Programmable Thermostats

A programmable thermostat runs the schedule you set: cooler at night, setback while you're out, warm when you're up. EIA's 2020 survey found 52.59 million U.S. homes with one, and 31.04 million households that adjust the temperature by hand. A schedule only helps if it's programmed.

Many programmable models run on AA batteries and need no C wire, which makes them a simple swap on older two- and four-wire systems. Check each maker's system and heat pump statements against your wires.

Battery-powered programmable thermostats fit the widest range of older wiring; Wi-Fi isn't needed to run a schedule.

#1 · 5-2 day programming

Honeywell Home RTH2300B1038 Programmable Thermostat

On power, the listing does not say whether it needs a C wire. Its maker states heat pump support, including auxiliary heat. It hand Control. Schedule: 5-2 day programming. Power: Battery Powered. Its listing shows 10,267 buyer reviews. It suits a weekly schedule without an app and older wiring without a C wire. Where it gives ground: no remote control; systems not stated. Warranty: 1 year limited warranty. Smart vs programmable compares the two.

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#2 · 7-Day Programmable

Honeywell Home RTH7600D Programmable Thermostat

On power, the listing does not say whether it needs a C wire. Its maker states heat pump support. Stages, per the maker: single stage heating and cooling. Systems: Compatible with heating and cooling plus heat pump systems. It touch. Schedule: 7-Day Programmable. Power: Battery Powered. Its listing shows 9,290 buyer reviews. It suits a weekly schedule without an app and older wiring without a C wire. Where it gives ground: no remote control; batteries to replace. Warranty: 1 year warranty.

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#3 · Programmable

Honeywell Home RTH221B1039 Programmable Thermostat

On power, the listing does not say whether it needs a C wire. Its maker states heat pump support. Stages, per the maker: multi-stage. Systems: COMPATIBLE WITH: Heating, cooling and heat pumps without auxiliary heat options. It hand Control. Schedule: Programmable. Power: Battery Powered. Its listing shows 7,787 buyer reviews. It suits a weekly schedule without an app and older wiring without a C wire. Where it gives ground: no remote control; batteries to replace. Warranty: 1 year limited.

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#4 · Programmable

Honeywell Home RTH8560D1002 Programmable Thermostat

On power, the listing does not say whether it needs a C wire. Heat pump support isn't stated, so check the maker's compatibility checker if you have an O/B wire. Stages, per the maker: single stage heating and cooling. It touch Screen. Schedule: Programmable. Power: Battery Powered. Its listing shows 3,433 buyer reviews. It suits a weekly schedule without an app and older wiring without a C wire. Where it gives ground: no remote control; systems not stated. Warranty: 1 year warranty.

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#5 · Programmable

LUX TX9600TS Programmable Thermostat

On power, the listing does not say whether it needs a C wire. Heat pump support isn't stated, so check the maker's compatibility checker if you have an O/B wire. It touch. Schedule: Programmable. Power: Battery Powered. Its listing shows 2,945 buyer reviews. It suits a weekly schedule without an app and older wiring without a C wire. Where it gives ground: no remote control; systems not stated. Program sleep and away setbacks once; it repeats them every week.

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#6 · Programmable

Honeywell Home THP2400A1027W Programmable Thermostat

On power, the listing does not say whether it needs a C wire. Heat pump support isn't stated, so check the maker's compatibility checker if you have an O/B wire. Its listing shows 1,748 buyer reviews. It suits a weekly schedule without an app and furnace and central air systems. Where it gives ground: no remote control; systems not stated. Battery models need fresh batteries about once a year. Smart vs programmable compares the two.

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#7 · Programmable

Honeywell Home RTH8500D1013/E1 Programmable Thermostat

On power, the listing does not say whether it needs a C wire. Its maker states heat pump support. Stages, per the maker: 2h/2c. Systems: works with conventional and heat pump systems up to 2H/2C, it's one thermostat for nearly every application. It touchpad Control. Schedule: Programmable. Power: Battery Powered. Its listing shows 1,742 buyer reviews. It suits a weekly schedule without an app and older wiring without a C wire. Where it gives ground: no remote control; batteries to replace. Warranty: 1 year.

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#8 · 7 day programmable

Honeywell Home TL8230A1003 Programmable Thermostat

On power, the listing does not say whether it needs a C wire. Heat pump support isn't stated, so check the maker's compatibility checker if you have an O/B wire. It push Button. Schedule: 7 day programmable. Power: Corded Electric. Its listing shows 1,624 buyer reviews. It suits a weekly schedule without an app and furnace and central air systems. Where it gives ground: no remote control; systems not stated. Warranty: No warranty.

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The ranking in one table

How to choose

Match the system first (heat only, heat and cool, heat pump), then the power: battery models suit walls without a C wire. Choose the schedule type you'll use: 7-day for varied weeks, 5-2 for regular ones.

If you'd only ever adjust it by hand, a non-programmable model is simpler; if you want to change settings from your phone, look at the smart lists.

When another list fits better

If you want phone control or room sensors, the smart thermostat lists fit better.

For gas fireplaces, see millivolt thermostats.

Questions shoppers ask

Our editors choose and order the picks from the makers' own statements; every pick meets the rule printed above. How we read a thermostat · Affiliate disclosure