Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced Review

The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced offers users a modern touch interface, WiFi connectivity, and remote access. However, our testing reveals that, for just a little more money, consumers can get a thermostat with greater functionality without sacrificing a thing.

Performance Comparison

Ease of Use

In the old days, a thermostat had a single dial or toggle, and that was it—they were all easy to use. Nowadays, the devices are little computers with WiFi connectivity and remote access. As such, ease of use is the most important aspect of our analysis of their functionality. The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced does quite well in this metric with set-up, scheduling, and advanced settings that are easy to access and program. However, scheduling different temperatures for different days can be a bit of a pain. Yet, the time and date are automatically set when connected to WiFi, saving users a few steps.

Install & Support

The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced provides consumers with an easy installation system and excellent customer support. While the unit has a fantastic documentation booklet, it is unnecessary because the easy-to-install app provides set-by-step instructions and pictures to guide one through installation and set-up. Moreover, the installation of the Ecobee only requires a screwdriver—everything else is built in, including a level and press-button wire ports.

Remote Access

A key feature of a smart thermostat is remote access. This feature is great for those who travel regularly or have a second home. While the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced has an easy-to-use app, there were a few aspects of the app design that we did not like. For example, while the current conditions of the thermostat's location are readily visible on the app's home screen, we were forced to refresh the screen to get the reading to update. Aside from that annoying oversite, we were pleased with the app's layout.

Accuracy

The lack of air temperature accuracy is the main shortcoming in the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced's performance. The device was never more than 3.5 degrees Fahrenheit off. However, the other models in the class were more often accurate.

Should You Buy the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced?

The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced scored well above average in our assessment and did particularly well in both the ease of use and install and support assessments. However, this thermostat is also well above average in price. While we think that most consumers would be happy with this device, one can get a much better thermostat for a bit more.

What Other Thermostat Should You Consider?

If you are interested in the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced but don't like some of the deficiencies discussed above, look no further than the Honeywell WiFi Smart Color. This device only costs a bit more, suffers none of the accuracy issues, and has better remote access features and functionality. Similarly, the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium has all the features of the Enhanced with better accuracy and Alexa voice control as well as an AQI sensor. These are all great features for consumers looking for the greatest flexibility in their home air conditioning system.