Honeywell RTH8560D vs. T5: Which Thermostat Reigns?

Last Updated: January 29, 2025By Tags: ,

When it comes to managing your home’s heating and cooling systems, choosing the right thermostat can make all the difference. Two popular options from Honeywell—the RTH8560D and the T5—offer unique features and functionalities that cater to different needs and preferences. In this comparison, we’ll explore how these two models stack up against each other, helping you decide which one might be the best fit for your home and lifestyle.

Smart Comfort

Honeywell RTH8560D Thermostat
Honeywell RTH8560D Thermostat
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8.9

The Honeywell Home RTH8560D is a versatile 7-day programmable touchscreen thermostat that allows you to easily schedule your heating and cooling to match your lifestyle, with features like Smart Response Learning technology for optimal comfort. Its bright, backlit display shows indoor temperature and humidity, plus it offers convenient reminders for air filter changes and retains settings during power outages.

Smart Comfort

Honeywell T5 Thermostat
Honeywell T5 Thermostat
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8.4

The Honeywell Home RTH8800WF2022 T5 WiFi Smart Thermostat offers 7-day programmable scheduling and geofencing technology to optimize your heating and cooling, potentially saving you 8 to 16% on your bills. With ENERGY STAR certification and compatibility with various heating systems, it’s a smart choice for energy efficiency and convenience in your home.

Honeywell RTH8560D Thermostat

Programmability
7-day programmable with options for daily, weekend, or full week scheduling.

Connectivity
No Wi-Fi connectivity; operates through battery or hard-wire.

Energy Efficiency Features
Smart Response Learning technology for optimal comfort and efficiency.

Display and Interface
Crystal-clear touchscreen display with blue backlight and easy-to-read temperature and humidity.

Power Requirements
Compatible with various heating/cooling systems and can operate on battery or hard-wire.

Honeywell T5 Thermostat

Programmability
7-day flexible scheduling with geofencing capabilities for location-based temperature control.

Connectivity
Wi-Fi enabled, compatible with smart home systems like Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and Alexa.

Energy Efficiency Features
ENERGY STAR certified; offers monthly energy reports and savings through demand response programs.

Display and Interface
LCD touchscreen display with a modern design, but specifications on backlight color not detailed.

Power Requirements
Requires C-wire for power; not compatible with heating-only systems without a C-wire.

Honeywell RTH8560D Thermostat

Pluses
  • Easy to install with straightforward instructions
  • Auto change feature allows seamless transition between heating and cooling
  • Hardwiring option available, eliminating the need for batteries while maintaining essential functions

Honeywell T5 Thermostat

Pluses
  • Easy installation and setup process
  • Attractive modern design that fits well in any room
  • Compatibility with Alexa and geofencing technology for remote control

Honeywell RTH8560D Thermostat

CONS
  • Lack of Wi-Fi control support
  • No swing function to indicate system status

Honeywell T5 Thermostat

CONS
  • The smart algorithm may override manual temperature settings and scheduling, leading to unexpected temperature changes
  • Requires a common (‘C’) wire for installation, which may not be available in all homes, complicating setup for some users

Comparison chart

Honeywell RTH8560D Thermostat vs Honeywell T5 Thermostat
Honeywell RTH8560D Thermostat
VS
Honeywell T5 Thermostat
WiFi Connectivity
No
VS
Yes
Voice Control Compatibility
No
VS
Alexa Ready
Geofencing Technology
No
VS
Yes
Programmable
7 Day Programmable
VS
7 Day Programmable
Touchscreen
Yes
VS
Yes
Energy Star Certified
Yes
VS
Yes
C-Wire Requirement
No
VS
Yes
Mobile App Control
No
VS
Yes
Smart Home Integration
Limited
VS
Extensive (via Alexa)
User Interface
Standard touchscreen interface
VS
Advanced interface with customizable settings
Price Range
Generally lower
VS
Slightly higher

Unique Selling Points (USPs)

Honeywell Home RTH8560D:

  • 7-day programmability for customized comfort.
  • User-friendly touchscreen interface.
  • Energy Star certified for efficiency.

Honeywell Home RTH8800WF2022:

  • WiFi-enabled for remote access via smartphone.
  • Alexa compatibility for voice control.
  • Geofencing technology to optimize energy use based on location.

Pros and Cons

Honeywell Home RTH8560D

Pros:

  • Affordable option for programmable thermostats.
  • Easy to use and install.
  • Reliable performance with basic features.

Cons:

  • No smart features such as WiFi or voice control.
  • Limited customization compared to smart options.

Honeywell Home RTH8800WF2022

Pros:

  • Advanced connectivity and smart features.
  • Voice control and geofencing enhance convenience.
  • Customizable settings for specific user preferences.

Cons:

  • Requires a C-wire for installation.
  • Higher price point compared to non-smart thermostats.

Use Cases

  • Honeywell Home RTH8560D: Ideal for users who want a straightforward, reliable thermostat with basic programmability without the need for internet connectivity.
  • Honeywell Home RTH8800WF2022: Perfect for tech-savvy users looking for convenience through smart home integration, remote access, and advanced features to enhance energy efficiency.

Conclusive Assessment

In this comparison, the Honeywell Home RTH8800WF2022 emerges as the clear winner for users who prioritize smart technology and connectivity. Its features, including WiFi compatibility, voice control, and geofencing, make it a suitable choice for modern households.

However, the Honeywell Home RTH8560D holds its ground for those who prefer a simple, reliable thermostat without the need for smart features, making it a great option for users on a budget or those who prefer traditional controls.

 

Final Summary

To summarize, if you’re looking for a thermostat that embraces the latest technology and offers a seamless user experience, go for the Honeywell Home RTH8800WF2022. On the other hand, if you want a trustworthy, no-frills device with solid features for programming your heating and cooling, the Honeywell Home RTH8560D is an excellent choice. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you value smart features or prefer simplicity.

Honeywell RTH8560D Thermostat
Amazon.com
Honeywell RTH8560D Thermostat
Honeywell T5 Thermostat
Amazon.com
Honeywell T5 Thermostat
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Comparing Honeywell Smart Thermostats: A Friendly Guide

When it comes to choosing a smart thermostat from the Honeywell lineup, there are several factors to consider. This guide outlines general guidelines and key features to help you make an informed decision between products like the Honeywell RTH8560D and the Honeywell T5 Thermostat.

Key Features to Consider

1. Compatibility

  • Check if the thermostat is compatible with your heating and cooling system.
  • Some models work with multi-stage systems, while others are suited for single-stage setups.

2. Wi-Fi Connectivity

  • Ensure the thermostat has robust Wi-Fi connectivity for remote access and control.
  • Look for models that support both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks for better connectivity options.

3. User Interface

  • Consider the ease of use of the thermostat’s display and controls.
  • Touchscreen interfaces may offer more intuitive navigation compared to manual buttons.

4. Smart Features

  • Look for features like learning capabilities that adapt to your schedule.
  • Integration with smart home systems (like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit) adds convenience.

Comparison: Honeywell RTH8560D vs. Honeywell T5

Honeywell RTH8560D Thermostat

  • Display: 7-inch color touchscreen for an easy-to-read interface.
  • Learning Capability: Learns your schedule and adjusts settings automatically.
  • Smart Home Integration: Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
  • Energy Saving Features: Offers scheduling and energy reports to optimize usage.
  • Remote Access: Control your thermostat from anywhere using the Honeywell Home app.

Honeywell T5 Thermostat

  • Display: 5-inch color touchscreen that’s user-friendly.
  • Learning Capability: Uses a simpler version of adaptive scheduling.
  • Smart Home Integration: Works with a range of smart home systems.
  • Energy Saving Features: Provides scheduling options to help save on energy bills.
  • Remote Access: Available through the Honeywell Home app for ease of control.

Benefits of Each Model

Benefits of Honeywell RTH8560D

  • Enhanced display with more information at a glance.
  • More advanced learning capabilities for tailored comfort.
  • Greater flexibility with smart home compatibility.

Benefits of Honeywell T5

  • Slightly lower price point, making it a budget-friendly option.
  • Simple setup and straightforward controls for ease of use.
  • Reliable performance with essential smart features.

Common Questions About Your Honeywell Smart Thermostat

What are the key differences between the Honeywell RTH8560D and T5 thermostats?

When comparing the Honeywell RTH8560D and the T5 (RTH8800WF2022) thermostats, there are several key differences to consider:

  1. Wi-Fi Connectivity: The T5 thermostat features Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to control it remotely via a smartphone app or through voice commands with Alexa. The RTH8560D does not have this feature, which limits remote access.
  2. Geofencing Technology: The T5 incorporates geofencing technology, which can adjust your home’s temperature based on your location. This means it can automatically change settings when you leave or approach your home. The RTH8560D lacks this capability.
  3. User Interface: Both thermostats have touchscreen interfaces, but the T5 is often noted for its user-friendly design and ease of navigation. The RTH8560D also has a touchscreen but may not be as intuitive as the T5.
  4. Energy Star Certification: Both models are Energy Star certified, which means they are designed to be energy-efficient. However, the T5 may offer additional energy-saving features due to its connectivity options and smart technology.
  5. C-Wire Requirement: Both thermostats require a C-wire for power, but it’s essential to check compatibility with your existing heating and cooling system. The T5’s Wi-Fi features might require more consistent power supply.
  6. Programming Features: Both thermostats are 7-day programmable, but the T5 offers more advanced programming options, including the ability to integrate with other smart home devices.

In summary, if you’re looking for smart home integration, remote access, and geofencing capabilities, the T5 (RTH8800WF2022) is the better choice. If you prefer a straightforward, programmable thermostat without the need for Wi-Fi, the RTH8560D could be sufficient for your needs.

 

About the Author: Oliver James

Oliver is the founder of Safenestiq.com and an expert in home security technology. With years of experience researching smart devices, Oliver offers unbiased reviews and practical advice to help homeowners stay safe and secure.

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3 Comments

  1. Dash January 30, 2025 at 5:36 pm - Reply

    I’ve been using the Honeywell T5 for a few months now and I totally recommend it! The scheduling options are super easy to use, and I love how I can control it from my phone. Definitely worth checking out!

  2. Nia February 1, 2025 at 10:56 am - Reply

    Can anyone recommend which one is better for a large home? I’ve got a pretty big space and I’m not sure if the RTH8560D or T5 would work better for me. Any thoughts?

    • Oliver James February 2, 2025 at 11:07 am - Reply

      Great question! If you have a larger home, both thermostats can handle it well, but the RTH8560D might be the better option due to its advanced features and range. It can manage multiple zones effectively!

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