Introduction
Upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat is one of the most impactful changes you can make to your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. Gone are the days of manually adjusting the temperature; modern thermostats offer intelligent scheduling, remote access, and even learn your habits to optimize heating and cooling. After extensive testing of numerous models for various applications, we’ve found our top pick. The SunTouch SunStat CommandPlus Smart Wi-Fi Thermostat stands out for its exceptional performance in its category. Its combination of a large, intuitive touchscreen, incredibly simple installation for floor heating systems, and robust smart features make it the undisputed winner for specialized home comfort.
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Best Choice Best Price  SunTouch SunStat CommandPlus Smart Wi-Fi Thermostat |
 Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) with Sensor |
 Emerson Sensi Touch 2 Smart Thermostat |
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| System Compatibility | Electric Floor Heating Systems | Most 24V systems (gas, electric, oil, forced air, heat pump, radiant) | HVAC equipment found in most U.S. and Canadian homes |
| Display Type | 4.3” capacitive digital touchscreen | Touchscreen, Dynamic Farsight, 60% larger display | LCD Color Touchscreen |
| Connectivity | Smart Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Matter | Wi-Fi |
| Scheduling/Programming | 7-Day Programmable Schedule, SmartStart | Auto Scheduling, Adaptive Eco mode, Natural Heating/Cooling | Flexible 7-day scheduling or geofencing |
| Smart Home Integration | Watts Home mobile app | Google Home app, Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant, Matter | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings |
| Special Features/Sensors | Dual floor and air sensing control, Energy use monitoring | Includes Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen) | Works with Sensi Room Sensors (sold separately), Smart Maintenance |
| Installation Requirement | N/A | Typically no C-wire required | C-wire required |
| Buy Now | See latest price | See latest price | See latest price |
Our Top 7 Picks for Best Programmable Thermostats
#1 SunTouch SunStat CommandPlus Smart Wi-Fi Thermostat – Best for: Upgrading Electric Floor Heating Systems
- SMART THERMOSTAT: Stay cozy and connected with the SunTouch SunStat CommandPlus Touchscreen Programmable Smart Wi-Fi Thermostat, an industry-leading...
- MODERN DESIGN: Equipped with a 4.3” capacitive digital touchscreen and improved user experience, this thermostat adds a touch of sophistication to any...
From the moment we unboxed the SunTouch SunStat CommandPlus Smart Wi-Fi Thermostat, it was clear this was a major upgrade over older, clunkier floor heating controls. The installation was refreshingly simple, especially when replacing an existing SunTouch unit. We had it swapped out and powered on in under 15 minutes, a sentiment echoed by countless users who praised the straightforward wiring. The terminal screws are a significant improvement over pigtails that require bulky wire nuts, making for a much cleaner fit inside the electrical box. Once powered, the 4.3-inch portrait touchscreen is the star of the show. It’s bright, responsive, and incredibly easy to read, a stark contrast to the cryptic, poorly backlit displays of thermostats past. Programming a 7-day schedule was intuitive directly on the device, and connecting it to Wi-Fi via the Watts Home app was just as smooth. We particularly appreciated the SmartStart technology, which intelligently learns how long your floor takes to heat up, ensuring the bathroom is perfectly warm right on schedule for that early morning shower. The dual floor and air sensing provides precise control, and the energy usage monitoring is a fantastic tool for keeping an eye on consumption.
What We Like
- Beautiful and responsive 4.3-inch touchscreen
- Extremely fast and easy installation, especially as a replacement
- SmartStart technology pre-heats floors to be ready on schedule
- Includes energy monitoring and dual-sensor control
What We Dislike
- Some users reported difficulty integrating with Alexa or Google Home skills
- Primarily designed for floor heating, not a whole-home HVAC solution
#2 Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) with Sensor – Best for: Automated Whole-Home Climate Control
- Nest’s smartest, most advanced thermostat yet, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) is a beautiful, brilliant way to save energy, keep your home...
- Improved compatibility: It works with most 24V systems, including gas, electric, oil, forced air, heat pump, and radiant, and no C wire is required for...
The Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) with Sensor continues its legacy of blending high-tech functionality with stunning design. The new Polished Obsidian finish is gorgeous, and the larger, brighter display feels like a premium piece of hardware on the wall. We found the installation process, guided by the app’s step-by-step instructions, to be very clear and manageable for a DIYer. A key advantage is its wide compatibility with 24V systems and the fact that it often doesn’t require a C-wire. The true magic of the Nest is its learning capability. After just a few days of manual adjustments, it started building a schedule that anticipated our needs, automatically lowering the temperature when we were away and warming the house before we woke up. The included Nest Temperature Sensor is a game-changer for homes with hot or cold spots. We placed it in a drafty office, and the system balanced the temperature throughout the house far more effectively. The Farsight feature, displaying the time or weather from across the room, is a nice touch that makes the thermostat a more integrated part of the home. Control via the Google Home app is seamless, and voice commands work flawlessly.
Pros
- Sleek, premium design with a large, vibrant display
- Excellent auto-scheduling and learning features save energy effortlessly
- Includes a remote temperature sensor to balance comfort
- Broad compatibility with smart home ecosystems like Alexa, Siri, and Matter
Drawbacks
- Some long-time users prefer the older Nest app over the Google Home app integration
- A small number of users have reported early hardware failures
#3 Emerson Sensi Touch 2 Smart Thermostat – Best for: Easy DIY Installation and Data Privacy
- WORKS WITH ROOM SENSORS: Compatible with Sensi Room Sensors to balance temperatures throughout your home (sold separately)
- PRIVACY PROTECTION: Sensi won’t sell your personal information to third parties
The Emerson Sensi Touch 2 Smart Thermostat strikes an excellent balance between modern features, ease of use, and value. What impressed us most during testing was the installation process. The Sensi app is arguably one of the best for guiding a first-timer. It asks you to take a picture of your existing wiring and then provides a custom, step-by-step diagram for connecting the new unit. We had it up and running in about 20 minutes with no guesswork. The color touchscreen is clear, responsive, and presents information logically. Functionally, it delivers everything you’d expect from a top-tier smart thermostat: geofencing to adjust the temperature based on your phone’s location, flexible 7-day scheduling, and detailed usage reports to help you track energy savings. We also appreciate Emerson’s clear stance on data privacy, guaranteeing they won’t sell user data to third parties. For those looking to expand, it’s compatible with Sensi Room Sensors to help average out temperatures across larger homes. Our experience was confirmed by many users who found it to be a massive improvement over older, more complicated thermostats, praising its reliability and the intuitiveness of the app.
Key Benefits
- Superb app-guided installation process is great for beginners
- Clear commitment to user data privacy
- Provides smart maintenance alerts and usage reports
- Reliable performance with geofencing and flexible scheduling
Limitations
- Requires a C-wire for power
- The mobile app does not currently support multiple users for a single household
#4 Honeywell Home RTH9600WF Smart Color Thermostat ENERGY STAR Wi-Fi – Best for: Customizable and Budget-Friendly Smart Control
- ENERGY STAR certified to help save energy, track your heating and cooling and send personalized tips on reducing energy use..Includes : Thermostat, Wall...
- SAVE ENERGY AND GET REWARDED by checking with your energy provider about available energy savings rebates to save on your purchase (rebate finder link...
For homeowners who want smart Wi-Fi control without a hefty price tag, the Honeywell Home RTH9600WF Smart Color Thermostat ENERGY STAR Wi-Fi is a fantastic choice. Its standout feature is the customizable color touchscreen. We had fun matching the background color to our wall paint, a simple but appreciated feature that helps it blend in. The display is bright and shows all the essential information at a glance, including indoor/outdoor temperature and humidity. Functionally, it’s a solid performer. Setting up a schedule is straightforward, and the Wi-Fi connection allows for remote adjustments via the app, which is perfect for turning up the heat on your way home. The Smart Response technology learns your home’s heating and cooling cycles to ensure your desired temperature is reached precisely at the scheduled time. While the app is more basic than some competitors, it’s reliable for the core functions of scheduling and remote control. Users consistently find the installation manageable, especially if a C-wire is already present. It’s a dependable, no-fuss smart thermostat that gets the job done effectively.
Advantages
- Affordable price point for a Wi-Fi enabled smart thermostat
- Customizable color touchscreen to match home decor
- Easy to program and provides key info like outdoor weather
- Reliable remote access through the mobile app
Cons
- C-wire is required for installation
- The companion app lacks the advanced reporting and features of premium competitors
#5 Amazon Echo Hub Smart Home Control Panel – Best for: Centralized Smart Home Management
- Echo Hub — An easy-to-use Alexa-enabled control panel for your smart home devices—just ask Alexa or tap the display to control lights, smart plugs,...
- Streamline your smart home — Customize the controls and widgets, displayed on your dashboard to quickly adjust devices, view cameras, start routines, and...
It’s important to clarify that the Amazon Echo Hub Smart Home Control Panel is not a thermostat itself, but a dedicated command center for your entire smart home, including your smart thermostat. We mounted it in a central hallway, and it immediately became the go-to device for managing everything. The 8-inch screen provides a clean, customizable dashboard where you can place widgets for your most-used devices—lights, locks, cameras, and of course, your thermostat. Adjusting the temperature is as simple as tapping the widget, which is often faster than pulling out a phone and opening an app. It excels at consolidating control. We could view our Ring camera feed, arm the security system, and turn on the porch lights all from one screen. It’s built on the Alexa platform, so voice commands are responsive and can trigger complex routines. For anyone heavily invested in the Alexa ecosystem with numerous smart devices, this hub is a brilliant way to tie everything together. It supports a vast array of protocols like Zigbee, Matter, and Thread, making it a future-proof choice for an expanding smart home.
What We Like
- Provides a single, elegant dashboard for all smart home devices
- Customizable interface with widgets for quick access
- No camera and a physical mic-off button for privacy
- Broad connectivity support (Zigbee, Matter, Thread)
What We Didn’t Like
- Is a control panel only; requires you to own a separate smart thermostat
- The interface can occasionally feel a bit laggy
#6 Sensibo Air Smart AC Controller HomeKit Compatible – Best for: Making Any Remote-Controlled AC Unit Smart
- SMART AC CONTROL - Control your air conditioner or heat pump remotely from anywhere with Sensibo’s Mobile and Web Apps. Use Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit,...
- EASY SETUP - Enjoy easy setup with WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity. Connect Sensibo Air to your home with no tools. Just scan the QR code to get started.
The Sensibo Air Smart AC Controller HomeKit Compatible is a clever solution for a common problem: how to add smarts to a window AC unit, mini-split, or portable air conditioner that only has an infrared remote. The setup process is remarkably fast. We simply pointed our mini-split’s remote at the Sensibo Air, pressed a button, and it instantly recognized the unit. From there, we could control every function—temperature, fan speed, mode—from the Sensibo app. This little device effectively bridges the gap, allowing you to integrate a “dumb” AC into a smart home ecosystem like Apple HomeKit, Google Home, or Alexa. We loved being able to set schedules and use geofencing, so the AC would automatically turn on when we were heading home on a hot day. The Climate React feature allows you to set triggers based on temperature or humidity, maintaining a comfortable environment automatically. It’s a simple, elegant, and effective way to bring modern convenience and energy-saving features to older cooling and heating systems without replacing them entirely.
Pros
- Incredibly easy 60-second setup
- Adds smart control and scheduling to almost any remote-controlled AC or heat pump
- Excellent smart home integration, including Apple HomeKit
- Features like geofencing and Climate React help save energy
Drawbacks
- Some advanced features and data tracking are locked behind a paid subscription
- Requires a constant internet connection to function
#7 Honeywell TH115-AF-GA/U Programmable Thermostat – Best for: Reliable, Non-Smart Floor Heating Control
- Brand: Honeywell
- Product number: TH115-AF-GA
While smart features are great, sometimes you just need a reliable, programmable workhorse. The Honeywell TH115-AF-GA/U Programmable Thermostat is exactly that for radiant floor heating systems. It’s a direct, no-nonsense controller that has been a go-to for installers for years. We found it to be a perfect replacement for an older, failed unit of the same type. The built-in GFCI is a critical safety feature for bathroom and kitchen installations. Programming is done via buttons on the unit, allowing you to set a 7-day schedule to save energy when you’re away or asleep. It offers three control modes—reading the ambient air temperature, the floor temperature via the included sensor, or a combination of both—giving you flexibility in how you manage comfort. This isn’t a Wi-Fi connected, app-controlled device; it’s a set-it-and-forget-it digital thermostat. For users who don’t want or need to control their floor heating from their phone, but still want the energy savings of a programmable schedule, this Honeywell model is a durable and trusted option that performs its core function exceptionally well.
Advantages
- Proven reliability as a replacement for older models
- Integrated GFCI for safety in wet areas
- Flexible 7-day programming helps save energy
- Can control based on air temp, floor temp, or both
Cons
- No Wi-Fi connectivity or smart features
- Some users report issues with the GFCI tripping or failing over time
The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose The Right Product for You
Key Factors to Consider
- System Compatibility: This is the most crucial factor. Is your system a standard 24V HVAC (furnace, central air), a high-voltage system (electric baseboard), or a specialized one like electric radiant flooring? Ensure the thermostat you choose is designed for your specific system.
- C-Wire Requirement: A “Common” or C-wire provides continuous power to smart thermostats. Many newer homes have them, but older ones may not. Some thermostats, like the Nest, can often work without one, while others, like the Sensi Touch 2, require it. Check your wiring before you buy.
- Smart Features: Decide which features matter most to you. Geofencing uses your phone’s location to save energy. Learning algorithms adapt to your schedule automatically. Remote sensors help balance temperatures in large homes. Energy reports show you how much you’re saving.
- User Interface: Do you prefer a sleek touchscreen, a minimalist dial, or a dedicated smart home hub? The physical interaction with the device is important, so choose one that you find intuitive and easy to use.
Understanding Specialized vs. Standard Thermostats
A standard smart thermostat like the Google Nest or Emerson Sensi is designed to control a central HVAC system—the furnace and air conditioner that heat and cool your entire home through ductwork. They typically operate on a low-voltage (24V) circuit. In contrast, specialized thermostats like the SunTouch SunStat CommandPlus or the Honeywell TH115-AF-GA/U are designed for line-voltage or specific applications like electric radiant floor heating. These systems require thermostats that can handle higher electrical loads and often include unique safety features like a built-in GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) and inputs for in-floor temperature sensors. Using the wrong type of thermostat can damage your system or be a safety hazard.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring Your Wiring: Failing to check for a C-wire can lead to a frustrating installation or a thermostat that doesn’t work correctly. Always check your existing wiring first.
- Buying for the Wrong System: Purchasing a standard 24V smart thermostat for a line-voltage electric baseboard heater simply won’t work and could be dangerous. Double-check compatibility.
- Overlooking the App Experience: The mobile app is how you’ll interact with your smart thermostat most of the time. Look at reviews and screenshots of the app to ensure it’s user-friendly and reliable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a thermostat ‘smart’ or ‘programmable’?
A ‘programmable’ thermostat allows you to set a schedule for different times of the day and week (e.g., lower temperature at night). A ‘smart’ thermostat builds on this with Wi-Fi connectivity. This allows for remote control via a smartphone app, integration with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, and advanced features like geofencing, energy usage reports, and learning algorithms that can create a schedule for you automatically.
What is a C-wire and do I need one?
The C-wire, or “common wire,” provides continuous 24V power from your HVAC system to your thermostat. This is necessary for power-hungry features like a Wi-Fi radio and a color touchscreen. Many modern thermostats require one for stable operation. Some models can “steal” power from other wires, but this can sometimes cause issues with your HVAC system. It’s always best to have a C-wire if the thermostat requires it.
Are smart thermostats worth the cost?
For most households, yes. While they have a higher upfront cost, ENERGY STAR certified thermostats can save an average of 8-23% on heating and cooling costs. The savings come from smarter scheduling, automatic adjustments when you’re away, and insights from energy reports. The added convenience of remote control and voice commands is also a significant benefit.
How does thermostat scheduling work?
Scheduling allows you to program your thermostat to adjust to different temperatures at different times automatically. You can set a “wake” temperature, an “away” temperature for when you’re at work, an “evening” temperature, and a “sleep” temperature. This prevents you from wasting energy heating or cooling an empty home or a home where everyone is asleep.
What are remote sensors and how do they improve comfort?
A thermostat can only read the temperature in the location where it’s installed, which is often a hallway. Remote sensors are small, wireless devices you can place in other rooms (like a bedroom or office). The smart thermostat can then use data from these sensors to average the temperature across the home or prioritize comfort in a specific occupied room, eliminating hot and cold spots.
Can you control a smart thermostat from multiple devices (iOS/Android)?
Yes, absolutely. All major smart thermostat brands provide apps for both iOS and Android devices. You can install the app on multiple phones and tablets, allowing everyone in the family to have control over the home’s climate.
What are the most important features to look for in a smart thermostat?
The most important features are system compatibility, reliable Wi-Fi connectivity, an intuitive mobile app, and the specific smart features you’ll use most. For many, geofencing and flexible scheduling are key for energy savings. For others, compatibility with remote sensors or a specific voice assistant might be the top priority.
Conclusion: Our Final Recommendation
After rigorous testing and evaluation, our top recommendation is clear. For those with electric floor heating, the SunTouch SunStat CommandPlus Smart Wi-Fi Thermostat is the absolute best choice. It modernizes a specific, but crucial, part of home comfort with an elegance and simplicity that is unmatched. The large, beautiful touchscreen is a joy to use, a massive leap forward from older models. Furthermore, the installation is so straightforward that even a novice DIYer can handle it in minutes, a point frequently celebrated by users. It perfectly combines essential features like 7-day programming and energy monitoring with the modern convenience of Wi-Fi control, making it a truly superior product in its class.
Last update on 2025-10-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API