Best Smart Thermostat Reviews — 2025 (Nest, ecobee, Amazon, Honeywell)

A — Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen)

Short verdict: The Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) is best for buyers who want an elegant, learning thermostat that integrates tightly with Google Home / Matter and who prioritize automated energy savings and a premium UI. It remains a leader for design and user experience in 2025.

Overview & highlights

The Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) builds on Nest’s long history of learning algorithms, motion sensing (Soli), and tight Google Home integration. It includes a high-resolution circular display, built-in sensors for temperature, humidity and ambient light, and can integrate with Matter-enabled hubs and devices. It ships with installation accessories and—depending on region—may bundle a Nest Temperature Sensor for room-level monitoring. Manufacturer specs list a 2.68″ circular LCD (600×600) with Soli motion sensing and typical 20–30 VAC power requirements.

Key specifications (manufacturer)

Sources: Google product and support pages.

Pros & cons

• Beautiful, intuitive UI and premium build
• Learning algorithm that reduces manual scheduling
• Works with Google Home & Matter for broad automation
• Potential concerns around long-term software support for older models (see 2025 support changes)
• Higher price vs barebones smart thermostats

Google announced in 2025 that older-generation Nest devices would have changes to support timelines; for buyers, this makes checking the current Google support policy relevant before purchase.

Who should buy it?

Buy the Nest Learning Thermostat if you: use Google Home, care about design and a frictionless learning experience, and want Matter compatibility for future-proofing. If you need the cheapest ENERGY STAR option, consider alternatives below.

Installation notes

Installation is DIY friendly for common 24VAC HVAC systems; however, if your system lacks a C-wire, check the specific installer guidance—some setups can use the Nest’s power techniques, while others require a C-wire or adapter. Google’s official spec pages list the wiring and compatibility details.

Verdict

If you value design, Google ecosystem integration, and an intelligent learning schedule, Nest remains a top pick in 2025 — just verify support and warranty terms for your region before buying. For direct product detail,s see the official Nest product page.

Internal — Full Nest review   |   Official Nest product page.

B — ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium (2025)

Short verdict: ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is a great choice for buyers who want broad voice assistant support (Alexa, Siri/HomeKit, Google), built-in air quality monitoring, radar occupancy sensing, and a larger touchscreen interface — it’s feature-rich and oriented toward multi-room comfort control.

Overview & highlights

ecobee’s Premium model focuses on sensing and air quality: it includes temperature, humidity, occupancy (radar), and proximity sensors, a 4″ full-color touchscreen, and compatibility with Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa. ecobee also sells supplemental SmartSensors for room-level temperature balancing. The ecobee product page lists the Premium’s display size and sensor list.

Key specifications (manufacturer)

Source: ecobee product pages.

Pros & cons

• Broad ecosystem compatibility (Alexa / HomeKit / Google)
• Built-in air quality monitoring and advanced sensors
• Large touchscreen and good sensor suite for multi-room comfort
• Higher price than budget models
• Some advanced features require paid cloud services (check ecobee policies)

Who should buy it?

Choose ecobee Premium if you want integrated air quality insights, multi-platform voice assistant support (including Apple Home), and precise multi-room comfort with optional sensors.

Installation notes

ecobee documents compatibility and includes a Power Extender Kit for some installations lacking a C-wire. If your HVAC system is uncommon, check ecobee’s compatibility tool before purchase.

Verdict

ecobee’s Premium model is feature-rich and ideal for tech-savvy homeowners who want multi-ecosystem flexibility plus air quality monitoring. For manufacturer details and buying options, see the ecobee product page.

Internal — Full ecobee review   |   Official ecobee product pages.

C — Amazon Smart Thermostat (2nd Gen)

Short verdict: The Amazon Smart Thermostat (2nd Gen) is the best budget pick if you want a straightforward, ENERGY STAR-certified thermostat with tight Alexa integration and a low entry price. It forgoes some premium sensors and display features to hit a lower price point.

Overview & highlights

Amazon’s Smart Thermostat focuses on simple setup and value. It’s ENERGY STAR certified and promoted as a no-frills smart thermostat that integrates with Alexa for voice control and routines. Amazon product listings emphasize energy savings and eligibility for utility rebates in some areas.

Key specifications

Source: Amazon product pages.

Pros & cons

• Affordable, ENERGY STAR certified
• Excellent Alexa integration and routines
• Fewer sensors and premium features compared with Nest and ecobee
• Limited cross-ecosystem features (HomeKit support is not a focus)

Who should buy it?

Choose the Amazon Smart Thermostat if you are firmly in the Alexa ecosystem and want a low-cost, energy-efficient smart thermostat that does the basics well.

Installation notes

Amazon provides compatibility guidance on product pages and supports common 24VAC HVAC systems. Check local utility rebate programs — some utilities offer incentives for ENERGY STAR thermostats.

Verdict

For budget-conscious, Alexa-first households, Amazon’s smart thermostat offers strong value. It’s not as feature-packed as ecobee or Nest, but it performs the core smart thermostat functions at a lower price. Internal — Full Amazon thermostat review   |   Amazon product listing.

D — Honeywell Home T10 Pro

Short verdict: The Honeywell Home T10 Pro is a strong option for homes needing multiple room sensors and professional-style features (RedLINK, advanced HVAC compatibility). It’s a good pick for larger homes or users who want sensor-priority comfort.

Overview & highlights

Honeywell’s T10 Pro emphasizes multi-room control using RedLINK room sensors and compatibility with many HVAC configurations. The T10 series supports geofencing, scheduling, and prioritizing rooms via sensors. Resideo/Honeywell specs list RedLINK sensor support, Wi-Fi connectivity, and multiple system stage compatibility (e.g., up to 3 heat/2 cool).

Key specifications

Source: Honeywell / Resideo product pages.

Pros & cons

• Excellent multi-room comfort when paired with RedLINK sensors
• Strong compatibility for complex HVAC systems
• Design is utilitarian vs premium glass/metal options
• Pro installation may be recommended for complex systems

Who should buy it?

The T10 Pro is for homes with uneven temperature zones, multi-stage HVAC systems, or buyers who want professional-grade sensor-driven comfort and are okay with a more functional aesthetic.

Installation notes

Because the T10 and T10 Pro support many HVAC stages, some complex systems benefit from professional installation. Honeywell/Resideo provides pro guides and compatibility tools.

Verdict

If your priority is sensor-driven multi-room control and professional HVAC compatibility, Honeywell’s T10 Pro is a strong contender. It’s especially good for larger houses where sensor priority improves comfort consistency.

Internal — Full Honeywell T10 review   |   Honeywell product page.

E — Nest Thermostat (Budget Model, 2025)

Short verdict: The Nest Thermostat budget model offers many core Nest conveniences and Google ecosystem integration at a lower price. It’s best for buyers who want Google features but don’t need the premium Learning Thermostat hardware.

Overview & highlights

Google’s lower-cost Nest Thermostat (2025/budget model) focuses on affordability and simple smart features — schedules, remote control via Google Home, basic energy reports — while omitting some premium materials and sensors present in the Learning Thermostat. Google support pages provide compatibility and specs for the more affordable Nest models.

Key specifications

Source: Google store & comparison pages.

Pros & cons

• Lower cost while keeping core Google features
• Good for buyers who want the ecosystem without the premium price
• Fewer sensors and less polished hardware than the Learning Thermostat

Who should buy it?

This is a sensible choice for budget-minded Google Home users who want simplicity and a lower upfront cost while enjoying Nest’s scheduling and app-based control.

Installation notes

Check Google’s compatibility tool before purchase; some older HVAC systems or unusual wiring may still require professional help.

Verdict

The Nest budget model delivers the most important Nest features at a lower price, making it an excellent value for Google-first households that don’t need premium sensors or finishes.

Internal — Full Nest budget review   |   Compare Nest models.