Compare Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium vs ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential

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

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

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

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

Alexa support is consistently listed across the supporting reviews.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

One review explicitly says the thermostat maintains consistent temperatures.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 compatibility is explicitly listed in one review.

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

One review explicitly says heat pumps are supported.

One review explicitly lists heat pump support.

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

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

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

HVAC maintenance alerts are explicitly mentioned.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Two reviews explicitly say Matter support is absent.

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

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

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 described as intuitive, easy to operate, and simple to adjust directly on the screen.

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

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 temperature control is described as dependable and usable from anywhere.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

One review specifically praises the installation guide for clear pictures.

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

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

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

SmartThings compatibility is explicitly listed in one review.

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

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

One review explicitly says temperature readings were accurate.

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

Multiple reviews praise the touchscreen as responsive.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.