Tado X Range Launches in UK, But What About the USA?

Back in May 2024, German smart home company Tado announced a new range of smart home energy devices, Tado X – and the news from IFA 2024 is that they’re being released in the UK in time for winter.

Tado’s announcement comes at a great time, with rising energy bills putting considerable pressure on households in the UK. But how exactly will connecting a Matter-enabled smart home energy management system save money?

And when will Tado X be available to US smart home owners?

How Tado X Plans to Help UK Smart Homes

Tado X is a collection of smart home energy management devices, with Matter compatibility.

These devices, already available in key EU territories, are being released in the UK om November 2024. The range of Tado X products is as follows (prices include VAT):

• Wireless Smart Thermostat X Starter Kit – £159.99

• Wired Smart Thermostat X Starter Kit – £159.99

• Smart Radiator Thermostat X Starter Kit – £139.99

• Smart Radiator Thermostat X – £79.99

• Smart Radiator Thermostat X Quattro Pack – £260.99

• Wireless Temperature Sensor X – £89.99

• Heat Pump Optimizer X – £229.99

• Bridge X – £59.99

• Wired Smart Thermostat X – £99.99

As you can see, the Tado X range includes thermostats for your boiler, as well as for radiators. There is also a heat pump compatible device, the Heat Pump Optimizer X, currently compatible with Daikin and with Panasonic support due in November. 

With Matter support and the benefits that brings, the Tado X range boasts voice control (Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit), and geofencing (such as switching on the heating as you approach home, or turning up a radiator as you enter a room). The system also has OpenTherm integration, to ensure compatibility between your thermostat and your boiler. Communication between Tado X devices uses the built-in Thread border router, while standard network control to your boiler's receiver will typically be via Wi-Fi.

What Does This Mean for a UK Home?

The timing of this announcement is fortuitous for Tado. It gets to make a big announcement at IFA 2024 in advance of a potentially heavy winter at a time when UK householders are paying around 3 times more than they were just 3 years ago. Throw in the anticipated removal of a fuel bill subsidy for retirees, and the idea of a smart home energy management solution looks very attractive.

Tado X is a Matter-compatible smart energy system, so it operates to the usability and security standards that the Matter protocol demands. With a Tado X controlled heating system, energy savings and comfort are highlighted as advantages. There is also the added convenience of remote or voice control.

Note that Tado X products are not compatible with Tado’s earlier ranges (e.g. V3+ and V2). However, they are are at least pleasing to look at, and the range won an iF Design Award for 2024.

When Will Tado X Be Available in the US?

While the European countries are benefiting from Tado’s Matter-enabled smart home energy management, the obvious question is: when will Tado X be available in the United States?

At this time, there is no indication when this will happen.

Currently, some Tado products are available in the US and Australia, but it appears that the company is strongly focused on the European Economic Area (essentially the European Union and the United Kingdom). So, it may be some time before Tado X launches stateside. (In addition, regulatory approval processes, supply chain issues, and regional differences may account for some delays.)

However, other smart thermostat solutions are available to US consumers. The Google Nest Thermostat, for example, is a good option. If you can get your hands on the Aqara Radiator Thermostat E1 (which requires an Aqara hub), this is also a nice alternative, although Aqara products can also be difficult to find in the US.

Tado X: the Answer to High UK Energy Bills?

Whether or not the Tado X collection of smart home energy management products helps UK householders during a period of high energy bills remains to be seen. But the range has already proved to be popular among European smart home owners, if the Tado X support forum posts are anything to go by.

However, as noted above, if you already have a smart home energy management system implemented, Tado X (and Matter) might not be the upgrade you have in mind at this time.