$200 – $280
Premium smart thermostat with built-in Alexa, air quality monitor, and 4" display. Works with HomeKit, Google, SmartThings. Includes SmartSensor.
Multi-platform smart home
Works with HomeKit, Alexa, Google - most compatible thermostat
Want built-in Alexa
Speaker and mic for Alexa - doubles as smart speaker
Need room sensors
Includes SmartSensor and supports up to 32 sensors
Apple HomeKit user
Best HomeKit thermostat with full Siri control and automation
Have older Ecobee wiring
New wiring incompatible with older Ecobee - requires rewiring
Need rock-solid HomeKit
Frequent "No Response" issues in HomeKit
Privacy-conscious user
Tech support can access detailed data without ID verification
Budget-conscious
Premium price - Enhanced or competitors may be better value
Frequent "No Response" - requires physical removal for 10-15 seconds to fix
Apple DiscussionsHVAC randomly shuts off despite schedule - house reached 50°F
User ReviewsWiring incompatible with older Ecobee models during upgrade
User ReportsHomeKit connectivity unreliable
commonCause: WiFi/HomeKit implementation issues
HVAC control erratic after updates
occasionalCause: Software bugs introduced in firmware updates
Upgrading from older Ecobee using same wiring
New model wont work - incompatible wiring connector
Tip: Plan for rewiring or use Ecobees adapter if available
Not placing SmartSensor in problem rooms
Temperature imbalances in far rooms not detected
Tip: Install sensor in rooms with worst temperature variance
All smart features, scheduling, remote access, sensor data, Alexa
Basic thermostat with last schedule
Temperature history, occupancy, detailed usage patterns. Tech support has access.
Tested with up to 1 devices
Supports up to 32 SmartSensors. Built-in Alexa speaker. Works with all major platforms.
HomeKit connectivity issues. Incompatible with older Ecobee wiring. Privacy concerns.
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced
If: Want similar features for less
Nest Learning Thermostat
If: Prefer Google ecosystem
Honeywell Home T9
If: Want more reliable room sensors
Apple HomeKit primary ecosystem
Best overall HomeKit thermostat despite occasional issues
Need room sensors for temperature balance
Best sensor ecosystem with up to 32 sensors supported
Need 100% reliable HomeKit connection
Known connectivity issues - may need occasional resets
Premium has built-in Alexa speaker, better display. Enhanced is cheaper with same core features.
Source: Comparison ReviewsYes for Alexa wake word. Can mute microphone but loses Alexa functionality.
Source: Product FeaturesSoftware updates sometimes cause erratic behavior
Bogleheads ForumPremium price
commonCause: Top-tier pricing with built-in Alexa and sensors
Privacy concerns with tech support access
occasionalCause: Support can view detailed data without verification
Expecting HomeKit to always respond
Siri commands fail, automations dont run
Tip: Be prepared to power cycle thermostat occasionally
Ecobee support accesses data without ID verification. Microphone always listening for Alexa.
Privacy-focused user
Tech support data access and always-on mic concerning
Up to 32 SmartSensors. One included. Buy additional for other rooms.
New wiring connector incompatible with older models. May need rewiring.
Source: User ReportsKnown issue. Remove thermostat from wall for 10-15 seconds and reattach to fix.
Source: Apple Discussions