Honeywell Home X8S 5-Inch Smart Thermostat or Honeywell Home X7S 4.3-Inch Smart Thermostat? Which Honeywell Home Model to Buy
We compare the Honeywell Home X8S and X7S smart thermostats using published specifications. See how display size and Matter support affect your choice for 2026.
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This comparison covers the honeywell home x8s 5 inch smart thermostat vs x7s 4 3 inch smart model. Both units offer Matter certification, dual-band Wi-Fi, and occupancy detection. They share identical HVAC compatibility and C-wire support. The main difference lies in the display size and additional hardware features. The X8S includes a larger screen and doorbell camera integration. The X7S focuses on core climate control with a slightly smaller interface. You can choose based on your need for visual clarity and extra smart home connectivity.
Display Size
5 inches
4.3 inches
Doorbell Camera View
Compatible with First Alert VX1 and Ring
Not listed
Humidity Control
Humidity and ventilation control
Humidity monitoring
HVAC Stages
3H/2C heat pump, 2H/2C conventional
3H/2C heat pump, 2H/2C conventional
Smart Home Compatibility
Matter, Alexa, Google, Apple Home
Alexa, Matter, Apple Home, Google
Choose the first if
- You want a larger 5-inch display for better visibility
- You need to see and speak to visitors via a compatible doorbell camera
- You require active ventilation control alongside humidity management
Choose the second if
- You prefer a slightly more compact 4.3-inch interface
- You only need basic humidity monitoring rather than active control
- You want the same HVAC stages and smart home features in a smaller form factor
Verdict
Choose the X8S if you prioritize a larger screen and want to integrate doorbell camera feeds directly into your thermostat. The X7S is the better fit if you prefer a smaller display and only need standard humidity monitoring. Both models offer identical heating and cooling stage support and smart home interoperability.
X8S vs X7S: Key Differences
Display Size
Edge: Honeywell Home X8S 5-Inch Smart Thermostat
The Honeywell Home X8S features a 5-inch display, while the X7S has a 4.3-inch screen. Both models offer customizable display options, allowing you to choose colors and styles to match your home decor. The larger screen on the X8S provides enhanced visibility for reading settings and status information. This extra space can make navigating menus and viewing detailed system information easier for some users. The X7S still offers a sleek interface, but the smaller footprint may suit tighter wall spaces better. You should consider which screen size fits your visual preferences and installation location best.
Doorbell Integration
Edge: Honeywell Home X8S 5-Inch Smart Thermostat
The X8S includes a unique feature not found on the X7S: Doorbell Camera View and Intercom. This allows you to see and speak to visitors at your door directly from the thermostat, provided you have compatible devices like the First Alert VX1 or Ring streaming doorbells. The X7S does not list this capability in its specifications. If you want to integrate your entryway security with your climate control, the X8S offers this added convenience. The X7S focuses purely on temperature and air quality management without this visual intercom component.
Air Quality Control
Edge: Honeywell Home X8S 5-Inch Smart Thermostat
Both thermostats support Precision Comfort and Air Quality features, but they differ in their specific capabilities. The X8S supports both humidity and ventilation control to maintain optimal indoor air quality. The X7S is listed as having humidity monitoring to keep air fresh. While both help you track conditions, the X8S offers active ventilation control if you have the additional HVAC equipment. The X7S provides monitoring, which helps you know when to manually adjust ventilation or use an air purifier. You need to check if your system supports active ventilation for the X8S benefit.
HVAC Compatibility
Edge: Tie
Both the Honeywell Home X8S and X7S share identical HVAC compatibility specifications. They both work with up to 3 heat/2 cool heat pump systems with electric backup, as well as 2 heat/2 cool conventional systems. They also support hot water heat and forced air systems using gas, oil, or electric. Neither model works with electric baseboard heat operating at 120-240V. Since the system compatibility is the same for both units, your existing HVAC infrastructure will determine usability equally for either choice. You do not need to worry about compatibility differences here.
Connectivity
Edge: Tie
Both thermostats require a C-wire, but each package includes a voucher for a free Honeywell Home C-Wire Adapter if your system lacks one. They both connect via 2.4 or 5.0 GHz Wi-Fi and support 802.11ax/ac/a/b/g/n wireless routers. This dual-band support ensures stable connections in various home environments. You can control either device remotely using the First Alert app. Since the connectivity requirements and included support for missing C-wires are identical, you will have the same setup experience for networking both models.
Smart Home Ecosystem
Edge: Tie
Both the X8S and X7S are Matter certified, ensuring ease of interoperability with various smart home platforms. They are also compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Home. This means you can use voice commands or integrate them into broader automation routines regardless of your preferred ecosystem. The smart home compatibility is identical for both models. You will have the same level of integration with your existing smart devices, whether you use Alexa, Google, or Apple Home, making this a non-differentiating factor in your decision.
Choose the right Honeywell Home model
You want doorbell integration on your thermostat
Our pick: Honeywell Home X8S 5-Inch Smart Thermostat
The X8S is the only model that supports doorbell camera views and intercom features. You can see and speak to visitors directly from the 5-inch display. This requires compatible First Alert or Ring devices. The X7S lacks this hardware integration, making the X8S the necessary choice for this specific convenience.
You prefer a compact screen with humidity monitoring
Our pick: Honeywell Home X7S 4.3-Inch Smart Thermostat
The X7S offers a 4.3-inch touchscreen that fits smaller wall spaces. It includes humidity monitoring to help you track indoor air quality. Both models share identical HVAC compatibility and smart home protocols. If you do not need the larger display or doorbell features, the X7S provides the core smart functions in a smaller form factor.
You need precise occupancy detection for energy savings
Our pick: Honeywell Home X8S 5-Inch Smart Thermostat
The X8S features advanced occupancy and presence detection to adjust settings automatically. It helps maximize comfort when you are home and save energy when you are away. While the X7S also detects presence, the X8S includes additional smart sensors. This model ensures your energy savings are optimized through more responsive environmental adjustments.
Honeywell Home X8S 5-Inch Smart Thermostat
Best for: Users wanting a large display and doorbell integration
- Smart Home Compatibility
- Matter, Alexa, Google, Apple Home
- C-Wire Requirement
- Required, adapter voucher included
- HVAC Compatibility
- Heat pump, conventional, forced air
- HVAC Stages
- 3H/2C heat pump, 2H/2C conventional
- Wireless Connectivity
- 2.4 or 5.0 GHz Wi-Fi
- Display Size
- 5 in
The Honeywell Home X8S is a premium smart thermostat featuring a 5-inch customizable display and integrated doorbell camera support. It offers precision comfort through humidity and ventilation control, alongside advanced occupancy detection to adjust settings automatically. This Matter-certified device works with Alexa, Google, and Apple Home. It suits users who want a larger interface and enhanced air quality management for their HVAC system.
- 5-inch customizable display with color and style options
- Doorbell camera view and intercom for compatible devices
- Matter certified for easy interoperability
- Humidity and ventilation control for air quality
- Supports 3H/2C heat pump systems
- Larger 5-inch display requires more wall space
- Heavier at 15.2 ounces compared to smaller models
- Does not support electric baseboard heat
- You want a larger screen for better visibility
- You have a compatible doorbell camera to integrate
- You need humidity and ventilation control
- You have electric baseboard heating
- You prefer a smaller 4.3-inch form factor
- You do not need doorbell integration
Verdict: Honeywell Home X8S 5-Inch Smart Thermostat fits users who prioritize a large, customizable interface and integrated doorbell features. It is ideal for those with compatible cameras and systems needing humidity control.
Honeywell Home X7S 4.3-Inch Smart Thermostat
Best for: multi-stage heat pump systems
- Smart Home Compatibility
- Alexa, Matter, Apple Home, Google
- C-Wire Requirement
- Required (adapter voucher included)
- HVAC Compatibility
- Heat pump, conventional, forced air
- HVAC Stages
- 3H/2C heat pump, 2H/2C conventional
- Wireless Connectivity
- Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz, 5.0 GHz)
- Display Size
- 4.3"
The Honeywell Home X7S is a 4.3-inch smart thermostat with Wi-Fi connectivity. It supports 3H/2C heat pump and 2H/2C conventional systems. The device includes humidity monitoring and occupancy detection. It works with Alexa, Matter, Apple Home, and Google Assistant. This model suits users who want precise control over multi-stage HVAC setups without needing a C-wire adapter purchase.
- 4.3-inch customizable touchscreen display
- Supports 3H/2C heat pump systems
- Built-in humidity monitoring sensor
- Smart occupancy detection for auto-away
- Matter certified for broad compatibility
- Smaller 4.3-inch screen compared to 5-inch rivals
- Heavier 15-ounce build than lighter alternatives
- Requires C-wire for installation
- You have a 3-stage heat pump system
- You want to monitor indoor humidity levels
- You prefer a compact 4.3-inch interface
- You need a 5-inch display for better visibility
- Your system lacks a C-wire and you cannot install one
- You want the lightest possible thermostat build
Verdict: Honeywell Home X7S 4.3-Inch Smart Thermostat fits homeowners with multi-stage heat pumps who value humidity tracking. It offers solid smart features in a slightly heavier, smaller package.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Honeywell Home X8S 5-Inch Smart Thermostat | Honeywell Home X7S 4.3-Inch Smart Thermostat |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Home Compatibility | Matter, Alexa, Google, Apple Home | Alexa, Matter, Apple Home, Google |
| C-Wire Requirement | Required, adapter voucher included | Required (adapter voucher included) |
| HVAC Compatibility | Heat pump, conventional, forced air | Heat pump, conventional, forced air |
| HVAC Stages | 3H/2C heat pump, 2H/2C conventional | 3H/2C heat pump, 2H/2C conventional |
| Wireless Connectivity | 2.4 or 5.0 GHz Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz, 5.0 GHz) |
| Display Size | 5 in | 4.3" |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Keypad Type | – | Touchscreen |
| Control Method | – | Alexa |
| Compatibility | – | Google Home |
| Dimensions | 0.96 × 5.24 × 3.54 inches | 8.27 × 6.5 × 2.13 inches |
| Weight | 15.2 ounces | 15 ounces |
| Size | 5 inch(Pack of 1) | 4.3 inches |
| Model | X8VMC8B/W | X7SMC4B/W |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Honeywell Home X8S support Matter connectivity?
Yes, the X8S supports Matter connectivity. This allows it to work seamlessly with various smart home ecosystems without requiring a separate hub. You benefit from consistent control and future-proof compatibility as more devices adopt the Matter standard.
Is the X7S compatible with Google Home?
Yes, the X7S is compatible with Google Home. You can control it using voice commands through your Google devices. This integration ensures you can adjust temperatures or check status hands-free while moving around your home.
What is the weight difference between the X8S and X7S?
The X8S weighs 15.2 ounces, while the X7S weighs 15 ounces. The difference is minimal at just 0.2 ounces. Both units are heavy enough to feel sturdy on the wall but light enough for standard mounting hardware.
Can I use the X7S with Amazon Alexa?
Yes, the X7S works with Amazon Alexa. You can use Alexa voice commands to control your HVAC system. The unit also supports Matter, ensuring broad compatibility with other smart speakers and automation routines you have set up.
Does the X8S model include a touchscreen interface?
The product data does not explicitly state the X8S has a touchscreen. It highlights a large 5-inch display for doorbell integration. You should verify the input method on the manufacturer’s site if touch control is essential for your setup.
What color options are available for these thermostats?
Both the X8S and X7S are available in Black. This neutral color helps them blend into most interior decors. You can also customize the display colors on the screen to match your specific room aesthetic or lighting conditions.
How thick is the Honeywell Home X8S unit?
The X8S has a length of 0.96 inches. This slim profile allows it to sit flush against your wall without protruding too much. It ensures a clean look while housing the internal components needed for Wi-Fi and smart features.
Is the X7S suitable for multi-stage heat pump systems?
Yes, the X7S is ideal for multi-stage heat pump systems. It provides the necessary control logic for these complex HVAC setups. If you rely on a heat pump with multiple stages, this model offers the specific functionality you need.
