Smart thermostat vs smart radiator valves
Side by side, with running costs at the current price cap.
A smart thermostat controls when your boiler runs, so it's the first thing to buy and where most savings come from. Smart radiator valves control each radiator's temperature separately, which is useful for rooms used at different times, like a spare room or home office. Most homes should start with the thermostat and add valves later.
Smart thermostat vs Smart radiator valves at a glance
| Smart thermostat | Smart radiator valves | |
|---|---|---|
| Controls | When the boiler runs | Each radiator's temperature |
| Cost | £60–£170 for a kit | About £50–£60 per valve |
| Savings | Biggest: stops heating an empty home | Extra: heats only rooms in use |
| Needs | Compatible boiler | Usually the brand's hub/bridge |
Choose smart thermostat if…
- You don't have smart heating yet
- You want to stop heating an empty home
- You want the biggest saving for the money
Choose smart radiator valves if…
- You already have a smart thermostat
- Some rooms are used at different times
- You work from one room all day
Our picks: smart thermostat
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.
£165Our picks: smart radiator valves
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.
£56.38Frequently asked questions
Do I need both a smart thermostat and smart radiator valves?
No. A thermostat alone gives most of the benefit. Add valves to rooms you want on separate schedules.
Do smart radiator valves work without a smart thermostat?
Some can, but most are designed to work with their brand's thermostat or bridge. Check compatibility before buying.
Related
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.