From PCMAG · John R. Delaney · · 2m
The Best Smart Thermostats We've Tested for 2026
PCMag tests top smart thermostats for 2026: Ecobee Premium leads with AI, air quality, and security features.
In brief
PCMag tests top smart thermostats for 2026: Ecobee Premium leads with AI, air quality, and security features. Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium offers the best balance of smart home integration, air quality monitoring, and security features at a premium price. Originally reported by PCMAG.
What Smart Thermostats Do
Smart thermostats save money on heating and cooling while offering app and voice controls. But capabilities vary widely.
PCMag's Testing Approach
PCMag has tested smart thermostats for over a decade, evaluating installation, design, app experience, and voice controls.
Best Overall Pick
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium controls heating and cooling, acts as a voice assistant, air quality monitor, and home security device.
Why Ecobee Premium Stands Out
It supports Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, IFTTT, and SmartThings while monitoring air quality and providing security features.
Best Affordable Option
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential offers app and voice control at a lower price with energy usage reports.
Most Affordable Nest
Nest Thermostat provides basic scheduling, energy reports, and HVAC alerts at an entry-level price.
Best for Alexa Users
Amazon Smart Thermostat works with Alexa voice commands and reports energy usage at a budget-friendly price.
AI-Powered Energy Savings
Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) uses AI to create customized heating and cooling schedules for energy savings.
Best Touch Screen
Sensi Touch 2 Smart Thermostat ST76 features a large color touch screen and supports up to 15 remote sensors.
Best HomeKit Option
Sensi Smart Thermostat ST55 works with Apple HomeKit and offers geofencing for smart home integration.
Key Trade-Offs
Premium models offer advanced features but cost more, while budget options lack remote sensors and AI scheduling.
Price Comparison
Ecobee Premium costs $259.99, Nest Thermostat $89.99, and Amazon Smart Thermostat $56.99 at Amazon.
Who Should Skip It
Budget shoppers may skip Ecobee Premium due to its price and subscription costs, while non-Alexa users can't use Amazon Smart Thermostat.
Air Quality Focus
Ecobee Premium monitors air quality with sensors for carbon dioxide, humidity, and volatile organic compounds.
Security Features
Ecobee Premium includes motion sensors and can act as a home security hub with door and window sensors.
Energy Savings
All tested thermostats offer energy reports and suggestions to reduce bills, with AI models providing the most savings.
Here's the gist
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium offers the best balance of smart home integration, air quality monitoring, and security features at a premium price.
