Alarm.com Smart Thermostat
Score: 78/100
Emerson Sensi Touch
Score: 82/100Rankings
The Emerson Sensi Touch provides a color LCD touchscreen, geofencing, and wide smart-home compatibility while being ENERGY STAR certified. Mandatory C-wire power and lack of 5 GHz Wi-Fi or battery backup constrain some installations. It fits homeowners wanting reliable scheduling and voice-assistant control without premium pricing.
The Alarm.com Smart Thermostat is a Z-Wave-enabled thermostat featuring a high-resolution color touchscreen and machine-learning HVAC health monitoring. Its main drawbacks are the required Alarm.com subscription, mandatory C-wire, and a limited operating temperature range. It is best suited for existing Alarm.com security customers who want deep integration and humidity control.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
— | 3 yearsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.14 kgbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
General(1) | ||
HVAC Compatibility | Heat up to 3 stages, Cool up to 2 stages, Heat pump (O/B), Fan (G), Humidifier/dehumidifier/vent (Z1/Z2 configurable) | Single/multi-stage gas/oil/electric, heat pumps, heat/cool only; not millivolt or 3-wire zone |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Smart Home Integration | Alarm.com, Z-Wave | Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, SmartThings |
Power & Installation(1) | ||
Power Source | 24 VAC | Hardwired 24V |
Display(1) | ||
Display Type | color touchscreen | Touchscreen color LCD |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Device Dimensions (H×W×D) (mm) | 50.8×203.2×203.2 mm mm | 85.9x142.9x25.4 mm mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers highlight the thermostat's seamless integration with Alarm.com, noting the built-in Z-Wave hub reduces hardware clutter and the machine-learning HVAC monitoring provides valuable early-warning alerts. They also praise the sleek touchscreen design and straightforward installation, while cautioning that the product requires an Alarm.com service subscription and has a limited temperature operating range.
Everyday users appreciate the convenience of remote app control, real-time alerts, and the ability to manage humidity, but they commonly express frustration over the mandatory C-wire requirement and the need for an ongoing Alarm.com subscription to unlock full features.
Professional reviewers, including USA Today's Reviewed.com, named the Sensi Touch the best overall smart thermostat for multiple years, praising its intuitive menus, clear backlit display, precise control, and smart alerts.
Everyday users consistently commend the easy installation, straightforward app, and effective geofencing that delivers noticeable energy savings. Common criticisms focus on the mandatory C-wire, occasional Wi-Fi reliability issues, and the lack of room sensors or battery backup.
