Top 10 Programmable Thermostat Reviews –Which One Is the Best in 2020?

No time for beating around the bush.

You are here since you want a useful solution to SAVE ENERGY and REDUCE YOUR BILL every month, right?

So, here is what you need, guys.

The programmable thermostat reviews with the top 10 products available in the market will help you get the greatest invention for your home.

And before penetrating into the cream of the crop, don’t mind taking a look at a chart below to get a clear view.

Comparison Chart of the Top 10 Best Programmable Thermostats

Image	Product Name	Energy Saving	Display	Rating	Price
	Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation	Yes Up to 15% annually	Digital	A+	$$$$
	Lux Products TX9600TS Universal 7-Day Programmable Touch Screen Thermostat	Yes	Touchscreen	A+	$
	Honeywell RTH9580WF Smart Wi-Fi 7 Day Programmable Color Touch Thermostat	Yes	Touchscreen	A	$$$
	Honeywell RTH7600D Touchscreen 7-Day Programmable Thermostat	Yes Up to 33% annually	Touchscreen	A	$$
	Ecobee4 Alexa-Enabled Thermostat with Sensor	Yes Up to 23% annually	Touchscreen	A	$$$$$
	Honeywell TH9320WF5003 Wi-Fi 9000 Color Touch Screen Programmable Thermostat	Yes 20% - 25% annually	Touchscreen	A+	$$$
	Honeywell RTH6450D1009 5-1-1-Day Programmable Thermostat	Yes	Digital	A+	$
	Emerson 1F97-1277 Touchscreen 7-Day Programmable Thermostat	Yes	Touchscreen	A+	$$$
	Honeywell RTH8500D 7-Day Touchscreen Programmable Thermostat	Yes Up to 33%	Touchscreen	A	$$
	Orbit 83521 Clear Comfort Programmable Thermostat	Yes Up to 33%	Digital	A+	$$

Top 10 Best Programmable Thermostat Reviews in 2020

1. Google Nest Learning Thermostat 3^rd Generation – Best Overall

After the success of the Nest 2^nd Generation Thermostat, Google has continued innovating new ideas and features in order to bring the Nest Learning Thermostat 3^rd Generation into the world.

One of the most outstanding points is all about Auto-Schedule.

You just set up the temperature you want, i.e. 68⁰F when you are home. Then let the Nest learn and remember it for a few days. After that, opt for “Away Mode” to automatically program which temperature you want in about a week.

This way helps to save energy up to 15% annually.

Another feature that I rather prefer is Farsight. As its name suggests, you easily catch the Nest 3^rd Generation from a distance (about 10 feet) and even in the dark.

Wonderfully, it is equipped sensors to detect any movement and then switch on the current temperature or adjust the suitable one to save energy.

Ever so wonderfully, you receive reminders for changing air filters on the furnace since this gadget is linked to all devices in your house.

Installing the Nest is quite quick and simple thanks to the Nest thermostat manual by your side. Just spend about 30 minutes or less to set up it and use it. Or in case you are not sure, don’t mind calling its service for help.

Last but not least, remember to download its app on your smartphone, laptop, or computer so that you can control everything easily and conveniently.

Pros

• Larger screen than the Nest 2^nd Generation
• Stylish design
• Easy to use and install
• Easy to see the temp
• Energy saver
• Good remote control

Cons

• Needs a C wire
• Be careful of replacing batteries

Back to compare table

2. Lux Products TX9600TS 7-Day Programmable Thermostat – Best Bang for Your Budget

Most of the best programmable thermostats range from $100 to $200, but the Lux Products TX9600TS has an affordable price that can be suitable for anyone on a tight budget. Of course, this unit gives you a satisfying quality as well.

Let me explain it clearly!

Programming the temp according to your schedule for every day of the week is easy. Or you even adjust 2 or 4 periods per day. Relying on that, you don’t only get maximum comfort from the system but also save the energy bill remarkably.

Also, this product allows you to keep an eye on the usage, making everything under your control.

Is there anything else?

The Lux Products TX9600TS is efficient for cooling and heating systems as well as single and multi-stage heat pumps. As a plus, the smart recover feature lets the set temperature be attained by the programmed time of your selection.

Aside from the great things above, what I prefer this device most is its installation. It’s extremely simple and easy to install. Just pull the old thermostat out, then wire the wires to the new one and fix it to the wall.

Although the TX9600TS thermostat doesn’t have a sleek design like the Nest or comes with remote control, it is a great product with a good price and warranty.

Pros

• Easy to use and install
• Easy-to-read display with touchscreen controls
• Good replacement for units with no circuit board
• Reasonably priced

Cons

• The design doesn’t look attractive
• Using batteries has some limits
• Some users prefer a remote control

Back to compare table

3. Honeywell RTH9580WF Smart Wi-Fi 7 Day Programmable Color Touch Thermostat, Works with Amazon Alexa

To be honest, the Honeywell RTH9580WF easily draws your attention at the first sight. It comes with a unique display that can be customized and matched with any décor of your living place. And if making mention of the aesthetic viewpoint, this product is a great flexibility.

As compared with the Nest 3rd Generation, this thermostat cannot “learn” by itself. However, it provides a series of awesome features that can make it become perfect and operate effectively, especially the 7-day programming.

Thanks to this feature, you are free to program a variety of temperature for various time periods of the day. In addition, you can schedule the unit to different temperature fluctuations for a long period if you want. Just set and leave it to work automatically. This helps to lessen your work and keep you free from its operation for days.

Plus, the RTH9580WF automatically decides when your home needs to be heated and cooled to give some necessary changes. Even, it uses the information from the local utility companies to lessen the energy use during peak hours and help you save the energy bill better.

And don’t forget to download its app on your device to keep track of important alerts so that you can handle quickly.

Pros

• Gets a total control for indoor temp, air circulation, and humidity
• Gives a flexible and efficient programming options
• Easily matches to any decors
• Automatically changes the temp to a maximum comfort
• Automatically saves the energy
• Offers an easy-to-use app

Cons

• Installing takes more time than the others
• Some complain that the thermostat sometimes detects the wrong temp to turn on furnaces or air conditioning

Back to compare table

4. Honeywell RTH7600D Touchscreen 7-Day Programmable Thermostat

Except for the Lux TX9600TS, the Honeywell RTH7600D is considered as the easy-to-use and simple-to-install programmable thermostat. Of course, this device is loaded with lots of convenient and efficient features.

As its name suggests, you are allowed to set up each day in a various manner and customize the temp for 4 periods in a day. Or you are able to set up a group of days. Or just select one program for the weekdays and another for the weekends. And the most wonderful thing is that all can be done in seconds.

When it comes to the comfort, this thermostat permits no more than +/- 10F swing in the room before the heater is switched on or off. Since it limits the temp swings in the room, your heating and cooling bill can be reduced remarkably.

However, I recognized that the backlight of the Honeywell RTH7600D is not on all the times. So, if you’re in a darkened room, you have no idea of where to touch on the screen to activate the backlight. In addition, its warranty is just 1 year.

Pros

• Simple to program the temp as you want
• Easy to set up
• Offers a quick response to setting changes
• Saves the energy bill up to 33%
• Equipped with intelligent alerts of filter changes and low battery

Cons

• The warranty is so short
• The backlight is not useful
• Some complain of loud noise when turning on or off the device

Back to compare table

5. Ecobee4 Alexa-Enabled Thermostat with Sensor, Works with Amazon Alexa

Amongst the programmable thermostat reviews, the Ecobee4 Alexa-Enabled Thermostat comes with a higher tag of nearly $250. But, this unit definitively offers the utmost functionality and a various level of automation and comfort by lessening your work of controlling the device at an accurate temp.

As compared to its previous version, the Ecobee4 is built with an Alexa voice service that can support users to direct the temperature without using any physical contact. The greatest thing is that you can simply talk to the device from across the room to direct the temp. Then it will interpret your command and adapt. Though, some reckon that guiding by voice sometimes fails because of a couple of reasons.

The next outstanding thing is the Room Sensor. This add-on feature helps to provide the proper temperature, atmosphere, and even humidity for each room across your house. Besides, it determines whether or not anyone is at home. And if one room is empty, it will adjust the temp by itself to save energy. Sounds cool, right?

In my opinion, if you have a large house and be clinking with plenty of money, you should consider the Ecobee4. Just buy one thermostat, additional sensors and then activate their remote sensors to control the comfort of any rooms at the same time. Of course, this unit will save your budget on the energy bill.

Pros

• Provides Room Sensors for different places
• Helps to balance the temperature to save energy
• Easily leans your preference to adjust the temp
• Offers a stylish design
• Easy to install (no C-wire)
• 3-year warranty

Cons

• Very expensive (other sensors need to be purchased separately)
• Built-in Alexa voice, but the thermostat sometimes fails to interpret the voice to adjust the temp

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6. Honeywell TH9320WF5003 Wi-Fi 9000 Color Touch Screen Programmable Thermostat, 3.5 x 4.5 Inch, White, ‘Requires C Wire”

Another best programmable thermostat from Honeywell is the model TH9320WF5003. This gadget is fully loaded with great functions that can make your house become a better place to live in.

First, adjusting the temp will be easier because you are able to do manually or program the typical schedules for every day of the week. Relying on that, the system will automatically turn off when you’re not at home to optimize the energy saving.  Another interesting thing is that you can control the temp via accessing the Wi-Fi network, no matter where you are.

In terms of the display, both of the Honeywell TH9320WF5003 and RTH9580WF is quite similar. They have a complete functional color touchscreen where you can easily control and lock for security. Moreover, their color theme can be fit for any interior.

However, the difference is all about installation. Although you might spend more time on setting up the RTH9580WF, this unit is generally a Retail DIY thermostat. Meanwhile, the TH9320WF5003 requires a professional installation. And another different thing is that this gadget comes with a 5-year warranty.

Pros

• Has a good-looking design
• Easily monitors the temp while you’re away
• Sets the temperature manually or schedules it depending on your demand
• Saves the energy bill effectively
• 5-year warranty
• Best for both home and business use

Cons

• Needs C-wire
• Some feel confused because of many complex options available

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7. Honeywell RTH6450D1009 5-1-1-Day Programmable Thermostat

The special feature of the Honeywell RTH6450D1009 is its weekday programming or called the 5-1-1-Day. It allows you to separate the week into workdays and weekend. Just choose the settings and then the gadget will “know” how to do. Although this is suitable for those who have the certain routine, if you have an odd schedule, please consider again.

In addition, the RTH6450D1009 thermostat offers the Smart Response Technology that lets you monitor the temp in advance. That means you can set up the unit to heat or cool the room so that it attains a certain temp at a certain time. Since it comes with the proper temperature control of +/- 1⁰F with an auto change, you have no worry about spending too much energy.

Actually, this product with the digital display might not be suitable for those who enjoy the touchscreen. But, in my opinion, its interface is quite intuitive while the buttons are easy to touch. Furthermore, it’s equipped with a backlight display, offering an efficient use during the nighttime.

Last but not least, you just spend an affordable price on bringing the Honeywell RTH6450D1009 back home.

Pros

• Be easy to install
• Has a convenient feature of the 5-1-1-Day
• Offers the Smart Response Tech for efficient improvement
• Comes with a big backlight display and soft buttons
• Very affordable
• Works well with heat pump systems

Cons

• Pay attention to charging the battery
• Just provides a 1-year warranty

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8. Emerson 1F97-1277 Touchscreen 7-Day Programmable Thermostat for Single-Stage and Heat Pump Systems

At the eighth position, I want to talk about the Emerson 1F97-1277 Touch Screen 7-Day Programmable Thermostat.

To me, one of the most impressive things is its large touchscreen display. With a 12-inch interface, it’s easy for you to observe numbers on the screen. Of course, this unit also impresses me with a variety of innovative features.

Thanks to the 7-Day feature, the thermostat permits you to program a different schedule for every day of the week with ease. Moreover, it’s designed to fit for the existing wires as well as the cooling, heating, and heat pump systems. Even, it runs the fan every 20 minutes for extra comfort.

And you never worry about installation because it’s quite easy. Just follow the manual guides and everything is done perfectly. Though, some reckon that you should have an HVAC service guy to do. The last thing that I quite enjoy is that the Emerson 1F97-1277 offers a 5-year warranty and its excellent service that can support you anytime.

Pros

• Easily sets up different temps for each day of the week
• Be compatible with all the systems in your house
• Easy to install
• 5-year warranty
• Offers a fan programmable mode

Cons

• The display is large, but some complain that its interface isn’t easy to use
• Can’t remote control via accessing Wi-Fi

Back to compare table

9. Honeywell RTH8500D 7-Day Touchscreen Programmable Thermostat, “C” Wire Required

Since Honeywell is a popular brand of the best thermostats, I will continue introducing another product that I think it will offer the utmost flexibility for your busy lifestyle. It’s the RTH8500D 7-Day Touchscreen Programmable Thermostat.

At first sight, this device has all the greatest functions that are present in the RTH7600D. However, it offers additional features that can bring you the best comfort as well as helping to save your energy bill effectively.

Aside from programming the temperature for every day with the 7-Day Programming, the Vacation Hold option lets you monitor the program and have it to resume the standard settings automatically in time for your return from the holiday.

If the RTH7600D’s backlit is not useful, this feature in the Honeywell RTH8500D offers an easy-to-read interface, even when you’re in a dimly room or hallway. In addition, this gadget informs when it’s time to alter the air filter and alert any malfunctions with the systems. What’s more, you are able to use it for switching up the fan or ventilating the house when you’re away.

However, you should notice of the battery-changing time or the thermostat might give wrong adaptation while running out of battery.

Pros

• Easy to program the temperature for every day of the week
• Offers a large touchscreen display
• Provides the cool Vacation Hold option
• The backlight is helpful for dim places
• Be compatible with all the systems

Cons

• Needs an electrician to install
• Just 1-year warranty
• Buy batteries separately

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10. Orbit 83521 Clear Comfort Programmable Thermostat with Large, Easy-to-Read Display

Lastly, I have the Orbit 83521 Clear Comfort Programmable Thermostat. With a large and gorgeous display, this gadget provides a contemporary look at a warm backlit to easily see the current temp on the screen.

Of course, with the 7-Day programming feature, monitoring the temperature for every day with 4 periods allows you to save more money and energy. The most impressive thing is Copy and Paste function. For instance, you just set up 72⁰F at 7 am on Monday. Then, copy and paste it for the next day if you have the same routine. Since the Orbit 83521 is preprogrammed with Energy Star, you’re guaranteed to save up to 33% off the energy bill.

But, when installing this thermostat, you should be careful because I found some feedbacks from the incompatibility with other systems.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Offers a great function of Copy and Paste
• 7-Day programming, with 4 different periods of a day
• Has a contemporary design
• No C-wire require
• Saves up to 33% energy bill

Cons

• The device is sometimes incompatible with other systems
• Read instructions carefully before setting up
• Some complain that they have to buy batteries separately

Back to compare table

Ways to successfully picking up the best programmable thermostat

Will you have any idea of how to choose the best product after checking top 10 programmable thermostat reviews above? It’s great if you select the one you want. But, in case you want to study more information about this subject, below is what you need.

Some FAQs about the programmable thermostats

Do I need to buy a programmable thermostat?

Why not, guys? If your manual thermostat is more than 10 years old, upgrading the new one, particular the programmable thermostat, is a smart idea. Or in case you are advancing the new heating and cooling system, it’s better to change another one.

And the biggest reason is that these devices can adjust the temp accurately as well as improving the HVAC system’s efficiency.

Is it hard to install the programmable thermostat?

As long as you have the wires you need, setting up the thermostat looks like a simple DIY process. But, if any thermostat requires the C-wire, the best thing is to call for the professionals.

So, what is the C-wire?

The C-wire, also called the common wire, provides 24V electricity to the thermostat. For further information, you can consult here because I also mentioned lots of posts about it.

Where to put the programmable thermostat?

Make sure you place it on an interior wall that is not close to doorways, windows, vents, direct sunlight or other sources of heat.

Which ideal temperatures should I set?

During the summer, 70-72⁰F is perfect while 78 – 80⁰F is suitable for the winter. But, no matter which temp you choose, remember not to set an intense change of over 10 degrees. If not, the HVAC system has to work harder to attain the proper temperature.

Final thoughts

Now, you know necessary ways to look for an ideal programmable thermostat and why you should have one, right? The best thing is to determine your budget and heating and cooling demands. In addition, don’t forget to pay attention to installation, the size of your house, computability with the HVAC system, etc.

To me, I prefer the Lux Products TX9600TS. The first reason is its affordable price. The next thing is its 7-Day Programming function that allows me to set different temperature as I want. Of course, it is compatible with all the systems, especially the heat pump. Last but not least, it’s easy to set up without asking for the pro support.

After all, the final decision is yours. If your budget is not limited, you can consider the Nest 3^rd Generation or the Ecobee4 because it can work well for the large living place. Or just read again the top 10 programmable thermostat reviews and I believe you can easily find the best one.

And if you’re interested in what I’ve said, don’t mind sharing to those who are in your situation. Or you can leave any comment in the box below so that we can discuss together.

Once again, thanks for reading!

Read Best Wifi Thermostat Reviews on the 2020 here.