Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium Review: Transform Your Home's Comfort and Security
The ultimate solution for energy savings, home security, and voice-activated smart home control
Looking for an energy-efficient smart home starter kit for beginners that won't break the bank? The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium might be your perfect entry point into smart home technology. While it's priced at $219.00 (regularly $249.99), this device offers incredible value by combining multiple smart home functions into one sleek package. It's not just a thermostat — it's a comprehensive voice activated smart home hub with impressive energy-saving capabilities that can help you reduce your heating and cooling costs by up to 26% annually.
In this in-depth review, we'll explore how the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium stands out among competitors, why it's worth considering as part of your smart home security system for apartments, and how it integrates perfectly with other devices like wifi doorbell cameras with no subscription and energy saving smart plugs with app control.
Check Price on AmazonKey Features and Benefits
The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium offers significant advantages over traditional thermostats and even other smart thermostats on the market. Here's what makes it stand out:
Impressive Energy Savings
For those searching for the best budget smart thermostat under $100, while the Ecobee Premium is priced higher, its potential savings justify the investment. Users can save up to 26% per year on heating and cooling costs (up to $284 annually), making it pay for itself over time.
- Built-in Air Quality Monitor: Alerts you to poor air quality, provides tips for improvement, and reminds you when it's time to change your furnace's air filter.
- Premium Design: Features a large, vibrant display with intuitive interface, timeless design, and advanced occupancy sensing technology.
- Complete Home Monitoring: Functions as a smart security hub with built-in smoke alarm detection and potential break-in alerts when your system is armed.
- Voice Assistant Integration: Includes a built-in smart speaker with your choice of Siri or Alexa, allowing voice control of your home and media playback.
- Wide Compatibility: Works with most 24VAC HVAC systems including furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, boilers, PTACs, and fan coil units.
- Open Window/Door Detection: Automatically pauses heating or cooling if a window or door is left open for 5 minutes, saving energy.
- SmartSensor Included: The package comes with an additional sensor to place in another room, helping eliminate hot and cold spots by detecting which rooms are occupied.
Real-Life Use Cases: Perfect for Various Home Setups
Ideal for Elderly Users: A Voice-Activated Hub for Comfort
For elderly family members who might struggle with small buttons or complex interfaces, the Ecobee Premium acts as an excellent voice activated smart home hub for elderly individuals. The large, clear display is easy to read, and the built-in voice assistant means seniors can control their home's temperature by simply speaking commands like "Alexa, set temperature to 72 degrees" or "Hey Siri, I'm feeling cold."
Apartment Security Enhancement
For renters looking to boost security without permanent installations, the Ecobee serves as part of a flexible smart home security system for apartments. When paired with compatible door and window sensors, it can detect when entry points are open and send notifications to your smartphone. It also works seamlessly with many wifi doorbell cameras with no subscription, allowing you to see who's at your door right on your thermostat display.
Energy Efficiency for Budget-Conscious Homeowners
The Ecobee's ability to intelligently adjust temperatures based on occupancy makes it perfect for energy-conscious households. When paired with energy saving smart plugs with app control, you can create a comprehensive energy management system that reduces waste and lowers utility bills substantially.
Starter Solution for Smart Home Beginners
If you're just dipping your toes into home automation, the Ecobee Premium is an excellent smart home starter kit for beginners. Its intuitive setup process and comprehensive mobile app make it easy to start experiencing the benefits of smart home technology without feeling overwhelmed.
How Does It Compare? Ecobee Premium vs. Competitors
When shopping for a best budget smart thermostat under $100, you might consider less expensive options. However, comparing the Ecobee Premium to other thermostats reveals why many users find the additional investment worthwhile:
| Feature | Ecobee Premium | Nest Learning | Budget Options Under $100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Quality Monitoring | Yes, built-in | No (requires separate sensor) | No |
| Room Sensors Included | Yes, 1 SmartSensor | No (sold separately) | No |
| Built-in Voice Assistant | Yes (Alexa or Siri) | No | No |
| Security Features | Extensive (smoke detection, occupancy sensing) | Basic | None or very limited |
| Average Annual Energy Savings | Up to 26% ($284) | 10-12% heating, 15% cooling | 5-10% estimated |
While budget options below $100 exist, they typically lack the additional smart home functionality, accurate temperature management with multiple sensors, and advanced energy-saving features that make the Ecobee Premium stand out.
What Customers Are Saying
The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from users across multiple review platforms:
"Ecobee is super smart, and super powerful, albeit with a learning curve. Took me a couple days to set everything up to optimum for our home."
- John's Tech Blog
"Overall I'd go with ecobee as they give you optionally more control and configurations. Then you can lock out any features you don't want tampered with."
- Reddit user in r/smarthome
"The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium kept the temperature more consistently pleasant year-round than any other model we tested."
- Wirecutter Review
Pros and Cons: An Honest Assessment
Pros
- Significant energy savings (up to 26% annually)
- Built-in air quality monitoring
- Includes SmartSensor for better temperature balance
- Integrated voice assistant (Alexa or Siri)
- Sleek, premium design with large display
- Home security features built-in
- No subscription required for basic functionality
- Compatible with most HVAC systems
- Open window/door detection
- Works with other smart home devices
Cons
- Higher initial cost than budget options under $100
- Steeper learning curve for some features
- Full security features require additional subscription
- Requires C-wire or Power Extender Kit
- Some advanced features need additional sensors
- Apple home hub required for Siri functionality
Ready to Transform Your Home's Comfort and Security?
The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium offers exceptional value with its combination of energy savings, comfort management, and smart home capabilities. Start saving on energy costs while enjoying advanced features today!
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium qualify as a best budget smart thermostat under $100?
While the Ecobee Premium is priced above $100 (currently $219), its potential energy savings of up to $284 annually means it can pay for itself within the first year. If you're looking for a true budget option under $100, consider the Ecobee Thermostat Essential or explore options like the Amazon Smart Thermostat, but be aware they offer fewer features and potentially lower energy savings.
How does the Ecobee Premium work as a voice activated smart home hub for elderly users?
The Ecobee Premium is ideal for elderly users because of its large, clear display and built-in voice assistants. Seniors can control their home temperature simply by saying commands like "Alexa, I'm feeling cold" or "Hey Siri, set temperature to 75 degrees." The included room sensors also ensure comfort in the most used rooms without having to manually adjust settings.
Can the Ecobee Premium integrate with wifi doorbell cameras with no subscription?
Yes, the Ecobee Premium can integrate with several doorbell camera systems, including the ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera. It can display live feeds from compatible doorbell cameras directly on the thermostat screen. Many of these camera systems offer basic functionality without requiring monthly subscriptions, though premium features may require additional plans.
Is the Ecobee Premium suitable as part of a smart home security system for apartments?
The Ecobee Premium works excellently in apartments as it offers portable security features that don't require permanent installation. Its built-in occupancy detection, smoke alarm recognition, and ability to integrate with door/window sensors make it an ideal component of a renter-friendly security system. When paired with the ecobee Smart Security subscription, it provides comprehensive monitoring without requiring professional installation.
How does the Ecobee Premium work with energy saving smart plugs with app control?
The Ecobee Premium can integrate with various energy-saving smart plugs through platforms like Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant. This allows you to create automated routines—for example, when the thermostat detects you've left home, it can trigger smart plugs to turn off energy-consuming devices. The ecobee app provides energy consumption reports that help you identify additional opportunities for savings when used alongside smart plug data.
Conclusion: The Smart Investment for Home Comfort and Energy Savings
The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium represents a significant advancement in home climate control technology. While it may not be the cheapest option upfront, its combination of premium features, significant energy savings, and versatility as a smart home hub make it an excellent long-term investment.
For those seeking the best budget smart thermostat under $100, it's worth considering stretching your budget for the Ecobee Premium, as the potential energy savings of up to 26% annually can quickly offset the initial cost difference. Its integration capabilities with wifi doorbell cameras with no subscription and function as part of a smart home security system for apartments add even more value.
Whether you're building a smart home starter kit for beginners or looking to enhance your home's energy efficiency with energy saving smart plugs with app control, the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium serves as an excellent foundation for your smart home ecosystem.
Check Price on Amazon and Start Saving Today!Quick Specs
- Brand: ecobee
- Model: Smart Thermostat Premium
- Dimensions: 2.9"D x 4.09"W x 4.09"H
- Compatibility: Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, iOS, Android
- Special Features: Wired Smart Thermostat, Siri, Amazon Alexa, Air Quality Monitor
- Energy Savings: Up to 26% annually
- Price: $219.00 (12% off $249.99)
Why Choose Ecobee Premium?
Save up to $284 annually on energy costs
Monitor and improve your home's air quality
Voice control with Alexa or Siri built-in
Home security features included
Perfect smart home starter device