Ecobee SmartThermostat With Voice Management vs. Ecobee3 Lite Sensible Thermostat – CNET

Should you’re available in the market for a smart thermostat, the Ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control and the Ecobee3 Lite Smart Thermostat are two stable choices. These app-enabled thermostats provide intuitive know-how so adjusting your private home’s temperature is a breeze whether or not you are at residence or a whole bunch of miles away. Whereas each fashions share the same design and primary lineup of options, they’re priced $80 aside. 

To seek out out the place the 2 thermostats diverge — and which one could be greatest for you — we’re taking a more in-depth have a look at how the premium Ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Management compares to the extra inexpensive Ecobee3 Lite Sensible Thermostat.

Options

The Ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Management is extra superior than the Ecobee3 Lite. With the SmartThermostat, you obtain entry to the entire Eco Plus advantages. These advantages embrace temperature change suggestions primarily based in your exercise, both on the thermostat or in different rooms, whenever you join your SmartSensor to the Ecobee app. 

Should you purchase a SmartSensor for the Ecobee3 Lite, you do get a few of those self same advantages, however this inexpensive mannequin does not have an occupancy sensor constructed into the thermostat. And, whereas the Ecobee3 Lite works with the entire main good residence platforms, the SmartThermostat has voice management built-in. That {hardware} integration means that you can make temperature changes everytime you want it by way of a verbal command, with out proudly owning a separate Alexa-enabled good speaker.

The SmartThermostat additionally works with Spotify — and you may pair it with Bluetooth audio system to stream your favourite music, podcasts, and extra in your house everytime you need. It’s also possible to make calls and take heed to texts all hands-free. 

Equipment

Ecobee’s SmartSensors work with each fashions. Your SmartThermostat comes with one SmartSensor; the Ecobee3 Lite does not include any. You should purchase SmartSensors a la carte in an $80 two-pack. 

The SmartSensors have temperature- and occupancy-sensing know-how. When you have rooms in your house that run very warm or cool — you possibly can place the SmartSensor there and use that location because the default temperature setting in your thermostat. That approach, your private home’s set temperature relies on the present temperature within the chilly basement workplace — or the new upstairs bed room as a substitute of on the location of the thermostat. 

Which one is healthier?

Each are succesful thermostats. Whereas the Ecobee3 Lite Sensible Thermostat does not have as many superior options because the Ecobee SmartThermostat with VoiceControl, it offers you loads of management over your warmth and air con. Should you’re on the lookout for a easy strategy to handle your HVAC system out of your cellphone, the Ecobee3 Lite is value your cash. You continue to obtain options like Trip Mode, seven-day programming, compatibility with Ecobee’s wi-fi sensors and far more. And in case your thermostat is positioned someplace that is calmly trafficked, the place you would not generally use voice instructions or a sensible speaker, the Ecobee3 Lite is a more sensible choice. 

In order for you a SmartSensor and a thermostat with its personal occupancy sensor, the SmartThermostat makes probably the most sense. It comes with a SmartSensor that makes real-time changes primarily based on a room’s temperature, occupancy and extra. The system also can play your favourite music by way of Spotify. And with built-in Alexa voice management, you possibly can command your thermostat with the boldness of a James Bond villain.