SMART THERMOSTATS / EDITORIAL GUIDE

UK’s Top 3 Multi-Zone Smart Radiator Heating Systems

Multi-zone smart heating systems let UK homes control radiators room-by-room, rather than relying on one thermostat for the whole house. In this guide we compare three top UK systems (Honeywell/Resideo Evohome, tado°, Hive) that use smart TRV heads. We cover their hubs and network topology, radiator valve compatibility, how (or if) valves trigger the boiler, installation requirements, and any subscription fees. All products use wet central heating, replacing existing TRV heads and linking to a control hub or app for individual scheduling.

Published 24 September 2026

Quick comparison

#ModelBest forListed priceMerchantOffer
1Honeywell Home Evohome Radiator Thermostat (EVO-TRV)Large homes needing many independent zones.GBP 85.51AmazonView at AmazonAffiliate link
2tado° Smart Radiator Thermostat XSmart app control and modern features.GBP 61.49AmazonView at AmazonAffiliate link
3Hive Radiator Valve (TRV003)Hive system users, easy DIY installation.GBP 239.99ScrewfixView at ScrewfixMerchant link

Select a model for the full recommendation, or use View at merchant to open the selected offer directly. Prices and availability can change.

How to choose

For large homes needing many zones, Honeywell Evohome stands out with up to 12 programmable zones and no ongoing fees. Tado° offers a modern Thread/Wi-Fi mesh (Bridge X) and advanced features like AI scheduling (subscription optional). Hive Radiator Valves are easy to drop into a British Gas (Hive) system and work well with the Hive app, but need the Hive Hub (v2) and the Hive Active service to call for heat. In all cases, you keep each radiator’s existing valve body and attach a smart head (adapters included). Consider how each system integrates with your boiler: all these TRV systems rely on a central controller or thermostat for boiler calls. Buyer choices hinge on ecosystem (Hive for Centrica users, tado° for Apple integration, Evohome for heavy zoning) and whether you mind a subscription for extra features.

Compare the details

Specifications and requirements from the sources below. Manufacturer claims are not independent test results.
ModelConnectivity & HubValve compatibilityBoiler controlSubscriptionsInstallation
Honeywell Home Evohome Radiator ThermostatWireless two-way link to the evohome central controller (no standard Wi‑Fi)[1]Fits most 15 mm TRV bodies (M30x1.5)[1]Radiator valves themselves cannot call the boiler; evohome’s main controller/thermostat does[3]Not confirmedNot confirmed
tado° Smart Radiator Thermostat XUses Thread mesh (requires tado° Bridge X or existing Thread router)[2]Includes six adapters to fit almost all radiator valve bodies[2]Valves sync with a tado° central thermostat to request heat; alone they cannot fire the boiler[2]Optional AI Assist (£3.99/mo or £29.99/yr) for advanced features[2]DIY installation via app guidance; includes adapters for compatibility[2]
Hive Radiator Valve (TRV003)Zigbee; requires Hive Hub v2 or Hub360 (Hive Hub v1 does not support TRV003)[4]Adapters included for M30 and Danfoss RA valve bodies[4]By default only turns the radiator on/off when heat is on; can request boiler fire only when paired with Hive Active Heating plan[4]Requires Hive Active Heating (paid) to let valves call for heat[4]DIY: unscrew old TRV head, attach Hive valve with adaptor; works with existing TRV body[3]

Our picks

1

Honeywell Home Evohome Radiator Thermostat (EVO-TRV)

Large homes needing many independent zones.

Honeywell’s Evohome supports up to 12 heating zones, each with its own schedule. Its HR92/EVO-TRV controllers fit standard M30x1.5 valve bodies. There is no ongoing subscription. This system is highly flexible for multi-room control and works with existing TRVs, but requires the evohome boiler control module or thermostat for heat demand.

Before you choose: Very capable zoning (many valves and zones) vs higher upfront complexity and cost (requires Evohome hub and boiler interface).

More details

Battery-powered TRV head for individual radiator control Pros: Very flexible: up to 12 zones, each with its own schedule; No recurring subscription fees (one-time purchase); Battery life ~2 years (HR92) on standard TRV bodies. Consider: Higher system complexity and cost (requires evohome hub or receiver, plus boiler interface); Less consumer marketing focus in UK (mostly pro-grade equipment); Older design (uses proprietary RF, not newer mesh tech). Limitation: Limited to the evohome ecosystem; full boiler integration requires additional control modules (e.g. R9H receiver).

GBP 85.51Checked 24 Sep 2026
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2

tado° Smart Radiator Thermostat X

Smart app control and modern features.

tado°’s second-generation radiators use Thread mesh networking (via a Bridge X) and include 6 valve adapters. They offer granular per-room control and HomeKit/Assistant integration. They can 'ask' the boiler for heat only if paired with a tado° Smart Thermostat. AI-powered features (like auto-schedules) require a £3.99/mo subscription. The kit is DIY-friendly, but requires the Bridge X if you don’t already have a Thread router.

Before you choose: Modern mesh connectivity and features vs needing the Bridge X hub and optional subscription for full benefits.

More details

Rechargeable radiator valve with app and voice control Pros: Modern connectivity (Thread) and wide app/smart home integration; Comes with adapters and a rechargeable battery (no regular batteries); Optional AI subscription can automate and optimize schedules. Consider: Requires the tado Bridge X (or Thread network) to operate; Needs a tado central thermostat to actually call the boiler; Subscription needed for smart learning features. Limitation: Requires tado’s hub (Bridge X) and ecosystem; not fully functional as a standalone TRV without the tado Smart Thermostat or gateway.

GBP 61.49Checked 24 Sep 2026
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3

Hive Radiator Valve (TRV003)

Hive system users, easy DIY installation.

Hive’s TRV003 adds smart control to each radiator. It works only with the Hive Hub v2 (v1 is incompatible). Each valve head includes adaptors for M30 and Danfoss RA bodies. Hive valves can close and open radiators individually, but to fire the boiler they require the Hive Active Heating plan and a Hive thermostat. (Without Active Heating, they only turn radiators off within the schedule.) This kit is straightforward to self-install as a Hive upgrade.

Before you choose: Very easy Hive integration and app control vs reliance on Hive hub/service; additional Hive Active subscription for boiler override.

More details

Battery-powered TRV head (Zigbee) replacing existing TRV knob Pros: Easy DIY replacement for standard TRVs (just add adaptors); Built-in Zigbee means it works with other Hive smart home products; Includes open-window detection and manual temperature dial on device. Consider: Requires Hive Hub 2 and the British Gas/Hive ecosystem; To trigger boiler heat on demand, Hive Active Heating subscription and thermostat are needed; Wired Honeywell Evohome hub compatibility or HomeKit not supported. Limitation: Only works with water radiators and TRV bodies. Cannot call boiler without Hive Active Heating service.

GBP 239.99Checked 24 Sep 2026
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How we assess products

We researched official product and support pages for UK variants of each system, capturing hub requirements, valve adaptors, and connectivity. We also checked UK pricing via Amazon and retailer sites. Each product’s facts are cited from manufacturer documentation or trusted sources. We note where features (like calling the boiler or requiring a hub) differ by system. All info is backed by official specs or reputable guides. Amazon listings were verified for base prices; where Amazon was unavailable, we used a verified UK retailer listing.

Last editorial review: 24 September 2026.

Sources and product information

  1. Honeywell Home HR92 Radiator Controller – Resideo
  2. tado Smart Radiator Thermostat X – tado°
  3. Hive Radiator Valves – Hive Home
  4. Hive TRV003 Radiator Valve (5-pack) – QualityHeating

Frequently asked questions

Can smart radiator valve systems directly turn on the boiler?

No. Each of these TRV systems requires a main controller or thermostat to call the boiler. Hive valves, for example, do not talk directly to the boiler – the thermostat controls it. Tado’s radiator heads can only trigger heat if paired with a tado° Smart Thermostat (the central controller). Evohome’s radiators likewise rely on the evohome boiler controller or wired thermostat. In summary, smart TRVs close or open radiators, but a central control unit (or a paid service like Hive Active) is needed to fire the boiler.

What hub or bridge is needed for each system?

Each system needs its own bridge. Hive Radiator Valves require the latest Hive Hub (v2 or Hub 360) since the original Hub 1 doesn’t support them. tado° Radiator Thermostats (X version) use Thread networking; you need one tado° Bridge X per home unless you have another Thread border router. Honeywell/Resideo Evohome uses its own wireless controller module (often R9H or R8810 receiver wired to the boiler); the HR92 radiator heads talk wirelessly to the evohome hub. In all cases, the hub connects to your app or Wi‑Fi so you can set per-room schedules from your phone or voice assistant.

Are these smart valves easy to install on existing radiators?

Yes. All these TRV heads screw onto your existing valve bodies. The Hive TRV003, for example, comes with two common adaptors (M30 and Danfoss RA) and simply replaces your current TRV head. Tado’s radiator units include six adapters to fit most valves. If your radiators have standard thermostatic valve bodies already, you can self-install in minutes using the app for guidance. If they have manual on/off valves, a plumber must first fit TRV valve bodies.

Are there ongoing costs or subscriptions?

Basic control is free, but advanced features may cost extra. Tado offers an optional "AI Assist" subscription (£3.99/month) for smart features like learning schedules, but you can use the valves without it. Hive has a "Hive Active Heating" service (subscription) that lets radiators request heat from the boiler; without it, Hive valves can only turn radiators on/off when the main schedule is already running. Evohome has no subscription fee – once installed it uses the evohome app and requires no monthly payment.

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