The short version: The Honeywell Home X2S, launched at CES 2025, is Resideo’s new budget entry, taking over from the low end of the old T-series. In the US it launched at roughly $80 MSRP; expect a modest premium in Canadian dollars once fully rolled out at Canadian retailers. It’s Matter-certified, works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Home, and reviewers consistently rate it as strong value for first-time smart thermostat buyers, with the tradeoff being a basic feature set — no room sensors, no zoning.

Who It’s For

The X2S suits Canadian buyers upgrading from a non-smart thermostat who want Wi-Fi control and voice assistant support without spending $200+. It works with most conventional and heat pump systems, which matters given how common heat pumps have become alongside gas furnaces in Canadian homes. If you want Apple Home support without ecobee’s price tag, the X2S is one of the few budget thermostats offering native Matter compatibility rather than a workaround.

It’s not for buyers who want room sensors or air quality monitoring — the X8S covers those. Some reviewers also noted that Matter support, while present, covers core functions rather than the full feature depth available through Honeywell’s own app.

Design & Build

The X2S has a simple display showing current and target temperature with physical push buttons rather than a full touchscreen. Reviewers describe it as easy to navigate for someone new to Wi-Fi thermostats. It shares a backplate with the X8S, so upgrading later doesn’t require rewiring or a new mounting plate.

Setup & Compatibility

C-wire situation: Designed for straightforward installation across most HVAC systems, including furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps. Check Honeywell’s compatibility documentation for your specific setup, especially for heat pumps with auxiliary heat, common in colder Canadian climates.

Installation: Reviewers consistently rate the X2S as easy to install, a selling point for first-time smart thermostat buyers. The shared backplate with the X8S is a genuine convenience if a future upgrade is on the table.

App & Ecosystem: Matter, But Basic

The X2S supports Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple Home via Matter — real ecosystem breadth for a budget thermostat. One review noted that Matter support, while present, is fairly minimal in terms of exposed features compared to using Honeywell’s own app; core temperature control and automations work, but Matter doesn’t expose the full native experience yet.

Scheduling and remote control run through the Honeywell Home app, straightforward for basic scheduling and occupancy-based adjustments. There’s no room sensor support at this tier.

Price & Value

Honeywell Home X2S
Price (CAD) ~$100–150
Warranty 2 years
Subscription required No
Matter certified Yes

Even at the higher Canadian price point, the X2S remains meaningfully cheaper than the X8S, Lyric T9, or ecobee for equivalent core scheduling and remote-control functionality. It’s ENERGY STAR certified, the baseline most provincial and utility rebate programs check for — see Smart Thermostat Rebates in Canada by Province for current details.

Pros & Cons

Pros:
– Genuinely budget-priced with real ecosystem breadth (Alexa, Google, Apple Home via Matter)
– Easy installation, well-suited to first-time smart thermostat buyers
– Shares a backplate with the X8S for an easy future upgrade
– ENERGY STAR certified

Cons:
– Matter integration exposes fewer features than the native app
– No room sensors or air quality monitoring
– Basic display without a full touchscreen
– No advanced zoning

Honeywell X2S vs X8S vs T6 Pro: features, price, and Matter/ecosystem support compared

The Recommendation

Buy the Honeywell Home X2S if you want a genuinely budget-priced smart thermostat with real Alexa, Google, and Apple Home support, and you don’t need room sensors or an air quality monitor. Step up to the X8S if you want the 5-inch touchscreen, sensors, and video doorbell integration.

For the full new Resideo lineup, see Honeywell Home Thermostat Lineup: Which Model Should You Buy?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Honeywell X2S Matter certified?
Yes, and it works with Apple Home, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa. Matter covers core functions; some reviewers found the feature depth through Matter more limited than using Honeywell’s own app.

Does the X2S need a C-wire?
Check Honeywell’s compatibility documentation for your specific system; requirements vary by HVAC configuration, particularly for heat pumps common in Canadian homes.

How does the X2S compare to the X8S?
The X8S adds a 5-inch touchscreen, air quality monitoring, room sensor support, and Ring/First Alert video doorbell integration for a meaningfully higher price. The X2S covers core smart thermostat functions well without those extras.

Is the X2S eligible for Canadian rebates?
It’s ENERGY STAR certified, the baseline requirement for most provincial and utility programs. Check Smart Thermostat Rebates in Canada by Province before assuming a specific rebate applies.

Does the X2S support Apple HomeKit?
Yes, via Matter, notable since older Honeywell models (T6 Pro, T9, T10 Pro) don’t support Apple’s ecosystem at all.

Where can I buy the X2S in Canada?
Amazon.ca and Home Depot Canada.