Amazon-compatible smart home devices are found all around the world. For good reason too as they’re one of the first voice assistants compared to Google Assistant / Google Home, SmartThings, and even Apple Siri/HomeKit.
I take a look at many of the top thermostats to come up with the Top 7 Best Smart Thermostats for Alexa.
If you already have Alexa devices at home like an Amazon Show smart display, you’ve come to the right place to find a smart thermostat to integrate with.
If you’re in a hurry, here is the short list for the best smart thermostats that work with Alexa. Spoiler alert: ecobee thermostats ran away with the Top 3 spots. Might have to do with the fact that Nest’s full brand name is now Google Nest.
Further below is a short buyer’s guide for Alexa compatibility. I’ll go through some important feature considerations when choosing the right thermostat for your home.
If you want a complete buyer’s guide for smart locks, see my article on The Best Smart Thermostats.
1. Best Overall – ecobee SmartThermostat
Features and Benefits of Ecobee SmartThermostat
The ecobee SmartThermostat is the latest offering from ecobee and the second generation of ecobee products that come with Alexa built-in. A huge plus when it comes to integrating with an existing Alexa system.
This is also useful for those who don’t have an existing Alexa device, as it negates the need to purchase extra devices that act as bridges, like smart home hubs.
The SmartThermostat is the first ecobee to be compatible with both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi networks, along with Bluetooth.
Design wise the SmartThermostat is identical to earlier versions, but it’s the first to use a glass touchscreen, rather than plastic. It might be hard to tell the difference by simply feeling the screen, but the improved responsive touchscreen is noticeable.
The SmartThermostat comes with a remote room sensor, the SmartSensor. They’re occupancy sensors and allows you to easily control two separate zones of your home. If you have a large home, you can control up to 32 sensors on one SmartThermostat.
It also has a Follow Me feature that detects occupancy in a room with the SmartSensor and will adjust the current temperature for comfortability.
Of course, the SmartThermostat can be voice controlled with Alexa for hands-free operation, but there are other ways as well.
The SmartThermostat can be controlled through two hands-on methods. One method is to control it directly on the integrated touchscreen. The second method is the intuitive mobile app that’s available for both Android and iOS devices.
Even though it’s two separate places to control the thermostat, it’ll feel like one system because the interface for the thermostat settings is the same.
Set up and installation are easy, a walk through on the app will guide you through the initial process.
Read this article for a full comparison of all the ecobee smart thermostats.
Ecobee SmartThermostat Cons
There’s not much to gripe about with the ecobee systems, over the years they have always been consistently rated amongst the very best on the market.
Depending on your smart home ecosystem setup, the ecobee might not suit you. This article is on smart thermostats that work with Alexa, but if you use other smart home systems, like Zigbee, the ecobeemight not be for you.
Ecobee does have wide compatibility with various smart home platforms like Google Home, Apple HomeKit, Wink, Microsoft Cortana, and Samsung’s SmartThings. You’ll want to check their site for the full list.
2. Best Value – ecobee4 Smart Thermostat
Features and Benefits of the ecobee4 Smart Thermostat
The ecobee4 acts as the mid-range thermostat in the ecobee lineup that provides great value for the price.
This is the first model from ecobee that shipped with Alexa integrated and full voice control as standard.
This feature obviously ensures the system is fully compatible with Amazon’s lineup of smart speakers and smart displays.
The ecobee 4 only supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks, but that’s a readily available Wi-Fi protocol.
Like others in the ecobee range it is controlled through a touchscreen interface and an app that offers an identical interface.
The ecobee4 ships with one of ecobee’s Room Sensors (Note: not the newer, upgraded SmartSensor). It’s still fully compatible with the SmartSensor and can support up to 32 sensors. When used in conjunction with these sensors it also supports ecobee’s follow me feature.
A built-in speaker means that as well as controlling your home’s heating system it can also function as an entertainment and news source.
ecobee4 Cons
The ecobee 4 connected thermostat has many advantages, but it does lack Bluetooth and Zigbee support.
Not having Bluetooth means you won’t be able to connect the thermostat to Bluetooth speakers, but the ecobee 4 does have its own speakers to listen to music or news through.
3. Best Budget Friendly – ecobee3 Lite Smart Thermostat
ecobee3 Lite Features and Benefits
The ecobee3 Lite is the baby of the ecobee range in regard to price, but it doesn’t lack in features compared to the others.
One thing this entry level model is missing is built-in Alexa. You’ll need an Amazon Echo smart speaker to be able to utilize voice commands with Alexa.
The ecobee3 Lite is a Wi-Fi thermostat with 2.4GHz compatibility.
It uses the same app as later models and has a touchscreen interface offering all the same options as the app. The app offers a walkthrough to simplify installation and once installed Alexa can detect the thermostat simple through a voice command.
Although it can function without a C-Wire, you may need to wire an adapter into your boiler to connect to this thermostat.
It can be configured to work in conjunction with local weather reports to maximize your HVAC efficiency.
ecobee 3 Lite Cons
There’s no Alexa built into this model so you’ll need a separate Alexa device to use this feature. It has no support for Bluetooth, Zigbee or 5GHz Wi-Fi.
A lack of a built-in occupancy sensor is also a downside.
4. Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Gen.
Nest Learning Thermostat Features and Benefits
The Google Nest Learning Thermostat is the top of the range model from Nest that’s often matched up with the ecobee SmartThermostat. The mid-range models are the Nest Thermostat E and the ecobee4.
The Learning Thermostat has compatibility with various wireless protocols: 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee.
The Learning Thermostat has full compatibility with Alexa, even though Alexa isn’t built into the thermostat itself.
Setting up Alexa to work with a Nest thermostat is as simple as asking Alexa to detect devices.
The setup process can be completed within 30 minutes in most instances and Nest says their product is compatible with 95% of HVAC systems. It can also work with systems that do not use a c-wire without the need for any additional wiring.
The thermostat is controlled by twisting the circular bevel around the thermostat and pressing the screen to select options. There is an accompanying app which is available on both Android and iOS devices that’s more convenient.
The thermostat’s Learning feature allows your thermostat to learn from your habits and program climate control settings for maximum comfort and energy savings.
After installation, the Nest will initially make assumptions as a baseline for scheduling. As you use it more, it’ll self-adjust to achieve target temperatures that’ve been set as the most comfortable for you and your family at that time of day.
Nest Learning Thermostat Cons
Unlike the ecobee system controlling the device from the thermostat itself and the app involves learning two different interfaces. Remote sensors must be purchased separately and they’re not motion sensors either.
5. Honeywell Home T5 Smart Thermostat
Honeywell T5 Features and Benefits
The Honeywell Home T5 thermostat (aka Lyric T5) also offers full Alexa compatibility and supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi.
The Honeywell system is a smart thermostat that is compatible with most single-stage and multi-stage heating and cooling systems. It won’t work on systems that don’t have a C-Wire.
The thermostat itself is controlled with a touchscreen or on a mobile app that’s available on both Apple and Android smartphones and tablets.
Although the thermostat itself doesn’t support remote sensors, it still offers multiple zone support using geofencing.
Honeywell T5 Cons
While it’s a good budget choice and offers full Alexa compatibility, the T5 falls short on a couple of fairly important areas.
A lack of support for heating systems without a C-Wire is one big downfall. Another is its lack of sensors that only makes the thermostat good for small homes.
6. Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat
Emerson Sensi Benefits and Features
The Emerson Sensi looks and controls like the older, traditional programmable thermostats. But that’s where the similarity ends.
By using the app and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, the thermostat offers most of the main features of a smart thermostat, but doesn’t support geofencing or multiple zones, nor adding remote sensors to extend reach.
For some heating and cooling systems, it will require a C-Wire to function. It’s easy and quick to set up, generally in under 30 minutes.
Emerson Sensi Cons
A lack of support for sensors and any form of multiple zone support is the main disappointment, so it’s a thermostat made for apartments and smaller homes.
Although not great for larger properties, the price point on this model would make it worth considering for heating smaller properties.
7. Vine Smart Wi-Fi TJ-919
Vine Smart Wi-Fi TJ-919 Benefits and Features
The Vine Smart TJ-919 features a full color touchscreen control system backed with a companion app. It’ll connect to 2.4GHz WiFi networks.
For setup, it may require a C-Wire in some heating systems, but apart from that the set up is easy and is fully compatible with Alexa.
Like the ecobee, the app and the touchscreen have identical interfaces to offer a consistent control system.
It has no sensor support and no multi zone or geofencing capacity.
Vine Smart TJ-919 Cons
The Vine offers no sensor support and some heating and cooling systems may require a C-Wire. It would be prudent to check the compatibility of your heating system if this model is under consideration.
Final Thoughts on Best Smart Thermostats for Alexa
Smart thermostats have come a long way to making our homes more comfortable through temperature settings. Alexa is a popular choice for voice assistants, so many of the large brands will be compatible with Alexa, like Nest thermostats.
The best overall smart thermostat for Alexa is the ecobee SmartThermostat that has Alexa built-in.
Ecobee also gives us the best value with their ecobee4. It comes paired with a Room Sensor to provide more value for you.
On the budget-friendly front, the ecobee3 Lite is the top choice.
Read more below to find out more about Alexa and other requirements for Alexa compatibility.
- Related Article: Does Alexa Need Wi-Fi to Work?
Buyer’s Guide to Smart Thermostats for Alexa
What is Alexa?
Many people believe that Alexa is merely a smart speaker. Amazon Alexa is in fact much more than just a speaker. Most people will also be aware of its features like timers and reminders, podcast streaming, news, and weather services.
Alexa has the capability to be paired with a number of smart devices to transform your home into a smart home. Paired with such devices as smart light bulbs, sockets and alarm systems, it can act as a hub to coordinate your smart home.
Once paired, devices can be used through digital assistants and remote control. You can do a variety of things like turning on/off lights and adjusting temperatures.
Basic Compatibility Requirements for Alexa
Many thermostats have Alexa compatibility, but some are better suited than others.
For starters, the ecobee4 and the latest ecobee SmartThermostat come shipped with Alexa built-in. This means that you don’t need another Alexa smart device that acts as a bridge.
- Related Article: Alexa Commands for ecobee Devices
For those with Alexa smart devices already, like Echo speakers, this offers the advantage of easy smart home integration.
Nest thermostats are also readily compatible with Alexa. Together with the ecobee lineup these two brands are amongst the best in the current market and both offer seamless integration with Alexa.
What’s the better brand? Read more on my ecobee vs Nest thermostats article.
If you’re looking at a thermostat not on the list and unsure about compatibility, check for a Works with Alexa sticker on the box.
Look for other features that can offer more convenience too:
- Remote Access and Control
- Geofencing
- Learning
- Multiple zone support (in most instances this requires extra sensors)
For more smart thermostat compatibility lists, do read these:
