Wireless, programmable thermostats are an affordable way to reduce your energy bill and increase your comfort. In this article, we’re going to look at what wireless and programmable thermostats are before outlining how to determine what you need from a programmable thermostat. We’ll then provide our recommendations to facilitate your decision.


How we rank the best wireless thermostats
Image | Model | Price | Rank | Check Price | |
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Best Wireless and Programmable Thermostats | |||||
![]() ![]() | (Editors Choice) | $$$$ | 5.0 | ||
Best Value Wireless and Programmable Thermostats | |||||
![]() ![]() | (#2 Runner up) | $$$$ | 4.2 | ||
![]() ![]() | $$$ | 3.9 | |||
![]() ![]() | $$ | 3.6 | |||
![]() ![]() | $ | 3.2 |
What Are Wireless, Programmable Thermostats?
Wireless thermostats allow you to control your system remotely, whether via an app on your phone or a control panel that doesn’t have to be wired into a network. Programmable thermostats allow you to create thermal profiles, reducing your overall energy usage. With some models, you can adjust the settings to keep you comfortable, and the thermostat learns your routine. You don’t have to choose between being comfortable and being green.
Wireless programmable thermostats combine both of these technologies.
Our Recommended Wireless, Programmable Thermostats
The type of HVAC system you have, the layout of your home, the degree to which you’d like to customize your home’s thermal profile and your own physical limitations can all affect the best thermostat for your home. That’s why we have several recommended models.
- 1. Ecobee
- 2. Nest
- 3. Emerson Sensi
- 4. Emerson Model
Honeywell Non-Programmable Thermostat
We wanted to make sure we provided something for everyone, so we’re recommending a Honeywell non-programmable thermostat that is pure simplicity. This is a great basic thermostat for those who want to set one temperature and forget about it until they need to make a change. If you work from home or otherwise rarely leave the house, this is ideal.


The unit is cheap, simple, and has a clean, minimalist design. It can control both a heating and cooling system; you switch between them by literally switching a button. Adjust the set temperature with a push of the arrow buttons. The screen shows the current temperature by default. When you push the buttons, it pops up a set temperature automatically so you can compare the set temperature to the actual one. You can choose to only turn on the fan as well.
This is the easiest thermostat to install out of everything on our list. It is also the simplest to operate, since it isn’t programmable. We’ll say this is the best thermostat for those who want a simple control system for a forced air HVAC system. It isn’t going to work with electric baseboard heating systems or heat pumps. If you have that type of system, the Emerson is the better choice.
Wireless thermostats cost a little more than wired thermostats, but in return, you get far more freedom controlling your HVAC system. If you don’t need that flexibility, you can go with this model of programmable thermostat. If modern programmable thermostats won’t work with the older home automation system you have, this is the type of thermostat you need.
Videos - Best Wireless and Programmable Thermostat
We went out and found the most relevant videos we could - give us some feedback if you can about the quality.


Video - 1. Ecobee
Video - 2. Nest
Video - 3. Emerson Sensi
Video - 4. Emerson Model
Video - 5. Honeywell
Shopping for a Wireless and Programmable Thermostat?
The Best
The Runner Up
Third Place
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What Should You Look for in Wireless, Programmable Thermostats?
One important thing you want is an easy to read, easy to use touchscreen. Flexibility should be a deciding factor in programmable thermostats. Reporting is useful, though not essential.
Technological compatibility matters. Instant plug-and-play with your existing HVAC system is critical. Connecting to your existing smart phone or home network is important.
Conclusion
If you know what you want and need out of a wireless, programmable thermostat, you’ll be able to find the right one for your particular situation from our list. Make sure that you know exactly what your needs are and what features are more important to you if you want to make the right choice.