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Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium Review

A feature-packed smart thermostat that lives up to its premium in its name but has the premium price tag to match
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Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium Review
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Price:  $250 List
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Manufacturer:   Ecobee
By Austin Palmer and Adam Stout  ⋅  Jul 9, 2024
85
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#3 of 11
  • Ease of Use - 40% 9.4
  • DIY Installation - 25% 8.0
  • Scheduling - 20% 8.0
  • Smart Capabilities - 10% 8.7
  • Energy Saving - 5% 4.8

Our Verdict

The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is an advanced home climate control device that integrates cutting-edge technology with energy efficiency features. With advanced capabilities like occupancy detection and a vivid and responsive touchscreen display, this unit offers users intuitive control over their heating and cooling systems. It's one of the few smart thermostats compatible with multi-stage systems, and it is also compatible across various smart home platforms. Its sleek design and seamless installation make it a compelling option for homeowners seeking to modernize their living spaces and lower their environmental footprint through smart home technology. Be sure to check out our best-in-class article to get the skinny on the overall best thermostats we tested.
REASONS TO BUY
Has vacation mode
Lots of hold options
Great display
Included external sensor
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Screen smudges easily
Editor's Note: This review was updated on June 28th, 2024, to include new testing metrics and comparisons against additional products in this category.

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Top Pick Award
Best Multi-Stage System Thermostat
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Thermostat
Best Buy Award
Best Value for a Smart Thermostat
Editors' Choice Award
Best Programmable Thermostat
 
Price $250 List
$224.99 at Amazon
$130 List
$106.99 at Amazon
$80 List
$79.99 at Amazon
$55 List
$43.91 at Amazon
$44 List
$28.98 at Amazon
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Bottom Line This premium thermostat costs a pretty penny, but it packs an excellent feature set and user experienceThis thermostat brings great value thanks to the quality of its features and its excellent designThis is one of the best values in smart thermostats, with a super straightforward install and great featuresThis is a simple and effective programmable thermostat at a great priceThis thermostat is about as basic as it gets, but it does offer scheduling and maintenance reminders
Rating Categories Ecobee Smart Premium Google Nest Thermostat Amazon Smart Thermo... Orbit Clear Comfort Honeywell Home RTH2...
Ease of Use (40%)
9.4
9.4
6.8
7.4
6.8
DIY Installation (25%)
8.0
10.0
10.0
5.5
5.5
Scheduling (20%)
8.0
9.0
8.5
6.5
5.5
Smart Capabilities (10%)
8.7
7.2
6.4
0
1.5
Energy Saving (5%)
4.8
7.0
5.3
0
0
Specs Ecobee Smart Premium Google Nest Thermostat Amazon Smart Thermo... Orbit Clear Comfort Honeywell Home RTH2...
Energy Star Certification Yes Yes Yes No No
Learning / Adaptive Controls Yes No Yes No No
Need a C wire? Yes or Included Power Adapter Kit Generally work without one Yes or Power Adapter Kit (purchased separately) Not Required Not Required
Color Options Black front, silver sides and back Snow
Sand
Fog
Charcoal
White White White
Measured Dimensions 4.1" x 4.1" x 1.0" 3.3" x 1.1" 3.5" x 3.5" x 0.8" 5.3" x 3.3" x 1.2" 4.7" x 3.3" x 1.0"
Compatible Smart Home Ecosystems Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, IFTTT (If This then That), Samsung SmartThings Google Assistant, Matter Amazon Alexa None None
Model # Tested ECB601 Thermostat - 1.4 S6ED3R 83521 RTH2300B1038
Able to hook up external sensors Yes No No No No
Able to Lock Yes No No No No

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is one of the best smart thermostats money can buy, thanks to its excellent interface, advanced features, and compatibility with every major smart home ecosystem.

Performance Comparison


This Ecobee stands out for its user-friendly interface, advanced features, and seamless integration with smart home ecosystems.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Ease of Use


This metric examines the user experience when interacting with each thermostat. It covers temperature adjustments, hold settings, fan modes, and the clarity of information on the screen. The Ecobee Thermostat Premium performed well in every aspect of these tests.


Adjusting the temperature on its touchscreen was effortless and very responsive. We found the interface to be intuitive and even fun to use; just tap the current temperature displayed in the center of the screen and swipe up or down to change it. Alternatively, you can use the + and - icons for the same effect. Switching between modes was equally intuitive; press the icon in the center to choose from available options or access system modes and comfort settings by tapping the three lines in the top right corner. That intuitive functionality carries over to the mobile app as well, with a nearly identical interface.

The touch screen is very responsive on this unit. We also love how efficient it is to quickly swipe to a different temperature.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

This Ecobee has robust fan controls as well, although they can be a bit confusing at first. You can set the fan to Auto mode for continuous operation or to On mode with a timer. Turning the fan on in the thermostat is accessed from the three lines icon and pressing the fan icon on the next menu. From there, you can swap modes from auto to on, and you can adjust the fan runtime per hour in 5-minute increments. Things are much the same in the app, but we couldn't find an option for a circulation schedule there.

There are lots of Hold options on the Ecobee Premium, allowing users to choose preset durations or specify exact hold times. By default, the thermostat maintains the temperature until the next scheduled event. However, hold duration can be customized in the settings, where you select from options such as 2 hours, or 4 hours until manually adjusted, or until the next scheduled activity occurs.

ecobee smart thermostat premium - the ecobee premium is highly configurable right down to the screen...
The Ecobee Premium is highly configurable right down to the screen brightness.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The information displayed on the Ecobee Thermostat Premium's crisp, high resolution screen was well-organized with excellent visibility of the current temperature in various lighting conditions, including close-up and distant viewing. Users can adjust the brightness of both the Active and Sleep screens to suit their preferences. Additionally, the thermostat can be configured to bypass standby mode, displaying outside temperature, room temperature, and time at all times. We appreciate thermostats that have motion-sensing capability to light up when we approach the unit. Temperature accuracy on this unit was good, with a -0.072 degrees Fahrenheit average difference compared to temperature sensing data loggers placed nearby during testing.

We used iButtons to log the temperature accuracy of each thermostat.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

DIY Installation


Installation for the Ecobee Premium was generally good, thanks to the app-guided steps and install photos. The Ecobee app told us what tools to bring to the installation, reminded us to take a photo of the old thermostat's wiring for later reference, and Ecobee even included a wall plate and C-wire adapter kit in case it's needed for the installation.


We always appreciate thermostats that have push-in wire connectors rather than screw-in ones, and we were pleased to find that here, as well. All things considered, this was a pretty straightforward install, which also made WiFi connection and registration pretty pain-free.

ecobee smart thermostat premium - the ecobee gets extra points for the easy-to-install push-in wire...
The Ecobee gets extra points for the easy-to-install push-in wire terminals and the built-in level for facilitating a clean, easy installation.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Scheduling


Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium's scheduling features are good, offering “comfort” based modes such as Home, Away, and Sleep. You can schedule unlimited events for each day of the week, aligning with the chosen comfort mode settings.


To set schedules, begin by configuring your “Comfort Settings” for Home, Away, and Sleep, then specify your preferred heat/cool settings and temperatures. Adding, deleting, and copying schedules is straightforward both on the thermostat and through the app, showcasing the quality of the Ecobee's interface.

ecobee smart thermostat premium - scheduling can be done on the thermostat or the app.
Scheduling can be done on the thermostat or the app.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Smart Capabilities


In terms of smart capabilities, the Ecobee Premium excels. Its mobile app navigation and smart features, including geofencing, maintenance reminders, safety features, schedule learning, and compatibility with most smart home ecosystems, are commendable. The app's user-friendly layout offers outdoor weather reports and easy control options. Unlike many other thermostats, there is even air quality monitoring and feedback. Geofencing works as expected, triggering thermostat events based on your proximity from home, but requires Apple's Homekit and a Homekit hub or an Android phone with the Ecobee app to function. Maintenance reminders cover filters, UV lamps, and HVAC maintenance. Additionally, the app notifies users of sudden temperature changes and can activate features like freeze protection.


The Ecobee Premium's schedule learning feature is particularly good. It observes users' temperature adjustments and occupancy patterns, learning preferred settings for different times and days to optimize comfort and energy savings. As users interact with the thermostat, it refines its schedule accordingly, providing personalized and efficient heating and cooling. Moreover, the unit has high compatibility with all major smart home ecosystems from Amazon Alexa, Apple Homekit, Google Assitant, IFTTT, and Samsung Smart Things.

All functions on the Ecobee Thermostat Premium can be controlled by the thermostat or remotely by the Ecobee app.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Energy Saving


Ecobee thermostats offer fewer eco-friendly settings compared to their competition, but they do good for the environment in other ways. While there isn't a dedicated eco mode on the Ecobee Thermostat Premium, there is Eco+, a smart energy management system that adjusts thermostat settings based on various factors such as weather forecasts, electricity pricing, and occupancy patterns to optimize comfort and reduce energy consumption.


Eco+ includes features like Smart Home & Away and Time of Use optimization, along with insights and recommendations to assist users in saving on energy costs. Users also receive a monthly energy report to track their energy savings compared to other Ecobee users. The Ecobee Premium utilizes recycled packaging and is mercury-free, arsenic-free, PVC-free, and ROHS-compliant.

Should You Buy the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium?


The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium lives up to its name with top-notch features, but it does come with a higher price tag. While it's unlikely that anyone who invests in it will be disappointed, there are comparable options available at a lower cost. Over the past couple of years, smart thermostats have been steadily closing the feature gap with premium units like this one.

ecobee smart thermostat premium - the ecobee smart thermostat premium has "premium" in the name, at...
The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium has “premium” in the name, at the core, and on the price tag.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

What Other Thermostat Should You Consider?


If you want to save money on a smart thermostat, the Nest Thermostat beats the Ecobee in DIY installation and scheduling and costs significantly less. If you are primarily into premium units with abundant smart features, have a look at the Nest Learning Thermostat.

Austin Palmer and Adam Stout