Smart Thermostats
Google Nest Learning Thermostat
Paid DeviceAn AI-powered smart thermostat that learns your schedule and preferences to automatically adjust heating and cooling, optimizing energy use.
Features:
- Learns your schedule
- Auto-Away
- Energy History
- Integration with Google Home and Alexa
- Monitors HVAC system health
- Geofencing
Pros:
- Seamless learning and automation
- Easy to use interface
- Wide compatibility with HVAC systems
- Provides energy usage reports
Cons:
- Higher initial cost
- Requires C-wire in some installations
- Full feature set tied to Google Home ecosystem
Best for: Homeowners seeking effortless, automated temperature control and energy savings based on their habits.
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
Paid DeviceA premium smart thermostat with AI that offers intelligent temperature control, air quality monitoring, and a built-in smart speaker.
Features:
- AI-driven scheduling
- SmartSensor for temperature in multiple rooms
- Air quality monitoring
- Alexa built-in
- Integrates with other smart home ecosystems
- Geofencing
Pros:
- Provides comfort in multiple rooms
- Comprehensive feature set including air quality
- Flexible control options
- Integrates with many platforms
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Some advanced features may require a subscription
Best for: Users who want a feature-rich smart thermostat with room sensors, voice assistant capabilities, and broad smart home compatibility.
tado° Smart Thermostat
Paid Device + SubscriptionAn intelligent heating and cooling control system that uses AI to optimize energy consumption based on weather forecasts and home occupancy.
Features:
- Geofencing
- Open Window Detection
- Weather Adaptation
- Air Comfort Skill
- Provides energy saving reports
- Compatible with major smart home platforms
Pros:
- Leverages external data like weather effectively
- Easy installation for many systems
- Offers detailed energy insights
Cons:
- Some features require a paid subscription (Auto-Assist)
- Can be complex to set up for multi-zone systems
Best for: Individuals looking for a smart thermostat that heavily utilizes external data and geofencing for optimization.
Hive Heating Plus (with Hive Thermostat)
Paid Device + SubscriptionAn AI-powered service that complements the Hive Thermostat, providing personalized energy-saving recommendations and automated actions.
Features:
- AI-powered insights and recommendations
- Budget setting and tracking
- Unexpected usage alerts
- Automation based on occupancy and cost
Pros:
- Provides actionable insights to save energy
- Integrates with other Hive devices
- User-friendly app
Cons:
- Requires the Hive Thermostat
- Subscription fee for the full Plus features
- Primarily focused on heating
Best for: Hive users who want to maximize energy savings through personalized recommendations and automation.
Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat
Paid DeviceA smart thermostat that uses AI with room sensors to prioritize comfort in occupied rooms while optimizing energy use throughout the house.
Features:
- Smart Room Sensors for targeted comfort
- Occupancy detection
- Geofencing
- Flexible scheduling
- Energy saving modes
- Integrates with voice assistants
Pros:
- Addresses uneven temperatures with room sensors
- Generally easy to install and use
- Reliable performance
Cons:
- Room sensors are an additional cost
- AI features may be less emphasized compared to learning thermostats
Best for: Households with uneven heating/cooling or those who want to prioritize comfort in specific rooms.
Drayton Wiser Smart Heating
Paid SystemA smart heating system with AI capabilities for zone control and optimized energy usage based on room occupancy and schedules.
Features:
- Multi-zoning capabilities with smart radiator thermostats
- Open Window Detection
- Absence Mode
- Optimizes boiler firing
- Wiser Heat app with insights
Pros:
- Excellent for homes needing multi-zone heating control
- Potential for significant savings by only heating occupied rooms
Cons:
- Initial setup can be more complex for a full multi-zone system
- Reliance on battery-powered radiator thermostats
Best for: Homes that can benefit significantly from individual room temperature control and optimization.
Beca BHT-6000 Series Smart Thermostats
Paid DeviceAffordable smart thermostats that often include basic AI-like features such as programmable schedules and remote control for energy saving.
Features:
- Programmable scheduling
- Remote control via app
- Often compatible with voice assistants
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Provides basic smart thermostat functionality
Cons:
- AI features are typically limited to programmable logic
- Quality and features can vary by specific model and vendor
Best for: Cost-conscious users looking for a basic smart thermostat with remote control and scheduling.
Energy Monitoring Systems
Emporia Vue Energy Monitor
Paid DeviceA home energy monitoring system with AI that provides detailed, circuit-level energy usage data and insights for optimization.
Features:
- Real-time energy monitoring
- Circuit-level disaggregation (identifies major appliances)
- Historical data analysis
- Personalized energy saving tips
- Integration with solar
Pros:
- Provides granular insights into energy consumption
- Helps identify energy hungry devices
- Relatively affordable for circuit-level monitoring
Cons:
- Requires professional installation
- Appliance identification is not always perfect
Best for: Homeowners who want detailed insights into their energy consumption at the circuit or appliance level.
Sense Energy Monitor
Paid DeviceAn AI-powered home energy monitor that uses machine learning to identify and track energy usage of individual devices without requiring individual sensors.
Features:
- Real-time energy monitoring
- Appliance recognition and monitoring (requires learning period)
- Historical data and trends
- Personalized insights and alerts
- Solar monitoring
Pros:
- Non-intrusive installation (connects to main power line)
- Provides insights into device-level consumption over time
- Continuous learning improves accuracy
Cons:
- Initial appliance detection can be challenging and requires time
- May not identify all devices
- Accuracy can vary
Best for: Users who want a non-intrusive way to understand the energy consumption of individual appliances in their home.
Samsung SmartThings Energy
Free App (requires compatible devices)A platform within the Samsung SmartThings ecosystem that uses AI to monitor and optimize energy usage of connected Samsung appliances and compatible third-party devices.
Features:
- Centralized energy monitoring dashboard
- AI Energy Mode for compatible appliances
- Automated energy-saving routines
- Integration with other SmartThings devices
Pros:
- Leverages existing Samsung smart appliance ecosystem
- Provides a centralized view of home energy use
- AI optimization for specific Samsung devices
Cons:
- Primarily focused on Samsung appliances
- Depth of AI optimization may vary by connected device
- Requires the SmartThings platform
Best for: Owners of Samsung smart appliances who use the SmartThings platform and want to monitor and optimize their energy use.
TP-Link Kasa Smart Plugs (with Energy Monitoring)
Paid DeviceSmart plugs that offer energy monitoring features, allowing users to track the power consumption of plugged-in devices. Some models may offer basic scheduling or away modes.
Features:
- Energy monitoring for connected devices
- Remote on/off control
- Scheduling and timers
- Compatible with voice assistants
Pros:
- Affordable entry into energy monitoring
- Easy to set up and use
- Provides basic consumption data for individual devices
Cons:
- Limited AI features for optimization
- Mostly manual control and scheduling
- Does not learn user habits for energy saving
Best for: Users who want to monitor the energy usage of specific devices and control them remotely or on a schedule.
Wyze Smart Plugs (with Energy Monitoring)
Paid DeviceSimilar to Kasa, Wyze offers smart plugs with energy monitoring capabilities within their affordable smart home ecosystem.
Features:
- Energy monitoring
- Remote control
- Scheduling and timers
- Integrates with Wyze app and other Wyze devices
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Easy integration with the Wyze ecosystem
Cons:
- Basic energy monitoring and scheduling
- Limited or no advanced AI optimization features
Best for: Budget-conscious users within the Wyze smart home ecosystem who want basic energy monitoring.
Voltaware Energy Monitor
Paid DeviceAn energy monitoring system that uses AI and Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring (NILM) to disaggregate home energy consumption by appliance.
Features:
- Whole-home energy monitoring
- Appliance recognition without individual sensors
- Real-time and historical data
- Energy insights and tips via app
Pros:
- Provides detailed breakdown of energy consumption by appliance
- Non-intrusive installation on the main power line
Cons:
- Appliance recognition requires a learning period
- Accuracy can vary
- Primarily a monitoring tool, less focused on direct control
Best for: Users who want to understand how much energy individual appliances are using without installing multiple sensors.
Smart Lighting
Philips Hue Smart Lighting
Paid DevicesWhile primarily smart lighting, the system can contribute to energy savings through scheduling, dimming, and potentially future AI features that optimize lighting based on occupancy and natural light.
Features:
- Automated scheduling and routines
- Dimming capabilities
- Motion sensor integration for automated on/off
- Potentially future AI features for optimization
Pros:
- Can significantly reduce lighting energy consumption
- Wide range of products and integrations
Cons:
- AI energy optimization is not a core feature currently
- Primarily focused on lighting control
Best for: Users looking for smart lighting that offers scheduling and automation for energy savings, with potential for future AI enhancements.
GE Cync Smart Lighting
Paid DevicesAnother smart lighting system that offers features for energy saving through control and scheduling via a connected app.
Features:
- Scheduling and scene setting
- Remote control
- Dimming
- Some integration with voice assistants
Pros:
- Accessible and widely available
- Provides basic smart lighting control for energy saving
Cons:
- Limited or no explicit AI features for predictive energy optimization
- Basic scheduling and rules only
Best for: Users seeking basic, affordable smart lighting control for energy saving through scheduling.
Energy Management Systems
Myenergi Zappi (with Eddi)
Paid DevicesAn EV charger (Zappi) and power diverter (Eddi) system designed to work with solar PV, using AI to optimize energy usage and maximize self-consumption of renewable energy.
Features:
- Optimizes EV charging with solar PV
- Diverts surplus solar energy to heating (with Eddi)
- Monitoring and control via app
- Intelligent scheduling based on generation
Pros:
- Excellent for solar PV owners with EVs or electric heating
- Maximizes the use of self-generated renewable energy
Cons:
- Higher initial cost
- Primarily focused on solar energy optimization
- Requires solar PV system
Best for: Solar PV owners who want to optimize the use of their self-generated energy for EV charging and heating.
SolarEdge Energy Management
Paid SystemA comprehensive platform for managing solar PV, battery storage, and smart home devices, using AI to optimize energy flow and reduce electricity bills.
Features:
- AI-based optimization of solar production and battery usage
- Time-of-use (TOU) rate optimization
- Backup power management
- Monitoring and control via mySolarEdge app
- Integrates with some smart home devices
Pros:
- Maximizes the value of solar and battery storage
- Intelligent optimization based on various factors
- Comprehensive monitoring
Cons:
- Requires a SolarEdge system
- Can be a significant investment
Best for: Homeowners with SolarEdge solar PV and battery storage systems who want advanced energy management and optimization.
Enphase Encharge Battery Storage (with Enphase App)
Paid SystemBattery storage system that integrates with Enphase solar, utilizing software with AI to optimize battery usage for savings and backup.
Features:
- AI-powered battery optimization
- Time-of-use (TOU) optimization
- Intelligent backup during outages
- Monitoring and control via Enphase App
Pros:
- Seamless integration with Enphase solar systems
- Optimizes battery usage for financial and resilience benefits
Cons:
- Requires an Enphase solar system and Encharge battery
- Focused specifically on solar and battery optimization
Best for: Homeowners with Enphase solar PV systems looking to add and optimize battery storage.
Smart Appliances
LG ThinQ Energy
Free App (requires compatible LG appliances)A feature within the LG ThinQ smart home platform that enables monitoring and management of energy usage for connected LG appliances, with some AI capabilities for optimization.
Features:
- Energy monitoring for compatible LG appliances
- Setting energy-saving modes
- Personalized tips (potentially AI-driven)
- Integration with the ThinQ app
Pros:
- Leverages the LG smart appliance ecosystem
- Provides a centralized view of appliance energy use
Cons:
- Limited to compatible LG appliances
- Depth of AI optimization may vary by appliance type
Best for: Owners of LG smart appliances who use the ThinQ platform and want to monitor their appliance energy consumption.
Whirlpool Connected Appliances (with Whirlpool App)
Free App (requires compatible appliances)Select Whirlpool smart appliances offer connected features via the Whirlpool app, with some capabilities for optimized energy usage or smart scheduling.
Features:
- Remote control and monitoring
- Smart scheduling features for off-peak hours
- Potentially some AI-driven suggestions based on usage patterns
Pros:
- Convenient control and scheduling for compatible Whirlpool appliances
Cons:
- AI features for energy optimization are generally less advanced
- Less comprehensive compared to dedicated energy management systems
Best for: Owners of compatible Whirlpool smart appliances who want basic remote control and smart scheduling for energy savings.
Bosch Home Connect Appliances
Free App (requires compatible appliances)Bosch smart appliances with Home Connect offer connectivity and some features for energy-efficient operation and smart scheduling.
Features:
- Remote monitoring and control
- Smart scheduling based on energy tariffs (where available)
- Integration with Home Connect ecosystem
Pros:
- Part of a wider smart home ecosystem
- Enables remote control and scheduling for energy management
Cons:
- AI energy optimization capabilities vary by appliance and region
- Not a dedicated home energy management system
Best for: Owners of Bosch smart appliances who use the Home Connect platform and are interested in connected energy management features.
Haier Smart Appliances
Free App (requires compatible appliances)Haier offers smart appliances that can integrate with platforms like SmartThings, potentially allowing for some level of energy monitoring and optimized operation through the connected platform.
Features:
- Connectivity to smart home platforms
- Potential for energy monitoring and remote control
- Integration with smart home apps
Pros:
- Integration with existing smart home ecosystems
- Offers connectivity for Haier appliance owners
Cons:
- AI energy optimization features largely dependent on integrating platform
- Not a standalone AI energy tool
Best for: Owners of Haier smart appliances who utilize a compatible smart home platform for broader control.
Smart Electrical Panels
Span Smart Panel
Paid DeviceA smart electrical panel that replaces the traditional breaker box, offering circuit-level monitoring and control, with software that uses AI for optimization and backup power management.
Features:
- Circuit-level energy monitoring and control
- Optimizes energy use during outages (with battery storage)
- Integrates with solar and batteries
- Detailed app with insights
Pros:
- Provides unparalleled control and monitoring at the circuit level
- Intelligent backup power management
- Modernizes the home’s electrical infrastructure
Cons:
- Very high initial cost
- Requires professional installation
- Major electrical system upgrade
Best for: Homeowners undergoing major renovations or building new homes who want ultimate control and insights over their home’s energy at the circuit level.
Lumin Smart Panel
Paid DeviceSimilar to Span, Lumin offers a smart electrical panel overlay that adds monitoring and control capabilities to existing panels, with software for energy optimization.
Features:
- Circuit-level energy monitoring and control (added to existing panel)
- Optimizes loads during outages (with battery storage)
- Integrates with solar and batteries
Pros:
- More affordable than a full panel replacement
- Adds smart capabilities to existing electrical infrastructure
- Intelligent load management during outages
Cons:
- Requires professional installation
- Primarily for homeowners with solar and battery storage
- Focus on backup power optimization
Best for: Homeowners with solar and battery storage who want to add smart control and optimization to their existing electrical panel for backup power management.
Other Smart Home Tools
Shelly Devices (with Energy Monitoring)
Paid DevicesA range of affordable smart home devices, including smart plugs and switches, that offer energy monitoring and can be used for basic energy management and automation.
Features:
- Energy monitoring (for specific devices)
- Remote control
- Scheduling and timers
- Local control capability
- Open API for integration
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Wide range of device types
- Supports local control
- Good for DIY smart home enthusiasts
Cons:
- AI features are minimal or non-existent in the devices themselves
- Optimization relies on user configuration or external smart home platforms
Best for: DIYers and budget-conscious users who want affordable smart plugs and switches with energy monitoring for basic automation and tracking.
Sonoff Devices (with Energy Monitoring)
Paid DevicesAnother brand offering affordable smart home devices with energy monitoring features, similar to Shelly, often used in DIY smart home setups.
Features:
- Energy monitoring
- Remote control
- Scheduling
- Compatible with their eWeLink app and third-party platforms
Pros:
- Low cost
- Accessible for basic smart control and energy tracking
Cons:
- Limited native AI for energy optimization
- Relies on the eWeLink app or other integrated platforms for automation
Best for: DIY smart home users looking for low-cost smart plugs and switches with energy monitoring.
Tuya Smart Life Platform
Free App (requires compatible devices)A global AI+IoT platform that powers many different smart home devices from various manufacturers. Devices built on Tuya can offer energy monitoring and potentially some AI-driven automation features.
Features:
- Platform for connecting various smart home devices
- Energy monitoring capabilities through compatible devices
- Automation rules and scenes
Pros:
- Supports a wide range of devices from different brands
- Provides a unified platform for managing various smart home products
Cons:
- AI energy optimization features are often basic
- Depend on the specific Tuya-compatible device
- The platform provides framework rather than deep AI optimization
Best for: Users who have multiple smart home devices from different manufacturers that are compatible with the Tuya ecosystem.
Athom Homey Pro
Paid DeviceA powerful smart home hub that allows integration of a wide range of devices and enables creation of complex automation flows, which can include energy-saving logic.
Features:
- Connects devices across multiple protocols
- Flow creator for complex automation
- Energy monitoring capabilities through compatible devices
- Local processing for faster automation
Pros:
- Highly flexible and customizable automation possibilities
- Supports a vast number of devices
- Local control enhances reliability
Cons:
- Requires technical knowledge
- Higher price point for the hub
- Energy-focused AI capabilities depend on user configuration
Best for: Technical users who want a powerful, local hub to create sophisticated energy-saving automations with devices from multiple manufacturers.
