ecobee and Nest are two of the most popular smart thermostats around. It is essential to know what sets them apart when making a purchase.
By reviewing setup and installation, style, learning capabilities, smartphone app, and price, we break down the similarities and differences between these devices.
ecobee vs Nest? Let's dive right in!
ecobee vs Nest Head to Head
Ecobee 4 Smart Thermostat
With a built-in Alexa speaker, the device allows you to position the multi-purpose sensors in every room of your house for the convenience of controlling the temperature around you.
Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation
This model has the ability to program itself, which helps you save energy whenever you are not around. You can also control this smart thermostat from any location.
The Nest Learning Thermostat's sleek design with its sharp display is an attractive feature to add to any home.
Pros
- Well-balanced, built-in speakers.
- Dual-band Wi-Fi.
- Built-in Alexa.
Cons
- No Siri support.
Pros
- Improved learning capabilities.
- Saves energy with the auto-away feature.
- Large, sharp display.
Cons
- Does not have a touchscreen.
Installation
Compatibility is crucial when it comes to installing your smart thermostat.
Nest and ecobee thermostats are designed for HVAC systems with low voltage thermostats. They are incompatible with high voltage/line voltage systems. You can check their respective websites to help you figure out compatibility between your thermostat and your HVAC system.
C-Wire
The ecobee thermostat requires a C-wire for installation. Your purchase comes with a Power Extender Kit (PEK) included. If you already have a C-wire in your HVAC system, this might be the most straightforward thermostat to get. The C-wire present in new HVAC systems ensures there is a constant power flow to your thermostat.
The Nest thermostat works with most 24-volt systems and can be installed without a C-wire in 90% of the cases.
The Nest supports whole-home humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and dual-fuel systems. However, a professional should be in charge of installation in these cases to make sure it's smooth sailing.
Smartphone App
Both ecobee and Nest thermostats come with apps helping out in the installation process. They can be installed on iOS and Android devices and they will walk you through installation guidelines.
Style, Design & Price
Although Nest beats most smart thermostats on the market when it comes to design, ecobee’s elegant look is a very close contender. The smart device comes with a vivid touchscreen with a crisp, glass finish. Unfortunately, the Nest thermostat doesn't feature a touchscreen.
The Nest is considered to be the best-designed thermostat that looks great on most wall decorations. The beautiful device with steel components remains unique with its modern round look. Additionally, Nest smart thermostat comes with a high-resolution glass display.
You can opt for stainless steel or polished steel finish. You can also choose between black, black mirror, white, copper, and black options.
Price
Both the Nest and ecobee thermostats are relatively expensive compared to digital programmable thermostats or simpler smart thermostats (such as the Honeywell T9). You might find them worth the price if you consider their great smart functionality, ease of use, and their integration with your smart home ecosystem.
Programming and Learning Capabilities
ecobee comes with a traditional scheduling system. This lets you set your system to do exactly what you want. You can set the temperatures for home, away, and sleeping mode throughout the week. The ecobee also has amazing energy-reporting features.
The ecobee app or the web console are the only things you need to set your device up. You can program all of your schedules and the thermostat will keep track of all the changes you make.
Learning Algorithm
The Nest thermostat comes with advanced scheduling features. The device can learn your schedules and routines automatically and set temperatures for you. This will make a difference for anyone with a busy schedule.
Moreover, if you adjust the temperature at any given time on the Nest dial, the thermostat will record that intervention and dynamically adjust future schedules to fit your needs to a T.
Smart Features & Integrations
When it comes to voice control, the ecobee is compatible with Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant so you will be able to integrate it easily into most home automation networks.
To make things easier, the ecobee has a built-in Alexa speaker, so it comes with support for voice commands out of the box.
The Nest, on the other hand, only works with Google Assistant and Alexa. Therefore, you may be at a disadvantage if you use Siri as there is no native support.
Geofencing
Nest beats ecobee when it comes to geofencing. The device contains native geofencing using the location of multiple phones. It also works well with other Nest devices.
The ecobee thermostat supports geofencing for only one phone, but you do have the option of expanding that support through third-party solutions if necessary.
Sensors
Both thermostats have room sensors built-in, but while the Nest can only monitor temperature, the ecobee can additionally record motion.
Technical Comparison (ecobee vs Nest)
| ecobee4 Smart Thermostat | Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation | |
| Part Number | ecobee4 | T3016US |
| Color | Black | Stainless Steel |
| Item Weight | 1.72 pounds | 1 pound |
| WiFi | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Mode | No | Yes |
| HVAC compatibility | High | High |
| Geofencing | Supports only one phone | Supports multiple phones |
| Algorithmic learning | No | Yes |
| In-built voice control | Yes | No |
| Amazon Alexa | Yes | Yes |
| Google assistant | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Homekit | Yes | No |
| Batteries required | No | No |
| Battery type | Internal battery | Internal battery |
The Verdict
Both devices have impressive feature sets, they both look the part, and would be a welcome addition to any home.
For advanced reporting and a built-in Alexa speaker, the ecobee may be the choice for you. Or if you like the thoughts of the self-learning functionality of the Nest, then that is a worthy choice.
Over to you!
Ecobee 4 Smart Thermostat
With a built-in Alexa speaker, the device allows you to position the multi-purpose sensors in every room of your house for the convenience of controlling the temperature around you.
Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation
This model has the ability to program itself, which helps you save energy whenever you are not around. You can also control this smart thermostat from any location.
The Nest Learning Thermostat's sleek design with its sharp display is an attractive feature to add to any home.