When it comes to controlling the temperature of your home, an analog thermostat can only do so much, and offers even fewer features in terms of monitoring anything while away from home. Many great smart thermostats are on the market and have several advantages over traditional options. For example, they include remote controllability, zone temperature control, and the ability to "learn" the users' habits to schedule accordingly. Some can even remind you when to change your air filter or stream music. However, voice assistant compatibility is one stand-out feature that may make controlling your home's environment easier.
Though not required, the ability to control and use a thermostat through a connection to Amazon's Alexa or other voice assistants brings a broader use case to those with voice-enabled devices installed in their homes. Sure, a smart thermostat can be used out of the box without Alexa, but having an "in-ecosystem" device elevates the user experience. It can make simple tasks like adjusting the temperature fun or at least less boring than manual adjustment. If you want to up your smart home game with a smart thermostat, these are the best smart thermostats supporting Alexa.
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Google Nest Learning Smart Thermostat
Best overall$186 $249 Save $63The Nest Learning Thermostat has built-in sensors for temperature, humidity, proximity, occupancy, and ambient light. It also has multi-device support, so you can control up to 20 thermostats in the Google Nest app. This thermostat is available in seven colors; many are neutral, which means they won't stand out in your home. Since this thermostat has been around a while, it's frequently on sale, so you can easily grab it for less. Expect a 20-30 minute installation and configuration time.
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Ecobee Premium
Premium pick$220 $250 Save $30The Ecobee Premium has the voice assistant built directly in and features an integrated microphone and speaker. Plus, the internal speaker lets users stream podcasts or playlists directly from the device. If you own an Echo device, you can use the Ecobee Premium as an intercom with them throughout your home. It also comes with a SmartSensor for monitoring a second location. While pricey, the Premium has several features that aren't available on the company's other smart thermostats. Installation takes only 30–60 minutes.
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Amazon Smart Thermostat
Best valueAmazon's Smart Thermostat is a no-brainer for first-time users or homes with other Alexa-enabled devices. The low price allows those wanting to try a smart thermostat without spending too much, but it doesn't mean a lack of features. It can automate heating and cooling based on the user's habit and use an Echo device for voice control. It's not the most attractive thermostat, but it isn't visually obtrusive, and installation can be performed in a few minutes.
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Google Nest Thermostat
Google runner-upThe Nest Thermostat is a good option for those who don't need the learning nature or more elegant design of Google's higher-end thermostat. It is made of recycled plastic and is available in four colors. It also has motion, temperature, humidity, and ambient light sensors. When connected to Alexa, the typical voice commands for a smart thermostat are available. Google estimates an installation and configuration time of 20–30 minutes.
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Wyze Programmable Smart WiFi Thermostat
The Wyze Thermostat is a low-cost option that connects to Alexa-compatible Echo smart devices for voice control. Wyze states that installation can be performed in less than 20 minutes and includes step-by-step instructions to guide users. Once installed, it does not learn habits for automation; however, you can manually set schedules in the Wyze app. In addition, there are optional sensors available to monitor the climate of other rooms.
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Ecobee3 Lite
The Ecobee3 lite is a mid-range priced thermostat with a few key differences between it and the Ecobee Premium. Primarily, the Ecobee3 Lite lacks a built-in microphone or speaker. You can still use Alexa, though, with a connected Echo device. The Ecobee3 Lite also works with SmartSensors, which you must purchase separately. And like the Ecobee Premium, thermostat installation shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes.
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Honeywell Home T9 WiFi Smart Thermostat
$125 $180 Save $55The Honeywell Home T9 is near the high-end on our list. Using its Smart Room sensors, you can see the temperature and humidity in any room. It supports up to 20 sensors, making it an excellent choice for large homes. You can manage the T9 via the Resideo App, which syncs with Alexa; within the app, you can create schedules and view environmental conditions anywhere a sensor is installed. It is only available in white, but its unobtrusive design won’t stand out.
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Emerson Sensi Touch
$106 $169 Save $63The Sensi is an easy-to-use thermostat with a responsive touch display, and scheduling is available in the Sensi app. You can also use Alexa through the app for typical voice commands to raise or lower the temperature, set it to a specific temp, or ask for the current setting. The Sensi is available in three colors — black, white, and silver — with an outdated industrial design compared to the other thermostats on this list. Quick installation, though.
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GE Cync Smart Thermostat
The Cync Smart Thermostat is a mid-range product compatible with Google and Alexa. However, it doesn't have a built-in microphone or speaker, so you'll need the Cync App and the Alexa app or an Echo device for voice commands. When enabled, you can use voice control to raise or lower the temperature, set it to a specified temperature, or ask Alexa for a temperature check. Installation is a quick process, and you can create routines in the app.
Which is the best Alexa-enabled smart thermostat?
Whether you've already built your smart home based on a single ecosystem or just beginning your smart home journey, smart thermostats are an excellent way to control the temperature in your house when you're home or away. Many of these thermostats include geofencing, which recognizes when a user has left the house to adjust itself to a more eco-friendly mode.
One caveat is that all devices in the home should utilize the device's app, or the thermostat may cause unwanted temperature shifts. The number of bells and whistles available on a thermostat can make it feel more daunting to set up, but at its heart, a thermostat is a thermostat, so manual adjustments are always a breeze. Luckily, if you're set on using Alexa with your smart thermostat, you'll find a few in your product range. Just make sure to choose the one that best suits your situation.
The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is the premium pick for several reasons, mainly because it has a built-in microphone and speaker. This means you don't need other devices for voice control. In addition, you get a SmartSensor in the box, which supports up to 32 total sensors. The Nest Learning Thermostat, while getting up there in age, is still the best overall. The thermostat's learning nature, attractive design, and ease of use make it an excellent choice. Finally, if you don't want to break the bank, the Amazon Smart Thermostat is the logical choice for Alexa voice control, but it won't win any awards for industrial design.