Do you ever worry about your energy bill spiking during summer or winter? It’s a common stress! Keeping your home comfortable can be expensive, especially when you’re not even home to enjoy it. Traditional thermostats just let the heat or air conditioning run all day, wasting money and energy.
Choosing a smart thermostat can save you money. But with so many brands and models, picking a cheap one can feel confusing. You might worry about confusing features, difficult setups, or unreliable performance. Nobody wants to buy something that doesn’t work well! This guide helps you find the best budget-friendly smart thermostat for your needs.
By reading on, you’ll learn what to look for in a smart thermostat. We’ll explain important features, compare different models, and give you tips for saving money. You’ll also find out how easy it is to install a smart thermostat and start saving energy right away. Let’s dive into finding the perfect, affordable smart thermostat for your home!
Our Top 5 Cheap Smart Thermostat Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Cheap Smart Thermostat Detailed Reviews
1. Amazon Smart Thermostat – Save money and energy – Works with Alexa and Ring – C-wire required
Rating: 9.0/10
The Amazon Smart Thermostat is a smart way to control your home’s temperature. It helps you save money and energy. This thermostat works with Alexa and Ring. You can easily upgrade from your old thermostat. It is a simple way to make your home smarter and more efficient.
What We Like:
- Smart Upgrade: It is an easy upgrade from a regular thermostat.
- Supports Temperature Sensors: Use Echo devices to find hot or cold spots.
- Save Money: You might get rebates from your energy company.
- Save Energy: It can save you money on your energy bills.
- Automatic Control: Alexa can change the temperature for you.
- On-the-go Control: Change the temperature from your phone.
- Easy Installation: The Alexa app helps you set it up.
- Reliable: It uses good technology and has a long history.
What Could Be Improved:
- C-wire Required: You need a C-wire for it to work.
The Amazon Smart Thermostat is a great way to make your home smarter and save money. It is a good choice for people who want to control their home’s temperature easily.
2. Sensi Smart Thermostat
Rating: 9.3/10
The Sensi Smart Thermostat, ST55, is a smart thermostat. It uses Wi-Fi and works with Alexa. This thermostat is easy to install yourself. It’s also Energy Star certified and programmable. Sensi helps you control your home’s temperature easily.
What We Like:
- Easy to install yourself. The app gives you step-by-step directions.
- You don’t need a common wire in most homes.
- Sensi won’t sell your info. Your privacy is important.
- The thermostat can help you save money. You might save about 23% on energy.
- It gives you reports about your energy use.
- It helps you keep your HVAC system working well.
- It looks and feels like a normal thermostat.
What Could Be Improved:
- The app could have more features.
- Some users may find the initial setup difficult.
The Sensi Smart Thermostat is a good option for most people. It is easy to install and use. You will likely save money on your energy bills.
3. Sensi Lite Smart Thermostat
Rating: 9.3/10
The Sensi Lite Smart Thermostat is a smart way to control your home’s temperature. It is easy to install yourself. This thermostat works with Wi-Fi and Alexa. It is Energy Star certified. It also helps you save money on your energy bill. The Sensi Lite is designed with your privacy in mind. It won’t share your data with others. You can control it from anywhere with your phone.
What We Like:
- Easy DIY installation with clear instructions.
- Works with most HVAC systems.
- Saves you money with flexible scheduling and energy reports.
- Protects your privacy.
- You can control the thermostat from your phone.
What Could Be Improved:
- Requires a C-wire for some systems like heat pump and heat/cool only.
The Sensi Lite Smart Thermostat is a good pick for many homes. It’s simple to set up and helps you save money. It is a great way to upgrade your home’s comfort.
4. New 2025 ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential – Energy Star Certified programmable Wi-Fi Thermostat – Works with Siri
Rating: 9.3/10
The New 2025 ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential is here! This smart thermostat is Energy Star certified. It lets you program your home’s temperature. It also connects to Wi-Fi. You can use it with Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant. This thermostat helps you save energy. It makes your home more comfortable. This is a great choice for a smart home.
What We Like:
- Easy to set up and use.
- Works with many smart home systems.
- Helps save money on energy bills.
- It is Energy Star certified.
What Could Be Improved:
- There are no features listed.
This new ecobee thermostat looks like a solid choice. It offers great features for a smart home.
5. Like-New Amazon Smart Thermostat – ENERGY STAR certified
Rating: 9.0/10
The Like-New Amazon Smart Thermostat is a smart way to control your home’s temperature. It’s refurbished and works just like a new one. This ENERGY STAR certified thermostat helps you save money and energy. You can easily install it yourself and control it with the Alexa app. This thermostat uses Honeywell Home Thermostat Technology and is backed by a long history of experience.
What We Like:
- Easy to install yourself. The Alexa app helps you.
- You can save money on your energy bills. It’s ENERGY STAR certified.
- Control the temperature from anywhere with the Alexa app.
- Alexa can program the thermostat for you. It keeps you comfortable.
- You might get rebates from your energy provider. Amazon will tell you how.
- You can use other Echo devices as temperature sensors.
What Could Be Improved:
- This thermostat needs a C-wire for installation. This can be a problem for some homes.
- It’s a refurbished product, so it might not look brand new.
The Like-New Amazon Smart Thermostat is a good choice for people who want a smart thermostat. It’s a cost-effective way to upgrade your home. It also helps you save money and energy.
Smart Thermostat Shopping: Keeping it Cool (and Cheap!)
Buying a smart thermostat saves you money. It also makes your home more comfortable. But you don’t have to spend a lot of cash! This guide helps you find a cheap smart thermostat.
Key Features to Look For
You need to know what to look for. Here are some important features:
- Compatibility: Make sure the thermostat works with your heating and cooling system. Most work with gas furnaces, electric furnaces, and air conditioners. Double-check before you buy!
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: This is a must-have. You need Wi-Fi to control the thermostat from your phone.
- Smartphone App: Look for a user-friendly app. The app should let you change the temperature and set schedules.
- Scheduling: A good thermostat lets you set different temperatures for different times. You can save energy while you’re away.
- Geofencing: Some thermostats know when you’re near home. They can turn on the heat or AC automatically.
- Voice Control: Many smart thermostats work with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit. This makes controlling the temperature easy.
- Energy Reports: These reports show you how much energy you’re using. This helps you save money.
Important Materials
What is the thermostat made of? Here’s what matters:
- Screen: Most have a digital screen. It shows the temperature. Look for a screen that is easy to read.
- Plastic: The outer shell is usually plastic. It should feel sturdy.
- Wiring: The wires connect the thermostat to your HVAC system. Make sure the wires are durable.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a thermostat better. Other things make it worse.
- Good Quality:
- A clear, easy-to-read screen.
- A responsive app.
- Easy installation instructions.
- Reliable Wi-Fi connection.
- Support from the manufacturer.
- Poor Quality:
- A screen that is hard to see.
- A clunky or confusing app.
- Difficult installation.
- Frequent Wi-Fi dropouts.
- No customer support.
User Experience and Use Cases
Smart thermostats are easy to use. Here’s how they work:
- Installation: You can install most thermostats yourself. Follow the instructions carefully. You might need a screwdriver.
- Daily Use: You can set the temperature with the thermostat. You can also do it with your phone. You can set a schedule.
- Use Cases:
- Saving Energy: Set the temperature lower when you’re away. Set it higher when you’re home.
- Convenience: Control your thermostat from anywhere.
- Comfort: Keep your home at the perfect temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a smart thermostat?
A: A smart thermostat is a thermostat you can control with your phone. It can learn your habits and save you money.
Q: Do I need to hire a professional to install a smart thermostat?
A: No. You can install most smart thermostats yourself. The instructions are usually easy to follow.
Q: What if my Wi-Fi goes down?
A: Your thermostat will still work. You can change the temperature manually.
Q: How much money can I save?
A: You can save up to 20% on your energy bill. It depends on your habits and your home.
Q: What if my heating and cooling system is old?
A: Most smart thermostats work with older systems. Check the compatibility before you buy.
Q: Will my smart thermostat work with my voice assistant?
A: Many do. Check the product details to see if it works with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit.
Q: What if I forget to change the temperature when I leave?
A: Some thermostats have geofencing. They know when you leave and can adjust the temperature.
Q: Is a cheap smart thermostat as good as an expensive one?
A: Not always. But you can find great, affordable options. Look for the features you need.
Q: How do I clean my smart thermostat?
A: Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the screen and the body.
Q: What if I have questions after I buy the thermostat?
A: Contact the manufacturer’s customer support. They can help you.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Florence Disha, the creator behind HomesMend.com. With a passion for making every house a home, I share my personal experiences, tips, and expertise to help you transform your living spaces. Whether it’s practical advice, creative ideas, or tried-and-true solutions, my goal is to inspire and guide you in creating a home that feels just right. Let’s make every corner of your space truly yours!