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The Verge
3 hours ago
- The Verge
Here are the best robot vacuum deals available right now
The Eufy X10 Pro Omni, our favorite midrange robot vacuum / mop, is on sale for $250 off. | Photo by Jennifer Pattison Tuohy / The Verge We're in an age where you can realistically delegate tasks to smart hunks of metal, whether it's a self-driving car or a robot that can clean on your behalf. Most of us probably won't be able to afford the helpful sentient humanoids being developed in our lifetimes, but robot vacuums are an affordable way to experience that promised utopia right now. Today's floor cleaners are also more advanced than ever. In addition to vacuuming, many of the best models can now mop, allowing you to tackle both carpet and hardwood flooring. Some can automatically dispense of their trash and dirty water, too, and clean their own components without intervention. We now even have models that can pick up dirty laundry and purify the air in your home, preventing you from having to lift a finger. The best Roborock dealsThe best Dreame dealsThe best SwitchBot dealsThe best Eufy dealsThe best Yeedi dealsThe best Shark dealsThe best Roomba dealsOther robot vacuum deals But if you need something relatively affordable for daily cleaning, you'd be surprised how little you have to pay for premium features. Below, we've listed the best deals currently available on a slate of Verge-approved robot vacuums, whether you prefer a budget entry-level model from Yeedi or a top-of-the-line offering from iRobot, Dreame, and more. The best Roborock deals Roborock's S8 MaxV Ultra, our pick for the best robot vacuum overall, is available at Amazon for $999.99 ($800 off) — its best price to date — as a part of a limited-time lightning deal. The combination of a 10,000Pa suction power and dual rubber roller brushes makes it a terrific vacuum, one that can easily pick up pet hair and other debris. It can also mop with great efficiency thanks to a sonic mopping system that vibrates the mop pad 4,000 times a minute, allowing it to clean sticky juices, thick condiments, and other common spills. The mop arm can extend to cover corners and baseboard edges, too. The S8 MaxV Ultra's camera-equipped AI obstacle avoidance makes it the best navigator in Roborock's lineup and one of the top models overall, though it's not quite as strong as Roomba's. The mobile app offers ample options to customize cleaning zones and schedules, and you can use its dedicated voice assistant to start and stop routines. It's also a Matter-ready robot that's compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Home. The Roborock Q8 Max Plus is a cheaper alternative you can currently pick up from Roborock, Amazon, and Lowe's for $399.99 ($419 off), which is the lowest price we've seen. It isn't as powerful or feature-packed as the S8 MaxV Ultra, but it still delivers a solid 5,500Pa of suction power, rendering it good enough for most cleaning tasks. It also handles mopping well, with 30 adjustable water flow levels and a sizable 350ml water tank that allows it to cover larger areas without frequent refills. The robovac can map your home efficiently and avoid most obstacles thanks to built-in lidar navigation, though it lacks a built-in camera for advanced object recognition. The best Dreame deals The Dreame X40 Ultra is another mopping robot, and while it's on the more expensive side, you can currently pick it up for $999.99 ($500 off) from Dreame and Amazon (if you're a Prime member), which is $100 shy of its all-time low. You're paying a premium for 12,000Pa of suction power and a pair of removable, self-retracting mop pads, which it can automatically clean and dry on its own using the included base. It can also empty its own bin and refill its own water tank. The Dreame X40 Ultra features an extendable side brush and mop pads, too, offering better coverage for baseboards, corners, and the underside of your furniture. It uses a combination of AI-powered cameras and '3D-structured light' (presumably based on lidar technology) to map and navigate rooms, with customizable keep-out zones and more functions available in the app. There's also a dirt detection system that can identify messier spills and adjust its cleaning routine accordingly. The Dreame L20 Ultra is currently available for $649.99 ($350 off) from Amazon (for Prime members) and Dreame, which is $90 shy of its all-time low but still one of its better prices to date. The L20 Ultra is an excellent alternative to Dreame's newer flagship robots, including the X40. It lacks a bit of power in comparison, though its 7,000Pa of suction power is still enough for most cleaning jobs. It also doesn't have the L40's tri-cut brush, which makes the step-up model more efficient at picking up pet hair. The only other real advantage the X40 holds over the L20 is its self-extending arms for vacuuming (though the dual mop pads can extend a bit for baseboard and corner coverage), nor does it have dirt detection. The L20 Ultra's base station is rather large, but it can take care of the entire cleaning process, including emptying the dustbin, emptying and refilling the water tanks, and washing and drying the mop pads. It doesn't have a heated cleaning function for the mop pads, however. It uses a lidar-based AI-powered navigation system, and you can prompt it to start cleaning by voice using Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands. The best SwitchBot deals The SwitchBot S10 is available directly from SwitchBot for an all-time low of $459.99 ($740 off) when you use coupon code SYPT700. The S10 is one of the most affordable robot vacuum / mop hybrids you can buy, one that can refill its own tank so long as you hook the battery-powered base station into your home's plumbing. It can also dry its own mop pads and empty its own bin at a separate docking bay, and offers enough capacity to run for up to 90 days without intervention. The S10's self-cleaning roller mop is more effective than the typical pads we see in most other units, but it's also limited to a smaller coverage area. It only has a single roller brush for vacuuming, but its respectable 6,500Pa suction can make up for it. And while it has lidar mapping and AI-powered obstacle avoidance, we found it still has a tendency to get stuck on laundry, bath mats, and other obstacles. The S10 is also one of the few robovacs with Matter support, however, which effectively enables native control through Apple Home, Google Home, and Alexa (though said platforms don't yet fully support robot vacuums). Read our SwitchBot S10 review. The SwitchBot K10 Plus is available for $176 ($224 off) from SwitchBot (with promo code SYPT505), which is an all-time low. At 3.6 inches high and 9.8 inches wide, it's a more petite option if you want something that can maneuver tighter spaces, which it does to decent success with a lidar-based mapping system that supports digital keep-out zones. It only has 2,500Pa suction, but that should be powerful enough to lift dirt in all but the deepest carpeting. You can also attach disposable mopping pads, though their mopping function doesn't work well. The K10 Plus comes with a self-emptying dock that can hold a respectable four liters of dirt before it needs emptying. The best Eufy deals The Eufy X10 Pro Omni — our current pick for the best midrange robot vacuum / mop — is down to an all-time low of $549.99 ($250 off) at Eufy's online storefront when you use promo code WS7DV2T3DNEO, with Amazon and Best Buy matching said deal price. The X10 Pro Omni is a bit of a novelty, at least in comparison to other robovacs in its price range, in that it offers AI-powered obstacle detection, which allows it to deftly navigate cables and other clutter. It also features a slew of functions you'd expect from top-of-the-line models, including 8,000Pa of suction power, speedy lidar-powered mapping, and oscillating dual spinning brushes for mopping. Mind you, none of these features are as effective as they are on more premium models, though the result is an all-in-one bot that punches above its weight. Plus, it has heated mop drying and onboard water reservoir, the latter of which prevents it from having to return to its multifunction auto-empty / wash / fill dock too frequently. Now through June 25th, the Omni S1 Pro is on sale for an all-time low of $799.99 ($500 off) when you purchase it directly from Eufy with offer code WS24T2071111. The S1 Pro is an excellent robovac if you have mostly hardwood floors, with a long 11.4-inch roller mop, a square shape, and dual spinning side brushes that leave floors spotless (it can even reach into corners). What's more, the S1 Pro is capable of self-washing its own mop with water jets as it cleans, which it can then dry afterward using hot air. It's also a decent vacuum with 8,000Pa of suction, which is enough power to pick up most debris. Its AI-powered obstacle avoidance system is effective as well, allowing it to navigate around larger objects with relative ease. If you're looking for a bump-and-roll model that's relatively budget-friendly, the discontinued Eufy 11S Max is still on sale at Amazon for just $159.99 ($120 off). The 11S Max stands out from other robovacs because it doesn't use Wi-Fi, meaning it doesn't require you to fiddle with a mobile app on your phone. Instead, you can control it using an on-board button or with the included remote, which also allows you to create cleaning schedules. It's relatively quiet and reliable, too, with 2,000Pa of suction power and replaceable parts, making it a great long-term investment for those who want something basic. The best Yeedi deals The Yeedi Cube is currently down to an all-time low of $246.99 ($243 off) at Amazon at checkout. It's not easy to find a self-emptying / self-cleaning vacuum at this price, as those features are typically only available on robots that cost upward of $600 or more. With 5,100Pa of suction power, the Cube can tackle most common vacuuming scenarios, though its single hybrid rubber / bristle brush can get easily tangled with pet hair. It mops better than most models in its range, however, namely because its vibrating microfiber pads can actually scrub your floors. The Cube uses lasers for object avoidance, too, though it's not as effective for navigation as those with lidar and AI smarts. It can avoid large furniture and other objects, but it might need your help rerouting around cables, toys, and laundry. Still, we found it navigates better than most other robots under $300. The best Shark deals The Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 is a great robot vacuum / mop hybrid that's now on sale for $399.99 ($320 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and directly from Shark, which is $20 shy of its all-time low price. Before the Eufy X10 Pro Omni took its place, the Matrix Plus 2-in-1 was our runner-up pick for those seeking a midrange robot vacuum that mops and automatically empties its own bin. Its vibrating, sonic mopping feature does an excellent job of scrubbing hardwood floors; however, keep in mind that you'll have to fill and attach the mop reservoir manually. The best Roomba deals You can get iRobot's Roomba Combo 10 Max from Amazon for $799.99 ($600 off), which is its second-best price to date. We think it's the best robot vacuum for pet hair, one that combines high suction power with rotating dual rubber brushes that pick up without getting tangled. What's even more impressive is that it comes with a new multifunction charging dock that allows it to empty its bin, wash its own mop, and even refill its mopping tank. Add in Matter support, excellent AI-powered obstacle detection, and a retractable mop arm, and you've got a robovac that makes cleaning almost entirely hands-free. If you're working with a tight budget, the Combo i5 is also a good vacuum / mop — one you can pick up on sale at Amazon and directly from iRobot right now for $199, down from $349.99. It's not as powerful as the aforementioned Combo 10 Max and can't refill its water tank or wash and dry its own mop; however, it still features Roomba's wide, dual rubber brushes, which do an excellent job of picking up dirt and debris. It doesn't support virtual keep-out zones or Matter, either, though you can schedule it to clean specific rooms at set times. It's also compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, and like all Roombas, it's relatively easy to repair. Other robot vacuum deals Update, June 20th: Updated to reflect current pricing / availability and a newer deal for the Eufy Omni S1 Pro.
The Verge
a day ago
- The Verge
Eufy's X10 Pro Omni mopping robovac has returned to its best price to date
Now that warmer weather is here, spring cleaning duties are likely falling by the wayside. But the good news is you can enjoy the outdoors and clean your home with zero effort by letting a robot vacuum do the hard work for you. For that, we recommend a versatile model like the Eufy X10 Pro Omni, which is currently on sale at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy to $549.99 ($250 off), matching its all-time low. The X10 Pro Omni, one of our favorite midrange vacuum / mop combos, boasts an array of features to help it tackle daily messes, including oscillating dual spinning brushes capable of cleaning dried stains. An onboard water reservoir means the robot vacuum can clean for longer without having to refill its tank as often as some alternatives. Plus, when it's finished mopping, a heated mop drying function helps prevent the base from smelling like dirty laundry. Unfortunately, however, it lacks a heated mop washing feature. In addition to mopping, the X10 Pro Omni features 8,000Pa of suction, which enables it to perform well on both carpet and tile surfaces. It also offers excellent AI-powered object recognition, allowing it to avoid pet messes, cables, and toys. That said, we did encounter a few navigation issues during our testing, with the vacuum unable to escape from a corner. While it did get stuck a few times, its lidar-powered mapping is fast and accurate, laying out multiple rooms correctly on the first try. To round out the Omni's capabilities, support for the Eufy Clean app allows you to set schedules, establish no-go zones, create virtual boundaries, and more. It can also automatically empty its dust bin and refill its own water tank, so you can set it and forget it while it does its thing.
Gizmodo
2 days ago
- Gizmodo
Blink's Newest Outdoor Smart Security Cam (3-Pack) Is Now 62% Off, Practically Free Per Unit
Place the cameras around your home and set up an uncompromising security grid. Upgrading your home security system doesn't have to mean a complicated installation or a subscription you'll forget about in six months. If you've been trying to figure out a way to keep tabs on your front porch, backyard, or garage without spending a fortune, you should consider what Amazon has on offer by way of its security cameras. We've found a fantastic deal that you won't want to skip out on right now, in fact. See at Amazon Right now, you can check Amazon to get a 3-pack of the Blink Outdoor 4 wireless smart security camera for just $100, down from its usual price of $260. That's $160 off and a discount of 62%. Let's reiterate that you get three cameras here, so you can place them wherever you want around your house. That's a pretty significant discount. Reliable security cameras at a dynamite discount The Blink Outdoor 4 offers 1080p HD video for both daytime and nighttime viewing. Whether you're checking in during the day or keeping watch after sunset, the image stays crisp thanks to upgraded infrared night vision. And because these cameras are battery-powered, you won't need to run wires or drill holes. Just pop in the included AA lithium batteries and mount the cameras wherever you need coverage. Each one is designed to last for up to two years on a single set of batteries. With motion detection alerts sent straight to your phone, you can see what's happening in real time without constantly checking in. There are also customizable motion zones to help you avoid false alarms, so you only get notified when it actually matters and your phone isn't pinging you every five minutes when a cat or dog walks across its vision. There's also two-way audio, which means you can talk to whoever's at your door without opening it, whether it's a delivery driver or someone who shouldn't be there. Though you probably don't want to hold a conversation with someone who shouldn't be there. The Blink Outdoor 4 works with Alexa, so if you've got a compatible Echo device, you can use voice commands to pull up a live feed. And since it's a three-camera setup, you'll be able to monitor multiple areas at once, whether that's your driveway, back gate, or side yard. This three-pack is a fantastic deal for just $100 (-62%). It's flexible, reliable, and easy to use, and you won't need to commit to any long-term plans to get the most out of it. Grab your set while you can. See at Amazon
CNET
4 days ago
- CNET
After Installing Dozens of Security Cams, I've Found the Best Places to Put Them
After unboxing your new security cam, it's time to install it -- and that means deciding where to place the cam and how to mount it. That's not always an easy decision, and it's different for every home. I and other CNET reviewers have tested all kinds of security cameras, from screw mounts and adhesive strips to solar panel add-ons and basic put-it-on-shelf models. Since we've tried security cams everywhere, we know where they work best to take advantage of high-tech features like AI detection and wide-angle lenses. Here's how to do it. Where should you install a home security camera? 1. Exterior: Front door You might assume that intruders always sneak into side entrances, but statistics from the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors show that 34% of burglars use the front door. It's also where package thieves are likely to strike. A camera at your main entrance keeps tabs on everybody going in and out of your home, from family members and babysitters to maintenance people, delivery people and more. Pro tip: Video doorbells are great picks for the front door. You can use them as the primary camera or in conjunction with another outdoor camera aimed at the yard or garage. Blink's Outdoor 4 cam is easy to mount and reliable for watching an outdoor space. CNET/Tyler Lacoma 2. Exterior: Back and side doors Doors that are out of sight allow visitors to enter undetected, whether they're invited or not. NACHI statistics show 22% of break-ins happen through the back door. To ensure full knowledge of everyone who enters and exits, add cameras to your secondary doors, especially if one of them is used as often or more often than your front door, or if one (like a basement door) seems particularly enticing or accessible to a potential intruder. 3. Exterior: Garage and driveway Garages are a common target of burglars because they're one of the weakest entry points. A camera pointed at your garage and/or driveway keeps a watchful eye on bikes, tools, grills, sports equipment, cars and everyone that handles them. If your garage is detached, the camera helps you stay connected. If the garage is attached, the extra layer of security monitors another possible entryway into your home. If there's a gate at the end of your driveway, you may want a camera there to spot anyone attempting to get in. 4. Exterior: Wide yard views Monitoring the yard will help you keep tabs on anyone scoping out your house. It's also handy for capturing the activities of kids, animals and trespassers. As with garages, look for cams that have a wide field of view to capture lots of action, at least 130 degrees and preferably more. If you have a yard entrance, like a fence gate or a shed doorway, make sure the camera can see it. Blink offers a cheap option for a smart floodlight cam. Blink 5. Interior: Common areas Placing cameras in gathering points like the kitchen or living room is a great way to see if the kids are doing what they're supposed to do, if the babysitter is attentive, what the pets are getting into, or to check on household help like cleaners and repairmen. Consider prioritizing any rooms that have large ground-floor windows — that way you can see if anyone tampers with them or uses one as a break-in point. If there's a key point of interest like a sofa, pet bed or living room play area, make sure the camera can see it. 6. Interior: Main stairway or hallway Place a camera in the main thoroughfares inside your home to make it difficult for someone to move about undetected. If someone breaks in through a bathroom, bedroom or another unmonitored area, they'll still be captured on camera if they move about the house. Indoor security cameras are useful, but finding ones with privacy shields are worthwhile to help minimize the risks of hackers gaining access to sensitive footage. Arlo Here's where you should never install a security camera Places that violate your neighbor's privacy. Cameras are great for your safety, but you need to be mindful of the privacy of others in your neighborhood. In general, homeowners are allowed to have outdoor security cameras that cover a broad area, and it's usually OK to capture your neighbor's public-facing property in the background of your footage. Learn more with our full guide. Cameras are great for your safety, but you need to be mindful of the privacy of others in your neighborhood. In general, homeowners are allowed to have outdoor security cameras that cover a broad area, and it's usually OK to capture your neighbor's public-facing property in the background of your footage. Learn more with our full guide. Bedrooms and bathrooms. The urge to keep a watchful eye on kids or elderly folks in your household is understandable. However, some areas have a warranted expectation of privacy. Plus, if you use a monitoring service, you run the risk of a hacker tapping into a camera that has access to your private spaces. Luckily, there are plenty of alternatives. Baby monitors are a smart choice for very young kids' rooms. Motion detectors and glass break sensors, as part of a connected home security system, can be added to doors and windows. Personal medical alert systems are strong choices for seniors. Tips for outdoor security cam placement Eufy's solar panel makes a great pairing with this open-range security cam. Eufy Once you decide which locations to monitor, you also need to plan your mounting decisions. These tips make easy work of this step: Install cameras 8 to 10 feet from the ground. This height is low enough to capture fine details but high enough to be out of easy reach of thieves and vandals. This height is low enough to capture fine details but high enough to be out of easy reach of thieves and vandals. Don't point cameras directly at the sun. Bright light causes glare and high contrast in your footage, which makes it hard to tell what's going on. Consider the movement of the sun and angle your cameras for indirect light. Bright light causes glare and high contrast in your footage, which makes it hard to tell what's going on. Consider the movement of the sun and angle your cameras for indirect light. Protect the camera from the elements. Top outdoor security cameras have ample weather- and waterproofing, but they are not all equal. Choose a camera that's appropriately rated for your climate, and place it under eaves or in another semi-protected area if you can. Top outdoor security cameras have ample weather- and waterproofing, but they are not all equal. Choose a camera that's appropriately rated for your climate, and place it under eaves or in another semi-protected area if you can. Avoid places too close to branches or bushes . Plants grow over time and can block your security camera. . Plants grow over time and can block your security camera. Let cameras be visible. Visible cameras can act as a deterrent against theft, and that's one of the best uses of your security system. Tips for indoor security cam placement Corners are your friends. Hanging an indoor camera in the corner of a room usually gives you the largest possible vantage point. Hanging an indoor camera in the corner of a room usually gives you the largest possible vantage point. Choose a shelf for versatility . If you don't have to mount your cam, placing it on a shelf allows you to make adjustments later or even move it to another room. . If you don't have to mount your cam, placing it on a shelf allows you to make adjustments later or even move it to another room. Windows can cause reflection issues. Pointing a camera at the window might degrade its image quality. Many security cameras have infrared light technology, which aids in motion detection and enables the cameras to function in low light. IR light can reflect off windows and other glass objects and obscure your footage, especially in the dark. If your footage looks washed out or whited out, there is likely a reflection problem. Pointing a camera at the window might degrade its image quality. Many security cameras have infrared light technology, which aids in motion detection and enables the cameras to function in low light. IR light can reflect off windows and other glass objects and obscure your footage, especially in the dark. If your footage looks washed out or whited out, there is likely a reflection problem. Angle for indirect light. Again, direct light will wash out your footage. With indoor cameras, be mindful of lamps, light fixtures and bright windows. Avoid facing your camera directly toward these light sources. Do video doorbells have special installation rules? Yale's smart lock pairs with the Nest Doorbell. Yale Position video doorbells so they have a good view of your porch or entryway. These cameras are angled a bit differently than other security cameras, so follow the manual instructions carefully. Usually, they need to be placed around 4 feet up from the base of the front door. In tighter spaces, video doorbells should be angled outward to capture as much activity as possible. Fortunately, many video doorbells come with a special wedge just for this purpose. Otherwise, put it where people would naturally press a doorbell. Are there super-portable security cams? In some cases, you may want a security camera that you can move around all the time. That makes it easy to put down wherever the kids are playing, indoors or outside, or to focus on a problem spot where things keep going missing (avoid workplace refrigerators, please). In these cases, we recommend battery-powered indoor/outdoor cams that you can move anywhere and that are weather-resistant in case they're left out in the rain. One candidate is Ring's Stick-Up Cam Pro ($180), which has an excellent collection of watchful features. Another option is the Google Nest Indoor/Outdoor Cam battery model ($176), which is often shown mounted but can also come with a tabletop mount. For more home security tips, check out how to prevent your home security cameras from being hacked and the best cheap home security systems you can buy.
CNET
4 days ago
- CNET
Regular vs. Smart Thermostats: My Complete Guide for Newbies
Smart thermostats look pretty, but that's far from all they do. If you're thinking about switching to a smart thermostat that includes an app and other tech, you deserve to know what the big differences are -- and if it's really worth it to drop money on one. As Adina Roth, product lead for the Nest Learning Thermostat, says, "The most amazing part of a smart thermostat is the ability to keep your home at a comfortable temperature and balance energy usage. Upon device and permissions set-up, Nest Learning Thermostat can automatically leverage things like outside weather and times when no one is home to respond accurately and efficiently to your home's individual needs." I'm going over the big differences between the standard thermostat you have now and what you'll get if you upgrade to a smart thermostat. Yes, the savings are real, but that's only part of the story. Scheduled heating and cooling Thermostats like Ecobee's allow for easier scheduling from a distance. Ecobee Both smart and traditional thermostats have programmable settings, letting you set temperature thresholds for specific hours and specific days of the week, and changing them as seasons change. The biggest difference is that smart thermostats make this much easier. With old programmable thermostats, you're mostly stuck doing programming with the thermostats' manual controls. Smart thermostats allow you to set schedules from the app, no matter where you are, and you can usually save and switch between schedules on the fly, making the process significantly smoother. Read more: Don't Put Your Thermostat In These Places Costs You can find a standard programmable thermostat without any bells and whistles for under $20 from brands like Honeywell Home (although those with fancy touchscreens will cost more), so they're an easy way to save money if you need a replacement. Smart thermostats, with all their added features, cost significantly more. Amazon has one of the cheapest for under $100, but for something like Nest's 4th-gen Learning Thermostat, you'll have to pay close to $300. If you're worried about initial costs, regular thermostats cost a whole lot less than smart thermostats. Honeywell Home Energy savings Programmable thermostats will save you money, as long as you stay within strict temperature settings at certain times of day and night. Smart thermostats don't necessarily save more, but they make saving money so much easier that houses tend to save more as a result, since very few users have time to constantly adjust a standard thermostat for maximum savings. With settings like eco modes and monthly reports on energy savings, smart thermostats tend to save the average household significant amounts of money. Google Nest studies have estimated the average user saves around 15% on energy bills annually, while Ecobee says users can save up to 26% at the high end. That's easily enough to cover the initial costs of a smart thermostat in a year or two. Some smart thermostats are very pretty, but its their control options that matter. Google Nest Remote operation A regular thermostat doesn't have app connections and will, at most, have a remote control you can use from across the house. Smart thermostats, meanwhile, have Wi-Fi connections and apps. That means that as long as you have your phone and a connection, you can make thermostat changes. For some people, this is an important feature -- they can adjust the temperature while on vacation or if they forget while away from home. Others are fine making changes only when they're at home. Automatic learning and adjusting A regular thermostat will heat or cool your home exactly when and how you tell it to. So will a smart thermostat -- unless you enable its smarter features. Smart thermostats include learning algorithms and sensors that study activity in the house, like when people get up in the morning and start moving around. With basic data like this, smart thermostats can start making adjustments about when to raise the heat or start cooling off, and when to hold back because there's no one at home. Essentially, they can schedule themselves and respond to significant changes in habits. Also, many new smart thermostats come with satellite sensors that you can place in specific rooms that traditional thermostats may not be able to "read" very well, increasing their temp-sensing accuracy. Ecobee's thermostat with its sensor. Ecobee Energy savings Programmable thermostats will save you money, as long as you stay within strict temperature settings at certain times of day and night. Smart thermostats don't necessarily save more, but they make saving money so much easier that houses tend to save more as a result, since very few users have time to constantly adjust a standard thermostat for maximum savings. With settings like eco modes and monthly reports on energy savings, smart thermostats tend to save the average household significant amounts of money. Google Nest studies have estimated the average user saves around 15% on energy bills annually, while Ecobee says users can save up to 26% at the high end. That's easily enough to cover the initial costs of a smart thermostat in a year or two. Installation Both smart and standard thermostats are installed the same way -- by connecting various wires to the thermostat's base plate. Both offer professional installation services as well, so there's not much difference here. The biggest difference is that smart thermostats won't work as well with every home system. For example, smart thermostats won't make a huge difference if you use radiant floor heating as your primary heat source (it's slower to respond and doesn't affect thermostat sensors the same way), so you may as well save money with a simpler thermostat. Thermostat sensors can go anywhere to monitor specific temperatures. Google Nest Connections to other devices Smart thermostats can often connect to other smart home technology, including security hubs and customized triggers, through platforms like IFTTT or Controller for HomeKit. Since smart thermostats tend to have extra sensors for humidity or air quality, they can trigger things like air purifiers, fans, dehumidifiers and more. Some smart thermostats even come with built-in voice assistants, while most at least support voice assistant control through Alexa, Google's voice assistant and more. Regular thermostats don't have any of these connections, so you can't usually connect them to home routines or set temperature triggers for other devices. Many smart thermostats can work with voice assistants too. Ecobee Bottom line Smart thermostats make saving money much easier than regular thermostats and come with plenty of extra bells and whistles, including opportunities to connect them to voice assistants and other smart home devices. They're also sleek, smart devices that display personalized info about your home and weather, while learning your habits and automatically adjusting heating or cooling -- no micromanagement needed. Plus, unlike regular thermostats, you can control them from anywhere. In return, the big drawback of smart thermostats is that they cost a whole lot more than a regular thermostat replacement would, although they do tend to pay for themselves within a year or two. However, not everyone is comfortable using an app for scheduling or letting a smart thermostat make changes itself, so some users may find themselves uncomfortable with the change. Ready to learn even more? See our guide on the best settings to use on your smart thermostat for the season, the easiest steps to save on heating and cooling bills, and the best smart home devices overall.
