Compare ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential vs ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced

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

Alexa support is consistently listed across the supporting reviews.

Reviews say the Enhanced works with Alexa, and one comparison notes it supports Alexa even though only the Premium has Alexa built in.

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

HomeKit support is described as available out of the box, with Siri temperature changes and Home app integration mentioned.

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

The app is described as user-friendly, intuitive, and very easy to manage from a phone.

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

Smart Home and Away can lower HVAC use when the home is empty and restore comfort settings on return, though the reviews stop short of proving a specific savings result.

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

The thermostat still expects a common wire, but the supported adapter path makes installation more flexible than a strict C-wire-only design.

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

One review says room sensors help show whether heating and cooling are even across the home, supporting more consistent comfort.

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

Reviews say the Enhanced works with typical furnaces and furnace-plus-AC setups.

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

The Enhanced is described as sleek with a refreshed look, but comparison reviews note its finish is plainer than the Premium's metal-accented design.

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

Reviewers repeatedly praise the larger screen and easy-to-read temperature display.

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

Install feedback is positive overall, with app-guided steps and reviewers calling the process relatively easy, even if one install took about an hour.

One review says the thermostat can make schedule suggestions based on the user's actual routine.

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

One review says ecobee provides a Home IQ report and monthly savings emails after enough usage time.

Fan-related controls are present, including fan mode settings and automation tied to accessory ventilation in one setup.

The app can remind users when to change furnace filters.

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

Google Home support is directly stated in the reviews, including operation without reported issues.

One review explicitly lists heat pump support.

Multiple reviews say the Enhanced works with heat pump systems.

One review says the Enhanced can work with humidifier- or dehumidifier-equipped systems in many cases.

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

Humidity is surfaced and used in control logic, with reviewers mentioning both room humidity readings and humidity-based temperature adjustment.

HVAC tune-up reminders are available through the app.

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

Compatibility is described as broad across common HVAC systems and even a boiler setup, but one comparison says the Premium is better for more complex dual-fuel or accessory-heavy wiring.

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

The included power extender kit is repeatedly mentioned as part of the box contents and installation path.

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

Auto-scheduling is described as learning from habits and making schedule suggestions over time, though one review still frames ecobee as more manual than Nest.

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

Manual override is flexible, with indefinite holds and time-limited holds both mentioned.

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.

With add-on sensors, reviewers say the system can better see uneven heating and cooling and focus comfort more toward the occupied room.

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

Dual-stage heating and cooling support is explicitly mentioned.

Notification-style feedback includes monthly savings emails, reminders in the app, and general alerts and reminders menus.

Occupancy detection is generally praised as accurate and improved, though one reviewer still saw occasional missed presence when entering from a specific direction.

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

On-device controls are repeatedly described as intuitive and easy for changing temperature and system modes.

Presence-based automation uses motion sensing and phone-aware logic to react when the home is occupied or empty.

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

Remote control from the phone is described as dependable and easy to use.

One review says room sensors can be used to set different temperature set points in different rooms.

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 call out that the Enhanced does not include a room sensor in the box, unlike the Premium. The Enhanced supports external room sensors, but they are add-on purchases rather than bundled hardware.

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

Scheduling is a strong point, with manual schedules, day-by-day setup, comfort modes, and vacation events all mentioned.

One review specifically praises the installation guide for clear pictures.

The install guidance is described as step-by-step and clearly illustrated in the app.

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

Across the reviews, the Enhanced is presented as broadly compatible with major voice ecosystems including Alexa, Google Home, and Siri-based control.

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

One review explicitly says temperature readings were accurate.

Multiple reviews praise the touchscreen as responsive.

The new interface is described as smoother and easier to manipulate on-screen than earlier ecobee interactions.

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

Time-of-use and community energy features are described, but one reviewer could not enable all utility-linked savings options because their provider was unsupported.

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

Most reviewers frame the Enhanced as a cost-conscious middle option, though one comparison argues the Premium's added extras may justify spending more.

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

Voice control is described as working well through Alexa, Google Home, and Siri setups without reported issues.

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.

Mounting hardware seems sturdy and a back plate is available, but one review notes that upgraders to the new generation need a different mounting plate.

One reviewer reports trouble-free Wi-Fi setup and no Wi-Fi issues in use.