Ecobee SmartThermostat Review

The device is a little pricey, but you don’t have to subscribe to a service to use it.

On a standard, non-sale day, your Ecobee SmartThermostat will cost you $217.70.* That’s a lot more expensive than a non-smart (stupid?) thermostat, but it’s less than thermostats from other well-known brands, like the Nest Learning Thermostat.

Last time we reviewed Ecobee, we looked at the Ecobee3 smart thermostat. This review features the latest and greatest: the Ecobee SmartThermostat (sometimes also called the Ecobee5). It’s got a glass front and a better speaker.

If you don’t need the most upgraded version, though, you can save money by going with the Ecobee3 Lite (or waiting for the right time to buy). You can also look for a refurbished Ecobee3 or Ecobee4 smart thermostat online.

Unlike home security systems and cameras, this thermostat doesn’t require a paid subscription. You just hook it up to Ecobee’s residential app, and you’re good to go. (You can’t use more than 16 Ecobee SmartThermostats on one app, though. If you want one in every one of your 17 rooms, you’re out of luck.) If you’re using one of Ecobee’s commercial thermostats or need more than 16 SmartThermostats, you have to pay for the SmartBuildings software. It cost $2 per thermostat per month.

Ultimately, if you don’t like your thermostat, you can return it within 30 days for a full refund.

Unlike the Nest Learning Thermostat, the Ecobee thermostat currently doesn’t have a geofencing feature for multiple phones. The system will automatically turn on or shut off when your phone enters or leaves the vicinity of your home, but it won't do the same for other members of your household unless you set up that capability through third-party apps.

Thermostats tend to be an eyesore. But this one doesn’t look bad as long as you don’t mind a slight space-y vibe. With its black plate set in a white frame, it looks like an astronaut’s helmet—especially with its unique shape, which Ecobee calls a “squircle.”

Also, while your thermostat unit itself will measure humidity in the room where it’s located, the remote sensors don’t have that feature. If you want humidity measured in a second room, you need to purchase another thermostat.

If you’ve ever been like, “Wow, I wish I had an Amazon Echo that’s also a thermostat,” well, that’s basically what this is.

The Ecobee SmartThermostat features a speaker with Amazon Alexa. Unlike the remote sensors, the speaker is built right into the hardware. And it’s not just there to help you control the temperature. You can use this speaker for other typical Alexa functions, like drop-ins and phone calls.

The most unique SmartThermostat feature is the built-in Alexa access. But that’s not all it offers.

Using the Ecobee app, you can create a daily heating schedule for your device to adhere to. If you spend more time in one room during the day or are away for hours at a time, your Ecobee SmartThermostat has you covered.

You can also pull Home IQ energy reports generated by the device. These reports show how much energy Ecobee saves by controlling your HVAC systems.

An Ecobee thermostat is a good choice if you want to create a connected smart home. You can control the SmartThermostat by separate Amazon Echo speakers, not just the one embedded in the device.

It’s also compatible with the following:

• Google Assistant
• Apple Homekit’s Siri
• Samsung SmartThings
• IFTTT protocol

Smoothly connecting your Ecobee to other home devices requires a strong Wi-Fi network. Check out the best ISPs to get the Wi-Fi you need.

The mobile app will also guide you through installing your Ecobee SmartThermostat. Speaking of which . . .

Since you’re buying a product, not a service, installation is on you. If you aren’t tech-savvy, the Ecobee mobile app can walk you through setup. There’s also a helpful page on the Ecobee website to give you extra guidance.

If you choose to install your thermostat on your own, it’s supposed to be easy and quick (about 45 minutes). According to Ecobee, you'll need the following:

• A drill with a 3/16-inch bit
• A flathead screwdriver
• A Phillips-head screwdriver
• A hammer (optional)
• A pencil (optional)
• A wire stripper (optional)

Your Ecobee comes with a power extender kit, but not every installation will require its use.

Alternatively, you can hire someone to set the system up for you. Ecobee has a tool to make finding a professional easy. If you don’t have previous experience working with an HVAC system, we suggest taking this route. While installing the new thermostat is supposed to take less than an hour, removing the old thermostat takes as long as it takes. And if your existing thermostat doesn’t use a C wire, you may need additional wiring.

If everything goes well, you’ll never have to speak to Ecobee reps. But if you need support during install or to troubleshoot an issue, help is available through the company’s customer care.

We’ve heard both really good and really bad things about Ecobee’s customer service. Unfortunately, it may just depend on who picks up the phone or responds to your chat that day.

The Ecobee SmartThermostat with voice control costs a pretty penny, but we think it’s a safe investment. As far as smart thermostats go, Ecobee meets and even exceeds our expectations. It provides both remote and hands-free access and is compatible with many other smart home brands. It’s an especially good fit for an Alexa-based smart home system.

If you’d like to learn about other smart thermostats, we’ve compiled a master list for you. Otherwise, thanks for joining us in our Ecobee thermostat review. We hope you find the smart thermostat of your dreams.