This article will be considering the Ecobee smart thermostat Vs Ecobee3 Lite. So, if you are in the market for an Ecobee smart thermostat, the Ecobee smart thermostat with Voice Control and the Ecobee3 Lite Smart Thermostat are two indisputable options for you.
Ecobee currently has three smart thermostat models available in the market, each known for its uniqueness. So, we have; the newly released Ecobee smart thermostat (5th Gen), the most popular in the pack, which is the Ecobee 4, and the budget-friendly, Ecobee 3 Lite, but in this guide, we will be focusing on the Ecobe smart thermostat Vs Ecobee3 Lite.
We have to reinforce that both thermostats are smart app-enabled thermostats designed with intuitive technology, so adjusting your home’s temperature is a breeze whether you’re at home or hundreds of miles away.
While both models share a similar design alongside some basic features, they also have their distinct differences, which is why we will be dissecting the Ecobee smart thermostat Vs Ecobee3 Lite.
Ecobee is a Canadian home automation company with expertise in the manufacturing of smart home devices such as thermostats, temperature and occupancy sensors, light switches, cameras, contact sensors, and security locks.
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Vs Ecobee 3 Lite(Review)
Below are what we know about the Ecobee smart thermostast vs Ecobee Lite that you should know before deciding on which Ecobee thermostat to buy.
Ecobee Smart Thermostat
In discussing the Ecobee smart thermostat Vs Ecobee3 Lite contrast, we will like to begin by first analyzing the Ecobee smart thermostat, then the Ecobee 3 Lite.
Ecobee smart thermostat with voice control is the most recent release in the lineup, featuring upgraded hardware and software from its predecessors. It has a built-in Amazon Alexa for voice control, geofencing, extra room sensors, and WiFi capability.
The most prominent disparity between both smart thermostats is their price difference. Ecobee smart thermostat with voice control is the company’s most expensive thermostat that can be controlled on the phone through the Ecobee app. Let us examine some of its outstanding features;
Alexa Enabled
As we earlier mentioned, this model has a built-in Amazon Alexa speaker, which allows you to navigate your thermostat (make phone calls, respond to texts, and play your favourite music) via a thermostat.
Home Automation
The fact that the Ecobee smart thermostat can synchronize all your smart home devices into one is a big deal. So, if you want to create a connected smart home, then this thermostat is for you as it is compatible with the following;
- Google Assistant
- Apple Homekit’s Siri
- Samsung SmartThings
- IFTTT protocol
- Works with Spotify
- Pairs with a Bluetooth speaker.
Sensors
Ecobee smart thermostat is the latest and most improved upon as it comes with built-in temperature and occupancy sensors that automatically adjust your temperature based on whether you’re home or away, which means your purchase includes a remote sensor called a SmartSensor.
Once you place the sensor in any room, it automatically reads the ambient temperature and detects if the room is occupied or not.
Ecobee3 Lite Thermostat
The first thing that comes to mind when you want to consider Ecobee smart thermostat Vs Ecobee3 Lite is the price as this is the most affordable Ecobee thermostat, so if you want a blend of savings and convenience, the Ecobee3 Lite might be your best bet.
Control
Ecobee3 Lite is easy to use, with its fast, responsive touchscreen, so you can control your home’s temperature with a tap, either on the thermostat itself or through the Ecobee app. Ecobee 3, just like the newly released, also supports voice control and overall smart home automation via Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, Samsung SmartThings, and Android and iOS devices like Apple Watch.
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Vs Ecobee3 Lite (Differences)
What are the main differences between the Ecobee smart thermostat and Ecobee3 lite?
Sensors
Remember we said Ecobee Smart Thermostat comes with a SmartSensor. Well, that is not the same for the Ecobee3 Lite as it doesn’t come with any sensor, but the good thing is they are sensors compatible, so you can buy sensors for them.
Smart sensors are important for your thermostat because of their temperature and occupancy sensing technology. So they work by setting the temperature for comfort in the room’s that matter most and also balancing your home’s temperature by managing hot or cold spots and circulating the temperature evenly.
Lacks Geofencing
The geofencing feature can be likened to a GPS as it is also a location tracker. So it works as a virtual fence to alert your thermostat to set the home temperature to your preferences once you are inside that virtual fence, and when you are outside the virtual fence, you will be considered away by the thermostat, so the thermostat will turn down and allow the home to cool down a bit.
This feature is important as it helps to properly regulate and manage energy usage.
Lacks Accessory Terminals
Terminals allow you to plug in necessary wires into your thermostats, they usually have markings on them to signify the heating connection, the cooling connection, the fan connection, and heat pump connection, as applicable.
In the case of Ecobee3 Lite, it does not have accessory terminals required to control HVAC accessories such as humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and ventilators, and that is not cool.
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Vs Ecobee3 Lite (Which One Is Better?)
There really is no better option in Ecobee smart thermostat Vs Ecobee3 Lite because even though the Ecobee3 Lite is not as advanced as the Ecobee smart thermostat with voice control, both thermostats are still very capable in their rights, depending on what you want the most.
The Ecobee3 Lite gives you a lot of control over your heat and air conditioning, so if your concern is just a simple way to manage your HVAC system from your phone, then the Ecobee3 Lite is your go-to but if you want a SmartSensor and a thermostat, with its occupancy sensor, then consider going for the latest smart thermostat.
Its SmartSensor automatically regulates a room’s temperature, occupancy, and more, plus you can also vibe to your favourite music via the built-in Spotify. To crown it all up, the integrated Alexa voice control affords you the luxury of controlling your thermostat without necessarily lifting a finger.
These are the basic things to note when considering an Ecobee smart thermostat Vs Ecobee 3 Lite.