8 Best Nest Thermostats 2026 in the United States

The Honeywell Home X8S is a smart thermostat designed to give you more than just temperature control. It works with many heating and cooling systems, except for electric baseboard heat, making it compatible with most homes. One standout feature is its ability to show and let you talk to visitors through supported video doorbells right from its large, customizable 5-inch touchscreen. It also helps maintain indoor air quality by controlling humidity and ventilation, though you might need extra equipment for that.

This thermostat learns your presence and adjusts settings automatically to save energy when you're away, using a wireless sensor that can be placed wherever is most convenient—even up to 200 feet away. You can control it remotely via the First Alert app, and it plays well with popular smart home systems like Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Home, and the Matter standard, making it versatile for smart homes.

Energy savings are a focus here, supported by ENERGY STAR certification and compatibility with energy programs that may offer rebates. To install, you’ll need a C-wire, but if you don’t have one, Honeywell includes a free adapter voucher, which helps ease installation. The touchscreen is attractive and functional, though its integration with doorbell cameras is limited to specific brands, and the advanced air quality features may require additional equipment. The X8S is a solid choice for those wanting a smart thermostat with extra comfort features, solid remote control, and good smart home compatibility, especially if you value a large, easy-to-read display and additional functions like video doorbell access.

The Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004 is a smart thermostat designed to fit well in homes looking for a programmable and energy-efficient heating and cooling solution. It supports a wide range of heating systems including forced air, hot water, steam, and heat pumps, but it does require a C-wire for power and isn’t compatible with electric baseboard heating. Unlike Nest models, this thermostat doesn’t have advanced learning capabilities that adapt automatically to your habits, so you’ll program schedules yourself or use utility-managed peak rate options. It features a bright, customizable color touchscreen that’s easy to use and lets you personalize the look to match your décor, which adds a nice touch of style. Integration with smart home systems is solid—it works well with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, allowing voice control and remote access through its mobile app, so you can adjust your temperature from anywhere.

The unit also provides monthly energy reports and personalized tips, helping you save energy and potentially qualify for utility rebates or demand response programs that reward energy-saving behavior during peak times. One limitation is the lack of a backlight, which might make it harder to see in the dark. The Honeywell thermostat is Energy Star certified and reliable for basic smart thermostat functions, though it does not offer the more advanced self-learning and adaptive performance found in Nest thermostats. This product suits users who want a straightforward, programmable smart thermostat with remote control and energy tracking, without the high level of automation offered by some competitors.

The Honeywell Home RTH8800WF2022 T5 WiFi Smart Thermostat offers solid features for those looking to control their home heating and cooling efficiently. It works well with most heat/cool oil furnace systems, but it’s important to check if your home has a C-wire or if you’ll need an adapter before purchasing. This model supports 7-day programmable scheduling and geofencing, meaning it can adjust the temperature automatically based on your location using your smartphone, which adds convenience and potential energy savings. It is Energy Star certified and provides monthly energy reports with personalized tips, helping you understand and reduce your energy use.

One of the thermostat’s strengths is its compatibility with major smart home systems like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, allowing easy remote control via voice or apps. The touchscreen interface is user-friendly and the design is clean and modern with a clear LCD display. Features like Auto Home and Away mode and vacation settings help further optimize comfort and savings.

This thermostat doesn’t have advanced learning capabilities like some Nest thermostats that automatically adapt to your habits without manual programming. It requires a constant power source via C-wire, which can complicate installation in older homes without existing wiring. Some users might find the need to set schedules manually less convenient compared to thermostats that learn over time. The Honeywell T5 is a reliable choice for homeowners seeking a programmable smart thermostat with solid remote control, energy tracking, and smart home integration, especially if you prefer some manual control over fully automatic learning features.