A smart thermostat doesn’t just control the heating and cooling system of your home. They’re intelligent devices that are app-enabled so that you can adjust the temperature from your phone. You could be on the couch, on vacation, or anywhere else. As long as your mobile device gets connected to a cellular or Wi-Fi network, you are golden. Homeowners prefer to use HomeKit, so you want to make sure the thermostats are compatible. Most smart thermostats are designed to work with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. This gives you one more way to adjust the settings remotely with your smart home system. Using a HomeKit hub can help tie everything together.
Many smart thermostat systems use intelligent features, including motion sensor options, and are compatible with HomeKit. This allows you to automatically change temperatures in the home if you’re there or not. You no longer have to deal directly with HVAC systems. Another feature is the geofencing radius. When you’re a specific distance from the home, it switches to ‘away’ and then back. Power extender kits are also available.
Today, we’re focused primarily on thermostats that are Apple HomeKit compatible. That way, you can easily control the thermostat with the HomeKit. Of course, you can buy the best Apple HomeKit from the iHome store. Once you do that, you need the right smart home devices to be compatible.
This may earn you the right to use voice control and a room sensor to help you change the temperature and do more things. We talk about the best Apple HomeKit compatible smart thermostats and explain which is the best.
Quick Reference
- Ecobee SmartThermostat – Packed with features
- Emerson Sensi Touch – Best Value
- iDevices Smart Thermostat – Cost-effective
- Lux Kono Smart Thermostat – Customizable
- Honeywell Lyric T5 – Traditional style
- Ecobee 3 Lite – More Privacy
- Google Nest Learning Thermostat – Requires integration to work with HomeKit
- MySa Smart Thermostat – High-voltage support
Ecobee SmartThermostat – Packed with Features
One of the most popular smart products comes from Ecobee. The Ecobee Smart Thermostat has been named the best option. It has a crisp glass finish with a vivid touch display. You also get a powerful processor (quad-core), dual-band wireless connections, and a far-field voice feature.
If you’re looking for the best Apple HomeKit compatible thermostats, Ecobee has you covered. When you purchase the SmartThermostat, you get a SmartSensor, which can adjust everything based on your preferences and occupancy. Some brands don’t include a room sensor in the price, but Ecobee wants you to be happy with your purchase.
It’s possible to save about 23 percent on your heating and cooling bills each year when you reduce how much energy you waste. With the Ecobee brand, you get the Eco+ software for free, which maximizes its efficiency. Consider visiting the Ecobee website to see about rebates and how to qualify.
There is an intuitive mobile app, and Alexa is built-in. That way, you can use your voice, tablet, phone, or computer to control various thermostats throughout the home. Of course, Ecobee is the best Apple HomeKit compatible smart device.
Most thermostats are hard to install, but the one from Ecobee can be up and running in just 45 minutes. Download the Ecobee app to get a step-by-step guide and video walkthrough to make it a breeze.
Once you have everything installed, it is HomeKit compatible. However, you may need to contact HomeKit support for assistance. It also integrates with Samsung SmartThings, Alexa, and other systems, making Ecobee thermostats a smart choice to create a more intelligent house.
Emerson Sensi Touch – Best Value
The Emerson Sensi Touch offers energy-efficiency like the Ecobee brand. With flexible scheduling, geofencing, and remote access, you can keep costs low. Smart thermostats like this are HomeKit compatible.
Is this the best HomeKit compatible product? We think it is a great choice because it allows you to control thermostats with various smart-home products. It works with Google Assistant, Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, HomeKit, and many others.
Consider downloading the app to give you easy-to-follow instructions. Since it’s standard in size compared to other thermostats, you don’t have to repaint or patch the walls. These thermostats are compatible with most homes, but you do need to have a C-wire.
iDevices Smart Thermostat – Cost-effective]
Smart thermostats are essential for many homeowners. However, it can get quite expensive if you aren’t careful. The intelligent thermostat from iDevices could be the best HomeKit compatible option. It’s also designed to work with most HVAC systems. Of course, HomeKit is the hub that ties everything together and makes the home smarter. Thermostats and other devices can then be utilized through the HomeKit hub.
That said, you may need a C-wire for router and system compatibility. There is a support portal online to ensure that this brand of thermostats works with your home and HomeKit.
You’ve got voice control with these thermostats. It can respond to Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa commands. However, you must separately purchase those devices if you plan to utilize voice controls from the thermostats.
It’s possible to use these thermostats from anywhere, as long as you have a connected app and an Android or iOS device.
You don’t need a hub at all. However, most people desire to use HomeKit to connect all of their devices. Since this one is HomeKit compatible, there are no concerns.
Lux Kono Smart Thermostat – Customizable
The best HomeKit product could be the one from Lux Kono. These thermostats are compatible with HomeKit and use the Cloud to work with a variety of voice assistants. Of course, this includes HomeKit, Alexa, and many others. To use voice assistance, you must have the HomeKit hub or whatever you hope to use.
You also get geofencing to control the comfort with proximity features. It’s fully customizable and compatible with many different furnace types. There are countless apps available for free for this product, including HomeKit.
Honeywell Lyric T5 – Traditional Style
The Honeywell Lyric looks very traditional as far as thermostats go, but it is compatible with every modern voice assistant, including HomeKit. This product also offers geofencing and app-based scheduling capabilities. You can quickly set the temperature to whatever you require based on when you are going to be in the house.
There are also custom fan settings to circulate air as necessary. This product is energy-star certified, making it cost-effective in the long-run. Smart alerts can be sent as push notifications through HomeKit to your smartphone.
Ecobee 3 Lite – More Privacy
The Ecobee brand is so popular that it made the list twice. The Ecobee 3 Lite is an older version of the SmartThermostat, also from Ecobee. Of course, it still integrates with HomeKit, as well as other options. It’s quite easy to install, though you may need to request support from HomeKit to get it all hooked up and ready to go.
Ecobee products offer high comfort and energy savings. Plus, this Ecobee thermostat offers your desired comfort settings at all times. You can make changes from anywhere using this Ecobee product.
Google Nest Learning Thermostat – Requires Integration
The Learning Thermostat from Nest is not compatible with HomeKit on its own. However, you can use various apps to make it all work out.
This programmable thermostat learns your preferences to help your house stay comfortable. Of course, you may need to figure a workaround if you want to use it with HomeKit. Many homeowners utilize HomeBridge to make it all work.
MySa Smart Thermostat – High-voltage Support
If you’ve got a high-voltage heating system, you need MySa, as it’s the only one on the list to support that. Of course, it is compatible with HomeKit. It’s got a minimalistic design that’s sleek and goes well with any decor.
Smart integrations include HomeKit, of course. However, you can also use it with Google and Alexa options. You’re also going to find it quite easy to install, and there are videos and guides available on the app.
Buyer’s Guide
It’s important to know how to pick the right products for your smart home. An Apple HomeKit enabled thermostat is going to ensure that you can use it with your current setup. Sometimes called a remote stat, these thermostats can include various features and work with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and many others. To find the best Apple HomeKit compatibility, we’ve come up with a helpful buyer’s guide.
C-wire Requirements
Most smart home thermostats require more power than regular batteries can offer. However, they don’t need to get plugged into an outlet to work. Instead, they rely on the low-voltage power that HVAC systems provide. Generally, the smart thermostats require a dedicated C-wire to do this, though others might get electricity from other sources, such as the R-wire. Using the R-wire connectivity could pose problems with certain systems and can lead to permanent damage. Of course, HomeKit compatibility with various thermostats almost always requires a C-wire.
If you don’t find a C-wire when you remove the old thermostat to install the smart one, you may see a wire inside that was never connected. However, when no C-wire is present, call an electrician to have one installed. While some of the smart home thermostats we reviewed are compatible with HomeKit and don’t require it, most manufacturers recommend one be used.
Easy to Install
Whether installing smart thermostats or regular ones, it shouldn’t be hard. You don’t have to be very handy. As long as you can read and follow directions, you’re golden. Manufacturers include comprehensive instructions that are easy to understand and have plenty of pictures to help guide you. Often, you can find online tutorials if you require it.
The thermostat itself should tell you where all the wires go, and they’re often labeled so you can attach the wall wires to the new system as you disconnect and remove the old one. Usually, these wires are color-coded. However, consider taking a picture with your smartphone as another reference point. Since most thermostats are compatible with HomeKit, you also need to know how to get both to work together. HomeKit support is available through the HomeKit website or app.
Geofencing
One of the features that make smart home thermostats so appealing is geofencing. Apple HomeKit apps tether your smartphone’s GPS to establish an appropriate perimeter around the entire space. When you leave that space, presumably, you don’t need to cool/heat the house, so you can have the thermostat readjust itself. That way, HVAC systems aren’t running unnecessarily. Once your HomeKit smart device gets back into range, the thermostat adjusts itself again so that the home is always comfortable when you arrive.
Remote Access
Apple HomeKit compatibility also focuses on remote access. Such features allow you to control the thermostat while you’re away from the house. Through Apple HomeKit or the iPhone app store, you can download this application and adjust/check temperatures regardless of where you are. Of course, an internet connection is required, but most locations provide that for free.
Sensors
Smart features are essential so that you can be comfortable all around your home. Geofencing is excellent when everyone has a smart device. However, proximity and motion sensors can be an alternative way to see whether the home is occupied or not, and if climate control changes are needed.
The original Nest Thermostat often got criticized because it relied too much on the room sensor. People had to walk by it constantly, or it thought the home was empty and prevented the HVAC system from cooling or heating the space. Plus, it’s not compatible with HomeKit on its own.
Many smart thermostats also use window and door sensors as a home security system. Proximity sensors on your thermostat can trigger the display to show as you walk past. Therefore, wide screens are also one of the features to consider. If nothing else, they can be a pathway light during the night. HomeKit doesn’t focus on the sensors, so as long as they’re made for the device, this is okay.
High-Voltage Support
Most of the smart devices on the market work with any central HVAC systems. Homes that use high-voltage heaters (fan-forced convectors or radiant and baseboard heating) might require an Apple HomeKit compatible thermostat that’s designed specifically for these heating options.
Smart-Home Integrations
Smart devices, even Apple HomeKit compatible ones, come with an app to be controlled by a tablet or smartphone. However, you want a model that integrates with other devices and systems. That way, you can adjust the temperature using Amazon Alexa, giving you voice control features. You may also link a smoke detector to it through the HomeKit hub, allowing the fan to turn off if a fire is detected. That way, smoke has less of a chance to get circulated throughout the home. Stringify and IFTTT support are also available. Smart-vent connectivity, Apple HomeKit compatibility, and other tie-ins are the best way to have a smart home and appropriate features that you crave.
User Interface
Having a smart home allows you to do so much more. In the past, thermostats had a dial with numbers on it. However, modern options are more sophisticated. This is good and bad. With so many features, it can be harder to use. It should clearly convey essential information when you glance at it, but you shouldn’t have to decipher a lot of data to get to that. Some options use the room sensor and voice control in a way that you can ask it what the temperature is. For example, Amazon Alexa can tell you this information through its Apple HomeKit compatibility option.
FAQs
We don’t want you to have doubts about Apple HomeKit compatibility. That way, you choose the best Apple HomeKit thermostats. Therefore, we came up with some frequently asked questions to help you choose the best smart devices for your home.
What Thermostats Work with Apple HomeKit?
All of the products we list feature Apple HomeKit compatibility other than the Nest Learning Thermostat. Since they are all Apple HomeKit compatible, you can choose any here and still enjoy having a smart home that meets all of your needs. However, we feel that Ecobee products might be the best.
Is Nest Thermostat Compatible with Apple HomeKit?
Many people ask, does Nest thermostat work with HomeKit. The technical answer is no, it does not. However, you can find Nest Thermostat HomeKit integration options that allow you to use both products. Apple HomeKit only works with Apple-based products. Nest items are made by Google. Since these companies are different, there’s no way that they can work together without help.
For most people, the best idea is not to purchase the Nest Thermostat. Home-Kit isn’t going to easily work with it. However, if you’ve already got that brand, you can still use the Apple HomeKit thermostat features. Generally, you can download various apps that allow you to control Nest smart devices with your iPad, Apple Watch, and other things.
The Nest Learning Thermostat must be installed correctly. You can download the Nest App and connect both devices to your wireless network. Then, add your thermostat to the Nest app from the iPhone or another Apple device. This allows your Nest product to be HomeKit compatible.
Another option is to use a Homebridge hub to have a Nest-based thermostat that works with Apple HomeKit. You can find various tutorials that show you how to do this.
What Is the Best Thermostat for Your House?
It’s hard to tell you which thermostat is best for your home. Most people prefer a smart thermostat to make it easier to control things when they’re away or don’t want to get up out of bed. If you desire a smart home, this can be a suitable option, and Ecobee has what you need.
Of course, if you choose Apple HomeKit thermostats, you want to ensure that they are compatible with the brand you already have. Typically, the best smart thermostats are those with various features, are HomeKit compatible, offer voice control, and much more.
Any of the products we talked about earlier can be the best Apple HomeKit thermostat for you. However, we feel that the Ecobee brand is the right choice for almost every homeowner.
Which Thermostat Works Best with iPhone?
The SmartThermostat from Ecobee is the best overall, but any of the ones we reviewed are designed to work with iPhone. In fact, they can all be considered the best Apple HomeKit thermostats for your home. With them, you can control various things and have a smart home that works for you.
What Is Apple HomeKit?
Apple HomeKit is a smart home hub designed by Apple. It’s a popular option in the US. In a sense, this is Apple’s version of Google Home or Amazon Alexa/Echo. If you own anything within the Apple Ecosystem (Mac, iPad, iPhone, Apple Watch), you can use HomeKit to link them all together. With that, you can choose HomeKit compatible products, including thermostats. That way, you can control things in your home without having to worry about the brand name.
Conclusion
There are plenty of HomeKit compatible thermostats on the market right now. We reviewed eight different options, but the Best HomeKit product is the Ecobee SmartThermostat. The styling is modern and sleek, and it has a strong processor. You also get a SmartSensor with this Ecobee product, which rarely happens. This room sensor works to see if you’re home and automatically changes the thermostat to your preferences. Of course, you can control these thermostats with the Ecobee app, as well.
As the best HomeKit product, the Ecobee brand also integrates with other smart systems. Ecobee has Amazon Alexa built-in, but it is still the best Apple HomeKit-compatible product we have found.
Complete with quick installation and energy savings, Ecobee has become the go-to for the best Apple HomeKit-compatible thermostats. Plus, you can find other Ecobee products that can also make your home smart without having to do much work.
