Ecobee has long been a prominent name in the smart thermostat market, offering a range of models to suit different needs and budgets. The latest addition to their lineup is the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium, positioned as their high-end offering. This article provides an in-depth Ecobee Models Compared review, focusing on the Premium and how it stacks up against its predecessors, particularly the SmartThermostat with Voice Control and the more budget-friendly Ecobee3 Lite.
The Smart Thermostat Premium is designed to replace the SmartThermostat with Voice Control, inheriting many of its praised features while introducing several upgrades. One of the most noticeable enhancements is the redesigned display. It’s larger and boasts improved on-screen animations, making navigation and information access more user-friendly. While a direct side-by-side ecobee models compared display test wasn’t conducted for this review, the larger screen of the Premium is noticeably easier to read from a distance, approximately 15 feet away. The integration of Alexa is also visually refined; instead of a simple light bar, Alexa now appears as a smooth animation within the display itself, providing a more integrated user experience.
Beyond the display, the build quality of the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium takes a step up. The introduction of a zinc body gives the device a more substantial feel and a touch of luxury. The silver accents further contribute to this premium aesthetic, differentiating it from the predominantly white plastic design seen in previous Ecobee models and the current entry-level Ecobee3 Lite. This material choice elevates the Premium model in terms of both perceived quality and visual appeal when compared to other ecobee models.
Another significant upgrade in the Premium model is the sensor technology. Ecobee has replaced the passive infrared (PIR) sensor, used in older ecobee models, with a radar sensor for motion and occupancy detection. According to Ecobee, radar technology offers superior motion detection, even at a distance and around corners. Although a direct ecobee models compared sensor performance test wasn’t feasible for this review, the Premium thermostat reliably switched between Home and Away modes during testing, suggesting improved responsiveness.
Perhaps the most innovative feature of the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is the integrated air quality sensor. This sensor is designed to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbon dioxide levels in your home. While the accuracy of the air quality sensor wasn’t formally tested, the thermostat provides a simple “Clean” reading on the home screen. Deeper interaction with the air quality feature reveals a more detailed screen, indicating your air quality score on a scale from poor to clean. This addition sets the Premium apart from other ecobee models and many competitors by directly addressing indoor environmental awareness.
In conclusion, the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is a feature-rich and well-performing smart thermostat. It builds upon the strengths of previous ecobee models while introducing premium design elements, an enhanced display, improved sensor technology, and the novel air quality monitoring feature. However, its higher price point, around $250, might be a significant consideration for many consumers, especially given the trend towards more affordable smart thermostat options in the market. While the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium offers a compelling package for users seeking top-of-the-line features and a premium experience, budget-conscious buyers might find greater value in models like the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced or the Ecobee3 Lite, depending on their specific needs and priorities when considering ecobee models compared.
