Top 6 Best Non Programmable Thermostats (2025 Review)

As a licensed home inspector, I know that a lot of homeowners don't want to have to fuss with thermostats like dealing with custom programs, WiFi connections, and other unnecessary adjustments.

If you have poor vision, elderly, or just don't want to try to 'remember' how to use a thermostat, then these non-programmable thermostats are for you!

A non-programmable thermostat is a basic thermostat that doesn't have any temperature programs — they are the simplest thermostats on the market.

Check out the list below of our top picks for the best non-programmable thermostats! Keep reading to see our buyer's guide and more details.

How To Pick The Best Manual Thermostat?

1. Large & Backlighted Display
2. Easy To Install With Push Connectors
3. Temperature Limits For More Control
4. Auto Transfer From Heating To Cooling
5. Swing Setting Adjustments
6. Verify Whether Single Stage Or Multi-Stage

#1. Large & Backlighted Display

One of the most important considerations for many people is the display. Homeowners want a display that is easy to read and uncomplicated to use.

Let's face it: some displays are just hard to read.

Especially in dim or no light situations, you don't want to be straining your eyes for such a simple task. And you will likely want a display that is backlighted, so you can read the thermostat without turning on the light.

Screen size is also an issue.

Some thermostats will state their screen size in square inches as well as giving the dimensions, but others don't give screen size information — you may have to get that information elsewhere. You may want to literally take a ruler, and draw a square or rectangle so you can actually see how big the display is because sometimes the product picture is misleading.

In addition to the backlight, readability, and size — most people will want easy to use controls. You don't want to fumble with it in the late evening and while half asleep. Some thermostats have touchscreens, similar to your phone or tablet, but others come with large and soft buttons that are super simple.

Read Also: What Are The Best Programmable Thermostats Under $50?

#2. Easy To Install With Push Connectors

Let's face it: some devices are just easier to install and thermostats are no different.

Some non-programmable thermostats come with push wire connectors so that you don't even need a screwdriver to connect the wires.

Other thermostats may have a reputation for being difficult to either mount on the wall, or connect to your HVAC system.

#3. Temperature Limits For More Control

Even though most non-programmable thermostats are simple digital thermostats — some also come with advanced features.

One of these things is temperature limits.

This feature allows you to set a maximum upper and lower temperature limit so that your kids or other occupants can't change the temperature to crazy levels when you are gone. Some thermostats also have keypad locks so nobody can change anything.

Read Also: What Are The Best HVAC Filters For Dust Control?

#4. Auto Transfer From Heating To Cooling

Not all thermostats have the ability to transfer over immediately from cooling to heat or vice versa.

This feature may be important to you if you don't want the hassle of constantly going to your thermostat when the temperature is overlapping between warm and cool.

#5. Swing Setting Adjustments

Most but not all non-programmable thermostats have an adjustable swing setting.

The swing is the temperature difference between your set or target temperature and the actual temperature that the HVAC turns on — and it can have a very large impact on your comfort and how much your HVAC needs to cycle on.

One study estimates that having 3F degree swing setting can reduce your AC load in the range of 13% to 50%.

If you set your AC to a set or target temperature of 74F, your AC will actually turn on when your indoor temperature hits 75F and then turn off with it lowers to 73F — a one degree difference.

Some thermostats come with adjustable swing settings so you can tweak this from 0.1 degrees and all the way up to a 3-degree difference. The average swing setting is 1-degree.

The higher the swing, the more efficient your HVAC system will run, but it is less comfortable. The lower the swing will give you a more comfortable home, but it is less efficient because it will turn on & off more often.

If this adjustability is important to you, make sure your manual thermostat has an adjustable swing setting.

Read Also: How To Clean A Honeywell Humidifier?

#6. Verify Whether Single Stage Or Multi-Stage

Another important consideration for non-programmable thermostats is single stage versus multi-stage thermostats — the thermostat should be compatible with system capabilities.

Single stage thermostats are the standard thermostats for homes with two HVAC systems — one heating and one cooling.

Multi-stage thermostats are for homes with more than the standard two systems, such as if you have a gas furnace, an A/C, and some solar panels with baseboard heating — equivalent to three HVAC systems (not standard two). Multi-stage thermostats are also compatible with multi-stage furnaces if there is a low and high setting.

An easy way to determine this is to look at your existing thermostat. Is there an auxiliary heat mode or is there a low heat setting? If you have more than the standard single stage HVAC system, then you will need to opt for a multi-stage thermostat.