Last updated: February 2026 | Our recommendations are based on extensive research, real user feedback, and UK-specific considerations including boiler compatibility, installation requirements, and energy savings.
Looking for the best smart thermostat for your UK home? With energy bills still a major concern, upgrading to a smart thermostat is one of the most effective ways to cut costs while improving comfort.
In this guide, we compare the top smart thermostats available in the UK, break down real-world savings, and help you choose the right one for your home.
Quick Comparison: Best Smart Thermostats UK
| Thermostat | Price | Best For | Learning | Geofencing | Multi-Room | HomeKit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hive Active Heating | £179 | Easy professional install | Basic | ✅ | Extra valves | ❌ |
| Google Nest Learning | £219 | Set-and-forget convenience | Advanced | ✅ | Limited | ❌ |
| tado° V3+ | £149 | Best geofencing & value | Moderate | ✅ Best | Excellent | ✅ |
| Drayton Wiser | £144 | Budget multi-room | Basic | ✅ | Excellent | ❌ |
| Honeywell Home T6 | £180 | Simple reliability | None | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
Our Top Picks for 2026
1. Hive Active Heating — Best for Easy Installation
Price: £179 (self-install) or £249 (professional installation)
The Hive remains Britain’s favourite smart thermostat, and for good reason. Backed by British Gas, it offers the easiest path to smart heating with optional professional installation.
Key Features:
- Works with virtually any UK boiler system
- Professional installation available (£70 extra)
- Excellent app with simple interface
- Integrates with Hive ecosystem (plugs, sensors, cameras)
- Hot water scheduling included
Pros:
- British Gas support and installation
- Very reliable — proven in millions of UK homes
- No subscription fees
- Good Alexa and Google Assistant support
Cons:
- Learning features are basic compared to Nest
- App design feels dated
- Professional install adds significant cost
- No Apple HomeKit support
Best For: Those who want hassle-free professional installation and the backing of British Gas.
2. Google Nest Learning Thermostat — Best for Learning
Price: £219
The Nest is the smartest thermostat on the market. It genuinely learns your schedule and preferences, adjusting itself automatically over time.
Key Features:
- Advanced learning algorithms
- Beautiful circular display
- Energy history reports
- Home/Away Assist with phone sensing
- Works with Google Home ecosystem
Pros:
- Best learning features — truly set-and-forget
- Stunning design
- Detailed energy reports
- Excellent Google integration
Cons:
- No official UK installation service
- Multi-room control limited
- More expensive than competitors
- No HomeKit support
Best For: Tech enthusiasts who want the smartest, most automated experience.
3. tado° V3+ — Best Geofencing & Value
Price: £149 (starter kit)
tado° offers the best geofencing available and excellent multi-room control at a lower price than competitors.
Key Features:
- Best-in-class geofencing
- Open window detection
- Multi-room control with smart radiator valves
- Full Apple HomeKit support
- Weather adaptation
Pros:
- Best geofencing — knows exactly when you leave/return
- Cheapest entry price
- Excellent for multi-room setups
- Works with everything (Alexa, Google, HomeKit)
Cons:
- Auto-Assist subscription (£2.99/month) for best features
- App can be overwhelming
- Less polished than Nest
Best For: Those who want excellent location-based control and multi-room heating on a budget.
Smart Thermostat Savings Calculator
Based on typical UK energy costs:
| Scenario | Annual Savings | Payback Period |
|---|---|---|
| Conservative (10% reduction) | £80-120 | 15-22 months |
| Typical (15% reduction) | £120-180 | 10-15 months |
| Best case (25% reduction) | £200-300 | 6-10 months |
Installation: What to Expect
DIY Installation: Most smart thermostats are designed for DIY installation. You’ll need to:
- Turn off your boiler power
- Remove old thermostat
- Connect new wires (usually just 2-3 connections)
- Mount the new unit
- Follow app setup instructions
Professional Installation: Hive offers official installation (£70). For others, any qualified electrician can install (£50-100).
Which Smart Thermostat Should You Buy?
| If you… | Buy this |
|---|---|
| Want easy professional installation | Hive Active Heating |
| Want the smartest automation | Google Nest |
| Want best value and geofencing | tado° V3+ |
| Want budget multi-room control | Drayton Wiser |
| Use Apple HomeKit | tado° V3+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a smart meter to use a smart thermostat?
No. Smart thermostats and smart meters are completely separate systems. You can use either without the other.
Will a smart thermostat work with my boiler?
Most likely, yes. The vast majority of UK gas boilers (combi, system, and regular) are compatible. Check the manufacturer’s compatibility tool for certainty.
Can I install it myself?
Yes, if you’re comfortable with basic wiring. Hive, Nest, tado°, and Drayton all provide DIY installation guides. If in doubt, hire a professional.
Do smart thermostats work without internet?
They’ll still control your heating locally, but you’ll lose remote control, learning, and geofencing until internet is restored.
Which is best for Apple HomeKit?
tado° is the clear winner with full HomeKit support. Most others (Hive, Nest, Honeywell) don’t support it.
Are there any monthly fees?
Generally no. tado°’s Auto-Assist is an optional £2.99/month add-on, but manual control is free on all devices.
Our Final Recommendations
Best Overall: tado° V3+ — Best value, excellent geofencing, multi-room ready, HomeKit support.
Best for Easy Installation: Hive Active Heating — British Gas backing, professional install option, proven reliability.
Best for Learning: Google Nest — Smartest learning features, beautiful design, ideal for Google Home users.
Best for Budget Multi-Room: Drayton Wiser — Affordable zone control without compromise.
Whichever you choose, a smart thermostat pays for itself within 1-2 years and keeps saving money for years after.
Related Reading
- How Much Can a Smart Thermostat Really Save You?
- Hive vs Nest vs tado°: Full Comparison
- How to Set Up Smart Radiator Valves
- 10 Easy Ways to Cut Your Energy Bills
- What is Matter? The Future of Smart Home
This guide is maintained and updated regularly. Last reviewed: February 2026.
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