The Tado X smart thermostat marks a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the V3+, offering a compelling blend of modern design, enhanced functionality, and improved accessibility. This review delves into the key features and performance of the Tado X, examining its ease of installation, app integration, and overall user experience. We explore both the advantages and disadvantages, including the impact of the optional Auto-Assist subscription, to determine whether it truly lives up to the claim of being the best smart heating solution. From its sleek design and Matter support for seamless smart home integration to its robust scheduling capabilities and energy-saving potential, we assess every aspect to provide a comprehensive evaluation.This in-depth review covers the Tado X's pricing structure, compatibility with various heating systems, and the installation process. We analyze the functionality of the Tado app, including its scheduling options, geofencing features, and the impact of the subscription service. Furthermore, we examine the strengths and weaknesses of the device, comparing its performance to its predecessor and considering its overall value for money. Ultimately, this review aims to help readers decide if the Tado X is the right smart thermostat for their needs and budget.
Pros And Cons
- Lower starting price than its predecessor.
- Compatible with most gas boilers and heat pumps.
- Supports relay and openTherm.
- Works with separate hot water tanks heated by the boiler.
- Compatible with underfloor heating.
- Supports Matter over Thread (allowing compatibility with Apple Home, Google Home, and Alexa without a bridge in some cases).
- Includes a wireless receiver that acts as a bridge.
- Reliable scheduling.
- Easy to boost heating or adjust schedules via the app.
- Well-designed app.
- 10-year warranty.
- Most users can install it themselves using T's instructions.
- Requires temporarily pausing 5 GHz Wi-Fi network for setup.
- Uses AAA batteries (requiring replacement approximately once a year).
- Not backwards compatible with the V3+ range.
- No import functionality for schedules from previous T systems.
- Automatic geofencing is a paid feature (part of the Auto Assist subscription).
- Wireless receiver briefly disappeared from the app in one instance.
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Pricing and Packages
The Tado X boasts a simpler pricing structure than its predecessor, the V3+, starting at a lower price point. This is a welcome change, making it more accessible to a wider range of consumers. Two options are available: a wireless kit and a wired kit, both priced at £60. Links to Tado's website and Amazon are provided for potential buyers to find the best deals.
Specifications and Compatibility
The Tado X is compatible with most gas boilers and heat pumps, supporting both relay and OpenTherm protocols. It even works with separate hot water tanks heated by the boiler. Underfloor heating is also supported. A key improvement over previous models is Matter over Thread support, enabling seamless integration with Apple Home, Google Home, and Alexa, eliminating the need for a Tado bridge in some cases (with compatible Thread routers like Apple Home devices).
The wireless kit includes a white box that acts as a bridge, negating the need for a separate bridge. However, large houses might require an additional bridge for optimal connectivity. The thermostat connects to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks; initially, you might need to pause your 5 GHz network to establish a connection – a common issue with smart home devices.
Design and Installation
The wireless receiver is a sleek white box, unobtrusive when placed in a cupboard. The thermostat itself is black with white edges, slightly smaller than the V3+. The bright LCD display is easy to read but might appear slightly blurry upon close inspection, though perfectly functional. It features three buttons and can be wall-mounted with screws or sticky pads. Battery replacement is easy thanks to a removable front panel.
Installation involves removing your old Tado system from the app (if applicable), and then adding the new Tado X via the app. It is essential to take screenshots of existing schedules before deleting the old system. The app provides step-by-step instructions, including removing existing wiring. For those unsure about the installation process, professional help is always recommended.
Tado App and Functionality
The Tado app allows for easy device management, room assignment, and individual scheduling. Schedules can be copied between rooms and days. The app includes features like manual heating control, geofencing (with a subscription), adding household members, and viewing current heating status. Matter support allows for local schedule control, ensuring heating functionality even without internet access. A subscription service, Auto-Assist (£3.99/month or £30/year), provides features like energy IQ, Q Care (boiler monitoring), automatic geofencing, and open window detection.
The automatic geofencing is particularly useful, automatically turning the heating off when the last person leaves and back on when someone returns. While optional, the subscription is cost-effective and saves energy. Manual control remains possible through the app and the thermostat itself.
User Experience and Downsides
Overall, the Tado X offers a fantastic user experience. Schedules are reliable, and the app allows for easy adjustments. Apple Home integration provides convenient monitoring alongside other smart home devices. The minor issue of the wireless receiver temporarily disappearing from the app was easily resolved by re-adding it. The automatic geofencing feature is a strong selling point, but its inclusion in the paid subscription is debatable.
Other downsides include the lack of backward compatibility with the V3+ system, requiring a complete reset of schedules if upgrading. Nevertheless, the Tado X represents a substantial improvement in design and functionality, offering a modern, reliable, and feature-rich smart heating solution.
Conclusion
The Tado X is a top-tier smart thermostat, excelling with a modern design, enhanced functionality, and reliable performance. Matter support offers offline operation, a ten-year warranty provides peace of mind, and the intuitive app simplifies management. While the Auto-Assist subscription is recommended for its automatic geofencing and boiler monitoring, the core functionality is excellent even without it. For users seeking a complete smart heating solution, the Tado X is a strong contender, though the lack of backward compatibility from V3+ might be a deterrent for some.
Compared to its predecessor, the Tado V3+, the Tado X refines the design and adds Matter support, offering a more modern and integrated experience. Considering its price and robust feature set, the Tado X easily earns a recommendation for its ease of use, reliability, and energy-saving potential.