# 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.
- Title: The Best Smart Thermostats We've Tested for 2026 · PCMAG
- Summary: PCMag tests top smart thermostats for 2026: Ecobee Premium leads with AI, air quality, and security features. Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium offers the best…
- Keywords: ecobee, smart thermostat, air quality monitor, home security, nest, amazon smart thermostat, google assistant, alexa, homekit, smart home, energy savings, thermostat
- Source: PCMAG — https://pcmag.com/picks/the-best-smart-thermostats
- Author: John R. Delaney
- Published: 2026-09-22T19:20:33+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: ecobee, smart thermostat, air quality monitor, home security, nest, amazon smart thermostat, google assistant, alexa, homekit, smart home, energy savings, thermostat
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium offers the best balance of smart home integration, air quality monitoring, and security features at a premium price.