Compare ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential vs Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium

One review mentions adding a security code to protect specific thermostat features.

Supporting reviews describe preheating or pre-cooling ahead of schedule so rooms reach the target time more accurately.

One review says smart heating and cooling can preheat or precool to hit the target on time.

Alexa support is consistently listed across the supporting reviews.

Alexa support is built in, and one review says voice responses are quick.

HomeKit or Apple Home compatibility is repeatedly highlighted and works well for Apple-focused users in the supporting reviews.

HomeKit support is repeatedly called out, with pairing described as easy or seamless.

The app is consistently described as useful for setup, remote control, and day-to-day adjustments.

Reviewers consistently describe the app as intuitive, feature-rich, or easy to use.

Home/away or vacation behavior is supported, and the reviews describe useful away-temperature adjustments.

Away behavior is mixed: one reviewer likes the away setup, while another says occupancy-based away mode can misread absence when sensor coverage is limited.

Every installation-focused review says a C-wire is required, though several note separate adapter or extender-kit workarounds.

The included power extender kit is framed as helpful for setups that do not have a common wire.

Supporting reviews say it can bring rooms back to the desired comfort level at the intended time.

One review explicitly says the thermostat maintains consistent temperatures.

One review explicitly includes conventional HVAC support in its compatibility list.

One review explicitly lists gas, electric, and oil systems among supported HVAC types.

Design impressions are mixed but generally positive: several reviews like the clean, sleek look, while one calls it cheap-feeling.

Multiple reviews praise the premium materials and finish, especially the zinc or metal body and upscale look.

Display readability is generally fine for at-a-glance use, though one review also notes a low-resolution, pixelated look.

The screen is repeatedly described as large, vibrant, and easy to read from across the room.

Reviewers generally describe installation as straightforward or easy, with the main caveat being wiring requirements.

Multiple reviewers describe installation as easy, straightforward, or doable in about an hour.

Reviews mention personalized tips and Eco+ nudges aimed at lowering utility use.

Energy reporting exists and is helpful, though one review frames it as fairly basic periodic usage updates.

Reports are consistently described as detailed, graph-heavy, and useful for understanding runtime and usage patterns.

Fan controls are easy to access, with manual run options and automation possibilities.

Filter-change reminders are explicitly mentioned.

One reviewer specifically criticizes the lack of phone-based geoencing as a missing feature.

Google Assistant or Google Home support is consistently listed across the supporting reviews.

Google Assistant compatibility is explicitly listed in one review.

One review explicitly lists heat pump support.

One review explicitly says heat pumps are supported.

One reviewer says the Premium model makes more sense if you have accessories like a humidifier.

Humidity sensing is clearly present, and one review specifically says the readings were accurate.

Humidity is visible or used in control logic, and several reviews say the thermostat accounts for it.

HVAC maintenance alerts are explicitly mentioned.

One review says it works with most 24V gas, oil, heat pump, electric, forced-air, and conventional HVAC systems.

One review says it works with most HVAC systems and explicitly lists gas, electric, oil, and heat pumps.

Reviews consistently say a Power Extender or adaptor option exists, but it is sold separately rather than included.

One review says a power extender kit is included in the box.

Auto-scheduling looks mixed: one review says it learns habits, while another says it does not build a personalized schedule.

Reviewers describe schedule learning or automatic home and away schedule generation over time.

Manual control flexibility is a plus, with explicit mentions of schedule hold and manual changes.

One review notes hold settings let you choose how long a one-off change lasts.

Two reviews explicitly say Matter support is absent.

One review says the optional sensor setup can target comfort where needed and avoid heating or cooling empty spaces.

Multiple reviews say sensors help average temperatures across rooms and reduce hot and cold spots.

One review says it supports two heating/one cooling or one heating/two cooling stages.

Alerts cover threshold-based temperature notifications and app warnings.

Occupancy sensing is described as working well, with reviews saying it detects presence or works as advertised.

On-device control is repeatedly described as easy and convenient through the touch interface.

On-device control is described as intuitive, easy to operate, and simple to adjust directly on the screen.

Presence-based features like Follow Me and Smart Home/Away are available, but results depend on sensor coverage.

One reviewer notes the microphone can be turned off.

Remote commands are described as prompt and dependable in the supporting reviews.

Remote temperature control is described as dependable and usable from anywhere.

One reviewer uses bedroom-only sensor priority at night to focus comfort on the room that matters most.

Included sensor value is weak because multiple reviews note that room sensors are not in the box and cost extra. Multiple reviews say the thermostat supports Ecobee room sensors or optional smart sensors.

Several reviews highlight that a room sensor is included and treat that as a meaningful plus. Sensor support is broad, but one review says range can limit usefulness in larger homes.

Scheduling is usable for basic routines, but the reviews disagree on how flexible or comprehensive it feels.

Scheduling is repeatedly described as customizable, with day-by-day routines and away or sleep setups.

One review specifically praises the installation guide for clear pictures.

Setup guidance is generally praised, but one reviewer says the directions missed an extra power cutoff step in their home.

One review says up to 15 people or family members can be granted access.

Broad ecosystem compatibility is a recurring strength, with reviewers repeatedly highlighting integration across major smart-home platforms.

Reviews describe broad compatibility across major assistants and smart-home systems.

SmartThings support appears in the spec-style and video reviews that mention Samsung SmartThings directly.

SmartThings compatibility is explicitly listed in one review.

One review explicitly says temperature readings were accurate.

One review explicitly praises SmartSensor-based temperature control as accurate.

Multiple reviews praise the touchscreen as responsive.

Touch response is praised as quicker and more responsive than older or competing units.

The supporting reviews mention off-peak or community power-plan features tied to utility-aware energy use.

Time-of-use and low-peak adjustments are mentioned as part of the savings toolkit.

Value is one of the strongest recurring positives, with multiple reviews praising the low price for what it delivers.

Value is mixed: some reviewers say the price is high or hard to justify without using the extras, while others say it paid off through savings, data, or system compatibility.

Voice control is supported and described as responsive or convenient in the supporting reviews.

One review says the built-in Alexa assistant responds quickly to commands.

Wall-fit feedback is mixed: one review says it can sit awkwardly without a trim plate, while another says a trim kit keeps the wall looking neat.

One review highlights the included trim plate as useful for covering wall marks or holes.