The herpstat intro + costs less than a Helix DBS-1000 and is a much better unit. The Herpstat 1 costs the exact same amount as a helix and is a much better unit. The herpstat 2 and herpstat 4 cost more yes, but they have 2 and 4 times as many thermostat units as the helix does.
Overall you get the least for your money with the helix.