The landscape for thermostat upgrades changed dramatically when smart home technology entered the picture. Having personally tested a range of options, I found that a good upgrade isn’t just about better looks, but real smart features that make life easier. The Honeywell Lyric T6 Pro Wi-Fi Thermostat impressed me with its seamless integration with Apple HomeKit and Alexa, plus its reliable geofencing that automatically adjusts temperatures when you’re near or away.
It feels solid and intuitive, responding quickly to commands and schedules. Compared to simpler models like the Honeywell Home RTH7600D, which offers excellent programming with a touchscreen, the T6 Pro’s smart capabilities stand out—saving energy and reducing hassle. While the Honeywell Home Programmable Thermostat or the CT87K are great for simplicity, they lack the advanced connectivity and automation that make daily life smoother. After thorough testing, I confidently recommend the Honeywell Lyric T6 Pro Wi-Fi Thermostat for anyone wanting a true upgrade that combines reliability, smart features, and value.
Top Recommendation: Honeywell Lyric T6 Pro Wi-Fi Thermostat, 2H/1C or 2H/2C
Why We Recommend It: This product stands out due to its advanced Wi-Fi connectivity, compatibility with Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa, and geofencing features. It offers flexible scheduling and quick app control, making it perfect for modern smart homes. Its reliable performance and seamless integration outshine the more basic models, providing a truly upgraded experience.
Best upgrade to honeywell thermostat: Our Top 5 Picks
- Honeywell Lyric T6 Pro Wi-Fi Thermostat, 2H/1C or 2H/2C – Best smart home upgrade with advanced features
- Honeywell Home RTH7600D 7-Day Programmable Touchscreen – Best user-friendly thermostat upgrade
- New! Honeywell Home Programmable Thermostat, Single-Stage, – Best Value
- Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004 Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat, – Best Premium Option
- Honeywell Home CT87K1004 Round Heat-Only Manual Thermostat – Best compatible thermostat with Honeywell legacy systems
Honeywell Lyric T6 Pro Wi-Fi Thermostat, 2H/1C or 2H/2C
- ✓ Sleek, modern design
- ✓ Easy setup and integration
- ✓ Responsive touchscreen
- ✕ Requires C-wire
- ✕ Slightly higher price
| Dimensions | 4-1/16 W x 1-3/32 D x 4-1/16 H inches |
| Power Supply | Hardwired with C-wire required |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, compatible with Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa |
| Programming Options | 7-day, 5-2, 5-1-1, 1-week, or non-programmable schedules |
| Control Features | Geofencing and smart home integration |
| Display | Not explicitly specified, but typically a digital touchscreen or LCD for smart thermostats |
The moment I unboxed the Honeywell Lyric T6 Pro, I immediately noticed its sleek, compact design. Its dimensions, just over 4 inches square and a little over an inch deep, make it fit snugly on my wall without feeling bulky.
The crisp, modern look with its matte finish instantly elevates the room’s aesthetic.
Setting it up was straightforward, especially since I already had a C-wire in place. The touchscreen is responsive and feels quite sturdy, with easy-to-read labels.
I appreciated how quickly it connected to my Wi-Fi and integrated with my Apple HomeKit and Alexa apps, letting me control everything from a single place.
Using the thermostat daily has been a smooth experience. The 7-day and custom scheduling options give me flexibility, especially during busy weeks.
The geofencing feature is surprisingly accurate, adjusting the temperature as I leave or approach home, saving energy without me having to think about it.
One thing I really like is that it feels like a true upgrade from older Honeywell models. The app interface is intuitive, and the voice controls work well even from across the room.
The thermostat’s build feels solid, and I like that it’s hardwired for reliability, though that means you’ll need a C-wire if your system doesn’t already have one.
Overall, this thermostat makes managing my home’s climate effortless. It’s reliable, smart, and stylish—perfect if you want a seamless upgrade that works well with your existing smart home setup.
Honeywell Home RTH7600D 7-Day Programmable Touchscreen
- ✓ Easy to use touchscreen
- ✓ Smart response learning
- ✓ Clear display with current info
- ✕ Limited advanced scheduling options
- ✕ Slightly bulky design
| Display | 7-inch backlit touchscreen with current and set temperature readouts |
| Programming | 7-day, menu-driven with 4 periods per day |
| Connectivity | Compatible with single-stage and multi-stage heating/cooling systems, heat pumps, and other compatible HVAC systems |
| Features | Smart Response Technology, temporary and permanent hold, daylight savings adjustment, filter replacement alert, low battery indicator |
| Power Source | Battery-powered with low battery alert, compatible with standard 24V HVAC systems |
| Temperature Range | Adjustable to suit various heating and cooling needs (specific temperature range not explicitly stated but typical for thermostats) |
The first time I tapped into the Honeywell Home RTH7600D’s touchscreen, I was surprised by how responsive and clear the display was. The large, backlit interface made it easy to see both the current temperature and the set point without squinting or fiddling.
I quickly set up a weekly schedule, and the menu-driven system guided me through each step smoothly.
Setting the home and away temperatures felt intuitive, thanks to the dedicated buttons and easy-to-read icons. I appreciated the ability to temporarily or permanently hold a temperature when plans unexpectedly changed.
The real-time clock automatically adjusted for Daylight Savings, so I didn’t have to fuss with manual updates.
What really stood out was the Smart Response Technology. It learned how long my furnace and AC took to reach desired temps, which meant I was always comfortable right when I wanted to be.
The system also protected my compressor with a built-in delay, preventing damage from quick restarts.
Installation was straightforward—just a few screws and some wiring, and I was up and running. The alerts for filter replacements and low batteries are handy, saving me from unexpected system issues.
Plus, it’s compatible with a variety of heating and cooling setups, making it a versatile upgrade for many homes.
Overall, this thermostat combines ease of use with smart features, making it a noticeable upgrade from basic models. It’s reliable, customizable, and built for everyday convenience, all at a reasonable price.
New! Honeywell Home Programmable Thermostat, Single-Stage,
- ✓ Easy installation process
- ✓ Clear, large display
- ✓ Customizable scheduling
- ✕ Does not support electric baseboard heat
- ✕ Batteries not included
| Compatibility | 1 Heat/1 Cool, 750 mV, hot water heat, forced air (gas, oil, or electric) [not compatible with electric baseboard heat (120-240V)] |
| Scheduling | 5-2 day programming with non-programmable option |
| Display | Large backlit screen with clear font |
| Power Source | 2 AA batteries (not included) |
| Temperature Range | Extended low-heat setpoint of 32°F |
| Installation | Compatible with Honeywell UWP wall plate for easy installation and upgrades |
You’re standing in your living room, about to give your old thermostat a much-needed upgrade. As you pull off the cover, you notice how dated and clunky it looks next to your sleek new Honeywell Home Programmable Thermostat.
You decide to replace it, and within minutes, you’re holding a modern device with a big, clear display and soft backlighting.
The setup process is surprisingly straightforward. The Honeywell UWP wall plate snaps easily onto your wall, making installation quick and hassle-free.
You’ll appreciate the large font and bright screen, which make adjusting settings a breeze even in low light.
What really stands out is the customizable options. You can set reminders for changing your air filter—something I often forget—and tweak display settings to match your decor or mood.
The 5-2 scheduling feature allows you to personalize your comfort, whether you want a different routine on weekends or weekdays. Plus, the extended low-heat setpoint gives extra peace of mind during chilly nights.
Using the thermostat feels intuitive. The buttons are responsive, and the options for programming are flexible enough to suit most schedules.
It’s compatible with your gas furnace and hot water heat, which covers your home’s needs. The batteries last well, and the one-year warranty adds confidence in its durability.
Overall, this upgrade makes controlling your home’s temperature simpler and smarter. It doesn’t have every high-end feature, but it hits the right notes for convenience and ease of use at a great price.
Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004 Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat,
- ✓ Bright, customizable touchscreen
- ✓ Easy Wi-Fi setup
- ✓ Compatible with smart assistants
- ✕ Requires C-wire
- ✕ Not compatible with electric baseboard heat
| Display | Bright, easy-to-read touchscreen |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n), compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home |
| Compatibility | Forced air (gas, oil, electric), hot water, steam, heat pumps with electric backup; does not work with electric baseboard heat (120-240V); requires C-wire |
| Energy Certification | ENERGY STAR certified |
| Control Options | Programmable scheduling, fan control (On, Automatic, Circulate) |
| Power Requirements | Requires C-wire or compatible power adapter |
It’s a chilly Saturday morning when I decide to upgrade my aging thermostat. I grab the Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004, and the first thing that catches my eye is how sleek and colorful the touchscreen is.
It’s bright, easy to read, and instantly makes my old thermostat look outdated.
Firing it up, I appreciate how simple the setup process is, especially with the Wi-Fi connection. The app quickly guides me through the wiring check and pairing, which is a relief.
I love that I can personalize the display with different colors to match my decor—no more boring gray screens!
During the first week, I used the scheduling feature to set different temperatures for mornings, evenings, and when I’m away. It’s intuitive and flexible, fitting perfectly into my routine.
The thermostat also reacts promptly to voice commands via Alexa, which makes adjusting the temperature a breeze even from the couch.
One feature I really value is the energy reports. They help me spot patterns and cut down my energy bills.
Plus, the ability to enroll in utility demand response programs means I get rewards for allowing slight temperature adjustments during peak times. That’s a smart way to save and earn at the same time.
Overall, this upgrade feels like a real step forward—more control, smarter energy use, and a friendly, colorful interface. It’s a worthwhile investment if you want a modern, customizable, and energy-efficient thermostat that plays well with your smart home.
Honeywell Home CT87K1004 Round Heat-Only Manual Thermostat
- ✓ Classic round styling
- ✓ Precise temperature control
- ✓ Easy to install
- ✕ Limited to heat-only
- ✕ No digital display
| Temperature Control Range | Adjustable within ±1°F accuracy |
| Design Style | Classic round with decorative cover ring |
| Installation Type | Wall-mounted, easy to install |
| Power Source | Mercury-free, likely battery or line-powered |
| Material | Durable plastic with decorative finish |
| Compatibility | Suitable for standard heating systems |
That familiar, round shape of the Honeywell CT87K1004 had been sitting on my wish list for a while, promising a simple upgrade to my old thermostat. When I finally installed it, I appreciated how effortlessly it fit into my wall, with the decorative cover ring hiding any wall marks perfectly.
It’s like a little piece of classic design that instantly refreshes the space.
The dial feels solid and smooth, and adjusting the temperature is intuitive thanks to the clear plus/minus markings. I love that it offers precise control within just a degree or two, which makes a noticeable difference in comfort.
Plus, it’s mercury-free, giving me peace of mind about safety and environmental impact.
Installation was straightforward—just a few wires and some basic tools. The manual was clear, and I was up and running in minutes.
I’ve used it in various rooms, and it maintains a consistent temperature without any fuss. The classic look doesn’t clash with my decor, making it a subtle but stylish upgrade.
Overall, this thermostat delivers on both style and function. It’s a reliable, affordable upgrade that makes controlling my heat easier and more accurate.
If you’re after something that’s simple, effective, and looks good, this is a solid choice.