Honeywell

Honeywell Home X2S

Ranked #15 in Smart Thermostats

63 LP on the category ladder what's LP?

The X2S is a budget-friendly option that still delivers solid performance and a 3-year warranty. Firmware updates have been consistent for the past year, and it has a good support reputation.

Consolidated from 19 cited sources across 15 outlets

Where the cited sources landed, as we read them

13 positive sources
4 mixed sources
2 unconvinced sources

See the sources

Flagged as a product to avoid

2 of 5 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.

Outdated interface and lack of modern connectivity options; generally outclassed by newer X8S in every key metric.
Flagged 27 July 2026

1 earlier flag predates the point where runs began recording their reasoning, so its grounds were never written down.

Why the boards include products to avoid

Check price

Pros & cons

✓ Budget friendly
✓ Solid performance
✓ 3-year warranty
✓ Solid basic hardware
✓ Matter-compatible

✗ Outdated interface
✗ Lack of modern connectivity options
✗ Shorter warranty
✗ Early relay failures
✗ Firmware lags

The sources behind this ranking

We searched the web and YouTube for what has been published about this product, then read the articles, video transcripts and comments we found.

Evidence 11 articles, 5 video reviews and 3 community sources

13 positive sources

TechRadar Article · Jan 2026

The Honeywell Home X2S Smart Thermostat was only released months ago, but it looks like something from an earlier time. It’s not unattractive, but it doesn’t look particularly modern either. You can fully operate with the buttons just like you could in the 'old days', but you’ll have to go through a lot of menus to do so. It’s easier just to operate it within the app.

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TrendLive TrendLive · 9.3K subscribers · Nov 2025

This Energy Star certified thermostat helps you save energy with its flexible scheduling options and autoway functionality, making it an eco-friendly choice for homeowners. With the ability to connect to Wi-Fi and be controlled through the First Alert app, you can manage your home's climate from anywhere, ensuring comfort and convenience at all times. The thermostat is highly customizable, allowing you to receive reminders for changing air filters, monitor indoor humidity, and adjust display settings to suit your preferences. Its matter certification ensures smooth integration with popular smartome platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, enhancing your smart home ecosystem.

Watch G

Gearbrain 10154013767872392 · reviewer · Nov 2025

With the Honeywell Home X2S Smart Thermostat (RTH2CWF) , Resideo has created a highly affordable, Matter-certified smart thermostat that’s modern, simple to install, and compatible with most HVAC systems. At just $79.99 MSRP , the X2S brings premium ecosystem support—such as Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa , and Apple Home (via Matter)—to an entry-level price.

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Comparative Reviews Comparative Reviews · 4.9K subscribers · Aug 2025

This ENERGY STAR certified thermostat helps you save energy with its flexible scheduling options and auto-away functionality, making it an eco-friendly choice for homeowners.

Watch I

Icy Hot Heating & Air Conditioning Article · Sept 2026

For a homeowner who mostly wants the credit and does not care about room sensors, the Honeywell Home X2S at $79.99 is the best value on the board by a wide margin. Nest is the right answer when the household is already deep in Google Home and the system is a straightforward gas furnace with air conditioning.

Read G

GearBrain GearBrain · 838 subscribers · Dec 2025

After several months of testing, it proved reliable, simple to use, and a strong, budget-friendly option with premium ecosystem compatibility. What is the Honeywell Home X2S smart thermostat? The X2S is Residio's affordable Wi-Fi smart thermostat, offering matter compatibility, Google Assistant, Alexa, Apple Home, app-based control, flexible scheduling, and broad 24volt HVAC support.

Watch R

Reviewed Rachel Murphy · reviewer · Dec 2018

If you’re on a tight budget and/or want an entry-level smart thermostat, the Honeywell Home X2S Smart Thermostat is a stellar pick for just over $50. Despite its modest price tag, it boasts several welcome features, most of which are unlocked via the Resideo First Alert companion app.

Read B

Best on Gadgets Best on Gadgets · 516 subscribers · Aug 2026

Compatibility is another practical advantage. Since HVAC systems can vary significantly between homes, having support for both conventional systems and heat pumps makes this thermostat suitable for a broader range of installations. That versatility can reduce uncertainty for buyers who are replacing an older thermostat and want a model designed to work across common residential heating and cooling configurations. The simple gray finish gives the thermostat a clean and understated appearance that should blend naturally with a variety of interior styles.

Watch R

Reviewed Article · Oct 2025

Despite a couple of niggles, the Honeywell Home X2S Smart Thermostat is a great buy, especially for those new to Wi-Fi thermostats and/or on a limited budget.

Read C

Consumer Product Features Consumer Product Features · 292 subscribers · Nov 2025

Discover the Honeywell X2S WiFi Thermostat, a versatile and eco-friendly solution for managing your home's heating and cooling systems. Designed for compatibility with both conventional and heat pump systems, this smart thermostat is ENERGY STAR certified, providing an environmentally conscious way to potentially reduce energy consumption. Its flexible scheduling options allow you to customize your heating and cooling preferences easily, ensuring optimal comfort in your home. With built-in WiFi connectivity, the Honeywell X2S offers the convenience of remote control via the First Alert app, allowing you to manage your home's climate from anywhere.

Watch B

Bob Vila Tony Carrick, Jasmine Harding, Glenda Taylor, Paul Rankin · reviewer · Jan 2026

For users looking for an affordable, familiar-feeling upgrade with just enough smart capability, the Honeywell Home X2S is an excellent entry-level choice.

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smartenergyedge.com Smart Home & Efficiency Team · reviewer · Aug 2026

The HoneyWell Home X2S is worth considering if you want a Matter-certified thermostat without paying for features you won’t use.

Read P Poweredbyefi Article

Featuring a large backlit display and dual band WiFi connectivity, the Honeywell Home X2S is your best next home upgrade!

Read

4 mixed sources

F Facebook Facebook post

Owners like the app control and easy setup, but several mention frustrations. The X2S uses one time setting for both heat and cool, so you can’t set AC for 6AM and heat for 6:30AM separately like on the older RTH6850WF. It also has a tight 0.5°F deadband that can cause short cycling, and there’s no web interface—only the app. Connectivity drops and lack of battery backup are other pain points.

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Smart Home & Home Automation Automivo · reviewer · Aug 2026

This model is an excellent choice if you value both advanced smart home features and aesthetic customization to blend with your interior. However, if you’re looking for a battery-only option or a simpler setup without the need for a C-wire, this might not be the ideal fit.

Read T

TechRadar Article · Feb 2022

❌ You prefer to use voice activation: We had no trouble using Control Center on my iPhone to control the thermostat, but Siri’s voice activation didn’t work for us.

Read I Instagram Instagram post

Easy installation, strong value, and flexible remote control make the X2S appealing, but app integrations, C-wire needs, and a loud relay can frustrate.

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2 unconvinced sources

Hackaday Article · May 2026

From there exploring the firmware was the next step, with a TLS issue pertaining to certificates found to make man-in-the-middle attacks easy, along with a seeding bug that makes recovering session keys possible.

Read F Facebook Hector Guandique · owner

Throw that shit in the trash!

View post

Frequently asked questions

It ranks #15 of 16 on our smart thermostats tier list, in F tier. That placement draws on 19 cited sources across 15 outlets.

2 of the 19 sources with a clear view are critical of it: Facebook and Hackaday. Outdated interface. Lack of modern connectivity options. Shorter warranty. Early relay failures. Firmware lags.