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The 7 Best Programmable Thermostats of 2024

Save money and take control of your home's cooling and heating

Honeywell Home RTH8560D 7-Day Programmable Touchscreen Thermostat on a peach background

The Spruce / Amelia Manley

A well-functioning programmable thermostat can take your home climate control to new levels. Its main function is to let you set your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to automatically heat or cool your home to exactly the temperature you want, when you want it. We think replacing your traditional thermostat with a programmable one can provide long-term energy savings that may offset the initial cost. 

That’s why we researched programmable thermostats compatible with various types of heating, cooling, and electrical setups, equipped with different levels of climate control technology. Whether you're looking for a smart, internet-connected thermostat or a simple model, we discovered there are plenty of options on the market, including from Honeywell, Emerson, and Google Nest.

Programmable thermostats can be as basic as offering different temperature settings for different times of the day. Some may connect to your Wi-Fi network for remote control through a mobile app. Others add smart features for automation, convenience, and efficiency. 

What to Know Before You Get Started

Programmable thermostats come with varying degrees of programmability, which affect how you can customize your home's cooling and heating schedules. Smart thermostats, in particular, let you schedule temperature adjustments whenever you want, as often as you want. But there are a few other scheduling options:

  • 7-day: These let you set a different schedule for each day of the week, usually for four separate periods of the day. We think this kind of programmable thermostat offers a good level of flexibility. 
  • 5-2: This model allows you to program a different schedule for the weekend versus weekdays. 
  • 5-1-1: With this one, you have variations for distinct Saturday and Sunday scheduling. 
  • Full-week: This allows you to program just a single schedule that applies throughout every day of the week. 

It's crucial to get a thermostat that works with the specific type of home heating system used in your home, and that typically goes hand-in-hand with the electrical and voltage requirements of the device. 

  • Low-voltage: Commonly, homes with forced air and central heating and cooling use low-voltage (usually 24-volt) thermostats, which will have a series of thin, multicolored wires to disconnect from your old unit and reattach to the one you're replacing it with. 
  • Line-voltage: On the other hand, if you see thicker black and red wires, you're likely dealing with line-voltage, or high-voltage (120 to 240 volt), like the wiring that runs to your outlets and light switches. This is usually used for electrical heating systems like baseboard heaters and will require a specifically compatible thermostat. 
  • Millivolt: Less common are millivolt systems (750 millivolts), which may call for specific millivolt thermostats, though some basic programmable thermostats do support them—check the product's documentation to be sure.
Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Honeywell Home 7-Day Programmable Touchscreen Thermostat

Honeywell Home RTH8560D 7-Day Programmable Touchscreen Thermostat

 Amazon

What We Like
  • Flexible, easy-to-set schedules

  • Intuitive touchscreen

  • Straightforward installation

What We Don't Like
  • Display can be hard to read without backlight

  • No Wi-Fi or smart features

We think Honeywell Home's T5 thermostat (with the model number RTH8560D) is an excellent all-around choice for many households wanting to upgrade the look, usability, and functionality of their HVAC controls. The programmable thermostat delivers good temperature regulation for just about any scheduling needs, supporting different settings for each day of the week, or for only one or both days of the weekend. While it doesn't include more advanced smart functions, the T5 does feature impressive Smart Response Technology that learns how early to activate your system in order to hit the desired temperature right on time. 

The number of scheduling options means the T5 is somewhat more complex to configure than basic, non-programmable models, but we think the 4-inch-square touchscreen goes a long way in making the process easier for users. You can turn the temperature up and down or change modes by tapping the screen. The numbers on the display are large, and a cool-colored backlight helps with visibility. We noted, however, that the screen can be dim when the backlight isn't on. 

We love that the T5 works with most low-voltage heating and cooling systems, including multi-stage systems and heat pumps, with an EM Heat mode to kick on emergency heating if your main system fails. (Note, it isn't compatible with 120V line voltage systems, such as for electric baseboard heaters.) We also like that installation is simple: Carefully connect the wiring, mount the hardware, and insert three AA batteries. You can also opt for constant hardwired power if your system includes a C-wire. 

Compatibility: Single-stage, multi-stage, heat pump, radiant heat, millivolt | Programmability: 7-day, 5-2, 5-1-1 | Smart Features: None | Power Source: Battery or hardwired (with C-wire)

What is a C-wire?

The C-wire is a blue or black wire on a fire-wire thermostat cable, often called the common wire. If your thermostat already has a C-wire, you should be able to install any smart thermostat. If your current thermostat is a Wi-Fi thermostat, it will have a five-wire cable that includes the C-wire. And if you don’t have a C-wire, there are three workarounds. Some of our picks have battery or C-wire options (like our best overall and best touchscreen), but others just need batteries, so you can avoid the C-wire altogether.

Best Value

Emerson P150 Single-Stage 5-2 Day Programmable Thermostat

Emerson P150 Single-Stage 5-2 Day Programmable Thermostat

Amazon

What We Like
  • Separate weekday and weekend settings

  • Simple to program and operate

  • Straightforward installation

What We Don't Like
  • Doesn’t work with multi-stage heating and cooling systems

  • Small display with no touchscreen

If you're looking for a basic level of programmability in your thermostat, without the frills of our best overall pick, you can nab the Emerson P150 for less than $25. An important limitation of this model is it doesn't work with multi-stage heating and cooling systems, only single-stage furnaces and heat pumps. But for compatible systems, installation is a simple DIY process, no C-wire required. 

A pair of AAA batteries are included to start you off with power, and an indicator will pop up on the display when they need replacing. A 3-year warranty covers the device in case you run into issues. 

As a 5-2 thermostat, you can program the P150 to run a certain schedule during the work week and a different one on the weekend. You can break down each day into four distinct periods—as in, four times during the day when you want the temperature to change. 

We like that you can cycle through the schedule and input your settings using convenient buttons on the front of the thermostat. We noticed the digital readout display itself isn't very big, but a helpful backlight switches on when you push any buttons for visibility. 

Compatibility: Single-stage, heat pump, radiant heat, millivolt | Programmability: 5-2 | Smart Features: None | Power Source: Battery

Best Wi-Fi

Honeywell Home Wi-Fi 7-Day Programmable Thermostat

Honeywell-home-wi-fi-7-day-programmable-thermostat

Amazon

What We Like
  • Simple to operate

  • Smart platform compatibility

  • Voice commands available

What We Don't Like
  • Older design with no touchscreen

For a programmable thermostat that can connect to the internet for wireless remote access, we think the Honeywell Home RTH6580WF is an excellent choice. It's perfect if you want something that feels like a traditional, easy-to-use thermostat, but with some extra connectivity. 

The RTH6580WF is compatible with most HVAC systems, as long as you have a C-wire to provide constant power. Once installed, you can connect the thermostat to your home's Wi-Fi network and log in to Honeywell's Total Connect Comfort app, where you can control the temperature remotely and receive notifications about any issues. 

On its own, the core programming modes allow for seven different days with four periods each. But what sets this one apart as our best Wi-Fi is that you can also integrate it with another smart ecosystem like Alexa or Google Home and take advantage of corresponding voice assistants (Apple HomeKit and Siri are not supported). Voice commands are convenient, but more functionally useful is being able to set additional temperature adjustment schedules and routines through third-party platforms. 

Compatibility: Single-stage, multi-stage, heat pump, radiant heat | Programmability: 7-day | Smart Features: Mobile app control, compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, IFTTT | Power Source: Hardwired (C-wire required)

Best Smart

Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium

ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium

ecobee

What We Like
  • Robust AI-powered functionality

  • Built-in smart speaker and air quality monitor

  • Impressive smart platform compatibility

What We Don't Like
  • Subscription needed for more features

Judging by pure climate control capabilities and energy-saving features, the best thermostats you'll find are the smart ones. We think the best of these is the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium. As the brand's highest-end model and the most expensive pick on our list, it sports plenty of bells and whistles. 

Far beyond pre-programming a few time periods, the Wi-Fi-connected device taps into artificial intelligence to recommend energy-efficient schedules based on factors, such as humidity, whether you're home or away, and peak times for your local electricity rates. 

We also like that it comes with a smart speaker (think of it as Amazon's Alexa or Apple's Siri built right into the unit). Typically, you'd need a separate microphone-equipped device for voice commands, but in this case, you can talk directly to your thermostat and have it play responses, music, and podcasts right back at you. 

It also comes with a remote temperature sensor so it can factor in potential hot or cold spots at other parts of your home. There's also a built-in air quality monitor and detection for smoke alarms and unexpected motion, but Ecobee's full security features do require a separate monthly subscription (an additional $70 to $125 per year pending the level of security you want). 

Compatibility: Single-stage, multi-stage, heat pump, radiant heat | Programmability: Custom schedule | Smart Features: Mobile app control, geofencing, energy saving recommendations, integrated smart speaker, compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, IFTTT | Power Source: Hardwired (C-wire required)

Best Touchscreen

Honeywell Touchscreen 7-Day Programmable Thermostat

Honeywell-rth7600d-touchscreen-7-day-programmable-thermostat

Amazon

What We Like
  • Flexible, easy-to-set schedules

  • Learns to activate your system in advance

  • Straightforward installation with hardwiring option

What We Don't Like
  • Older design

  • Display can be hard to read without backlight

When it comes to the conveniences of a touchscreen we think the RTH7600D Touchscreen 7-Day Programmable Thermostat from Honeywell Home provides the conveniences of a user-friendly, touch-sensitive display. 

Easy-to-press buttons running along the bottom change depending on the functions you're working on, while up and down arrows on the right side raise and lower the temperature or other settings. A green backlight kicks on when you first touch an active area, and after that you can press the buttons as needed. The light turns off quicker than some users would like, though, leaving the display tougher to see. 

The RTH7600D is about as easy to set up as it is to use, particularly for standard single-stage furnace configurations. It supports multi-stage systems, heat pumps, and other HVAC types, too, but the wiring may be more complex. You'll also need to keep the instruction manual handy for specific codes needed in the setup process. 

Once installed, the thermostat delivers good temperature regulation and reliability similar to our best overall pick, Honeywell Home's T5 model. Both the T5 Touchscreen and the RTH7600D Touchscreen include the brand's Smart Response Technology, which learns to heat or cool your home ahead of the scheduled time so that it reaches the set temperature when you want it to. 

Compatibility: Single-stage, multi-stage, heat pump, radiant heat, millivolt | Programmability: 7-day | Smart Features: None | Power Source: Battery or hardwired (with C-wire)

Easiest to Use

Orbit Clear Comfort Programmable Thermostat

Orbit 83521 Clear Comfort Pro 7-Day Programmable Thermostat

 Amazon

What We Like
  • Large, easy-to-read digits

  • Flexible scheduling options

  • Straightforward installation

What We Don't Like
  • Not for multi-stage systems

  • No touchscreen, Wi-Fi, or smart features

The first thing we noticed about the Orbit Clear Comfort Pro is its quality display, crisp and warmly backlit behind a clear glass faceplate. The digital numbers, particularly the temperature readout front and center, are noticeably larger than on most other thermostats, making the display more easily visible across larger rooms or for those who usually need reading glasses. 

A few buttons on the front and switches on the side are all the controls involved in setting and operating the thermostat. The 7-day, 4-period scheduling gives you plenty of flexibility while remaining simple to program, with a copy function that lets you apply the same schedules to multiple days. 

The Clear Comfort Pro is exclusively a single-stage thermostat, so homes using multi-stage systems should look elsewhere. It does support millivolt systems (which use very low voltage, usually 750 millivolts (mV) or 0.75 volts), as well as heat pumps, but without auxiliary (usually when gas or electric power has been triggered) or backup heat. Powering the device doesn't require a C-wire, just three AAA batteries that Orbit recommends replacing once a year. There's also an early-start function that you may want to toggle on during setup, so that it starts the heating/cooling in advance of your programmed start time. 

Compatibility: Single-stage, heat pump, radiant heat, millivolt | Programmability: 7-day | Smart Features: None | Power Source: Battery

Best Energy Monitoring

Google Nest Learning Thermostat

Google Nest Learning Thermostat

 Amazon

What We Like
  • AI-powered auto scheduling

  • Unique and effective dial design

  • Built-in light and proximity sensors

What We Don't Like
  • No remote sensors included

  • Not compatible with Apple HomeKit

The Nest Learning Thermostat from Google is a unique, sort of programmable thermostat, in that when it's working at its best, you don't need to program it at all. After about a week of normal usage, we like that it uses machine learning to build a schedule based on your day-to-day habits and preferences, then begins applying the program automatically. 

If you want to change the temperature manually, simply rotate the puck left or right, in an iconic design that calls back to old dial thermostats yet still feels unique and modern. The device will continue learning and adjusting to your preferences as you use it, helping lower electricity bills by running the heat or A/C only when needed, even as the weather changes around you. 

This original Nest thermostat, now in its third generation, makes the case for its premium price tag by being among the most energy-efficient thermostats around. It’s the second most expensive option on our list (only best smart option, the Ecobee, is more pricey). The tradeoff with paying over $100 for a thermostat is you save money in the long run since the smart thermostat learns how to effectively cool and heat your home. 

The learning functions are key, but it also regularly gives you suggestions to improve your energy usage habits, and rewards you every time you do so with a leaf. Nest’s gold medal of sorts is quantified by a leaf and your running leaf tally helps quantify good choices when reviewing the Nest's comprehensive energy reports. 

In terms of installation, the thermostat is listed as compatible with 95 percent of low-voltage systems, and a C-wire is not usually required. If you find your system needing it but lacking one, a Nest Power Connector accessory provides a simpler alternative to running a new C-wire (about $25). 

Compatibility: Single-stage, multi-stage, heat pump, radiant heat | Programmability: Custom/automatic schedule | Smart Features: Mobile app control, geofencing, auto-programming, compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Google Home | Power Source: Hardwired (C-wire needed in some cases) with rechargeable battery backup

Final Verdict

We selected the Honeywell Home T5 Touchscreen 7-Day Programmable Thermostat as our best overall programmable thermostat. It has flexible, reliable scheduling capabilities, and a touchscreen design. If you're looking for a full-featured internet-connected model, our best smart option, the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium, comes loaded with AI-assisted energy efficiency recommendations, air quality monitoring, and an integrated smart speaker. Plus, it has a remote sensor accessory to track temperatures in a different room.

What to Look for in a Programmable Thermostat

Compatibility with HVAC System

Not all thermostats are universally compatible with all the different types of HVAC systems found in today's homes. Most common in the U.S. are forced air systems with a furnace and air conditioner that blows hot or cold air through ducts. An important factor is whether your home uses multi-stage heating and cooling that allows for two or three levels of operation, rather than a single-stage system that is either on or off. More basic thermostats (like our best value pick, the Emerson P150 Single-Stage 5-2 Day Programmable Thermostat) are single-stage only and don't account for the extra multi-stage wiring. 

On the other hand, the Honeywell Home T5 Touchscreen 7-Day Programmable Thermostat earned our best overall designation in part for its wide compatibility. It works with everything from multi-stage furnaces to heat pumps, from typical low-voltage 24V systems to older 750 mV systems. It can run solely on battery power without the presence of a C-wire. For most Wi-Fi or smart thermostats, a C-wire is needed to draw continuous power and stay connected to your network; for the T5, a C-wire is just an option if you prefer to keep the unit hardwired. 

One type of heating solution that most programmable thermostats on this list don't support are electric baseboard heaters and other line-voltage systems. These rely on higher-voltage 120V or 240V circuits for their power supply and call for corresponding thermostats specific to that purpose.

User-Friendly Interface

While programmable thermostats help automate your day-to-day home climate settings, you do have to get past the initial step of inputting the temperatures and timings that you want, along with making changes when seasons and schedules change. 

We know the programming process isn't always intuitive on a tiny thermostat interface. This is where even relatively simple thermostats with a touchscreen display can show their value, such as our best touchscreen choice, the Honeywell Home RTH7600D Touchscreen 7-Day Programmable Thermostat, which has easy-to-press buttons and up and down arrows to raise and lower the temperature.

Also keep in mind that the more flexible 7-day thermostats with multiple periods for each day may be more tedious to program, unless they have a well-planned flow to their interface and potential shortcuts like a copy-paste mode. Depending on the user, a Wi-Fi or smart thermostat may be more complex to manage in general, but using a mobile app for the programming part may feel more familiar than navigating a physical thermostat.

Smart Features

In addition to thermostats that feature programmable scheduling, many models today tap into your home's wireless internet for a wealth of more powerful functions. The core benefit is being able to control your thermostat's operation and settings remotely through a mobile phone from anywhere with an internet connection. 

These devices usually can also integrate with other smart platforms—many are compatible with Amazon's Alexa and Google Home, while fewer options support Apple's HomeKit. Once paired with an ecosystem, you can use voice commands to adjust your thermostat or set up automated routines with other smart gadgets like cameras, sensors, and lights. 

Smart thermostats add not only convenience, but also an opportunity to save significantly on energy costs. Automatically tuning down your furnace or A/C usage when people are sleeping, away from home, or at peak times can add up to reduced consumption in the long term.

Our pick for best energy monitoring is the Google Nest Learning Thermostat. We love what it can actively do and how it encourages homeowners to improve their cooling and heating habits. Google lists it as the first smart thermostat to earn an Energy Star label from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which designates that it's been tested for its energy-friendly capabilities.

Standout Features

Geofencing

Among the advanced features you can find on Wi-Fi-enabled and smart thermostats is geofencing, which establishes a virtual perimeter around your home that triggers certain actions. This is an optional feature that requires coordinating with your smartphone.

"With your permission, your smart thermostat may use the app on your phone to detect when you are away or at home," says EPA spokesperson Remmington Belford. "This feature allows your thermostat to detect when you’ve left for the day to ‘set back’ your HVAC system and save money on your heating or A/C bill." It doesn't track your location at all times, but it does know whether you're nearby. Our best energy monitoring option, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat, has geofencing capabilities.

Learning Capabilities

Perhaps the most futuristic thermostat function available today is the autolearning feature that the Google Nest Learning Thermostat, our best energy monitoring option, is known for. Rather than thinking about your preferred schedule and programming it yourself, you can make temperature tweaks based on your preferences. 

After a few days, the thermostat will learn how you like to heat/cool your home and make automatic adjustments as it goes, based on your behavior, the seasons, and potential energy savings. 

On a simpler level of learning, certain Honeywell Home thermostats—such as the Honeywell Home T5 Touchscreen 7-Day Programmable Thermostat (our best overall),  and the Honeywell Home RTH7600D Touchscreen 7-Day Programmable Thermostat (our best touchscreen)—include a feature called Smart Response Technology. It's similar to early-start functions on other thermostats, except it learns exactly how long your system takes to heat or cool to the temperatures you want, so it can get a jump start and reach those temps right at the scheduled times. 

Why Trust The Spruce? 

Anton Galang is a contributor for The Spruce who specializes in home tech, appliances, and smart gadgets, which includes everything from thermostats to refrigerators to light bulbs. Before starting with The Spruce in 2022, he previously wrote articles and reviews for the technology site Lifewire, as well as for the print and digital editions of PC Magazine, where he began his consumer tech career in 2007. His own history with programmable thermostats included a Google Nest Learning Thermostat in his previous home, but he currently uses a non-learning Google Nest Thermostat and is perfectly happy with its scheduling features and how it fits in with the rest of his smart home collection.

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