Best smart thermostat 2024: keep a close eye on your heating this winter
It's time to get a proper housewarming present, but which of the best smart thermostats is the right one for you?
Are you thinking of turning the thermostat up? The cooler months are most definitely here and maybe, if you haven’t already, it’s time to finally upgrade to a smart thermostat. But in a crowded field, which is the best smart thermostat out there right now?
There are lots of reasons to upgrade your heating tech. Firstly, many of them let you talk to your heating via voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri, but the main benefit is saving you cash and cutting down on wasted energy.
Thanks to tech like geofencing and smart radiator valves, they can help your heating react to when you’re actually in, and only warm up the rooms you’re in. But where to start? That’s where we come in – we’ve reviewed the latest models out there to bring you a reliable recommendation.
What’s the best smart thermostat?
We think the Tado Wireless Smart Thermostat V3+ (buy now) is the best smart thermostat you can buy. Tado’s DIY set-up is super simple and, once set up, the app and products are incredibly easy to use. We love the whole Tado ecosystem of smart radiator valves, and that they fit in seamlessly with your smart home system of choice.
Other smart thermostat recommendations
The Nest Learning Thermostat 4th Generation (buy now) is the most stylish thermostat around thanks to its sleek, metal, circular design. It looks great on a wall or counter, and it does a good job of heating your home as well.
The Hive Thermostat Mini (buy now) is one of the most affordable smart thermostats around. Despite being Mini in name, it can still control up to six heating zones in your home, the same as the more expensive Hive Thermostat.
The WundaSmart (buy now) supports up to 30 rooms and 50 radiators, which should be enough for even the biggest of houses. If you need more than that, pay someone to go around the house changing the temperature in each room individually.
The best smart thermostats you can buy today:
1. Tado Wireless Smart Thermostat V3+
Stuff Verdict
An excellent app and smart radiator values make this the best smart thermostat system you can buy
Pros
- Well-designed, simple to use app
- Multiroom temp monitoring
Cons
- Lots of plastic
- Subscription required to unlock all features
We think the third version of Tado’s Wireless Smart Thermostat is the best smart thermostat out there at the moment. It offers everything in home heating, from wired and wireless thermostats to smart radiator valves and even air conditioning control. Our pick of the bunch is the Wireless Smart Thermostat V3+, though.
The Wireless Smart Thermostat V3+ offers ease and accessibility and accommodates a wide range of heating systems. Its geofencing feature will heat your home before you arrive, and the app will monitor your heating system for problems and informs on how to solve them independently. It also needs very little DIY skills to get up and running, saving money on hidden installation fees.
2. Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Generation)
Stuff Verdict
Nest Learning Thermostat is the original smart thermostat and still the most stylish, but it misses some key features
Pros
- Stunning design
- Plays very nicely with Google Assistant
Cons
- No heating zones
- Installation requires professional, really
Nest’s learning thermostat is probably the device that made smart thermostats popular. Google claims the Nest will lower energy bills by up to 16%, and it’ll look stunning while doing so.
It’s also a smart and intuitive bit of kit. It gets to know how hot or cold you like your living room, turns itself down when you’re away and learns how draughty your home is. Bath lovers can also control the boiler through the Nest app, and will also show you how much energy you use every day.
3. Hive Thermostat Mini
Stuff Verdict
We love this compact and affordable smart thermostat from Hive
Pros
- Affordable
- East to use
Cons
- It’s not the smartest thermostat around
- Building a whole home system can get expensive
The Hive Thermostat Mini is a favourite amongst the forgetful and those looking to control their energy bills. It can be controlled on a device, through the Hive app or by voice, and it will alert you should you pop out for the night only to think ‘have I left the heating on?’
The mini can control up to 6 heating zones in your home, the same as the more expensive Hive Thermostat, and has a frost protection feature which protects your pipes from freezing in winter. It’s also pretty sleek, or as sleek as an at-home thermostat can possibly be at least.
Hive is also currently offering 10% off its Thermostat when you subscribe to Hive Heating Plus, which keeps track of household carbon emissions and daily, weekly and monthly energy insights.
4) Honeywell Evohome
Stuff Verdict
The Evohome is like a compact home hub that can control up to 12 heating zones
Pros
- Large screen makes it easy to use
- Zonal control and underfloor heating
Cons
- Cheap design
- Lacks some smart features
The Honeywell Evohome does everything you’d expect from a smart meter. It’s easy to use, can be controlled through an app and can link to Google Home and Alexa. Where the Honeywell Evohome excels, though, is in its home zoning.
Its smart zoning capabilities mean you only need to heat the areas you’re using, whether you want a toasty dining room or a cool bedroom. The Evohome can create up to 12 heating zones and adapts to radiators, underfloor heating and stored or shared hot water.
5) Wunda WundaSmart
Stuff Verdict
If you have a mansion that needs heating, the UndaSmart has support for 30 rooms and 50 radiators
Pros
- Support for large number of rooms
- Simple e-ink display
Cons
- Expensive
- Professional installation required
Where most smart thermometers offer zoning features, WundaSmart takes it to the next level. The WundaSmart supports up to 30 rooms and 50 radiators. This is likely more than enough for the typical, non-palatial palace-dwelling person.
The Wunda app is also quick and easy to get to know, allowing you to schedule when to heat the house or to boost individual zones. It will also detect when windows are open.
Jack Needham
