The best smart thermostats make managing the heating in your home a doddle. They connect your central heating to your smartphone via the internet – so you can control the temperature in your home with a quick tap, wherever you are.

While most smart thermostats work in similar ways, there are lots of different types to choose from — and more coming online all the time. It’s a one-off investment that’ll stay with you for a while, so you’ll want to get the right one. Ready to find out more? Read on…

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Can my smart thermostat be professionally installed?

First up, be sure to check if the thermostat you like comes with professional installation. Of course, if you know your way around a toolbox and fancy doing it yourself, make sure you’re not paying for an installation you don’t need.

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Do you want to control your heating hands-free?

All smart thermostats let you control your heating remotely from your smartphone or tablet. However, if you’re still not sure which smart thermostat is the best for you, it’s worth thinking about whether you’d like to be able to control it using other devices as well.

For example, many of the leading brands now work with Alexa and Google Assistant. Some are also compatible with Apple HomeKit. This means you can control the temperature in your home from your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch or Mac.

Is your thermostat compatible with other smart home devices?

For many people, a smart thermostat is a great way to dip their toe into the world of smart homes. But once you realise how convenient it is to be able to control your heating from anywhere you may be keen to come back for more. From smart lights to motion sensors, the possibilities are endless.

Is your smart thermostat compatible with underfloor heating?

Whether you can control your underfloor heating through a smart thermostat depends on the type of system you have. Electric mats can often be controlled directly by a smart thermostat, whereas hydronic systems usually need a relay or actuator, and a dedicated manifold system.

It’s worth checking which system you have, and the thermostat’s compatibility and wiring requirements. And if you’re not sure, speak to a qualified installer.

Smart thermostats: latest features

Smart thermostats are getting smarter all the time. It’s not just controlling your heating from your phone: the latest models come with features that can transform the efficiency of your home.

Geofencing

A geofence is a virtual boundary around your home that your smart thermostat can use to detect when you’re coming or going. Using GPS technology, the thermostat turns on or off when you cross the boundary line, so it’s always set just how you like it – and you don’t waste money heating an empty home.

Draught Detection

Some smart thermostats can save you money by detecting where you could be losing heat through open windows or draughts. They’ll send an alert to your phone so you can keep an eye on where cold air is getting in and use your heating more efficiently.

Energy usage reports

It’s easier to spot where you’re wasting energy when you know exactly how you’re using it. Some smart thermostats can help you understand your usage with detailed reports – so you can make informed decisions.

Learning thermostats

Some smart thermostats use AI to learn your routines and automatically set your heating schedule. All you have to do is set your preferred temperature for the first week, and it will create a schedule that optimises your energy use.

Multizone heating

Multizone allows you to control the heating in different parts of your home at different times. So during the day you can keep the kitchen and study warm without wasting energy heating up the bedrooms.

The best smart thermostats for multiple zones will let you control up to three different heating areas in your home, all from your smartphone or tablet.

Find out more about multizone heating

Geolocation

Some smart thermostats also come with a geolocation function. This tracks your location using your smartphone and sends you a notification if you’ve left home with the heating still on. Then you can simply turn it off with a tap of the app.

Weather watch

This feature means your thermostat will monitor the weather forecast online and automatically respond. For instance, if it’s colder than expected, it will notch the heating up by a few degrees to keep things cosy.

Switch to a smart thermostat today

Ready to make the switch to a smart thermostat? We’ve got just the thing for you. The Hive Smart Thermostat is loved by millions and recommended by Which? experts. So if you’re looking for lower bills, a smaller carbon footprint and a comfortable home for years to come, step this way…

Make the most of a Hive thermostat today

FAQs

Will a smart thermostat work with my heating system?

Most smart thermostats work with gas and electric boilers and heat pumps, but some systems like wet/hydronic under‑floor heating and very old wired setups may need relays, actuators or a compatible receiver. So make sure you check your thermostat maker’s compatibility list and wiring guide, and speak to a qualified installer if you’re not sure.

Will a smart thermostat save me money?

Smart thermostats are a brilliant way to use your heating more efficiently. With features like scheduling, geolocation and energy reports, you can make sure your home is comfortable when you’re there, and cost effective when you’re not. It might not be an immediate bill cutter – but reducing wasted heating can often lower your bills over time.

Can I install a smart thermostat myself?

It depends. Some wireless thermostats and TRVs are DIY‑friendly. But most wired thermostats require electrical work for the installation and are best handled by a professional. To make sure you stay safe – and that your system is integrated correctly, we recommend using a certified installer.

What do I need for remote control and voice assistants?

Remote control, scheduling and geolocation require reliable home Wi‑Fi, and often a hub, too. Most mainstream smart thermostats integrate with voice platforms like Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri, to let you use voice control. Check your smart thermostat to see which platforms it works with.