You know: “That’s what THEY say!” (Honeywell Thermostat WiFi)
Now let us take a closer look! Is it the best Smart Thermostat on the market?
Product: Honeywell Thermostat WiFi (RTH9580/ RTH9590)
Category: Smart Learning Thermostat / Smart Home
Read more Customers Opinions
Review – Honeywell Thermostat WiFi (RTH9580)
and the Voice-controlled (RTH9590)
Looking for the best Smart Thermostats on the market? When we create a good comparison for you, we surely have to include at least one of the devices from Honeywell. As a Fortune 100 company, Honeywell created solutions for: generating clean, healthy energy – and using it more efficiently. They are a leading player on the market for over a century now. Therefore with their latest products in the Smart Thermostat Niche, they are competing with companies like Nest and Ecobee – on eye level. Not sure if you really need a Smart Thermostat? -Our Basic Thermostat Guide- gives you the answers!
In this review we want to take a closer look at two very similar products the RTH 9580WF and the RTH9590WF. The main difference between these two comes down to be the voice control capability of the RTH9590WF.
Both products are universal 7-Day, touchscreen, programmable Thermostats with automatic / manual changeover. You have up to 3 Heat / 2 Cool stages which gives you the broadest variety for your individual scheduling. Via a smoothly working Remote Access you can change any setting from wherever you are. Easily access your thermostat via your phone or computer while you are away. Receive temperature alerts from your home at any time.
Honeywell Thermostat WiFi
Comparison with Nest thermostat 3rd generation and
the Ecobee 3
The comparison reveals, that the Honeywell Thermostat WiFi`s main goal is not to compete in the ‘Apple-touch-Design’-contest of the Nest and the EcoBee 3. It is purely the user experience and a smooth, intuitive functionality with or without a Smartphone at hand. Therefore it comes with a bunch of possibilities to set schedules for the device.
With this in mind, when mounting the device to the wall, I had to get used to the look of it. Compared to the stainless-steel and glass look of the Nest, the Honeywell was a little visual letdown at first. This changed after a short period of time using the Honeywell. As we could discover, there are a lot of other advantages in the comparison with the Nest or the Ecobee 3. These are easily making up the lack of design.
As an example, just take a look at the ‘always-on’ display with a lot of good, valuable information. You do not have to step in front of your device (Nest) and “hope” that it recognizes you and shows the display. Getting a short glance with all information just walking by can be a real good idea and leads to more convenience. With the very sensitive touchscreen you can control the whole device. You can, but you don’t have to get your Smartphone to get detailed information or change settings. You can control nearly any feature with the touchscreen as well as with other smart devices. This comes pretty handy.
Honeywell Thermostat WiFi
– Installation –
The Installation is a little bit more tricky than installing the Nest or the Ecobee 3. Regarding to the fact that you have to have a C-wire in your system, providing a 24V lead.
This is needed to keep the back-light of the display on and the WiFi-connection active. As a second possibility you can use the G-to-C workaround which is precisely described in the good installation guide. In Addition you can take a look at this Easy Intallation Video.
If your system does not provide this possibility, you have to connect an external power supply. Despite of this, installation is very easy and the same routine as for any other smart thermostat. Label the old Wires, remove your old unit, mount the back-plate to the wall, connect the wires to the new terminals – done. The setup itself is a breeze and you can easily use the touchscreen for this step. Insert your system type, and connect to your WiFi-router (supports all security protocols). For full functionality and updates you need to connect it to Honeywell’s-website. Just set up a free account and enter your thermostat’s address.
Honeywell Thermostat WiFi
– Possibilities / Functionality –
As mentioned above this is the part that gives both reviewed Honeywell thermostats a big advantage in the competition for the “Best Smart Thermostat”.
Especially the Honeywell Thermostat WiFi. Just take a look at this short introduction video. The Functionality in all day use is really good and because of the built-in endless possibilities, I just want to give you a brief overview!
You can adjust and control your thermostat from anywhere. If you like, create your own look to match your home or business decor.
Enjoy unsurpassed comfort control with any kind of device or simple with the touchscreen.
You can receive reminders to change a filter or get alerts of extreme home temperatures. The Honeywell Thermostat WiFi, can be controlled via iPhone, iPad, Android-Devices and computer.
When programming your device you are asked if you want to setup the thermostat for your home or a small business. Depending on your choice, you get different, fully flexible programming options. Even the schedules and programs are based on your previous choice.
Intelligent alerts including filter change reminder, hi/lo temperature notification, loss of internet connection/ internet connection restored notifications are integrated for more convenience.
An Awesome feature of the Honeywell Thermostat WiFi is the fully customizable touchscreen with a full color, bright and easy to read display.
Additional you can view your local weather and even a 5-day forecast. With Honeywell’s reliable, secure network you can be sure that all apps are available. Even if there should be down-times one day, you can still control your device via the touchscreen.
The “Auto change from heat to cool” feature. For more convenience and to save energy, both devices automatically determine if your home needs heating or cooling.
The display also shows humidity, both indoor and outdoor.
Another great feature if you go on vacation, you can set a permanent/temporary vacation- hold. This will save extra energy and money!
Different to other devices you can fully schedule the fan operation as well. Therefore you can choose between on/ auto/ circulate settings. The circulate mode keeps the air moving throughout your home.
For more convenience you can choose different display options. Screensaver mode on/off, different languages English/ Spanish/ French/ German , F or C temperature display, 12 or 24 hour clock. As a result: You have the full Control!
Honeywell Thermostat WiFi
– Main Difference to Nest and Ecobee –
All these mentioned possibilities are the main difference compared with the Nest and the Ecobee 3. You do not have to rely on, or even believe that your thermostat has learned your behavior and will somehow ‘guess the settings correctly’. You can easily set them precisely to match your needs. Therefore you get much more scheduling possibilities, than with any of the other devices.
After this the device learns the corresponding times, your system needs to fulfill a command. As an example, how long does your heating and cooling need, to matching a set temperature in a room. This “learning experience” is calculated so you never heat or cool longer than you need. As a result – You Save Energy and reach your desired comfort.
The New and re-worked control app from the Honeywell Thermostat WiFi finally has improved features, functionality and the overall experience.
While the last version of the App had the look of old monochrome touchscreens this one has reached modern times. The response time when you send a command and the system responds, is quicker than most other devices.
With the additional voice control of the RTH9590 you can speak out loud what you want. Say: ‘Hello Thermostat…’ to get the attention of your device. Followed by your command to increase or decrease the temperature in various steps. To be honest, in my opinion a nearly useless feature as you can set the temperature easily with a tip of your finger.
Of course this is a gorgeous feature for handicapped people, who are not able to use the touch functionality. If you are into voice control we strongly recommend our -Review of the Amazon Echo- or the Amazon Tap/Echo Dot Review. Actual these two are the best voice control devices for your home automation on the market – by far!
Conclusion Honeywell Thermostat WiFi
The Honeywell Thermostat Wi-Fi RTH9580WF ($167) and the voice controlled thermostat RTH9590WF1011/W ($221) belong to the better programmable models we’ve tested. In the variety of features it is better than the other two devices. With its variety of scheduling possibilities, the sensitive touchscreen and its really good, bright display it has strong arguments to choose this device.
These features plus the proven Control-Apps help the Honeywell to be on eye level with the Nest and the Ecobee 3, if not better than these two devices.
At least you have to decide whether you want to define everything by yourself or if you want to rely on the self-learning abilities. Especially the Nest thermostat 3rd Generation ($249) is still the best product when it comes down to learn your behavior. At least trying to guess correctly.
The Ecobee 3 ($249) is something in between both concepts. If you are looking for a multi-room solution there is no way past the Ecobee 3 with its additional Sensors.
But when you are the type of user looking for a great all-day-life experience, the functionality of the touchscreen of the Honeywell Thermostat WiFi, really comes handy and might therefore be your 1st choice.
If you are the design-lover, you will probably stick with the Nest thermostat 3rd Generation or if you like the design the Ecobee 3 thermostat.
The greatest downside of the Honeywell is its plastic construction, feeling less worthy than the build quality especially of the Nest. But the user experience is better than with the other devices.
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2. The voice controlled device – actually sells about 60 bucks higher price: You can check it out here -Honeywell RTH9590WF1011/W-
Feedback and your comments are welcome! – If you have any experiences with the Honeywell Thermostat WiFi RTH9580WF, or any ideas you want to share or discuss, I would love to connect. Just leave a comment below and I will answer as soon as possible. Looking forward to our exchange of experiences.
Thanks for stopping by
Greg
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5 comments
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Will this thermostat work with Tuya Smartlife App?
We have no experience with this combination. Neiter Honeywell nor Tuya state clearly that it will work.
Tip: Just give it a try. If it is not working, you can use just for your thermostat settings another free app.
Best,
Greg
Will this thermostat integrates well with z-wave (smartthings) hubs ?
Hi Prune,
thanks for connecting. The WiFi Thermostat from Honeywell is missing the Z-Wave compatibility!
This is not understandable as Honeywell already has thermostats that support this protocol; for example
you can take a closer look at the Honeywell VISION Pro Z-Wave.
Hope this helps. Have a great weekend.
Greg