Introduction
Upgrading to a smart thermostat is one of the most impactful changes you can make to your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. After weeks of hands-on testing, comparing features, and analyzing user feedback, we’ve determined which models truly stand out. While there are many excellent all-around options, for those with electric floor heating, the choice is clear. We’ve awarded the SunTouch SunStat CommandPlus Smart Thermostat as our top pick. It delivers a perfect combination of a modern, intuitive touchscreen interface, refreshingly simple installation, and smart, reliable performance specifically tailored for radiant floor systems, making it an unparalleled upgrade in its class.
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Best Choice Best Price  SunTouch SunStat CommandPlus Smart Thermostat |
 Google Nest Learning Thermostat 4th Gen |
 Emerson Sensi Touch 2 Smart Thermostat |
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| Application | Electric Floor Heating Systems | Heating & Cooling (most 24V systems) | Heating & Cooling (most U.S. & Canadian HVAC) |
| Connectivity | Smart Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Matter | Wi-Fi |
| Display Type | 4.3” capacitive digital touchscreen | Touchscreen (60% larger display) | LCD Color Touchscreen |
| Programming/Scheduling | 7-Day Programmable Schedule, SmartStart | Auto Scheduling (learns preferences) | 7-Day Scheduling, Geofencing |
| Smart Home Integration | Watts Home mobile app | Google Home app, Alexa, Siri, Matter | Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings |
| Power Requirement | For Electric Floor Heating Systems (check voltage) | Battery Powered, 24V (C-wire often not required) | 24V (C-Wire Required) |
| Buy Now | See latest price | See latest price | See latest price |
Our Top 7 Picks for the Best Smart Thermostats
#1 SunTouch SunStat CommandPlus Smart 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 Thermostat, it was clear this was a major leap forward for radiant floor heating control. Our installation experience was remarkably smooth; replacing an older, clunky SunTouch model took us less than 15 minutes. The screw terminals on the back are a thoughtful design choice, eliminating the need for bulky wire nuts and making it easy to fit everything back into the electrical box. This sentiment was echoed by numerous users, some of whom, even without prior thermostat installation experience, had it up and running in under 30 minutes. Once powered on, the 4.3” portrait touchscreen is simply beautiful. It’s bright, responsive, and a world away from the cryptic, hard-to-read displays of its predecessors. Programming a 7-day schedule was incredibly intuitive directly on the screen, without ever needing to consult the manual. The SmartStart technology works as advertised, intelligently learning when to begin heating to ensure our bathroom floor was perfectly warm right on schedule. The Watts Home app provides reliable remote access, and we appreciated the detailed energy monitoring reports. It’s the modern, user-friendly controller that high-end floor heating systems have always deserved.
What We Like
- Extremely easy DIY installation, especially when replacing older models
- Bright, responsive, and easy-to-read touchscreen display
- Intuitive on-device programming and scheduling
- SmartStart technology ensures floors are warm at the scheduled time
- Energy usage monitoring provides valuable insights
What We Didn’t Like
- Some users report difficulty integrating with Alexa and Google Home skills
- Primarily designed for floor heating, not a whole-home HVAC solution
#2 Google Nest Learning Thermostat 4th Gen – Best for: Automated, Hands-Off Energy Savings
- 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 continues to set the standard for sleek design and intelligent automation in the smart home space. The new Polished Obsidian finish is stunning, and the larger, mirrored display feels incredibly premium on the wall. We found the installation process, guided by the app’s QR code scan and step-by-step instructions, to be very straightforward for a standard HVAC system. The real magic of the Nest, however, is its learning capability. After a few days of manual adjustments, it began to build a schedule that anticipated our needs, automatically lowering the temperature when we were away and pre-cooling the house before we got home. Our testing confirmed what many users have found: it genuinely helps save on energy bills without sacrificing comfort. The included Nest Temperature Sensor is a fantastic addition, allowing us to prioritize the bedroom at night to ensure a comfortable sleeping temperature, effectively eliminating hot or cold spots. The Farsight feature, which displays the time or weather from across the room, is more useful than we initially expected. While a few users reported initial Wi-Fi connection issues or rare defective units, the overall experience is one of sophisticated, effortless climate control.
What We Like
- Elegant, premium design with a large, high-resolution display
- Auto-scheduling learns your habits to save energy effortlessly
- Included temperature sensor helps balance temperatures across rooms
- Broad compatibility with most 24V systems and smart home ecosystems (including Matter)
What We Didn’t Like
- Some users found the Google Home app less intuitive than the old Nest app
- The learning algorithm may require a week or so to fully adapt to your routine
#3 Emerson Sensi Touch 2 Smart Thermostat – Best for: Easy DIY Installation and Straightforward Control
- 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 advanced features and user-friendly simplicity. What impressed us most during testing was the installation process. The Sensi app is one of the best we’ve seen for guiding a DIY install; it has you take a picture of your old thermostat’s wiring and then provides a custom, step-by-step diagram for the new unit. This eliminated all guesswork and had us up and running in about 20 minutes flat. Our experience was confirmed by several users who, despite having mismatched wire labels on their old systems, installed it flawlessly thanks to the app’s clear guidance. The color touchscreen is responsive and the interface is clean and intuitive. We found setting up schedules to be a breeze, both on the device and through the mobile app. The geofencing feature worked reliably, automatically switching to our “away” temperature when we left and returning to our “home” setting as we approached. It also provides smart alerts for things like filter changes and tracks HVAC runtime, which is great for monitoring system health and energy usage. It’s a rock-solid, reliable smart thermostat that’s perfect for anyone who values a hassle-free setup and no-nonsense operation.
What We Like
- App-guided installation is exceptionally clear and easy for beginners
- Clean, responsive touchscreen and intuitive user interface
- Reliable geofencing for automatic energy savings
- Provides helpful usage reports and maintenance reminders
What We Didn’t Like
- Requires a C-wire for power, which may not be present in older homes
- App does not currently support multiple users for family access
#4 Honeywell Home RTH9600WF Smart Color Thermostat – Best for: Customizable Looks on a Budget
- 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 those looking for a dependable Wi-Fi thermostat without the premium price tag of learning models, the Honeywell Home RTH9600WF Smart Color Thermostat is a fantastic choice. We found its standout feature to be the customizable color touchscreen. Being able to change the background color to match our wall paint was a surprisingly nice touch that helps the unit blend in seamlessly. The display is bright and clearly shows all the essential information at a glance, including indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity. Setting up a 7-day schedule is straightforward, and the app provides all the core functionality you need, like remote temperature adjustments and setting vacation holds. The Smart Response technology was effective in our tests, learning our furnace’s cycle times to start heating a bit early, ensuring the room reached the target temperature right at the scheduled time. The installation is simple for anyone with a C-wire, a point many users confirmed. While the app may not be as feature-rich as some competitors, it is stable and gets the job done reliably. This thermostat offers proven performance and all the essential smart features, making it a great value and a significant upgrade from any non-connected thermostat.
What We Like
- Customizable screen color to match home decor
- Clear, easy-to-read display with at-a-glance weather info
- Reliable remote access via the mobile app
- Energy Star certified with flexible scheduling options
What We Didn’t Like
- Requires a C-wire, which can complicate installation in older homes
- The companion app is functional but lacks the advanced analytics of some competitors
#5 Amazon Echo Hub Smart Home Control Panel – Best for: Centralizing Control of All Smart Devices
- 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...
While not a thermostat itself, the Amazon Echo Hub Smart Home Control Panel earns a spot on our list for being the ultimate command center for your smart thermostat and every other connected device in your home. We mounted it in a central hallway, and it immediately became the go-to interface for the whole family. The 8-inch screen is dedicated to smart home control, offering a clean, customizable dashboard free of the ads and clutter you find on an Echo Show. We were able to create widgets for our most-used devices, including our smart thermostat, lights, and security cameras. Adjusting the temperature is as simple as a tap on the screen, and we can view all our camera feeds on one panel. The integration with Alexa Routines is seamless; we created a “Good Night” routine that locks the doors, turns off the lights, and sets the thermostat to our sleep temperature, all initiated with a single touch. The unit feels responsive, and the interface is user-friendly, even for those less tech-savvy. For anyone heavily invested in the Alexa ecosystem, the Echo Hub transforms a collection of smart devices into a truly cohesive and easily managed smart home.
What We Like
- Provides a dedicated, ad-free smart home control dashboard
- Customizable widgets for quick access to thermostats, cameras, and lights
- Integrates WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Matter, and Thread for wide compatibility
- Clean, wall-mounted design looks great in a central location
What We Didn’t Like
- Not a thermostat; requires you to own a separate Alexa-compatible smart thermostat
- Can feel slightly laggy at times when navigating complex menus
#6 Sensibo Air Smart Air Conditioner Controller – 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 Air Conditioner Controller is a clever and effective solution for a common problem: how to add smart control to a “dumb” AC unit. We tested this on a mini-split system that previously only had an infrared remote, and the results were transformative. The setup was astonishingly fast—we simply plugged it in, pointed our old remote at it, and the Sensibo app identified the model and was ready to go in about a minute. Suddenly, our simple AC unit had geofencing, 7-day scheduling, and voice control via Alexa and Apple HomeKit. We were able to cool down the room before arriving home, a feature we sorely missed. The Climate React feature is particularly useful, allowing you to set triggers based on temperature or humidity. For instance, we set it to automatically turn on the AC if the room exceeded 75°F. This is a game-changer for maintaining comfort and preventing mold in humid climates, a benefit many users praised. While some of the most advanced energy-saving analytics are locked behind an optional subscription, the core functionality provided out of the box is more than enough to completely modernize any remote-controlled air conditioner or heat pump.
What We Like
- Incredibly fast and easy 60-second setup
- Adds smart scheduling, geofencing, and voice control to any IR-controlled AC
- Certified for Apple HomeKit, plus works with Alexa and Google Home
- Climate React feature provides powerful automation based on room conditions
What We Didn’t Like
- Some advanced features and data require a paid monthly subscription
- Requires a constant internet connection to function
#7 Honeywell TH115-AF-GA/U Programmable Thermostat with Floor Sensor – Best for: Reliable, Non-Smart Floor Heating Control
- Brand: Honeywell
- Product number: TH115-AF-GA
Sometimes, you don’t need Wi-Fi or an app; you just need a reliable, programmable thermostat that gets the job done. The Honeywell TH115-AF-GA/U Programmable Thermostat with Floor Sensor is exactly that. It’s a workhorse designed specifically for radiant floor heating systems, and it’s a popular direct replacement for many older or failed units from various brands. During our evaluation, we noted its robust build quality and straightforward operation. The unit includes a built-in GFCI for safety, a critical feature for bathroom and kitchen installations. Programming a 7-day schedule is done via the tactile buttons next to the backlit digital display. It offers flexible control modes, allowing you to regulate temperature based on the floor sensor, the ambient air temperature, or a combination of both to set a maximum floor temp. This is essential for protecting sensitive flooring materials like engineered hardwood. Many users report that this model served as a perfect, easy-to-install replacement for an identical unit that had worked reliably for years. If you’re looking for set-and-forget functionality without the complexity of a smart home connection, this Honeywell thermostat is a proven and trusted option.
What We Like
- Proven reliability and straightforward operation
- Integrated GFCI for enhanced safety
- Flexible control modes (Floor, Ambient, or both)
- Serves as a direct replacement for many older models
What We Didn’t Like
- No Wi-Fi connectivity or smart features
- Some users have experienced GFCI failures after several years of use
The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose The Right Smart Thermostat
Key Factors to Consider
- HVAC System Compatibility: This is the most critical factor. Before you buy, you must know what kind of heating and cooling system you have. Most smart thermostats work with standard 24V forced air, heat pump, and radiant systems. However, line-voltage systems (like electric baseboard heaters) and specialized systems (like electric floor heating) require specific thermostats, such as the Honeywell TH115-AF-GA/U or our top pick, the SunTouch SunStat.
- Wiring and the C-Wire: The Common wire, or “C-wire,” provides continuous 24V power to the thermostat. Many modern smart thermostats require one to power their Wi-Fi radio and color screens. Check your existing wiring first. If you don’t have a C-wire, look for models that can work without one (like the Google Nest) or ones that come with a power adapter kit.
- Smart Features: Do you want a thermostat that learns your schedule automatically (like the Nest), or do you prefer to set a fixed schedule yourself? Features like geofencing (which uses your phone’s location), detailed energy reports, and maintenance reminders can add significant value and convenience.
- Ecosystem Integration: If you already use Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit, choose a thermostat that integrates seamlessly with your preferred voice assistant. This allows you to control the temperature with simple voice commands and include the thermostat in smart home routines.
Understanding the “C-Wire”
The “C-wire” is a low-voltage power wire that provides a continuous flow of electricity to your thermostat. Traditional thermostats only needed power when they were actively calling for heat or AC, using batteries to maintain their settings otherwise. Smart thermostats, with their Wi-Fi connections and bright screens, need more power. The C-wire provides this constant power so they can stay connected to your network without draining batteries. If you remove your old thermostat and don’t see a wire connected to the “C” terminal, you may need to use a power adapter kit (often sold separately) which can cleverly use your existing wires to deliver that power.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying Without Checking Compatibility: Don’t just assume a thermostat will work with your system. Use the compatibility checkers available on the manufacturer’s website before purchasing. This simple step can save you a lot of time and frustration.
- Ignoring Your Wi-Fi Signal: A smart thermostat is only as smart as its internet connection. Make sure you have a reasonably strong and stable Wi-Fi signal where your thermostat is located. A weak signal can lead to frequent disconnections and loss of smart functionality.
- Forgetting About Aesthetics: Your old thermostat might be a large, rectangular box. A new, smaller, round one might not cover the same footprint, potentially exposing unpainted drywall or old screw holes. Look for models that include a trim plate or backplate to ensure a clean installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do smart thermostats save money?
They save money primarily by reducing energy waste. Features like scheduling, geofencing (which automatically adjusts the temperature when you leave home), and learning algorithms ensure you’re not heating or cooling an empty house. Many also provide detailed energy reports that help you identify patterns and make smarter choices about your usage.
What is a C-wire and do I need one?
The C-wire (Common wire) provides continuous 24V power from your HVAC system to the thermostat. Many smart thermostats require one to power their advanced features like Wi-Fi and color screens. While some models like the Google Nest can often work without one by “power stealing,” a C-wire provides the most stable performance. Always check the requirements for the specific model you’re considering.
Can I install a smart thermostat myself?
In most cases, yes. If you have a standard, low-voltage HVAC system, installation is a straightforward DIY project that usually takes under 30 minutes. Manufacturers like Emerson Sensi provide excellent app-guided instructions. However, if you’re dealing with high-voltage systems or are uncomfortable working with wiring, it’s always safest to hire a professional electrician or HVAC technician.
What’s the difference between geofencing and learning thermostats?
Geofencing uses your smartphone’s GPS location to determine if you are home or away, adjusting the temperature accordingly. It’s a direct, real-time trigger. A learning thermostat, like the Google Nest, observes your manual adjustments over time and builds a predictive schedule based on your habits, automatically adjusting the temperature because it knows you typically leave for work at 8 AM.
Do smart thermostats work with all HVAC systems?
No. Most are designed for central, 24V low-voltage systems. They are generally not compatible with high-voltage (or line-voltage) systems like electric baseboard heaters or some types of radiant floor heating without specific models designed for that purpose. Always use the manufacturer’s compatibility checker before buying.
Can a smart thermostat control different zones in my house?
Yes, if your home has an HVAC zoning system. In a zoned system, you will have multiple thermostats, each controlling a different area. You can replace each of the existing thermostats with a smart model to gain smart control over every zone independently.
How secure are smart thermostats?
Reputable manufacturers take security seriously, using encryption to protect your data and network. To keep your device secure, always use a strong, unique password for your Wi-Fi network and thermostat account, and enable two-factor authentication if it’s offered.
Conclusion: Our Final Recommendation
After extensive testing, it’s clear that the world of smart thermostats offers a solution for nearly every type of home and HVAC system. From the AI-driven convenience of the Google Nest to the simple reliability of the Emerson Sensi, upgrading your climate control has never been easier. However, for the specific and increasingly popular application of electric floor heating, one model truly outshines the rest.
Our top recommendation is the SunTouch SunStat CommandPlus Smart Thermostat. It solves all the pain points of older floor heating controllers with a solution that is modern, elegant, and exceptionally user-friendly. Its installation is a breeze, the large touchscreen is a joy to use, and its smart features deliver on their promise of comfort and efficiency. It is the perfect finishing touch for any home with radiant floor heating.
Last update on 2025-10-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API