Over the years and in a rapidly evolving smart internal market, ecobee remains one of the industry leaders due to its ability to provide incremental but impactful hardware and software upgrades. The company's latest SmartThermostat, while having a look and feel similar to its predecessors, still offers the best mix of convenience, compatibility and smart features.

I recently upgraded to the latest SmartThermostat from an ecobee 3 Lite, and while the basic functions remain the same, the addition of a SmartSensor and Alexa to the mix definitely made me appreciate the new hardware. Although I would not say that it is worthy of an upgrade for those with previous versions, I can say that it is still one of the best options for those new to the game with smart thermostat.

Same, but different

ecobee SmartThermostat: features

The latest ecobee SmartThermostat retains the familiar look of previous offerings, with a black front touch screen positioned in the center. The 3.5-inch color LCD screen has a resolution of 320 x 480 and acts as a control center on the device, without finding additional hardware buttons. The display portion is attached to a white motherboard that houses the wiring terminals with a single click.

SmartThermostat is included in the installation, except for real instruments. SmartThermostat is compatible with most HVAC units today, whether it is oil, gas, electric, conventional or heat pumps. Unlike some competitors, ecobee includes a power extension kit that makes it compatible with homes that don't have a common thread right in the box. the ecobee pilot also works with HVAC accessories such as humidification systems and fans.

SmartThermostat connects to your home network directly via Wi-Fi, without the need for an additional hub. In addition to Wi-Fi, the thermostat has radios for Bluetooth and 915MHz RF, which facilitate connections to accessories such as SmartSensor included. SmartSensor is a compact, completely wireless sensor that runs on a single coin battery and has an equally modern design, complete with a metal support. The SmartSensor is able to monitor temperature and movement, allowing it to work in tandem with the thermostat to provide a higher level of comfort by mediating or adjusting the previous camera.

As with the SmartSensor, the thermostat portion is equipped with a motion sensor as well as a busy sensor, and all sensors can be integrated with the Haven Home Monitor service recently launched by Ecobee. Haven aims to facilitate home security by automating the arming / disarming of the home based on presence and can warn users of any unusual activity captured while they are there. Presence detection also works with the latest ecobee accessories, SmartCamera and SmartSensor for doors and windows,

Both the Haven service and the controls for SmartThermostat take place through the ecobee application, which is available on iOS, Android and the web. Smart controls include staples such as temperature adjustment, program setting and usage trend review. Voice adjustments can also be made by integrating with HomeKit, Google Assistant and Alexa.

However, Amazon's Alexa integration is deeper than just connecting the account, with a microphone and on-board speakers that allow the thermostat to make adjustments with just one shout. Alexa also allows SmartThermostat to make / answer calls, act as an intercom with other Alexa devices in the house and even play music through services such as Spotify.

Thoughtful touches

ecobee SmartThermostat: What I like

Installing the ecobee SmartThermostat was incredibly quick and easy, especially since I upgraded from an ecobee 3 Lite. Ecobee has always included a few careful, friendly lines to install in their thermostat line and they are really present for the latest and greatest. These include wired terminals with clips, a built-in level, a power supply set for common wireless installations and a cutting board.

Joining SmartThermostat was just as easy, just the ecobee app needed to get things up and running. During the process, ecobee walks you through the account registration, Wi-Fi setup, and asks you a series of questions about your HVAC unit and your home. , but of course this can vary.

The SmartThermostat was also incredibly reliable, with adjustments never failing to affect.

Once paired, the ecobee application interface mimics the display on the device, making familiar adjustments instantly. Both the app and the controls on the device are responsive, react easily to taps and swipes, and the decision to go with a touch-based interface keeps things simple. I also like how the ecobee app provides an overview of the temperature in each room where SmartSensors are positioned and how the thermostat can be set to average measurements to decide when to start cooling or heating.

As with my previous ecobee 3 Lite, adjustments made remotely via apps or voice control are performed in seconds on the device. The SmartThermostat was also incredibly reliable, with adjustments that never managed to affect and there was never a situation where I couldn't access this at all. Speaking of access, I absolutely like the fact that ecobee takes an agnostic approach to smart home integrations. While Alexa is integrated, users can connect it to Google Assistant or HomeKit if they wish.

Even though I prefer to use HomeKit for anything, I'm glad I have Alexa available, without having to dedicate a meter or precious table space to another device. The on-board microphone is surprisingly efficient, taking Alexa commands from long distances, and the speaker, while not of the highest quality, is enough to provide easy-to-identify answers.

Prices and privacy

ecobee SmartThermostat: What I do not like

Compared to other smart thermostat options, the ecobee SmartThermostat is a little on the price side. The higher price does not guarantee that remote access will always be available, as with many smart home accessories, there is always the threat of server downtime. I would definitely like to have seen local control options for Android users or those who don't use the available HomeKit.

The ecobee application, although familiar and easy to use, suffers from time to time from some strange crashes on iOS. Through testing, I've come across several cases where the app simply fails to load data when it's launched, which can be frustrating. Although not necessary, creating and editing programs
in the app is just as frustrating because I haven't found a way to delete all the pre-programmed comfort times / settings or start from a blank slate.

As great as Alexa was baking even in SmartThermostat, his presence will surely scare some. Ecobee handles integration well by making Alexa an opt-in experience, providing quick controls to disable it, and providing a familiar blue light to indicate that Alexa is listening.

However, just having a device connected to the internet with a microphone on board will always be a little worrying for many and I would have loved to have seen a model give up the microphone. Of course the ecobee 3 Lite is still available, but it does not include compatibility with certain HVAC accessories and does not have a SmartSensor included.

Something for everyone

ecobee SmartThermostat: Bottom line

4.5
of 5

Even with a slightly higher price than others and some weird occasional applications, the ecobee SmartThermostat is simply one of the best thermostats on the market today. A sleek, modern design, easy installation, SmartSensor included, high levels of reliability and compatibility with all major smart home platforms make it easy to recommend to almost anyone.

The SmartSensor included in the ecobee continues to be one of the best innovations in the thermostat category, and when combined with a suite of smart features, it allows the ability to set it and just forget if you want. Energy users retain the ability to set custom programs and can decide which room in the house is most important to keep you comfortable. All this adds to the fact that Ecobee's SmartThermostat is one of the best smart home investments you can make today, and another option I don't know how to recommend.