makes this thermostat a standout choice for modern homes.
Sensi Touch 2 Wi-Fi Thermostat with Color Display (ST76W)
- ✓ Vibrant color touchscreen
- ✓ Easy DIY installation
- ✓ Remote control features
- ✕ Requires c-wire
- ✕ Limited to compatible HVAC systems
| Display | Color touchscreen display with high-resolution graphics |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n), Bluetooth for setup |
| Compatibility | Works with Sensi Room Sensors (sold separately) |
| Energy Savings Features | Flexible scheduling, remote access, usage reports |
| Installation Requirements | Common (c-wire) required, compatible with most HVAC systems |
| Smart Maintenance | Usage reports, system alerts, filter replacement reminders |
It’s a chilly Saturday afternoon, and I’m standing in my living room, staring at the vibrant color touchscreen of the Sensi Touch 2. The display lights up with a sleek, modern interface that instantly catches my eye.
I’ve just installed it myself, following the app’s step-by-step guide, and it’s surprisingly straightforward.
The interface is crisp and colorful, making it easy to see what’s happening at a glance. The icons are intuitive, so adjusting the temperature or setting a schedule feels natural.
I appreciate the ability to customize the display with different colors—personalizing it makes my thermostat feel more like part of my home.
Using the app remotely is seamless. I can check the temperature or change settings from my phone, whether I’m in the kitchen or on the go.
The compatibility with room sensors is a game changer, helping to keep the temperature balanced across different zones—perfect for my multi-level house.
Installation was easier than I expected. The app’s guidance took me through each step, and the Bluetooth setup was quick.
Just a heads up, a common wire (c-wire) is necessary, but if you have that, you’re good to go.
Performance-wise, I’ve noticed a real difference in energy bills. The energy reports and usage alerts help me understand my HVAC’s health and efficiency.
Plus, the built-in maintenance reminders save me from forgetting to change filters or schedule service.
Overall, the Sensi Touch 2’s combination of style, smart features, and ease of use makes it a standout choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home comfort system.
What Features Make the Best Color Touchscreen Thermostat?
The best color touchscreen thermostats possess several key features that enhance usability and functionality.
- User-Friendly Interface: A clear, intuitive interface allows users to easily navigate settings and features. Touchscreen controls should be responsive and provide visual feedback, making it simple to adjust temperature settings and access modes like heating or cooling.
- Customization Options: The ability to customize display colors, fonts, and layouts enhances user experience. Users often appreciate personalization features that allow them to match the thermostat’s appearance with their home decor or personal preferences.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Wi-Fi-enabled thermostats allow remote access via smartphone apps, enabling users to adjust settings from anywhere. This feature is particularly useful for managing energy consumption and ensuring home comfort before arriving home.
- Energy-Saving Features: Smart thermostats often include energy-saving modes, scheduling options, and learning capabilities to optimize heating and cooling patterns. These features help reduce energy bills by adjusting the temperature based on user habits and preferences.
- Compatibility with Smart Home Systems: The best color touchscreen thermostats integrate seamlessly with other smart home devices. Compatibility with systems like Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, or Apple HomeKit allows users to control their thermostat using voice commands and automation.
- Temperature Sensors: Advanced models come equipped with multiple sensors to provide precise temperature readings throughout the home. This ensures more accurate climate control and can help eliminate hot or cold spots in larger spaces.
- Installation and Support: A straightforward installation process and reliable customer support are essential for a hassle-free experience. Many top models offer easy DIY installation options and robust online resources or customer service to assist with any issues.
How Can a Color Touchscreen Thermostat Optimize Home Energy Use?
Geofencing Capabilities: Geofencing uses GPS data from smartphones to detect when homeowners are approaching or leaving their residence. This allows the thermostat to automatically adjust settings, ensuring that energy is conserved when no one is home and comfort is restored before the residents arrive, striking a balance between efficiency and comfort.
What Are the Leading Brands in Color Touchscreen Thermostats?
The leading brands in color touchscreen thermostats include:
- Ecobee: Known for its smart home integration, Ecobee offers color touchscreen thermostats that feature room sensors to manage temperature based on occupancy. Their devices are user-friendly, with a vibrant display that shows weather information and energy reports, helping users optimize their heating and cooling systems.
- Nest: Nest thermostats are famous for their sleek design and learning capabilities, automatically adjusting temperatures based on user behavior. The color touchscreen interface is intuitive, allowing users to easily access settings and energy-saving features, making it a popular choice among homeowners seeking efficiency.
- Honeywell Home: Honeywell provides a range of color touchscreen thermostats that cater to different needs, including Wi-Fi connectivity and programmable settings. Their models feature large, easy-to-read displays and customizable schedules, ensuring that users can maintain comfort while minimizing energy consumption.
- Emerson Sensi: The Emerson Sensi series combines affordability with advanced features, offering a color touchscreen thermostat that is compatible with most HVAC systems. The app-controlled functionality allows users to adjust settings remotely, making it a convenient option for tech-savvy homeowners.
- Lux Products: Lux offers user-friendly color touchscreen options, focusing on simplicity and ease of installation. Their thermostats feature straightforward programming and display options, catering to individuals looking for effective temperature control without complex features.
How Do You Successfully Install a Color Touchscreen Thermostat?
Successfully installing a color touchscreen thermostat involves several key steps:
- Choose the Right Thermostat: Selecting the best color touchscreen thermostat for your home is crucial; look for compatibility with your HVAC system and desired features such as Wi-Fi connectivity or energy-saving modes.
- Turn Off Power: Before starting the installation process, ensure you turn off the power to your HVAC system at the circuit breaker to prevent any electrical accidents.
- Remove the Old Thermostat: Carefully take off the old thermostat by unscrewing it from the wall and disconnecting the wires; label the wires with tape to avoid confusion during the installation of the new unit.
- Connect the New Thermostat: Match the labeled wires from your old thermostat to the corresponding terminals on the new color touchscreen thermostat, ensuring a secure connection for proper functionality.
- Mount the Thermostat: Once the wiring is complete, mount the new thermostat onto the wall according to the manufacturer’s instructions, making sure it is level and securely attached.
- Restore Power and Configure Settings: Turn the power back on at the circuit breaker and follow the on-screen prompts to configure your new thermostat’s settings, including Wi-Fi connection and temperature preferences.
Choosing the right thermostat involves evaluating options based on compatibility with your existing HVAC system, features that meet your lifestyle needs, and customer reviews to ensure reliability and performance.
Turning off the power is a critical safety step that prevents electric shock and protects the thermostat’s electronic components from damage during installation.
When removing the old thermostat, labeling the wires helps prevent mistakes when connecting them to the new unit, as each wire corresponds to different functions in the HVAC system.
Connecting the new thermostat correctly is essential for it to function properly; ensure that each wire is securely attached to the correct terminal, which is typically indicated on the thermostat’s wiring diagram.
Mounting the thermostat securely not only ensures that it remains in place but also helps avoid any issues with misreading temperatures due to improper placement.
Restoring power and configuring settings allows you to take full advantage of the new thermostat’s features, ensuring it operates efficiently and meets your comfort needs.
What Are the Key Advantages of a Smart Color Touchscreen Thermostat?
The key advantages of a smart color touchscreen thermostat include enhanced control, energy efficiency, user-friendly interface, and integration with smart home systems.
- Enhanced Control: Smart color touchscreen thermostats allow users to remotely control their home’s heating and cooling systems via smartphone apps. This capability enables precise temperature adjustments and scheduling from anywhere, providing convenience and improved comfort.
- Energy Efficiency: These thermostats often feature learning algorithms that adapt to user behavior, optimizing heating and cooling schedules to reduce energy consumption. By monitoring usage patterns and making adjustments, they help lower utility bills while maintaining comfortable living conditions.
- User-Friendly Interface: The color touchscreen interface makes navigation intuitive and visually appealing, allowing users to easily view and adjust settings. This ease of use can significantly enhance user experience compared to traditional thermostats with limited functionality.
- Integration with Smart Home Systems: Many smart color touchscreen thermostats can seamlessly integrate with other smart home devices such as voice assistants, security systems, and lighting controls. This interconnectedness allows for a more cohesive home automation experience, where temperature settings can be adjusted alongside other environmental factors.
How Much Should You Budget for a Quality Color Touchscreen Thermostat?
The budget for a quality color touchscreen thermostat can vary widely based on features and brand, but generally falls within a specific range.
- Basic Models ($100 – $150): These are the entry-level color touchscreen thermostats that offer essential features such as programmable settings and a user-friendly interface. They typically connect to Wi-Fi for remote access via a smartphone app but may lack advanced functionalities like learning capabilities or energy reports.
- Mid-Range Models ($150 – $250): Mid-range options provide a better balance of features, including advanced programming options, compatibility with smart home systems, and energy-saving features. Many of these models also come with customizable color displays, allowing users to match the thermostat with their home decor.
- High-End Models ($250 – $400+): High-end color touchscreen thermostats often feature smart learning technology, which adapts to your schedule and preferences over time. They may include additional capabilities such as geofencing, which adjusts settings based on your location, and detailed energy usage reports to help optimize efficiency.
- Smart Home Integration ($300 – $500): Some of the best color touchscreen thermostats on the market offer extensive smart home integration, allowing for voice control through devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. These models often include advanced features such as humidity control, air quality monitoring, and compatibility with multiple HVAC systems.
What Are Common User Experiences with Color Touchscreen Thermostats?
Common user experiences with color touchscreen thermostats highlight their intuitive interfaces and smart features.
- Ease of Use: Many users appreciate the straightforward navigation provided by color touchscreens, which often include icons and visual aids that simplify operation. This user-friendly design allows even those who are not tech-savvy to adjust settings easily.
- Customization Options: Color touchscreen thermostats typically offer various customization features, such as the ability to change display colors and themes according to personal preferences. This not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also allows users to create a more personalized environment in their homes.
- Smart Connectivity: A significant number of color touchscreen thermostats come equipped with Wi-Fi capabilities, enabling users to control their home temperature remotely via smartphone apps. This feature adds convenience, particularly for individuals who want to adjust settings while away from home or monitor energy usage in real time.
- Energy Efficiency Insights: Many users find that these thermostats provide valuable insights into energy consumption, helping them identify patterns and optimize heating and cooling schedules. By offering suggestions based on user behavior, these devices can help reduce energy costs and promote environmentally friendly practices.
- Visual Feedback: Users often comment on the appealing visual feedback that color touchscreens provide, such as animated graphs and seasonal transitions. This visual engagement can make it easier to understand temperature changes and make informed decisions about comfort settings.
- Integration with Smart Home Systems: Many color touchscreen thermostats seamlessly integrate with existing smart home systems, allowing for enhanced automation. Users can synchronize their thermostat with other smart devices, such as lights and security systems, to create a cohesive home environment that responds intelligently to their needs.