· Maggie · Reviews/Home · 8 min read
Top 6 Smart Thermostats with App Control Compared for 2025
Check out the 6 best smart thermostats with app control to make your home more energy-efficient and comfortable. Control your home’s temperature from your smartphone and save time and money with these top picks.
Introduction
Let’s face it—keeping your home cozy without breaking the bank can feel like a never-ending battle. But what if I told you there’s a way to take control of your home’s temperature without even being there? Enter smart thermostats with app control. These nifty gadgets let you adjust your home’s climate from your phone, whether you’re curled up on the couch or stuck in traffic miles away. It’s like having a remote control for your comfort, and honestly, it’s a game-changer.
In this article, I’ll walk you through six of the best smart thermostats with app control, breaking down their features, ease of use, and how they can fit into your life. You’ll get the lowdown on which models save the most energy, which apps are the easiest to use, and which ones play nice with other smart home gadgets. By the end, you’ll know exactly which thermostat is your perfect match. Ready to find your new favorite home upgrade? Let’s get started!
Sensi Smart Thermostat ST55
The Sensi Smart Thermostat ST55 is a solid pick if you’re looking for something reliable and easy to use. Setting it up was a breeze—even for someone who’s not exactly a DIY pro. The app walks you through the installation step-by-step, and it works with Alexa, so you can just tell your house to cool down or heat up. Pretty cool, right?
One thing I really liked is that it doesn’t need a C-wire, which is a big deal if you live in an older home. The built-in level on the backplate is a nice touch, too—no crooked thermostats here! The app also gives you energy usage reports, so you can see where you’re saving (or overspending). That said, I did run into a few Wi-Fi hiccups here and there, but a quick reset usually fixed it.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Super easy to install | Wi-Fi can be a little finicky |
| Works without a C-wire | Not the most stylish design |
| Energy Star certified | Lacks some fancy features |
Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004 Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat
If you’re into sleek designs, the Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004 might be your jam. It’s got a vibrant touchscreen that’s super easy to use, and the app lets you control everything from your phone. Setting it up wasn’t too bad, but you’ll need a C-wire, which could be a dealbreaker for some.
One feature I loved is the “recovery” mode—it starts heating or cooling your house ahead of time so it’s just right when you wake up or get home. The downside? The app feels a little outdated, and it doesn’t have fancy features like geofencing or adaptive learning. Also, the screen doesn’t adjust its brightness, which can be annoying if it’s in a bedroom.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Gorgeous touchscreen | App feels a bit old-school |
| Reliable Wi-Fi connection | Needs a C-wire |
| Energy Star certified | No adaptive learning |
ecobee3 Lite Smart Thermostat
The ecobee3 Lite is a great option if you’re all about saving energy. It works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri, so you can control it with your voice or your phone. Installation was pretty straightforward, and the app guides you through the whole process.
One standout feature is the energy-saving mode—it’s Energy Star certified and gives you detailed reports on your usage. The app is super intuitive, so you can tweak your settings even when you’re not home. The only bummer? It doesn’t come with room sensors, so you’ll have to buy those separately if you want more precise temperature control.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to install | No built-in room sensors |
| Works with all the major voice assistants | Wall plate might not match your decor |
| Great energy-saving features | Built-in sensor isn’t always spot-on |
Sensi Lite Smart Thermostat
If you’re on a budget but still want a solid smart thermostat, the Sensi Lite is worth a look. It’s super easy to install, and you don’t need a C-wire, which is a big plus for older homes. The app is straightforward, and the touchscreen is responsive, though it’s not as flashy as some other models.
One thing I appreciated was how reliable the Wi-Fi connection was—it didn’t drop out like some other thermostats I’ve tried. The app lets you set schedules and adjust things remotely, but it doesn’t have advanced features like room sensors. Still, for the price, it’s a great little device.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No C-wire needed | Lacks advanced features |
| Easy to install | Design is pretty basic |
| Reliable Wi-Fi and app control | No room sensor integration |
Smart Thermostat with App Control
This thermostat is a great budget-friendly option that still packs a punch. The app is easy to use, and it even has geofencing, so it adjusts the temperature based on where you are. Installation was a cinch, and it comes with a C-wire adapter, which is a nice touch for older systems.
Compared to the Sensi Lite and ecobee3 Lite, this one holds its own with multi-schedule programming and a sleek design. The only downside? The app isn’t as polished as some others, and the display only lights up when you touch it, which might bug some people.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable | Display only lights up when touched |
| Easy to install | App could use some improvements |
| Comes with a C-wire adapter | Lacks advanced features |
Honeywell Home RTH8800WF2022 T5 WiFi Smart Thermostat
The Honeywell Home T5 is a solid mid-range option that’s easy to use and has some nice features. The touchscreen is intuitive, and the geofencing is a standout—it adjusts the temperature based on your location. You’ll need a C-wire, but installation isn’t too tricky if you’re comfortable with basic wiring.
The app works well, and it integrates with Alexa, though the Resideo app can feel a little clunky at times. Compared to the Sensi Smart Thermostat, the T5 has more advanced features, but it’s not as simple to use. Still, it’s a dependable choice if you want something that just works.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Geofencing is super handy | Needs a C-wire |
| Easy-to-use touchscreen | App can be a little buggy |
| Works with Alexa | Lacks some advanced features |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which thermostat can I control from my phone?
Most smart thermostats, like the Nest Learning Thermostat, Ecobee SmartThermostat, and Honeywell Home T9, let you control your home’s temperature from your phone. They connect to your Wi-Fi and come with apps for iOS and Android, so you can adjust settings, create schedules, and check energy usage from anywhere. Many also work with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant.
Can you control a thermostat with an app?
Absolutely! Smart thermostats like Nest, Ecobee, and Honeywell connect to your Wi-Fi and let you control them through a mobile app. You can adjust the temperature, set schedules, and even monitor energy usage—all from your phone.
Which smart thermostat works best with iPhone?
The Ecobee SmartThermostat is a top pick for iPhone users. It works seamlessly with Apple HomeKit, so you can control it with the Home app or Siri. Plus, it’s got a sleek design and energy-saving features that make it a great choice.
Can a smart thermostat receive instructions from a smartphone app?
Yep! Smart thermostats are designed to take instructions from your phone. You can adjust the temperature, set schedules, and even get alerts—all through the app.
Is there a downside to smart thermostats?
They’re not perfect. They can be pricey upfront, and some require professional installation. Older HVAC systems might not be compatible, and if your Wi-Fi goes down, you could lose control. There are also some privacy concerns since they collect data about your habits.
Is Nest thermostat controlled by phone?
Yes! The Nest thermostat can be controlled through the Nest app on your phone. You can adjust the temperature, set schedules, and check energy usage from anywhere.
Conclusion
After testing these thermostats, here’s my take:
- Best for Easy Installation: Sensi Lite Smart Thermostat (ST25)
- Best for Energy Savings: ecobee3 Lite
- Best for Advanced Features: Honeywell Home RTH9585WF
- Best on a Budget: Degrii Smart Thermostat
- Best for Privacy: Sensi Smart Thermostat (ST55)
Each of these has its strengths, so think about what matters most to you—whether it’s saving energy, easy installation, or advanced features. Happy thermostat shopping!
