What Is the Best Smart Thermostat?

Whether you're managing a single-family home or a commercial building, upgrading to a smart thermostat can make a noticeable difference in comfort and energy savings. Put simply, these advanced devices give you more control over your HVAC packaged units and AC units. You can easily program temperature settings, monitor energy use, and even make adjustments remotely via smartphone apps. But with so many models on the market, how do you know which smart thermostat is the best fit for your system?

What Is the Top-Rated Smart Thermostat?

Choosing the best smart thermostat 2025 means looking at performance, reliability, and integration with your existing HVAC system. This year’s top-rated smart thermostats are recognized not only for their energy-saving features but also for their ease of use and advanced technology. According to Consumer Reports and other trusted sources, the top contenders in 2025 are the Nest Thermostat, the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium, and the Amazon Smart Thermostat.

Each of these devices offers different strengths. The Nest Thermostat comes with a sleek design and learning capabilities. It automatically adjusts to your routines and can be controlled remotely through the Google Home app. The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is known for its built-in voice control, high-end sensor accuracy, and compatibility with multiple smart home ecosystems. On the other hand, the Amazon Smart Thermostat provides a budget-friendly option for smart climate control. There are also plenty of name-brand thermostats falling outside of these three that are still fantastic choices!

Is There a Better Thermostat Than Nest?

The Nest Thermostat has set a high standard, but depending on your specific needs, there may be options that offer better value or different features. For example, the Ecobee thermostat is often compared to Nest because it comes with additional room sensors. These are what help manage hot or cold spots in your home—something Nest doesn’t include by default.

When evaluating the best smart thermostat for the money, you should definitely weigh its ease of use. Consider compatibility with your HVAC systems and the quality of smart home integration as well. The Amazon Smart Thermostat, for example, is less expensive than Nest but lacks some of the intelligent learning features. On the other hand, Ecobee’s native compatibility with Apple HomeKit may be a deciding factor if you’re an iOS user.

Nest is intuitive and user-friendly, especially for people already invested in Google’s ecosystem. However, it may not be the best fit if you want detailed energy reports or built-in voice control.

Is Ecobee Better Than Nest?

If you're looking at advanced smart thermostats, the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium offers a compelling list of advantages. This model includes an air quality monitor, built-in Alexa, and the ability to function as a home intercom system. These features go beyond what the Nest Thermostat provides.

In terms of performance, the Ecobee thermostat stands out with its remote room sensors. These help regulate temperature more evenly throughout the house so you can avoid those hot and cold spots. Plus, installation is straightforward for most setups.

Compatibility is another area where Ecobee shines. It works seamlessly with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, giving you more flexibility regardless of which smart home system you prefer. Nest is primarily optimized for Google integration. When it comes to value, Ecobee is priced slightly higher, but its additional features can end up being the deciding factor for many homeowners.

Is There a Downside to Smart Thermostats?

While smart thermostats offer convenience and energy savings, they’re not without challenges. One of the common smart thermostat downsides is compatibility. Some systems—especially older HVAC packaged units and AC units—may require professional installation.

Another concern is privacy. Since these devices are connected to the internet and often collect usage data, security and privacy concerns are valid. It’s worth thinking about what information your thermostat gathers and how it’s used.

You should also be aware of the limitations of smart thermostats. If your Wi-Fi goes down, your ability to control the thermostat remotely might go away along with it! What’s more, although these devices can lead to lower energy bills, it may take several years to see a return on investment. That alone may not make the switch worth it. But again, you have options.

Find Brand-New Thermostats for Sale at Surplus City!

Whether you're upgrading your home with the latest smart thermostat or looking for reliable components for packaged HVAC units, Surplus City HVAC & Supplies has you covered. We stock a wide range of hard-to-find HVAC parts, thermostats, and control systems—all at discounted prices. Start browsing our range of budget-friendly and cutting-edge smart technology to find your new thermostat today! At Surplus City, you can get the best for less. We’re here to help you save.