Best smart thermostats UK
A smart thermostat won't make your boiler more efficient, but it stops you heating an empty home. For most households, that's where the savings come from.
Quick picks
Best overall: tado° Smart Thermostat X. Best value: tado° V3+ starter kit. Simplest: Hive for combi boilers. Room-by-room: add smart radiator valves.
What a smart thermostat really saves
Manufacturers quote headline savings, but what you actually save depends on your habits. The big wins are schedules that match when you're home, turning down automatically when the last person leaves (geofencing), and noticing open windows. If you already run a tight timer and remember to turn the heating off, the saving is smaller. Check that the thermostat supports your boiler type (combi or system with a hot water tank) before buying.
tado° Smart Thermostat X starter kit
tado's current-generation wireless thermostat with Bridge X. It schedules your boiler, spots open windows and turns heating down when everyone leaves.
£129.99
tado° Smart Thermostat V3+ starter kit
The previous-generation tado kit at a much lower price. It still does scheduling, geofencing and open-window detection, though some features sit behind tado's optional subscription.
£57.50
Hive Smart Thermostat (combi boilers)
Hive's thermostat for combi boilers, with the hub included. A simple app, plus British Gas-backed installation if you want it.
£165
Hive Thermostat Mini (combi)
Hive's app-controlled heating in a smaller, cheaper unit without the full thermostat's controls.
£76.19
tado° Smart Radiator Thermostat X
A smart radiator valve that heats each room to its own schedule. It needs a tado X Bridge or starter kit.
£59.99
Hive Smart Radiator Valve (TRV)
Hive's radiator valve for room-by-room control alongside a Hive thermostat.
£56.38Prices update hourly from Amazon UK.
Frequently asked questions
Do smart thermostats really save money?
They save money when they stop you heating an empty or unused home: through schedules, geofencing and open-window detection. The saving is smaller if you already manage your heating carefully.
tado or Hive?
tado has more automation (geofencing, open-window detection) and works with most boilers; Hive is simpler and ties in with British Gas installation. Both work with Alexa and Google.
Can I install a smart thermostat myself?
Many people fit wireless kits themselves, but anything involving mains wiring at the boiler should be done by a competent person or installer.
Do I need smart radiator valves too?
Only if you want different rooms at different temperatures. Start with the thermostat; add valves to rooms you use at different times.
Does tado need a subscription?
Core control is free. Some extra features, such as automatic geofencing, have been part of tado's optional paid plan. Check the current terms before you buy.
More winter guides
How we choose: we don’t lab-test products. Picks are based on published specifications, wattage and running-cost maths, brand track record and UK availability. Running costs use the Ofgem price cap for October–December 2026 (26.3p/kWh, electricity VAT removed). Prices on the buttons update hourly from Amazon UK. About Winter Ready.