If you are someone who is familiar with Home Automation, then the term ‘Smart Thermostat’ might interest you. Smart Thermostats function just like normal thermostats in that the basic function is to control the temperature.
However, they are connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi and control the settings of a number of devices like Heating systems, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, Lighting, and much more. It would undoubtedly lead to a significant decrease in energy usage.
Ecobee and Nest are two of the most popular smart thermostats out there. In this guide, we will show the basic features and important differences between them and help you to make a pick.
Ecobee Thermostat
The Ecobee Smart Thermostat is priced at $250 and features Voice Control. The model has a touch screen that can be used to vary the settings. It is compatible with the Ecobee application and comes with an inbuilt Alexa Speaker. It also supports Spotify and is compatible with Bluetooth speakers. The thermostat also features a Remote Sensor.
Nest Learning Thermostat
The first version of the Nest thermostat was released in 2011 and the current edition is the 3rd iteration. It is priced exactly the same as the Ecobee Thermostat but features a metal dial instead of the touch screen. It is compatible with both the Nest and Google Home app and works with Alexa and Google Assistant commands. The device includes a proximity sensor to determine whether you are at home or not.
Comparison Table
| Features | Ecobee | Nest |
| Display Dimension | 3.5 inch | 2.08 inch |
| Display Resolution | 320*480 pixels | 480*480 pixels |
| Material | Plastic | Metal and Glass |
| Number of Accounts | One | Multiple |
| Built-in Alexa | Yes | No |
| Power | Hardwired Connection | Rechargeable Battery |
Comparison Overview
1. Look and Feel
Both the Thermostats are round-shaped with good-quality screens. The Nest Thermostat is made of metal and feels much more solid and sturdy when compared to the Ecobee one, made of glass. The Ecobee has a touch screen and feels much more like a programmable thermostat. On the other hand, the Nest Thermostat has a blend of modern and old elements. However, the Nest Thermostat comes in different colors and has a far-sight feature.
2. Schedule Learning
Nest has the schedule learning feature wherein it gradually learns about the settings and temperature that you prefer. This is done by recording the various adjustments you make. However, you can turn off this feature if needed. Ecobee does not have such a feature and follows a more conventional approach of following the programmed settings.
3. Voice Control
If you are someone who uses Voice commands a lot, then Ecobee would be a better choice. They offer support for the Google, Apple, and Amazon voice assistants and also features an Alexa speaker. Nest on the other hand does not work with Apple Homekit.
4. Geofencing
Geofencing is a feature where the device detects whether you are at home or not using the GPS location. Both Nest and Ecobee support Geofencing but the major difference is that in Nest, Geofencing works on multiple phones but in Ecobee, it works only on a single phone. This could be an issue if you have a big family.
5. CWire
The Nest Thermostat does not require a c wire and that perhaps might be beneficial for certain users as they do not need to install one specifically for this purpose. Ecobee on the other hand does not work without a c wire. However, installation without a c wire requires a trick called power stealing which might cause strange behavior in some systems.
6. Cheaper Version
Both of these companies have released a cheaper version of their flagship products titled ecobee3 lite and Nest Thermostat E. They share identical designs with their parent products. However, the ecobee 3 lite does not have an Alexa speaker while the Nest E has a less flashy design. They function quite similarly to the parent model but both lack the accessory terminal.
7. Energy Reports
The Ecobee can analyze and record data for a staggering period of 18 months. The temperature and data about motion is noted. The analysis is done by an app called Home IQ. Home IQ also lets you know about your home efficiency and weather impact.
Nest on the other hand records data for a period of 10 days. There is no in-depth analysis of any kind and it only lets you know when the system was on and off. It also provides a summary of the monthly energy use via email. Comparing the two, the analysis and data provided by ecobee are much superior.
8. Remote Sensors
Remote sensors help the Thermostat to obtain temperatures from anywhere in the house. This is helpful considering the fact that the temperature of the room with the Thermostat might be different from your room. Both Nest and Ecobee have remote sensors of their own. However, the Nest sensor only has temperature sensing capability while the sensor from Ecobee also supports occupancy sensing in addition to temperature.
Final Words:
We hope you enjoyed this guide on the differences between Ecobee and Nest. The Nest Thermostat is more stylish and has a better design while the Ecobee comes with more features. If you are someone who uses voice controls a lot, we would recommend the Ecobee. Else, there is not much to separate the two.
