Hurrah for Hive: Five reasons to love Hive Active 2
Hive's had a bit of a makeover - and it's fair to say we're pretty impressed
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter

The Home Of Great Ideas For More Than 100 Years
Thank you for signing up to . You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
To lot of our readers, Hive Active Heating needs no introduction. But for the uninitiated, the nifty little device from British Gas allows you to control your heating and hot water remotely - waving goodbye to ice-cold welcomes as your walk through the front door in the depths of winter.
The clever product first launched in 2013, and has now been given a swanky upgrade with a whole range of new features. Intrigued? Here's what you need to know about Hive Active Heating 2...
1. It has a super-sleek design
Themostat technology might not be the sexiest piece of kit on the block, design wise, but Hive has certainly upped the ante with its new look. Its sleek and stylish industrial feel means it's something to show off, rather than hide away, but it's kept the dial appearance to mimic traditional thermostats (so if you don't like change you'll barely notice the difference!).
2 . Holiday controls will put your mind at ease
While the look of Hive has been given an update, so has its technology. You can now control heating boosts with the option for an extra blast of heat (up to six hours) and a ‘holiday mode' setting you can switch on whenever you're away. If you're not keen on leaving your home empty when you're off chasing the sun, the all-new Hive Active Lights allow you to switch bulbs on and off remotely - giving the impression you're at home.
When Winter Is Coming, you can use the handy Frost Protection that automatically activates when you're heating is off and you're away, helping to avoid the dreaded frozen pipes situation.
3. There are motion sensors for paranoid androids
In addition to Active Plugs, the new range also allows you to use motion, window and door sensors. Just nip into your app and double - or triple if you're anything like me! - check you've locked up as you dart up the street.
4. You can now control other appliances
Not content with taking over the heating world, Hive knows the way to our hearts lies with a nice cup of tea. One of the nifty new features of the smartphone app, Hive Active Plugs, allows you to add other appliances to your settings, so you can switch the kettle on as you step off the bus and put your mind at rest over hair straightener paranoia on your way to work.
5. You can mix and match your colours
If the industrial look isn't quite your cup of tea, you can customise your Hive thermostat with a new range of clip-on colour frames. The 12 colours from the Dulux Feature Wall Range can be added to your thermostat to match your colour scheme. If bright isn't for you there's also a natural wood option for Scandi fans.
Sound good? Hive Active Heating 2 is available to buy now, with installation from August. Installation for new customers is £249 and if you're an existing Hive customer you can upgrade for £99.
For more information visit Hivehome.com (opens in new tab).
******

Millie Hurst is Senior Content Editor at Ideal Home. She first joined the team at the start of 2021. Previously, she worked in women’s lifestyle and homes news, writing about everything from budget kitchen makeovers and gardening tips to homeware dupes and cleaning hacks. Millie can often be found looking up trending terms, spotting news stories our readers need to know about and finding ways to decorate her rented flat.
-
12 best duvet covers to dress your bed in style
Update your bedroom in an instant with these tried and tested duvet covers and stylish set - plain, patterned and floral
By Louise Oliphant
-
Garden decking ideas to add interest to your outdoor space
Find inspiration for your garden product with these great ways to work wooden or composite decking designs
By Tamara Kelly
-
DIYer leaves drab kitchen unrecognisable with stylish pink and green scheme
Despite having to start all over again when painting the cabinets, she only spent £260
By Millie Hurst