▷ Connected thermostat comparison 2021: Price, reviews, which one to buy

House or apartment, in town or in the countryside, wherever we live, we are looking for simple solutions to feel at home. And feeling good also means managing your budget when it comes to gas and electricity bills.

If you always have apprehension when the "painful" arrives in your mailbox, the Internet of Things offers ecological and sustainable solutions to manage your energy consumption at home thanks to the using a connected thermostat.

In this section, we offer a large selection of articles on connected thermostats, the different models of connected room thermostats, whether they are WiFi, wireless for boilers or for electric radiators. We also offer a comparison to help you find THE best connected thermostat for your needs.

Table of Contents

Netatmo thermostat

It can be controlled remotely. Your smartphone becomes the remote control for your connected Netatmo thermostat. It allows real smart programming by taking into account the insulation of your home and the outside temperature.

In addition to an elegant design and a wide choice of colors, the Netatmo allows you to save up to 37% on your heating bills. Its dedicated application is compatible with iOS, Android and Windows systems. In addition, it is compatible with both gas and oil-fired boilers, as well as wood-fired ones.

Honeywell Lyric T6: connected thermostat with the best value for money

extreme sobriety, the Honeywell Lyric T6 is quickly forgotten. Thus, its installation is very easy. You have the choice between simply placing it on its receiver box or attaching it to a wall. According to the manufacturer, it only takes ten minutes to set it up.

For actual use, this connected thermostat can follow your movements thanks to the geolocation of your smartphone. As soon as you go out, it reduces the temperature of the accommodation so as not to waste energy. Conversely, it automatically increases the heating when you get closer to the house.

Alternatively, you can always manually specify via the device's mobile application the heating and cooling cycles you want. But what makes the strength of the Honeywell Lyric T6 is its compatibility with Apple Homekit, Amazon Alexa, Google Home and IFTTT.

Once connected to one of these systems, the small thermostat becomes a great voice-controlled tool for managing the home. All this at a reasonable price. Unfortunately, Honeywell only offers a wired model, the only concession to reduce the cost of the device.

Tado° V3+ thermostat: best connected thermostat for non-techies

This Tado model has a first advantage in its favor : its use is extremely simple. Nevertheless, it is above all distinguished by the incredible intelligence of its system in order to allow you to have total control over your heating.

To do this, simply install the internet budget included in its starter kit. The device is natively compatible with almost all voice assistants and home automation platforms. So whether you use Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant or even Amazon Alexa at home, this Tado V3+ connected thermostat can be integrated into your routines.

In fact, this model has thermostatic heads to be positioned in the different rooms of the house. Therefore, it will be possible to modify the temperature in a specific room, for example the living room when everyone is in their bedroom.

Better, Tado has made sure that its device can analyze weather data in your area as well as detect the opening of a window. Using this information, it suggests the appropriate settings.

However, it should be noted that most of the best features are only available by subscription.

Qivivo thermostat: best French connected thermostat

Cocorico! €149.90 and a really smart thermostat, that's what the French at Qivivo are offering. The new Quivio thermostat has a fully touch-sensitive low-consumption LED display. With its heating indicator, the thermostat also incorporates many sensors: measurement range, sensitivity, set temperature and a wide-field presence and humidity sensor. Like the previous model, it allows multi-user remote control, geolocation, up to 10 time programs: all of which can be installed in just 15 minutes. You can connect it in two different ways: by connecting the gateway to the internet box via USB 5V DC 200mA power supply and RJ45 ethernet port or by long-range wireless connection between Qivivo Thermostat, the gateway and the wireless module. The app is available on Android and iOS. To take full advantage of the learning and adaptation faculties, you must subscribe to the Comfort subscription at €2.99/month (without commitment).

You should know that Qivivo is a 100% French product and compatible with many heating systems (electric, gas, oil, wood, heat pump).

Nest Thermostat, the best thermostat with a premium design

The Nest Thermostat is a handy electronics to control the ambient heat in a fireplace. It is characterized at first sight by its premium appearance with a rounded shape. But this model is just as practical as it is beautiful to look at.

You can, among other things, adjust it using the buttons on the side or using the Google Home app. This connected thermostat Nest offers easy configuration thanks to this application. Also note that it is compatible with Alexa. It is thus suitable with voice control, which remains practical on a daily basis.

You have the possibility to adjust it anywhere from your device in order to have the ideal temperature while saving the most energy. It incorporates interesting functions such as a motion sensor or an ambient light detector and humidity.

We still regret that this product is not compatible with the “Google temperature detection” function which automates temperature regulation in a room. In short, this model remains of good quality, especially for its very attractive price.

Somfy: the best versatile connected thermostat

Somfy offers many home automation products. Among these, the connected wired thermostat facilitates the management of your heating. Once the old thermostat is uninstalled, you connect it to the two cables necessary for its operation. The supplied batteries are used to power the LEDs of the device. Compatible with electricity, gas, oil, wood and heat pumps, the Somfy connected thermostat allows you to control the temperature in your home. It has a humidity sensor, a geolocation function, calculates the inertia and insulation of the home.

In addition, it detects open windows and above all should help to better control energy consumption. The device is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant assistants to control it by voice. Finally, it can be associated with the Tahoma box in order to create scenarios when opening Somfy or other shutters.

Heatzy Pilote: best connected thermostat for electric heaters

This wireless model stands out of the average connected thermostat by its ease of use. Thus, it is very easy to install: just connect it to an electric heater and connect it to its WiFi network. From then on, it can be controlled from a mobile application.

Despite this simplicity, the Heatzy Pilote is not lacking in features. First of all, you can adjust the temperature from anywhere. All you need is an internet connection and the application on your mobile.

But it doesn't stop there since you can choose between several heating modes. For example, a Comfort mode sets the temperature to an optimal level while in Eco mode it will be a little cooler to save energy. It all depends on your priorities.

In the long run, the Heatzy Pilot will choose for you thanks to machine learning. Indeed, by analyzing your consumption habits, the connected thermostat will automatically opt for the appropriate mode at a specific time.

Finally, the device is doubly smart since it is compatible with voice assistantsGoogle Home and Amazon Alexa. Thanks to these, you can simply use voice commands to change the temperature in the house.

PURCHASING GUIDE FOR CONNECTED THERMOSTATS

See the buying guide

Definition, operation and uses

A connected thermostat, how does it work?

Like all connected objects, the connected thermostat is controlled remotely, from a smartphone, tablet or computer. No matter where you are, thanks to this device, you will monitor your energy consumption and receive real-time information.

The connected thermostat will gradually adapt to your habits. Automatically, it will be able to detect your hours of absence and presence. For this purpose, he will create a personalized program which will take into account the indoor and outdoor temperatures. It will condense all this information in order to report it to you every day via its Internet connection.

To achieve such precision in the data, it uses its on-board sensors: motion detector, ambient temperature, hygrometry. In addition, it analyzes all your orders, i.e. the temperature drop and rise time ranges on your calendar. By merging its information about your environment as well as that relating to your habits, it will be able to predict the ideal temperature for your home.

For example, it automatically adjusts to bedtime and will program another temperature the next day when you wake up that it will keep until you leave for the office. Thus, the device acts autonomously, without external intervention, based solely on your actions and gestures that it has learned to detect. Also, as it has a motion detector, it turns on as soon as it detects a presence and quickly lowers the temperature as soon as it guesses that the person is out of reach.

Rather than controlling the temperature of the whole house, the connected thermostat can be programmed to act on only certain rooms of the house, such as the guest room, which is only heated when necessary. This increases the energy savings a little more. Honeywell claims up to 40% energy savings with its Evehome system.

What connected thermostats are available on the market?

Since 2014, smart thermostats have become accessible to almost all households. The beginnings were sluggish because most of the main boilers are not compatible with the device.

They are likely to become one of the key elements of every home in the future. With the increase in the cost of fuel and policies to reduce indoor pollution, you will no longer see your thermostat as an accessory aimed at enhancing the ambient temperature but also, and this is the essential point, as a tool for managing your energy consumption.

How it works

A thermostat only becomes a connected thermostat when it is linked to a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet. In relation to this, it is necessary to choose the model that corresponds to your mobile device, that is to say to emphasize the compatibility of the device and the application of the connected thermostat. Generally, two models are on sale, those adapted to Android smartphones and those adapted to iOS mobiles. But some are also dedicated to Windows phone devices.

The connected thermostat must also adapt to the heating available in the home. Overall, connected thermostats are compatible with most heating systems powered by electricity, wood, oil, heat pump or gas. But this point is still to be checked when buying. It is also worth mentioning all that is incidental. The devices to be fixed on the thermostatic valve of your radiator will only work on one of these radiators and is not a thermostat per se, but it does allow some control over the temperature of your house.

The different connection methods are also important in the operation of a connected thermostat, because the opportunities offered depend on them. Generally, there are three types:

– Wi-Fi connection: A thermostat with a Wi-Fi connection is a thermostat connected to the Internet. Thanks to this, it can receive directions even when you are out of range of its Bluetooth connection, allowing you to control it anywhere on the globe.

– Bluetooth connection: This type of local connection is the most used in the enclosure of the house. Simply, it allows the smartphone to directly control the connected thermostat provided it is within range. It is also in this category that we place the radio or infrared connections that can link the thermostats connected with various gateways.

– Home automation connections: This indication will be of particular interest to home automation network owners, since according to the available protocols, this will allow them to connect their thermostat to their home network. Control of all your connected devices will be centralized.

How to choose your connected thermostat? Should you buy a cheap connected thermostat?

As there are several models of connected thermostat on the market, it is possible to make the choice according to your budget. For those who have a modest means, they can opt for models that are certainly not very sophisticated but which perform their function well. In any case, it is also necessary to take into account the cost of the installation if we call on professionals. This varies from a few tens of euros to a few hundred euros depending on the company.

But you can also prefer simple or sophisticated versions.

Some models are equipped with thermal sensors and presence sensors. The latter are able to record the habits and preferences of users and thus adapt their heating program accordingly. There are also models that are connected to a weather station.

Certain functions of certain types of connected thermostat allow them to take into account the insulation of the home as well as the outside temperature to anticipate the triggering of the heating. It can detect the arrival of a person in the house and act afterwards.

Eco-friendly and/or stingy, you can also choose those that save energy and money. Like any “central regulation system for heating installations by room thermostat”, certain connected thermostats allow you to benefit from the new energy transition tax credit. They then make it possible to collect 30% of the final invoice. However, these models can only be installed by professionals. They must also be in the owner's main dwelling which was built at least 2 years ago.

Each model has its own strengths and characteristics. Some only control the air conditioning and capture the temperature and humidity, while others have more sophisticated functions such as energy saving programming or even sharing control with guests. With regard to design in particular, connected thermostats exist for all tastes. From the rounded model, to the square, through the rectangular or the oval, all shapes are allowed.

And like all other connected objects, manufacturers of connected thermostats come from all over the world. Indeed, there are brands of European, Asian or American origin. The buyer can then highlight a product according to the brand that manufactures it. Among the best known on the market are the French brand Qivivo, the German brand Todo and the American brand Nest.

And finally the installation. Many of these devices can be installed by the user, but not all are made for it. The mention "Easy installation" is a subjective indicator, which takes into account the manufacturer's desire to make installation accessible and/or the presence of effective tutorials which can allow you to mount your thermostat without special knowledge.

Keep in mind, however, that if you don't feel particularly handy, it is always advisable to call in a professional. In some cases (the Dolcevita connected thermostat from GDF Suez, for example), you will not even have a choice since installation by a third party is included in the price.

What is a multi-zone connected thermostat?

There are several types of connected thermostats. The most interesting have a multizone function. This allows the temperature to be controlled remotely throughout the accommodation. The application facilitates the control of the temperature in each of the rooms, according to the needs of the user. In addition, manufacturers offer the possibility of analyzing their level of energy consumption.

In this way, he can decide not to heat a space unnecessarily and to maintain a pleasant warmth in the living room. Depending on the models, 2 to 12 zones can be controlled. These devices ideally complement a system based on radiators with thermostatic valves and a boiler. For example, Honeywell, Nest and Qivivo products offer this functionality.

Where to buy your connected thermostat?

Most connected thermostats are available from the usual connected object sellers. Shops, specialty shops etc. are the ideal places to find the one that best meets your specific needs. But there are also online sales sites that offer it.

The ideal then is to make comparisons first on the quality level and then on the price level before choosing one. To do this, we must base ourselves on the different characteristics of the product and deduce the one that best meets our expectations.

How to install your connected thermostat?

Installing a connected thermostat is not a complicated thing in itself. What matters is to check the compatibility of your heating system with said device. Once done, some devices require you to hire an installer. Alternatively, you can attach this control box to the heating unit, usually the boiler. This is done simply: two wires identified by colors from the system are inserted into the thermostat. Remember to insert the batteries to power it. Be sure to cut off the power before starting the operation.

Then, we connect the connected object to a gateway that plugs into a socket in the house or the router. It allows to make the relay with the return of the accommodation. Indeed, most manufacturers use proprietary or non-IP protocols to communicate data. Finally, we configure everything from the mobile application. This indicates the steps to follow to make the connection between the different elements. It takes him about 24 hours to come up with the first interesting information.

The functionalities of a connected thermostat

Learning about preferences

Respecting given schedules is good. Learning yourself the rhythm of life and the preferences of its users is better. This is what several connected thermostats offer. This is a whole new level of intelligence, since depending on the requests you ask your connected thermostat, it will get to know you even better than you do. Nevertheless, this type of thermostat requires a few days of learning before serving you as it should.

Time programming

Time programming is not exclusive to connected thermostats, but most of them include this feature. Quite simply, it allows you to save time slots to associate with the temperature of your choice. Adapt them to your working hours and your house will be heated when you come home, every day, without you needing to worry about it. It is also in this category that we can put the vacation mode, which allows you to cut off all heating activity for a given period in order to avoid unnecessary expenses.

Remote control

The main interest of connected objects is still the fact of being able to control them remotely. This is no problem with your connected thermostat. Since you already have a dedicated application that allows you to interact directly with your thermostat, it only needs to have a Bluetooth or home automation type connection to control it from anywhere in the house. With an internet connection, you can even interact with him anywhere in the world. Ideal for turning on your heating remotely when you return early or turning it off when you're stuck in traffic.

Geolocation

This is undoubtedly the most interesting feature offered by a connected thermostat. As you know, your smartphone has several ways to locate its geographical position and this may be of interest to your thermostat. For what ? Because rather than scheduling it in advance to turn on when you get home from work (which means you have to come back at the same times every day), you can tell it to turn on as soon as you approach. within a certain distance of the house.

Namely, for the most cautious, that your connected thermostat does not know your exact geographical position, only your distance from your home. What to gain in efficiency without neglecting the security of your data.

In any case, it is always advisable to call a professional to avoid risks.

But for some models like the DolceVita connected thermostat from GDF Suez, the intervention of a third party is already included in the price of the product.

Design

In its time, Nest revolutionized the design of connected thermostats with the round shapes of their devices. Since then, other manufacturers have remained traditionalists and favor efficiency over style with utilitarian-looking models.

Despite everything, this apparent anonymity allows them to blend more easily into the background. After all, you don't buy a connected thermostat to sit in the living room. Unless, of course, opt for a Nest.

But more and more households want to equip themselves with smartsexy thermostats. So some brands have taken note of this fashion and now offer models that can compete with a Nest. If you too are looking for a connected thermostat that comes out of the boring white plastic box, turn to a Honeywell Lyric or an Ecobee3 (or a Nest )

COMPARATIVE OF CONNECTED THERMOSTATS

We regularly update our selection of the best connected connected thermostats. Find our tests of connected thermostats in our dedicated section.