TrimWatt
Data sourced from the U.S. Dept. of Energy, Energy Star, and the EIA.

Specification-based comparisons

Shortlists built on published specifications and stated criteria — never on commission rates. We have not physically tested these products.

How we rank

Rankings are built from published manufacturer specifications, Energy Star listings, and public documentation — not from paid placement and not from affiliate commission rates. Every product carries an evidence status so you know how much weight to give our verdict.

TestedWe physically tested the product ourselves. No product currently carries this status.
ResearchedAssessed from manufacturer specs, Energy Star data, and published documentation.
ComparedPlaced side by side against alternatives on our stated criteria.

Ratings are relative scores against the criteria listed on each roundup — not laboratory measurements. More on our methodology.

Best Smart Thermostats (2026)

Which smart thermostats are worth buying if your goal is a lower energy bill rather than gadgets. Rankings are based on published specs and documentation — we have not physically tested these units.

Last verified July 22, 2026

How this list was ranked

We shortlisted Energy Star certified models with broad HVAC compatibility, then ranked them on energy-saving features, install difficulty (especially without a C-wire), ecosystem compatibility, and price relative to features. No manufacturer paid for placement.

Evaluation criteria
  1. Energy-saving features that work unattended (scheduling, setback, occupancy)
  2. HVAC compatibility, including systems without a C-wire
  3. Install difficulty for a non-professional
  4. Ecosystem compatibility (Matter, Alexa, Google, HomeKit)
  5. Price relative to the features that actually save energy
1. Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
Best overall on the features that affect energy use, with room sensors included.
Compared
Pros
  • Room sensors address hot and cold rooms
  • Wide HVAC compatibility
  • Strong scheduling and occupancy logic
Cons
  • Most expensive on the shortlist
  • Extra features such as air-quality sensing don't cut energy use
Indicative price ≈ $250 — checked July 22, 2026. Prices change; verify before buying.
2. Google Nest Learning Thermostat
Best hands-off option — it builds a schedule for you if you never would.
Compared
Pros
  • Auto-scheduling suits households that don't program a thermostat
  • Clear interface
Cons
  • Room sensors sold separately
  • Narrower HVAC compatibility than the Ecobee
Indicative price ≈ $230 — checked July 22, 2026. Prices change; verify before buying.
3. Honeywell Home T9
Best value when you want room sensors without the top-tier price.
Researched
Pros
  • Sensor included at a lower price
  • Straightforward install
Cons
  • App is less refined
  • Fewer ecosystem integrations
Indicative price ≈ $170 — checked July 22, 2026. Prices change; verify before buying.
4. Amazon Smart Thermostat
Cheapest credible pick for a simple single-zone system.
Researched
Pros
  • Lowest price on the shortlist
  • Energy Star certified
Cons
  • No room sensors
  • Requires a C-wire on most systems
  • Alexa-centric
Indicative price ≈ $80 — checked July 22, 2026. Prices change; verify before buying.

Best Heat Pump Water Heaters (2026)

Heat pump water heaters cost more upfront but cut running costs sharply. This shortlist is assessed from specifications and Energy Star data — we have not installed or metered these units.

Last verified July 22, 2026

How this list was ranked

We compared Energy Star certified residential models on rated efficiency (UEF), first-hour rating for household size, noise, and installed cost. Ranking reflects the balance of those factors, not commission.

Evaluation criteria
  1. Rated efficiency (UEF)
  2. First-hour rating relative to household size
  3. Noise level (these units are not silent)
  4. Installed cost and available rebates
  5. Serviceability and warranty
1. Rheem ProTerra
Best balance of rated efficiency, capacity, and app control.
Compared
Pros
  • High rated UEF
  • Good first-hour rating
  • Widely available and serviceable
Cons
  • Needs adequate air volume around it
  • Audible in living space
No reliable price on file yet — we'd rather show nothing than an out-of-date figure.
2. A. O. Smith Voltex
Strong choice for larger households needing more hot water per hour.
Researched
Pros
  • High first-hour rating
  • Solid warranty
Cons
  • Bulky
  • Install clearance requirements
No reliable price on file yet — we'd rather show nothing than an out-of-date figure.
3. State Proline XE
Worth shortlisting when the unit sits near living space and noise matters.
Researched
Pros
  • Quieter operation in its class
  • Efficient
Cons
  • Less widely stocked
  • Fewer smart features
No reliable price on file yet — we'd rather show nothing than an out-of-date figure.

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