I don't think either wifi or smart ones are necessary for what you are asking.
A simple 7 day programmable is probably all you need.
you can set it for times when it turns off, or turns up and them override it when you get back home if you come home early.
The inlaws got a nest when they got their ac replaced, and I had to give them one of our old thermostats so they could use it again.
not saying it is complicated, but they were unable to keep the temps they wanted.