Alarm.com Smart Thermostat
Score: 78/100
Emerson Sensi Touch 2
Score: 77/100Rankings
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.
Emerson's Sensi Touch 2 offers a full-color touchscreen and Alexa voice control with a focus on privacy and easy DIY installation. It mandates a C-wire and currently supports only Alexa, limiting broader smart-home ecosystems. It fits well for users who prioritize a sleek interface and straightforward setup.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
— | 3 yearsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.14 kgbest | 0.281 kg |
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) | Works with most HVAC systems (C‑wire required) |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Smart Home Integration | Alarm.com, Z-Wave | Alexa |
Display(1) | ||
Display Type | color touchscreen | Touchscreen color display |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Device Weight (kg) | 0.14 kg | 0.281 kg |
Device Dimensions (H×W×D) (mm) | 50.8×203.2×203.2 mm mm | 19.6×82.6×142.2 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 have highlighted the Sensi Touch as a leading smart thermostat, noting its award-winning status for best overall performance from 2017 through 2019, which underscores its solid feature set and user-friendly design.
