Ecobee vs Nest Thermostats – A very comprehensive guide to help you decide

When it comes to smart thermostats, ecobee and Nest thermostats are two of the reigning champions. Both ecobee and Nest thermostats are extremely functional and value for money smart thermostats. What sets them apart from all other smart thermostats on the market is that they come with remote sensors.

As such, every room in your home doesn’t have to be controlled by the temperature reading of your existing thermostat’s location. Instead, you can place remote sensors all around the house so different rooms can be controlled according to their temperature. Besides the availability of remote sensors, there are a lot of other factors that establish ecobee and Nest as the two best smart thermostat brands on the market.

ecobee and Nest are the biggest smart thermostats even in terms of market share. ecobee was the first company to bring smart thermostats to the market back in 2009. It is currently on track to reach $1 billion in sales with its revenues doubling every year. ecobee currently holds 30% of the market share in smart thermostats in North America. Nest, in comparison, introduced smart thermostats to the market in 2011, but gradually increased its market share making it the current market leader.

It’s clear that ecobee and Nest are the biggest smart thermostats on the market. They’re extremely advanced, similarly priced, and they look sleek. So which smart thermostat should you purchase? In this article, we discuss the features of all the ecobee and Nest thermostats, their similarities, and their differences. This comparison will help you decide which is the best smart thermostat for you.

Benefits of Smart Thermostats

You might be wondering if it’s even worth the hassle to buy smart thermostats. If you already have a bunch of smart devices in your home, you may not want to add even more devices to your home. Whether you need smart thermostats depends entirely on your situation.

 

The following, however, is an overview of some of the greatest benefits that make smart thermostats worthwhile.

[ Jargon warning: HVAC = Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning ]

 

• Energy Savings: With smart thermostats, you can schedule your HVAC’s to automatically turn off when you leave home or run less. You can also schedule them to start up a few minutes before your family members return home. This ensures that your home is always comfortable without running up your energy costs.
• Track Energy Usage: Smart thermostats offer detailed energy usage reports so you can analyze how your energy usage has changed over time and what you can do to reduce energy costs.
• Remote Control: You can remotely control your HVAC unit from anywhere in the world. You can remotely turn your HVAC on before you get home or monitor the HVAC usage when you’re away on vacation.
• Simple Installation: Smart thermostats are extremely easy to install. You simply have to remove your thermostat’s cover and examine if you have a C-wire. If so, you can manually install smart thermostats without external help.
• Smart Learning: Advanced smart thermostats also learn your schedules and routines over time. As such, the thermostat automatically modulates its settings to make sure you’re always comfortable while reducing energy costs.
• Monitoring: With the smart thermostat app, you can check if the heat’s running and the current temperature of your home remotely.
• Alerts: Some smart thermostats send email alerts whenever your home’s temperature dips below or rises above a pre-established range.

 

Overview of ecobee and Nest Thermostats

There are a lot of different generations of ecobee and Nest thermostats on the market. The following is an overview of the various ecobee and Nest thermostat models.

ecobee3 lite Smart Thermostat

ecobee3 lite Smart Thermostat is a WiFi thermostat that uses remote sensors to detect your motion and presence around the house. These remote sensors are extremely useful because they can control the temperatures in rooms that are currently occupied. Furthermore, remote sensors can also identify when you’re away from home, adjusting the temperature and saving energy accordingly.

ecobee3 lite also supports Apple HomeKit — a platform that has limited compatibility in most smart devices. ecobee3 lite also learns your schedules and routines over time to eventually make smart temperature adjustments according to your preference. This ensures that you’re always comfortable in your home without needing to constantly control the temperature and it also conserved energy.

The ecobee3 dashboard also provides information like the current temperature, how the temperature has been adjusted, and how much energy you’ve consumed or saved. This information is displayed along with the time, temperature, and zones.

See best offer ecobee3 lite Smart Thermostat

ecobee4 Smart Thermostat

ecobee4 Smart Thermostat is a WiFi thermostat that comes with inbuilt room sensors and an inbuilt Alexa. As such, this smart thermostat performs all the traditional functions of thermostats — remotely controlling temperature, setting schedules, etc — while also functioning as an Alexa device.

You can control this smart thermostat remotely, through the 3.5” touchscreen display, or using voice commands. You can also use it to read the news and perform other smart device functions. Having said that, ecobee4 falls short of being a complete replacement for an Alexa smart speaker. Its internal speaker is extremely weak and it doesn’t have several core Alexa features like Alexa calling, messaging, or drop-in.

This thermostat is also compatible with room sensors, which allows it to control the temperature in different rooms according to occupancy. It also uses external weather data and advanced sensing to optimize the temperature and help save energy costs.

See ecobee4 Smart Thermostat offer on ecobee.com

ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control (ecobee5)

ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control, also known as ecobee5, is currently the most advanced ecobee smart thermostat on the market. The greatest improvement over the aforementioned ecobee4 is that this thermostat has a better Alexa speaker and it works with Spotify.

The primary issue with ecobee4 was that it didn’t function as a complete replacement for an Alexa smart speaker. ecobee5 remedies that by integrating a powerful speaker and the complete suite of Alexa smart speaker features like Alexa calling, messaging, and drop-in. As such, ecobee5 is a strong smart thermostat while also being a replacement for a traditional Alexa speaker.

As with all the other ecobee devices, the ecobee5 also comes with some great remote sensors. These sensors can detect occupancy and temperature in different parts of the house so you can control the temperature in every room optimally while saving energy as well. It’s also worth noting that ecobee5 is compatible with WiFi 2.4GHz and 5GHz while the previous generations were only compatible with 2.4 GHz.

See offer on ecobee.com for: ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control

Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation

Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation was one of the first smart thermostats to introduce the algorithmic learning feature. This is a unique feature with which the thermostat gradually learns all of your habits, schedules, routines, and patterns. Following that, the thermostat manages your home’s temperature settings according to your preference without you having to control it. Furthermore, the more you use it, the smarter it becomes.

Nest Learning Thermostat also has a Farsight feature with which the thermostat automatically brightens up when it detects your presence. As such, you can read the thermostat from a distance without having to approach it. Besides allowing you to control it with a mobile app, you can also use voice commands through Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. However, to be able to do so, you have to own one of the smart speakers or other compatible smart home devices to which you can wirelessly connect your Nest Learning Thermostat.

See offer on Amazon for: Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation

Nest Thermostat E

Nest Thermostat E is Google’s attempt to produce a cheaper and more minimal smart thermostat. Even though this smart thermostat came after the aforementioned Nest Learning Thermostat, it’s more limited in its features. It has a smaller screen, doesn’t have Farsight technology, has only one color, and is compatible with fewer HVAC systems.

However, Nest Thermostat E retains the algorithmic learning feature with which it can learn and remember your schedules and patterns of usage. As such, after using it for a while, you can stop adjusting the thermostat altogether because it will automatically choose the ideal temperature settings according to the weather, your preference, time, and optimal energy usage.

See offer on Amazon for: Nest Thermostat E

Nest Thermostat

This new smart thermostat from Google, simply named Nest Thermostat, is the cheapest Nest to date. With a list price of only $129.99, it certainly won’t make a huge dent in your budget, especially when you consider all the energy savings.
Of course, at such a low price tag, it’s not expected to come with the advanced features of the flagship Nest. Nest Thermostat doesn’t have learning capabilities, nor can it actively monitor the temperature of its surroundings. Instead, you’re able to control the temperature and create schedules directly from the Nest app. Another thing missing with this model is the ability to use remote sensors or the Farsight feature.

See offer on Amazon for: Nest Thermostat

ecobee vs. Nest: Design

ecobee

The ecobee design is inspired by the rectangular programmable thermostats of the past decades. Their update on the design leaves the ecobee smart thermostats looking like large rectangular smartwatches with rounded edges.

The ecobee smart thermostats come in a black plastic body with a glass screen. All of them have a screen size of 3.5”, making them significantly larger than the Nest thermostats. The touchscreens can be used to control the thermostats from the base unit as well.

Nest

The Nest smart thermostats are circular with a stainless steel outer ring and a glass screen. They’re significantly heavier than the ecobee thermostats despite having a smaller screen size.

The Nest Learning Thermostat is available in multiple color options — Polished Steel, Mirror Black, Brass, Stainless Steel, White, Black, and Copper. As such, you can get the color that corresponds best to the color of your wall. In a similar fashion, Nest Thermostat, the latest addition to the Nest family, comes with a plastic body in three available colors – Charcoal, Sand, Fog, and Snow.

In comparison, Nest Thermostat E is only available in one color — White. Nest thermostats feature touchscreens with which you can control the base unit. In addition to that, the brand new Nest Thermostat adds a touch bar on its side, allowing you to quickly change the temperature or open the settings menu.

Winner NEST: See offer on Amazon

 

ecobee vs. Nest Installation

ecobee

ecobee thermostats are easiest to install with c-wire, also known as a common wire. C-wires  provide a constant flow of power to your thermostat and they’re generally only found in new HVAC systems.

Installing an ecobee thermostat will be easiest if you have a c-wire in your current HVAC setup. If you don’t have a c-wire, you’ll have to go through a slightly extended workaround. The ecobee thermostats come with a PEK (Power Extender Kit). As such, if you don’t have a c-wire, follow the instructions to install the PEK — you’ll have to attach a few wires to your control board. Once you do that, you can connect your ecobee thermostat.

As such, installing ecobee thermostats is extremely easy for those with c-wire HVAC units but fairly complicated for those without c-wires.

Nest

Just as is the case with ecobee thermostats, Nest thermostats can be installed easily if you have a c-wire HVAC unit. However, as previously mentioned, c-wires aren’t usually available in older HVAC units.

If you don’t have a c-wire in your HVAC unit, you may need to go through a workaround referred to as power stealing. This is a method in which the thermostat’s battery is charged by running the HVAC fan. However, you should avoid this workaround because it can damage your electrical system or thermostat.

Ideally speaking, if you don’t have a c-wire, you should purchase an add-a-wire kit to install the c-wire into your HVAC unit. This will protect your Nest thermostat and prevent potential damages down the line.

There’s another workaround for Nest thermostats, which is mostly required for the European markets. Using the Nest Heat Link accessory, you can mount the Heat Link to your wall and use a Nest Stand to put your Nest thermostat anywhere in your home. The Nest Stand powers your thermostat using a USB connection, while the thermostat and the Heat Link communicate wirelessly.

 

ecobee vs. Nest Voice Control

ecobee

ecobee thermostats work with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Microsoft Cortana, and Apple HomeKit devices. You can control ecobee using any of their native voice assistants. Furthermore, ecobee4 and ecobee5 also have an inbuilt Alexa speaker so they also function as an Alexa hub themselves.

Nest

Nest thermostats work with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana devices. They don’t have an inbuilt Alexa speaker and they’re not likely to ever have Apple HomeKit support. 

 

ecobee vs. Nest Schedules

ecobee

ecobee thermostats have a traditional scheduling system. You have to manually set up Home, Away, and Sleeping modes to designate when you’ll be away, home and awake, or home and sleeping. You also have to set up temperatures for specific times across the week in accordance to your Home, Away, and Sleeping modes.

You can set these schedules from your thermostat, smartphone app, or web console. Once you’ve set the schedule, it will continue with that routine until you manually change it. If you have an extremely fixed routine, this is a great way to set schedules.

Nest

Nest has one of the most advanced scheduling features in the thermostat market — Algorithmic Learning. This is a feature with which the Nest thermostat automatically learns your schedules and routines without you having to program them.

When you first purchase the Nest thermostat, it sets up a baseline schedule based on a few assumptions about you. You can adjust the temperature using the app whenever you feel either too hot or too cold. Every time you make such adjustments, the Nest thermostat will record it.

After approximately two weeks, having recorded several such changes, the thermostat would have learnt your schedule and temperature preferences. This will allow it to create a schedule that fits your routine perfectly without you having to manually enter the schedule.

Furthermore, the learning process never ends and the Nest thermostat will continue recording all of your adjustments to continue tweaking the schedule. As such, you never have to create a schedule because the Nest thermostat will continually adapt and change it based on your current preferences.

If you don’t like the algorithmic learning function, you can turn it off and set up a traditional schedule with several modes, days, times, and temperatures as well. Finally, it’s important to note that the latest Nest Thermostat doesn’t have learning capability, which is understandable at the low price.

 

ecobee vs. Nest: Energy Saving

ecobee

The ecobee data report system records and analyzes your HVAC unit’s data for 18 months. It records all of the data from your smart thermostats and remote sensors. ecobee offers an extremely comprehensive analysis tool called Home IQ, which you can access from the web console.

Home IQ gives you access to a wide range of energy monitoring features like System Monitor, Home Efficiency, and Weather Impact. With System Monitor, you can examine your HVAC usage across different periods. With Home Efficiency, you can examine your energy usage and compare it to those of others in your area. With Weather Impact, you can examine how your HVAC and energy respond to the changing local weather.

With all of this insight, you can optimize your HVAC and thermostat usage to make sure you conserve as much energy as possible, lowering your overall energy costs.

According to surveys, the average ecobee thermostat user saves approximately 23% on their heating and cooling bills.

Nest

The Nest data report system records and analyzes your HVAC unit’s data for only 10 days. The analysis records all the times when your system was either turned on/off or temperature was changed within the 10-days period.

Nest also sends monthly reports of your energy usage via email. The summary lets you compare your current energy usage with your energy usage from past months. You can also compare your energy usage to those of other Nest users. However, the analysis is shallow and lacking in detail.

One of the most innovative energy-saving features of the Nest thermostats is the presence of the green leaf. Whenever you establish temperature settings that save your energy based on the previous usage, you’ll be rewarded with a green leaf that indicates you’re being more energy-efficient than before. While it doesn’t offer more information, achieving the green leaf may be incentive enough to lower your energy usage. Furthermore, analyzing graphs and energy data is complicated and time-consuming — the layman is far more likely to use the simple leaf icon as an indication of their savings.

According to surveys collected from owners of Nest thermostats in 41 states, the average Nest thermostat user saves 10% to 12% on their heating bills and 15% on their cooling bills. As such, Nest thermostat users save between $130 and $150 per year.

 

ecobee vs. Nest: Zone Control

ecobee

See offer on Amazon for: ecobee Room Sensor 2 Pack

Smart thermostats respond to the external temperature to help maintain the optimal temperature according to your preference. However, the temperature of the location where the thermostat is installed may be different than where you spend your time. If the thermostat is close to an open door, it may register a lower temperatures because of cold drafts. And if it’s in direct sunlight, it may register higher temperatures.

ecobee rectifies this issue with its remote sensors. You can install these remote sensors in different rooms across your home. They send temperature and motion information to the ecobee thermostat. As such, the thermostat knows exactly where you are at all times so it can adjust the temperature in the necessary rooms. This ensures that your room always has the optimal temperature while also conserving energy because the HVAC unit doesn’t cool or heat unused rooms.

Each ecobee thermostat comes with one remote sensor. However, you can purchase additional remote sensors in packs of two separately.

Nest

See offer on Amazon for: Nest temperature sensor

Ever since ecobee3 lite introduced remote sensors, Nest users have been shifting their allegiance steadily. To prevent that, Nest decided to release its own set of remote sensors to control the temperature in different zones of your home.

The Nest remote sensors are similar to the ecobee remote sensors but with one major difference — they can only record the temperature and not motion or occupancy. When you place Nest remote sensors in different parts of your home, they send temperature data to the thermostat so you can optimize the temperature in different rooms.

However, Nest remote sensors don’t send motion information, which means there’s no occupancy information either. As such, Nest thermostats can’t identify which rooms are occupied or unoccupied. They may continue heating or cooling rooms even when they’re unoccupied, which makes them less energy efficient.

As mentioned above, the cheapest model, Nest Thermostat, isn’t compatible with remote sensors.

 

ecobee vs. Nest: Geofencing

ecobee

Geofencing is an extremely useful feature for smart thermostats. With this feature, your smart thermostat can use your phone’s GPS system to determine if you’re home. You can set up your own geofence, i.e., established what’s the range at which you can be considered ‘Away’ from home. When you leave that geofence, the smart thermostat will go to Away mode, and when you enter the geofence, it will resume heating and cooling again.

ecobee supports geofencing for one phone only, which means it can only follow one phone’s geofence. If you leave your home with your phone, the thermostat will go to Away mode even if there are other occupants in your home. This can be a real problem for households with several members. As such, if you have several people in your household, you’ll likely turn the geofencing feature off to prevent your other family members from freezing or boiling while you’re away.

Alternatively, you can use some third-party apps and workarounds to integrate geofencing for several phones. But that process is long and complicated.

Nest

Nest understands the value of geofencing on several phones. It understands that geofencing on one phone is about as good as no geofencing. To that end, you can set up geofencing on multiple accounts or phones using the Nest app.

Nest thermostats gather geofencing information and data from other Nest-associated devices to determine if you’re home. If your entire family is out of home, the Nest thermostat will go into Away mode and turn off. When a single family member with a geofence phone enters, the thermostat will start cooling or heating again.

Nest thermostats also gather motion information from other Nest-associated devices with motion detect like Nest Protects. As such, even if all family members with Nest geofencing go away from home but you still have some kids at home, the Nest-associated device will detect their presence and override the geofence.

As such, Nest’s geofencing feature is extremely advanced and intelligent.

 

ecobee vs. Nest App - Which App is Best?

ecobee

The ecobee app is extremely intuitive and easy to use. The interface looks just like the ecobee thermostat’s interface so it’s familiar — if you can control one of them, you can control both.

The ecobee app allows you to remote control the temperature in your home, create schedules, and access energy reports and profiles. It also allows you to set a geofence for your phone and account.

It can be installed easily within a few minutes. When it comes to performance issues, several users have reported that they have to log into the app repeatedly or that it doesn’t save the changes they’ve made. However, ecobee rolls out updates frequently so these bugs and glitches go away eventually.

ecobee thermostats work on iOS versions 11.0+ but they’re more flexible with Android phones, working on older models as well.

You can find the ecobee app on the App Store or Google Play Store.

Nest

The Nest app looks quite jarring, especially because its interface is completely different from the thermostat. If you were to observe the Nest thermostat and the app separately, you wouldn’t know that they were a part of the same device.

The Nest app also allows you to remote control your temperature, create schedules, and access energy reports. However, the energy reports aren’t as comprehensive as that of ecobee thermostats. You can also set a geofence for your phone.

Nest app is also just as easy to install as the ecobee app. Furthermore, it has the same performance issues, i.e., users may have to log into the app repeatedly and the app may occasionally freeze or not save their settings. However, they release updates often to remedy these bugs.

Nest thermostats work on iOS versions 10.0+ and Android versions 5.0+. If you want to access the desktop app, you’ll need a Mac OS X v10.9+ or Windows 7+.

You can find the Nest app on the App Store or Google Play Store.

 

ecobee vs. Nest Ease of Use

ecobee

The ease of use and simplicity depends on how easily you can program the smart thermostat or set schedules. It is essentially a culmination of all the aforementioned qualities, i.e., the features and the smartphone app.

ecobee has an extremely user-friendly smartphone app and a user-friendly smart thermostat design. You can create schedules easily, even though you have to do it manually by establishing the temperature for different times and days.

Nest

Nest has a user-friendly smart thermostat but the smartphone app isn’t as intuitive as it can be. The greatest advantage of the Nest thermostat, however, is the presence of Algorithmic Learning.

This feature, as we’ve already learnt, makes it so the thermostat learns your schedule and routine automatically as you adjust the thermostat. Pretty soon, you won’t have to make any adjustments or set schedules because the thermostat will simply follow your established patterns. If you don’t like this feature, you can also enable the traditional scheduling feature. And again, it’s worth mentioning that the latest Nest Thermostat doesn’t come with a self-learning feature.

 

ecobee vs. Nest: Updates - Who is Best at Updates?

ecobee

ecobee regularly rolls out updates for it smart thermostats and devices. Just recently, ecobee rolled out an update called eco+ for all of its ecobee thermostats.

This update is meant to health you conserve energy through various new features. For example, a new feature called Time of Use will take advantage of time-of-use electricity rates to cool or heat your home when the electricity cost is low and conserve energy when the cost is high. This can automate your energy saving considerably.

The updates are automatically pushed to your ecobee thermostats and you can activate them by simply updating your ecobee app. You’ll receive a notification that an ecobee app update is available. Once you update your app, the eco+ update will be sent to your ecobee thermostats.

Nest

Nest regularly introduces new software updates. Their updates usually focus on fixing bugsand glitches but they also introduce new features occasionally. Just like ecobee, you can update your Nest thermostat by downloading the latest version of the Nest app to your phone.

 

ecobee vs. Nest: Support - Which is better?

ecobee

ecobee has an easily accessible support system. If you have any problems, you can generally find a solution in their comprehensive repository of articles.

If that doesn’t give you the answer you need, you can reach them through email, Twitter, or Facebook.

Toll-Free Phone Number: 1.877.932.6233

International Number: 1.647.428.2220

Email: [email protected]

Nest

Nest has an easily accessible Google Nest Help resource with lots of articles to guide your through your problems.

If that doesn’t give you the answer you need, you can contact them through Online Chat, Facebook, or Twitter. You can also join the Nest Community to talk to other Nest thermostat users.

Phone Number: 855-469-6378

Email: [email protected]

 

ecobee vs. Nest: Warranty

ecobee

All ecobee thermostats come with a 3-year limited warranty.

Nest

Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation comes with a 2-years warranty, while Nest Thermostat and Nest Thermostat E come with a 1-year warranty.

However, if you purchase a Nest thermostat along with a Nest Pro installation, you get an extension on your warranty. In that case, the Nest Learning Thermostat will have a total of a 5-years warranty and the Nest Thermostat E and Nest Thermostat will have a total of 3 years of warranty.

 

ecobee vs. Nest: Cost

ecobee

The following is an overview of the current cost of ecobee thermostats:

• ecobee Smart Thermostat with Voice Control (ecobee5): $249.99
• ecobee4 Smart Thermostat : $189.99
• ecobee3 lite Smart Thermostat: $169.99

Nest

The following is an overview of the current cost of Nest thermostats:

• Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation: $238.95
• Nest Thermostat E: $169
• Nest Thermostat: $129.99

 

Similarities of ecobee and Nest Thermostats

While there’s certainly a lot of aspects in which the ecobee and Nest thermostats differ from each other, there’s also a lot of similarities between them.

The following is an overview of some of the major similarities between them.

• Adjust Temperature Intelligently: All of these devices allow you to adjust the temperature to save energy.
• Use of Apps: All of them can be controlled with their dedicated smartphone apps.
• Smart Notifications: The apps can be used to receive smart alerts and notifications regarding issues in your system.
• Internet Connection: You need a WiFi connection for all of these apps.
• Easy Installation: All of them have an extremely simple installation process, especially if you have c-wires in your HVAC system.
• Energy Saving: They have energy saving features and can help you optimize your usage. The exact methodology of energy saving may differ but all of them have it.
• Weather Forecast: Both ecobee and Nest thermostats display weather forecast.
• Motion Detection: Both ecobee and Nest thermostats include motion sensors to detect when you’re around.
• Manual Schedules: You can set manual schedules for your heaters and air conditioners using both ecobee and Nest thermostats.
• Geofencing: Both ecobee and Nest thermostats can set geofencing for at least one phone or account.

 

	ecobee Thermostats	Nest Thermostats
WiFi	Yes	Yes
App Name	ecobee	Nest
Bluetooth Mode	No	Yes
HVAC Compatibility	High	High
Remote Sensors	Temperature and Motion Sensors	Only Temperature Sensors
Geofencing	Only for One Device	For Multiple Devices
Energy Reports	Comprehensive — 18 Months of Reports	Basic — 10 Days of Reports
Algorithmic Learning	No	Yes
Automatic Updates	Yes	Yes
Savings Estimate	23% Heating & Cooling	10-12% Heating/ 15% Cooling
Inbuilt Voice Control	Yes	No
Amazon Alexa	Yes	Yes
Google Assistant	Yes	Yes
Microsoft Cortana	Yes	Yes
Apple HomeKit	Yes	No
Warranty	3-Years Limited Warranty	2-Year Warranty/ 1-Year Warranty

 

Verdict: ecobee or Nest?

Both ecobee and Nest offer brilliant smart thermostats. There’s no easy way to discern which of them is objectively better because different people have different preferences.

You should opt for ecobee smart thermostats if you need Apple HomeKit support, if you don’t already have an Amazon Echo and would like to use the ecobee4 or ecobee5 as an Alexa speaker, or if you have a large home and need several remote sensors to optimize the temperature in different rooms.

You should opt for Nest if you use a lot of Google-associated services and smart devices or if you need advanced features like geofencing for multiple phones or schedule learning.

Having said that, please analyze your needs carefully and decide which smart thermostat is suitable for your specific set of requirements.

See offer Amazon for: ecobee3 lite Smart Thermostat See offer Amazon for: ecobee4 Smart Thermostat  See offer on Amazon for: ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control See offer on Amazon for: Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation See offer on Amazon for: Nest Thermostat E See offer on Amazon for: Nest Thermostat

 

 

FAQs about ecobee and Nest Thermostats

What is the latest ecobee thermostat?

ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control is the latest ecobee thermostat.

What is the latest Nest thermostat?

Nest Thermostat E is the latest Nest thermostat.

Is there a monthly fee for Nest thermostats?

There’s no monthly fee for Nest thermostats.

Is there a monthly fee for ecobee thermostats?

There’s no monthly fee for ecobee thermostats.

Is Nest wireless (can you wire it)?

Nest thermostats connect to your smartphone app with a WiFi connection. However, they have to be wired into your HVAC system either with or without c-wires.

Is ecobee wireless (can you wire it)?

ecobee thermostats connect to your smartphone app with a WiFi connection. However, they have to be wired into your HVAC system with c-wires or the provided PEK.

How is Nest powered? Does it have a battery? Can the battery be replaced?

Nest Learning Thermostat and Nest Thermostat E do have batteries but they’re not user-replaceable. They use voltage from the HVAC system’s wires to run its internal battery. If there’s a blackout, the internal battery will work for a while but not indefinitely. Compared to these two, Nest Thermostat uses two AAA batteries that you can easily replace on your own.

How is ecobee powered? Does it have a battery? Can the battery be replaced?

ecobee thermostats are powered with a 24VAC current through the c-wire in your HVAC system.  If you have a standard 4-wire configuration in your HVAC system, you’ll have to use the provided PEK to connect the thermostat. The ecobee sensors come with a battery that can run up to 24 months. Once the ecobee room sensor’s battery runs out, you’ll have to pop out the battery cover and replace it with a new CR-2032 coin-cell battery.

Can you install Nest or ecobee yourself or is a specialist needed?

Most people can install the Nest and ecobee thermostats themselves, especially if you have a c-wire in your HVAC system. However, if your existing system lacks a c-wire (as is the case with older HVAC systems), you’ll have to consult an HVAC specialist about installing the device.

Is ecobee4/5 a learning thermostat?

ecobee thermostats aren’t learning thermostats, i.e., you have to manually set schedules and routines. If you want a learning thermostat, you should opt for Nest thermostats.

Does ecobee work in the UK/CA/AUS or just US?

ecobee does work in the UK/CA/AUS or anywhere else. But ecobee isn’t sold outside North America. As such, if you want to purchase ecobee in the UK or AUS, you’ll have to find a seller willing to ship the product to your country and you’ll have to pay for additional shipping costs.

Which saves you more money Nest or ecobee save you more money?

According to studies conducted by ecobee, you can save approximately 23% on your heating and cooling bills. Meanwhile, studies conducted by Nest have found that Nest smart thermostats help you save approximately 10% to 12% on your heating bills and 15% on your cooling bills. However, these findings are based on an average and dependent on factors like the size of your house, your usage patterns, and other factors.