Best Smart Thermostats for Heat Pumps
Compare the best smart thermostats and heating controls for UK homes with air source heat pumps, including compatibility, smart features, zoning, and ease of use.
Quick Picks: Best Smart Thermostats for Heat Pumps
- 🥇 Best Overall: tado° Smart Thermostat
- 🏠 Best for Smart Homes: Google Nest Learning Thermostat
- 📊 Best for Zoning: Heatmiser neoStat V3
- 👌 Best for Simplicity: Hive Active Heating
Best Overall → Check Price on Amazon
How to Choose a Smart Thermostat for a Heat Pump
Heat pumps work differently from traditional boilers, so the best thermostat is not always the one with the most well-known name. A good heat pump thermostat should support steady, efficient operation, simple scheduling, and compatibility with your system controls.
For many homes, the best setup may also include zoning, smart radiator controls, or underfloor heating controls rather than just a single room thermostat.
Our Top Picks
These are the smart thermostat brands and systems most worth looking at for heat pump homes in the UK.
tado° Smart Thermostat X
Best Overall
Best for: Broad compatibility and smart control features
tado° is one of the strongest options for heat pump homes because it is built around compatibility, app control, and energy-saving features. It is marketed as compatible with many boilers and heat pumps, including Relay and OpenTherm systems, and tado° also offers a dedicated heat pump control product for wider system coverage.
- Strong compatibility focus
- App-based control and scheduling
- Works with water-based underfloor heating
- Good option for homeowners who want smarter optimisation
Why we recommend it: The tado° Smart Thermostat is one of the most flexible options for UK heat pump homes, with strong compatibility across different systems and a focus on efficient, steady heating. It offers full app control, smart scheduling, and features like geolocation and weather adaptation to help optimise energy use. It also works well with smart radiator valves and zoning setups, making it a great choice if you want more control over individual rooms. Overall, it’s a reliable, well-supported system that balances smart features with real-world usability.
Best for you if: You want the best all-round mix of compatibility, smart features, and room-by-room control.
Google Nest Learning Thermostat
Best for Smart Home Integration
Best for: Clean design and smart home integration
The Nest Learning Thermostat remains a popular choice for homeowners who want a simple interface and strong smart-home experience. In the UK, certain Nest models support OpenTherm, and the 3rd gen Nest Learning Thermostat can schedule hot water on systems with a separate cylinder.
- Strong smart-home ecosystem
- Supports OpenTherm on compatible systems
- Good for homeowners who value simplicity
- Clean hardware and easy day-to-day use
Why we recommend it: The Nest Learning Thermostat is a strong choice for homeowners who want seamless smart home integration and a polished user experience. It learns your schedule, adjusts heating automatically, and integrates well with other smart home devices. It also supports compatible UK systems, including OpenTherm setups and hot water scheduling, making it a great option if you want a more connected and automated heating setup.
Best for you if: You want a polished smart-home experience and simple automation with minimal fuss.
Heatmiser neoStat V3
Best for Zoned Heating
Best for: Multi-zone systems, underfloor heating, and whole-home control
Heatmiser is a strong option if your home uses multiple zones, underfloor heating, or a more tailored room-by-room setup. The Neo system is designed for app control across heating zones and works well where the goal is precise scheduling and control rather than just a single smart thermostat on the wall.
- Excellent for zoning
- Strong underfloor heating support
- Works well in larger or upgraded homes
- Good choice for more advanced heating layouts
Why we recommend it: The Heatmiser neoStat V3 is a strong choice for homes that need zoned heating control, especially where underfloor heating or multiple heating areas are involved. When paired with the neoHub, it allows full app control, scheduling, and room-by-room management. It’s particularly well suited to heat pump systems where steady temperatures and zoning can improve efficiency and comfort across the home.
Best for you if: Your home has multiple zones, underfloor heating, or needs more advanced control.
Hive Active Heating Smart Thermostat
Best for Simplicity
Best for: Homeowners already using the Hive ecosystem
Hive is a familiar option in the UK and offers app control, scheduling, and a wider smart-home ecosystem. It is most attractive for homeowners who already use Hive products and want a simple, recognisable app experience. Compatibility should always be checked carefully before buying for a heat pump system.
- Simple app control
- Well-known UK brand
- Works well for existing Hive households
- Good everyday usability
Why we recommend it: The Hive Active Heating Thermostat is one of the simplest smart heating systems to use, making it a great option for homeowners who want reliable app control without complexity. It allows you to control heating and hot water from your phone, set schedules, and make quick adjustments with features like boost mode. Backed by British Gas, it’s widely used across the UK and offers a straightforward, dependable smart heating upgrade.
Best for you if: You want a familiar, straightforward smart thermostat that is easy to use day to day.
Comparison: Best Smart Thermostats
| Product | Best For | Smart Features | Zoning | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tado° | Overall performance | Excellent | Yes | View → |
| Nest | Smart home integration | Excellent | Limited | View → |
| Heatmiser | Zoning | Good | Excellent | View → |
| Hive | Simplicity | Good | Basic | View → |
What Matters Most for Heat Pump Controls
Compatibility
Always check whether the thermostat works with your exact heat pump and control method. This matters more than brand popularity.
Steady Temperature Control
Heat pumps usually work best when they run steadily rather than constantly cycling on and off. Good controls should support that style of operation.
Zoning
If your home has multiple floors, extensions, or underfloor heating, zoning can make a noticeable difference to comfort and efficiency.
Hot Water Control
Some systems handle domestic hot water better than others, especially in homes with a hot water cylinder.
Are Smart Radiator Valves Worth It?
In some homes, smart radiator valves can help fine-tune room temperatures and improve comfort. They are most useful where different rooms are used at different times or where the heating system tends to overheat parts of the house.
Related Guides
Next Step
Once you’ve chosen the right controls, the next thing to compare is the accessories that can improve comfort, zoning, and day-to-day efficiency.