Best budget thermostat for Apple Home: ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential
The Essential works with Apple Home, Alexa, Google Assistant and SmartThings, and it supports ecobee’s SmartSensors for rooms that run hot or cold. It skips the occupancy radar and speaker of ecobee’s pricier models.
- Works with Apple Home, Alexa, Google and SmartThings
- Supports add-on room sensors
- Reliable and easy to use
- No occupancy radar or built-in assistant
- Basic screen and build
Skip it if you have no C-wire and don’t want to fit the adapter.
Nest looks for less: Google Nest Thermostat
The Nest Thermostat has supported Matter since April 2023, so it isn’t only for Google homes. It won’t learn your routine by itself and has no remote sensors, so set a schedule once in the app.
- Matter support, so it works in Apple Home too
- Clean design, easy install
- Frequent sales
- Doesn’t learn your schedule on its own
- No remote room sensors
Skip it if your home has hot and cold rooms that need remote sensors.
Cheapest thermostat for Alexa: Amazon Smart Thermostat
Built with Honeywell, this is the cheapest name-brand option. It only works with Alexa, needs a C-wire (an adapter is sold separately) and has no room sensors.
- The cheapest name-brand smart thermostat
- Alexa Hunches can adjust it automatically
- Wall plate included
- Alexa only: no Google or Apple
- Needs a C-wire (adapter sold separately)
Skip it if you use Google or Apple Home, or need room sensors.
Check your wiring first
Most smart thermostats need a C-wire for constant power. Take a photo of your current thermostat’s wires before buying. If you want the full premium experience, read our Nest Learning Thermostat review. For savings, see do smart thermostats save money? Have a heat pump? See smart thermostats for heat pumps.
