Honeywell Home X8S Smart Thermostat review

Honeywell Home X8S Smart Thermostat Review: A Stylish Smart Display on Your Wall

The Honeywell Home X8S Smart Thermostat is a unique device that combines the functionality of a smart thermostat with the convenience of a smart display. With its large 5-inch touchscreen and ability to stream video from your Ring doorbell, the X8S is designed to be a focal point in your home, not just a device you set and forget.

Design and Display

The X8S is available in a sleek white or black finish, and its design is reminiscent of popular smart displays like the Amazon Echo Show 5 or Google Nest Hub. The 5-inch touchscreen is bright and clear, with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. It’s perfect for displaying the time, indoor and outdoor temperatures, and weather conditions. You can choose from eight different idle screens to customize the look of your thermostat.

Installation and Setup

Installing the X8S is a straightforward process, but it can be a bit time-consuming, especially if you need to install a C-wire power adapter. The X8S is compatible with most HVAC systems, but you’ll need to check the wiring compatibility before purchasing. Once installed, you’ll need to use the First Alert by Resideo app to set up the thermostat and connect it to your Wi-Fi network.

Performance and Features

The X8S offers all the features you’d expect from a high-end smart thermostat, including scheduling, remote control, and energy-saving modes. But what sets it apart is its ability to stream video from your Ring doorbell. When someone rings your doorbell, the X8S will chime and display a live video feed from the doorbell camera. You can then use the touchscreen to talk to the person at your door, even if you’re not home.

The video quality is good, but the audio quality can be hit or miss. In my testing, I found that the incoming audio was often choppy and difficult to understand. However, being able to quickly glance at the thermostat and see who’s at the door is a valuable feature, especially if you’re expecting a package or want to screen visitors.

The X8S also supports room sensors, which can be placed in different rooms to monitor temperature and occupancy. This allows the thermostat to prioritize heating or cooling in specific rooms, which can save energy and improve comfort.

Smart Home Compatibility

The X8S is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and is Matter-certified. This means you can control the thermostat using voice commands or integrate it into your existing smart home ecosystem. However, the HomeKit integration is somewhat limited, and you’ll need to use the First Alert app for more advanced features.

Verdict

The Honeywell Home X8S Smart Thermostat is a stylish and feature-rich device that offers a unique combination of smart thermostat and smart display functionality. Its ability to stream video from your Ring doorbell is a standout feature, even if the audio quality could be better. If you’re looking for a smart thermostat that’s more than just a temperature controller, the X8S is definitely worth considering.

Tags: Honeywell Home X8S Smart Thermostat, smart thermostat, smart display, Ring doorbell, video doorbell, touchscreen, home automation, Matter, Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, energy saving, room sensors, HVAC, installation, setup, performance, features, smart home compatibility, review

Viral Phrases: “A smart thermostat that’s also a smart display,” “Answer your doorbell from your thermostat,” “Customize your thermostat’s look with idle screens,” “Prioritize heating and cooling in specific rooms,” “Control your thermostat with voice commands,” “Integrate your thermostat into your smart home ecosystem,” “Save energy and improve comfort with room sensors,” “A stylish and feature-rich device for your home.”,