Table of Contents
Introduction
Finding the best smart thermostat for your home can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to balance smart features, energy savings, and ease of use. If you’re reading this, you’re likely exploring whether the ecobee-smart thermostat premium is the right choice for your home. You’re not alone—this thermostat is one of the most talked-about smart home devices in recent years. But does it live up to the hype?
In this comprehensive review, you’ll find everything you need to know about the ecobee-smart thermostat premium—from design and features to installation and energy savings. Whether you’re a smart home newbie or an automation pro, this guide is tailored to help you make an informed decision.
What Is the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium?
The ecobee-smart thermostat premium is the flagship model in Ecobee’s line of intelligent climate control devices. Unlike the more affordable ecobee-smart Thermostat Essential, the Premium version offers high-end features such as radar motion sensing, built-in air quality monitoring, a sleek glass display, and support for Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant. It’s more than just a thermostat—it’s a central hub for smarter, more energy-efficient living.
Who This Review Is For
If you’re a homeowner looking to reduce energy bills, upgrade your smart home system, or simplify climate control, this review is for you. It’s also ideal for renters, tech enthusiasts, or anyone comparing Ecobee with rivals like Nest. Whether you’re considering your first smart thermostat or debating an upgrade, you’ll get real-world insights here.
Quick Overview of Key Features
- Built-in Alexa and Siri voice control
- Air quality monitoring
- Radar-based occupancy detection
- Compatibility with Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, SmartThings, and IFTTT
- Support for ecobee-smart Sensors
- Enhanced scheduling and geofencing
- On-screen weather and energy reports
Design & Build Quality
Aesthetic Appeal and Display
The ecobee-smart thermostat premium sports a modern and refined look, with a full-glass face and metal edges that blend seamlessly into any home decor. It has a 4-inch color touchscreen that’s crisp, responsive, and easy to read—even from across the room.
Touchscreen Interface and Usability
Using the touchscreen is intuitive. The interface is smooth, allowing you to view current indoor/outdoor temperatures, humidity, and air quality at a glance. Navigating settings and adjusting schedules is just as effortless.
Installation Experience and Included Accessories
ecobee-smart Thermostat installation is fairly straightforward. It comes with a detailed step-by-step guide, a built-in level, and a Power Extender Kit (PEK) for homes without a C-wire. If you’re comfortable with basic wiring, you can complete the ecobee-smart thermostat premium installation in under 45 minutes. Alternatively, professional installation is available.
Features & Functionality
Smart Sensor Integration (Room Sensors, Door/Window Sensors)
The thermostat includes one Ecobee Smart Sensor, which detects motion and temperature. These sensors ensure you’re heating or cooling the rooms that matter most. You can buy additional sensors to cover multiple rooms, optimizing comfort and efficiency.
Built-In Alexa and Siri Support
With built-in Alexa, the thermostat can do everything from adjusting the temperature to setting timers, checking the news, or controlling other smart devices. If you’re an Apple user, you’ll appreciate its Siri compatibility via HomeKit. This dual voice assistant support is rare—and powerful.
Air Quality Monitoring
A standout feature is its ability to track indoor air quality, including CO₂ and VOCs (volatile organic compounds). You’ll get alerts when air quality dips, along with tips for improving ventilation or filtration.
Energy Usage Insights & Eco+ Features
The thermostat uses Eco+, Ecobee’s AI-based system that makes automatic, energy-efficient adjustments based on your location, utility rates, and indoor activity. The Ecobee smart thermostat app shows detailed charts and usage reports, helping you make informed decisions about your energy consumption.
Geofencing and Smart Home Integration
Geofencing automatically adjusts the thermostat based on your phone’s location, reducing energy use when you’re away and restoring comfort when you return. It also syncs with door/window sensors, so it pauses HVAC if a window is open—impressive automation.
Smart Home Compatibility
Works with Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant
The thermostat is natively compatible with all major voice assistants. Whether you prefer Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri, control is seamless. You can say, “Alexa, set the temperature to 72,” or use Siri on your iPhone or Apple Watch to make changes.
Apple HomeKit Integration
For Apple users, HomeKit integration means you can create automations and scenes across multiple devices—like adjusting your Ecobee when you unlock your smart lock or start a movie.
IFTTT and SmartThings Support
For advanced users, support for IFTTT and Samsung SmartThings allows deep automation. You could, for example, trigger the thermostat to turn off when you leave a geofenced area or change settings based on weather forecasts.
Performance and User Experience
Temperature Accuracy and Responsiveness
Thanks to its radar sensor and room sensors, the Ecobee Premium is highly responsive. It maintains even, precise temperatures throughout your home without short cycling or temperature drift.
Scheduling and Automation
You can create flexible schedules or let Eco+ handle automation. The app even recommends schedule tweaks to help reduce your energy bill. Scheduling is available for weekdays, weekends, or even individual days.
App Usability and Remote Access
The Ecobee smart thermostat app is well-designed. Available for iOS and Android, it allows you to adjust settings, view energy reports, manage schedules, and perform Ecobee login securely from anywhere.
Voice Assistant Responsiveness
Whether you’re using Alexa or Siri, voice commands are fast and reliable. Unlike some competitors, voice features are built-in—so you don’t need an external smart speaker to enjoy full functionality.
Energy Savings & Efficiency
Real-World Energy Savings
According to Ecobee, customers save up to 26% on their annual heating and cooling costs. While savings depend on your location and HVAC system, many users report noticeable drops in their energy bills within the first month.
Monthly Reports and Recommendations
Each month, you receive a Home IQ report showing energy usage, temperature patterns, and system runtime. You’ll also get personalized recommendations for improving efficiency.
Cost vs. Savings Over Time
Although the upfront cost is higher than standard thermostats, the energy savings typically cover the expense within 1–2 years. Plus, many utility companies offer rebates for smart thermostats like the Ecobee Premium.
Privacy & Security
Data Collection Transparency
Ecobee is upfront about what data is collected and how it’s used. Unlike some other smart devices, you can opt out of certain data collection features without losing functionality.
Microphone & Voice Privacy Settings
You can disable the microphone at any time for privacy. There’s also a physical mute button, and Ecobee doesn’t record or send data unless prompted via voice command.
Security Features and Encryption
The device uses strong encryption protocols for both local and cloud communication. Two-factor authentication is available for Ecobee login, adding another layer of security.
Comparison with Competitors
Ecobee vs Nest Learning Thermostat
While Nest offers elegant design and auto-learning features, Ecobee provides superior customization, room sensor support, and native voice assistant integration. Nest requires a Google account, while Ecobee supports more ecosystems out of the box.
Ecobee Premium vs Ecobee Enhanced
The Ecobee Enhanced is a mid-range model with fewer features—no built-in voice assistant, no air quality monitoring, and no radar detection. If you want top-tier performance, the Premium is worth the upgrade.
Is the Premium Upgrade Worth It?
If you value air quality insights, smart automation, and seamless smart home integration, the Premium upgrade is absolutely worth it. The long-term energy savings and convenience justify the cost for most users.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Built-in Alexa and Siri support
- Accurate temperature control with room sensors
- Indoor air quality monitoring
- Easy-to-use app and scheduling
- Excellent smart home compatibility
Cons
- Higher upfront cost
- Requires a C-wire or PEK
- Some features require advanced setup (IFTTT, HomeKit)
Price & Value for Money
MSRP and Retail Pricing
The ecobee-smart thermostat premium retails for around $249. While this places it at the higher end of the market, its robust features justify the investment.
Subscription Costs (if any)
Most features are free. However, Ecobee offers a subscription for professional monitoring (for home security via sensors), but it’s optional and unrelated to thermostat functions.
Is It Worth the Investment?
Yes. Considering its powerful features, long-term savings, and home comfort improvements, the Premium model offers excellent value—especially when paired with utility rebates.
Final Verdict
Who Should Buy the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium?
You should consider this thermostat if you’re serious about home automation, want to reduce energy waste, or need a device that integrates with both Apple and Google ecosystems. It’s ideal for smart home users who don’t want to compromise on features or design.
Summary of Key Takeaways
- Top-tier design with intuitive touchscreen
- Built-in Alexa, Siri, and air quality monitoring
- Supports Smart Sensors for better room coverage
- Easy installation and reliable app
- High compatibility and energy savings
Where To Buy
You can buy it here:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the “Premium feels like” experience mean with the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium?
The phrase “premium feels like” perfectly describes the user experience with the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium. With a sleek glass display, responsive interface, and the included smartsensor, it provides room-by-room comfort. This smartsensor eliminates hot and cold spots and helps maintain a consistent temperature. It’s designed for a healthier home, offering features like air filter reminders and sensor technology that adapts to your daily routine for maximum efficiency and comfort.
Is the Ecobee Premium a good choice for a leading smart home setup?
Absolutely. As part of a leading smart home environment, the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium works seamlessly with preferred smart home systems like Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and Alexa. It also includes compatibility with IFTTT and SmartThings. Whether you’re pairing it with a smart speaker and your choice of voice assistant or connecting it to your home monitoring hub, Ecobee provides flexibility, automation, and intelligent climate control.
Can I use Apple HomeKit and Siri with the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium?
Yes, it works with Apple HomeKit and includes the choice of Siri or Alexa built-in. To enable Siri on smart thermostat, an apple home hub required such as a HomePod Mini or Apple TV is necessary. Once connected, you can use Siri on Smart Thermostat Premium for full voice control. The hub required to enable Siri also unlocks remote access and automations within the Apple ecosystem.
How do Ecobee thermostats work to save energy and improve comfort?
Ecobee thermostats work by learning your behavior and adjusting heating and cooling to match occupancy patterns. Thanks to occupancy sensing, smart sensor and air quality data, and intelligent scheduling, it enhances both savings and comfort. The included smartsensor eliminates hot and cold areas, while ecobee’s savings claim shows users can save up to 26% on annual energy bills.
What makes the new thermostat by Ecobee different from competitors?
This new thermostat stands out with features like built-in smoke alarm detection, air quality monitor alerts, and seamless smart thermostat premium with smart integrations. Unlike many competitors, it uses ecobee smartsensor and included sensor technology for advanced comfort, supports heat pump systems, and integrates with smart thermostat enhanced for additional room control. These features make it a powerful upgrade from models like Ecobee3 Lite or a typical Honeywell thermostat.
What happens if I experience sudden temperature drops in my home?
The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is equipped with sensor technology and smart thermostat enhanced options that can respond to sudden temperature drops. The temperature sensor in the included smartsensor detects fast changes and helps the system adjust quickly to stabilize your indoor climate. This protects your comfort and can also prevent damage to your HVAC system.
Do I need a hub to use smart features and voice control?
Yes, an apple home hub required (like Apple HomePod, HomePod Mini, or Apple TV) is necessary to use Siri on Smart Thermostat Premium. The home hub required to enable Siri ensures full HomeKit compatibility. Alexa, however, is built-in and doesn’t require additional hardware. Voice assistants make it easier to control your climate through your smart speaker and your choice of system.
How does the Ecobee Smart Thermostat help create a healthier home?
This thermostat supports a healthier home with features like a built-in air quality monitor, air filter alerts, and real-time climate tracking. With the ecobee smartsensor, it manages airflow and temperature room by room. Combined with data from the sensor and air quality monitor, it can recommend when to ventilate or adjust humidity, improving both comfort and well-being.
Are there added benefits from the Ecobee Smart Security Subscription?
Yes, with an Ecobee Smart Security Subscription, your smart thermostat premium with smart features extend into home protection. It activates motion detection, smoke alarm listening, and door/window alerts through the smartsensor for doors and windows. It’s a great addition for homeowners looking to combine HVAC automation with security needs with the Ecobee.
Can I trust Ecobee Inc for long-term performance and support?
Ecobee Inc has built a strong reputation for reliability, innovation, and support. Whether you’re using smart thermostat essential, upgrading to ecobee premium thermostats, or adding a home monitoring hub, you’ll find consistent performance. Plus, you can always check system compatibility with the thermostat compatibility checker, and if you’re ever unsure or need help, visit www.apex-byte.com or email info@apex-byte.com for expert guidance.
