Best Thermostats That Work With Alexa

Having a smart home makes life at home more comfortable and easier. As much as we could, we would want to automate all the appliances that we have in our homes and one of the things that would be great to transform and integrate into our smart home is the thermostat. There are a lot of benefits in doing this. For one it is is energy saving and it would also save you time in going to and fro to your thermostat device to adjust its settings.

One way to make it more convenient is by connecting your Thermostat to Alexa. This way you will be able to control your Thermostat by telling Alexa to do what you want to do. There are numerous thermostats in the market. However, not every thermostat would work with Alexa. Hence, in this article, we have came up with a list of the best thermostats that work with Alexa.

One of the best that we have found is the ecobee SmartThermostat with voice control. It works with Alexa and it comes with the best combination of smart features, configuration options, user control and impressive performance. This one is difficult to be compared with but there are other thermostats that offer other great specifications and features which we shall feature too in this article.

Before Buying A Thermostat

What voltage does your HVAC run?

Thermostats operate and run on specific voltages and many HVAC systems use 24V control arrangement. Though this is the case, you could also get line voltage systems which means, you will have to learn and it is important to know what system you have and would it be compatible with your chosen thermostat. If you are not sure, you could check your existing thermostat and check its wires. If you have thing multi-colored wires, then you have a low voltage system. Thicker red and black electrical wires on the other hand is a good indication that you have a line voltage.

What functions do you need to control?

Smart thermostats differ from one another in terms of functions that they support. This could easily be determined by the wiring you would be using. There are a number of colored wires which you could connect to your terminals. Each one has a label such as W1, RC, O, C and G. Check the thermostat that you will choose and see if it does support the same as your current thermostat. Keep in mind that the more wiring options you have the more functionality you will have on your HVAC system.

Do you have a C-wire?

C-wire or more commonly known as Common Wire is usually found in newer HVACs. It is used o get power into your thermostat. It is particularly designed for smart thermostats which have higher power consumption. Thus, there are a lot of smart thermostats that would need a C-wire to provide them power. It is important if you have this option and incase you are connected to one end but not at the other end, this could be that your thermostat does not require it original.

Best Smart Thermostats That Work With Alexa

ecobee SmartThermostat

Features

• Supports Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, SmartThings, IFTTT
• 24V C-wire or included adapter
• Dual band WiFi -no hub
• Includes detached smart sensor
• Alexa built voice control
• 3 year warranty
• Energy star certified

The ecobee SmartThermostat come with numerous features and it is one of the thermostats found in the market that works with Alexa. It has a sleek black design which provides a classic look. It has a sharp interface which highlights the current temperature and HVAC mode.

It is compatible with SmartThings, IFTTT, HomeKit. It supports Alexa, Google Assistant and now Siri. It comes with a built-in microphone and speaker. If you wish it also has a disable option of that feature as well. You could also mute the microphone. However, if you wish to use your smart thermostat as a smart speaker, then, it is okay for you to do without some of the integrations.

Ecobee software comes with a lot of flexible programming options like temperature thresholds, temperature speed and the like. You could also configure upper and lower limits and allow for your system to cool down or heat up your place. It also comes with optional intelligent alerts which would notify you of the temperature and even the humidity limits.

Another feature is its scheduling function where it allows you to set multiple schedules for different situations. You could also set the duration for home, away and sleep modes. You could set your thermostat to vacation mode which would override other normal schedule that you have set.

This thermostat comes with a smart room sensor which has temperature and motion detectors. You could add more room sensors as much as you wish. Another great feature about this thermostat is its door and window smart sensors.

Installing this thermostat is simple and straightforward, it comes with a mount plate which you could attach to your wall. It is easy to connect to the snap lock wire terminals as well.

It supports 2 stage heating and cooling and 2 stage heat and cool on heat pumps with 2 stage aux heating and simple speed fan control. Single accessory is also supported. With this thermostat, you would need a C-wire for power.

Potential Concerns

There are a few complaints about the temperature setting interface where you would need to slide your finger up and down on the right of the display. Some find it a little challenging to get the exact the temperature they want.

With this thermostat, it would not be a full Alexa integration.

Google Nest Learning Thermostat

Features

• Supports Alexa and Google Assistant
• Built-in temperature sensors
• Dual band WiFi- no hub
• Easy to install
• 24V C-Wire or Internal Battery
• Energy star certified

This thermostat comes with a high resolution bright display which makes it easier to view and look at. Its display has color indicators wherein if it is in blue color then this means it is cooling and when it shows orange then it is heating. It has a dial around the edge which would show you the difference between current temperature and the temperature that you have set.

This thermostat comes in 7 color options – brass, copper and steel. It comes with self-learning system wherein it would learn form your activities at home and the temperature settings that your household would use and then it would automatically and intelligently program itself. It also comes with a motion sensor and it reduces wasted energy.

The Google Nest could be adjusted through its Nest smartphone app. Moreover, this thermostat is easy to set up with its mounting plate. It also supports 3 stage heating, 2 stage cooling and heat pumps with auxiliary and emergency modes.

Potential Concerns

You would need a cloud account and nest app to control your thermostat. There are some complaints about the learning system as there are some who do not want this type of system. WiFi connectivity could also be a problem.

Emerson Sensi ST55

Features

• Supports Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, SmartThings
• 24 V C-wire or AA batteries
• 2.4GHz WiFi
• Easy to install
• Energy star certified

This thermostat works on a lot of different popular smart home integrations. It works with Alexa, Samsung and SmartThings. Its display is clear and very functional. It runs of two standard AA batteries which could easily be replaced. It also allows you to use and operate this device without C-Wire. It is easy to install with its mounting plate. Configuration could be done on its app and one of them is scheduling multiple schedules for different situations. You could use the manual remote control via internet as well if you wish.

It supports 2 stage heating and cooling with and without heat pump, heat pump aux and emergency heat modes and single stage fan control. It also has a control panel lock out function to prevent kids and guests from messing with the settings.

Potential Concerns

The problem with Emerson is that their customer support is not that great. There also have been reports of poor WiFi performance. Also the AA batteries will not keep your WiFi to run for a long time. Hence, if you do not have C-wire then you will have to change the batteries most of the time.

Emerson Sensi Touch ST75

Features

• Supports Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit and SmartThings
• 24V with C-wire only
• 2.4GHz WiFi
• Color touch screen
• Energy star certified

This thermostat comes with the same hardware as the Sensi ST55. It has a colored LCD touch display. It provides a more modern look. However, you would need to have a C-wire for this one. Its default display is similar to ecobee with its current temperature. Its temperature adjustment could be made through its slider found on its right side. Its system settings could be adjusted through the display. However, some of it must be done through the app.

Installation is a bit more complicated compared to the ST55 which means, it is wise to get a professional or pro to install this one. This thermostat supports 2 stage heating and cooling with or without heat pump, heat pump aux and emergency heat modes and single speed fan control as well.

Potential Concerns

WiFi reliability is a concern when it comes to this product. Their customer support is not that great as well.

Sinope Smart WiFi Thermostat

Features

• Supports Alexa, HomeKit, Google Home
• WiFi, no hub
• 120-240V line voltage, 3000W
• Easy to install

This thermostat is designed with high voltage which uses a line voltage. It works with Alexa and could be used with baseboard heating, convectors, radiant ceiling heating and supports 2 or 4 wire installations.

Through this thermostat, you will be able to configure ambient scenes schedules with up to 8 periods per day and geofencing. You could also access energy reports of your system usage. It could handle up to 3000W and they have 4000W version.

Potential Concerns

There is no sufficient minimal documentation of its software features. There are a few functions that would require more explanation which means it would be convenient if the documentations were more detailed.

Honeywell T10 Pro

Features

• Supports Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, IFTTT
• 24V with C-wire only
• Dual band WiFi – no hub
• Room sensor included
• Energy star certified

This thermostat comes with a simple and clean interface. It has a sharp color display and has mounting plates which makes it easier to install. Though it is easy to install, we still would suggest for you to hire a professional to do it for you. The reason behind this is this is required for you to be able to claim extended warranty and also due to Honeywell’s extensive installer configuration options.

This thermostat has accurate temperature sensors and room sensors where you could control the temperature in different areas of the house. If you have HVAC system which has outside temperature sensors, you will be able to use T10 Pro for outside temperature monitoring. You could also set up schedules and geofencing behaviors. It supports conventional 2 stage heat and cool, 3 stage heat/2 stage cool with heat pump, Aux/emergency heat and accessories as well.

Potential Concerns

There is a firmware issue which could prevent you from connecting to a WiFi 6 router. Though that is the case, it could easily be fixed. Some customers say that it could get a little warm .

Wyze Smart WiFi Thermostat

Features

• Supports Alexa, Google Assistant, IFFTTT
• WiFi- no hub
• 24V with C-wire
• Easy to install

If you are on a budget, then, this one is perfect for you. It is easy to install and the device itself could be controlled from your phone, Alexa or Google Assistant. It has a mounting plate which makes it easy to install. You would need a C-wire for power and it supports conventional 2 stage heat and cool, 4 stage heat and 2 stage cool on heat pumps. It has a simple interface a large easy to use physical dial display. Its app allows you to adjust its settings to home, away and sleep modes. It also allows you to set a simple 7-day schedule.

Potential Concerns

It is a new product in the market and you would definitely be experiencing the growing pains of the hardware and software of this product. It has difficultly with support with other smart devices. Lastly, its app features are a bit limited.

FAQs

Does Amazon make a thermostat?

Yes, Amazon has a smart thermostat that works with Alexa and it is the Amazon Smart Thermostat which is designed with Honeywell.

Are smart thermostats really worth it?

Yes, we could say that it is worth investing on especially when it provides convenience, comfort and efficiency.

What are the cons of a smart thermostat?

• Range of configuration options
• Behavior of smart energy saving features

Can I just install a smart thermostat?

In most cases yes, however, there are some brands and models that would require professional installation for you to be ensured that your device would still be covered with its extended warranty.

Conclusion

We hope that through this article, we were able to provide you useful information which you could use as a guide in choosing the best thermostat that work with Alexa that would suit your preference and need.