Ecobee and Nest are two of the most popular smart thermostat brands on the market today. Both offer advanced features that allow homeowners to control their heating and cooling systems remotely, save energy, and reduce their utility bills. However, there are some key differences between the two brands that homeowners should be aware of before making a purchase decision.
Ecobee’s latest model, the Ecobee SmartThermostat with voice control, features a sleek design, built-in Alexa voice control, and a variety of sensors that help it optimize temperature and humidity levels in different rooms of the house. Nest’s latest model, the Nest Learning Thermostat, also has a sleek design and can learn a homeowner’s schedule and preferred temperature settings over time. It also features a “Farsight” display that shows the temperature or time from across the room.
While both brands offer similar features, there are some differences in their pricing, compatibility with other smart home devices, and overall user experience. In this article, we will compare the Ecobee SmartThermostat with voice control and the Nest Learning Thermostat to help homeowners decide which one is the best fit for their home and lifestyle.
Overview of Ecobee Premium and Nest Learning Thermostat
Ecobee Premium and Nest Learning Thermostat are two of the most popular smart thermostats on the market. Both of these devices are designed to help homeowners save energy and money by optimizing their heating and cooling systems.
The Ecobee Premium is a sleek and modern thermostat that offers a variety of features, including voice control, remote access, and smart home integration. It also comes with a room sensor that can detect temperature and occupancy, allowing for more accurate temperature control throughout the home. The Ecobee Premium also has a touch screen display that makes it easy to adjust settings and view energy usage.
The Nest Learning Thermostat, on the other hand, is known for its ability to learn the homeowner’s schedule and preferences over time. It uses this information to automatically adjust the temperature to save energy and optimize comfort. The Nest also has a sleek design and a user-friendly app that allows homeowners to control their thermostat from anywhere.
In terms of compatibility, both the Ecobee Premium and Nest Learning Thermostat work with a variety of heating and cooling systems, including gas, electric, and radiant. They also both integrate with popular smart home platforms, such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Design and Build Quality
Ecobee Premium Design
The Ecobee Premium thermostat has a sleek and modern design that blends in well with any home décor. It has a black glass finish with a touchscreen display and a slim profile. The device measures 4.29 inches in diameter and 1 inch in thickness, making it relatively small and easy to install. The Ecobee Premium also comes with a detachable stand that can be used to mount the device on a wall or placed on a table or shelf.
Nest Learning Thermostat Design
The Nest Learning Thermostat has a circular design that is both stylish and functional. It has a stainless steel finish with a mirrored display that reflects the colors of the room it is installed in. The device measures 3.3 inches in diameter and 1.26 inches in thickness, making it slightly smaller than the Ecobee Premium. The Nest Learning Thermostat also comes with a wall plate that can be used to cover up any holes or marks left by the previous thermostat.
In terms of build quality, both the Ecobee Premium and the Nest Learning Thermostat are well-built and durable. They are made from high-quality materials and have a solid feel to them. The Ecobee Premium has a glass finish that is prone to fingerprints and smudges, while the Nest Learning Thermostat has a stainless steel finish that is more resistant to fingerprints and smudges. Both devices have a responsive touchscreen display that is easy to navigate and use.
Ease of Installation
Installing Ecobee Premium
The Ecobee Premium thermostat is known for its easy installation process. It comes with a step-by-step guide that makes the installation process straightforward. Ecobee provides a mobile app that guides users through the installation process. It also provides a video tutorial that explains the installation process in detail. The installation process involves connecting the thermostat to the Wi-Fi network, connecting the wires to the thermostat, and attaching the thermostat to the wall. The process takes about 30 minutes, and no professional installation is required.
Installing Nest Learning Thermostat
The Nest Learning Thermostat is also known for its easy installation process. It comes with a step-by-step guide that makes the installation process straightforward. Nest provides a mobile app that guides users through the installation process. It also provides a video tutorial that explains the installation process in detail. The installation process involves connecting the thermostat to the Wi-Fi network, connecting the wires to the thermostat, and attaching the thermostat to the wall. The process takes about 30 minutes, and no professional installation is required.
Both the Ecobee Premium and Nest Learning Thermostat have easy installation processes. They come with step-by-step guides, mobile apps, and video tutorials that explain the installation process in detail. The installation process involves connecting the thermostat to the Wi-Fi network, connecting the wires to the thermostat, and attaching the thermostat to the wall. The process takes about 30 minutes, and no professional installation is required.
User Interface and Control
Ecobee Premium Interface
The Ecobee Premium thermostat has a sleek and modern interface that is easy to navigate. The main screen displays the current temperature and humidity levels, as well as the current weather conditions. Users can easily adjust the temperature using the touch screen or through the Ecobee app. The app also allows users to create schedules and set up alerts for when the temperature or humidity levels are too high or low. The Ecobee Premium also has a built-in Alexa voice assistant, which allows users to control other smart home devices and access information hands-free.
Nest Learning Interface
The Nest Learning thermostat has a simple and intuitive interface that is easy to use. The main screen displays the current temperature and a target temperature, which can be adjusted using the dial or through the Nest app. The app also allows users to create schedules and set up alerts for when the temperature is too high or low. The Nest Learning thermostat also has a built-in Google Assistant voice assistant, which allows users to control other smart home devices and access information hands-free.
Smart Features and Integrations
Ecobee Premium Smart Features
Ecobee Premium offers a range of smart features that make it stand out from the competition. One of the most notable features is the ability to detect occupancy in a room, which allows the thermostat to adjust the temperature based on whether or not someone is in the room. This feature can help save energy and reduce heating and cooling costs.
Another useful feature of the Ecobee Premium is the ability to integrate with smart home systems. The thermostat is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings, among others. This means that users can control their thermostat using voice commands or through an app on their smartphone or tablet.
In addition, the Ecobee Premium comes with a range of sensors that can be placed throughout the home to monitor temperature and humidity levels. This can help ensure that every room in the house is kept at a comfortable temperature, which can be especially useful in larger homes.
Nest Learning Smart Integrations
The Nest Learning Thermostat also offers a range of smart integrations that make it a popular choice among homeowners. One of the most notable features is the ability to learn a user’s schedule and adjust the temperature accordingly. This means that the thermostat can automatically turn down the heat or air conditioning when the user is away from home, and turn it back up when they return.
The Nest Learning Thermostat is also compatible with a range of smart home systems, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. This means that users can control their thermostat using voice commands or through an app on their smartphone or tablet.
In addition, the Nest Learning Thermostat comes with a range of sensors that can be placed throughout the home to monitor temperature and humidity levels. This can help ensure that every room in the house is kept at a comfortable temperature, which can be especially useful in larger homes.
Energy Efficiency and Savings
Ecobee Premium Energy Savings
The Ecobee Premium thermostat is designed to help homeowners save on energy bills while maintaining a comfortable home temperature. The thermostat uses a combination of sensors, including motion and occupancy sensors, to detect when someone is in the room and adjust the temperature accordingly. This feature helps to reduce energy waste by not heating or cooling empty rooms.
Additionally, the Ecobee Premium offers a Home IQ report that provides insights into the homeowner’s energy usage and offers personalized recommendations to help save on energy bills. The report shows the user how much energy they’ve used, how it compares to other users in the area, and how much money they’ve saved.
Nest Learning Energy Efficiency
The Nest Learning thermostat also offers energy-saving features, such as the ability to learn the homeowner’s schedule and adjust the temperature accordingly. The thermostat uses sensors to detect when someone is home and adjusts the temperature based on their preferences.
One of the unique features of the Nest Learning thermostat is its ability to integrate with other smart home devices, such as lights and locks. This integration allows the thermostat to learn when the homeowner is away and adjust the temperature accordingly, helping to save on energy bills.
In addition to these features, the Nest Learning thermostat offers a monthly energy report that provides insights into the homeowner’s energy usage and offers tips on how to save on energy bills. The report shows the user how much energy they’ve used, how it compares to other users in the area, and how much money they’ve saved.
Price Comparison and Value
Ecobee Premium Pricing
The Ecobee SmartThermostat with voice control is priced at $249, which is higher than the Nest Learning Thermostat. However, the Ecobee comes with a lot of features that make it worth the price. For instance, it has a built-in Alexa and Google Assistant, which means you can control your smart home devices with your voice. It also has a SmartSensor that can detect occupancy and temperature in different rooms, which helps to adjust the temperature accordingly.
Moreover, the Ecobee SmartThermostat has a sleek design and a high-resolution touchscreen display that makes it easy to use. It also has a mobile app that allows you to control your thermostat remotely, set schedules, and receive alerts when there are changes in temperature or humidity.
Nest Learning Thermostat Pricing
The Nest Learning Thermostat, on the other hand, is priced at $199, which is lower than the Ecobee SmartThermostat. However, it does not come with as many features as the Ecobee. It has a basic design and a simple interface that is easy to use. It also has a mobile app that allows you to control your thermostat remotely and set schedules.
One of the unique features of the Nest Learning Thermostat is that it can learn your daily routine and adjust the temperature accordingly. It also has a built-in motion sensor that detects when you are away from home and adjusts the temperature to save energy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Ecobee SmartThermostat is more expensive than the Nest Learning Thermostat, but it comes with more features that make it worth the price. The Nest Learning Thermostat, on the other hand, is more affordable and has some unique features that make it a good choice for those who want a simple and easy-to-use thermostat. Ultimately, the choice between these two thermostats will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Customer Support and Warranty
Ecobee Premium Support
Ecobee offers premium support to its customers for an additional fee. This service provides customers with access to a dedicated phone line, live chat, and email support 24/7. In addition, Ecobee provides a comprehensive online knowledge base and community forum where customers can find answers to frequently asked questions and connect with other users.
Nest Learning Warranty
The Nest Learning Thermostat comes with a standard two-year limited warranty. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. If a defect is found within the warranty period, Nest will repair or replace the product free of charge. Nest also offers an extended warranty for an additional fee. This service extends the warranty for an additional three years, providing customers with a total of five years of coverage.
Consumer Reviews and Feedback
Ecobee Premium Reviews
The Ecobee Premium smart thermostat has received generally positive reviews from customers. Many users appreciate its sleek design and user-friendly interface. The thermostat’s ability to detect occupancy and adjust temperature accordingly has also been praised, as it helps save energy and reduce utility bills.
Some users have noted that the Ecobee Premium’s remote sensors are a great addition, as they allow for more accurate temperature control in different rooms. However, others have reported issues with connectivity and sensor accuracy, which can be frustrating.
Nest Learning Feedback
The Nest Learning thermostat has also received positive reviews from customers. Many users appreciate its ease of use and ability to learn their temperature preferences over time. The thermostat’s compatibility with other smart home devices has also been praised, as it allows for seamless integration with other systems.
Some users have reported issues with the Nest Learning’s Wi-Fi connectivity, which can be frustrating when trying to control the thermostat remotely. Additionally, some customers have noted that the thermostat’s learning capabilities can be slow to adapt to changes in temperature preferences.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, both Ecobee premium and Nest learning thermostat are excellent options for those looking to upgrade their home’s thermostat. Each has its own unique features and benefits, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs.
Ecobee premium offers advanced sensors, voice control, and a sleek design, making it a great choice for those who prioritize customization and convenience. On the other hand, Nest learning thermostat offers a more intuitive learning algorithm, a larger display, and integration with other smart home devices, making it an ideal option for those who value simplicity and compatibility.
When it comes to energy savings, both thermostats have been shown to significantly reduce energy usage and costs. It’s important to note that while both companies claim to save users money, the actual savings will vary depending on individual usage patterns and other factors.
