REASONS TO BUY
Great display
Top-notch customer support
Easy install
REASONS TO AVOID
Interface shows finger smudges
So-so accuracy
Some scheduling limitations
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced Review
This modern thermostat has smart features and a sleek interface, though it struggles to maintain accurate temperature settings and is a bit overpriced
Credit: Ecobee
RELATED: Best Thermostat
Our Verdict
The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced is a high-performing smart thermostat that is easy to install and use. However, one can get a lot more performance, better remote access, and greater temperature setting accuracy for a bit more money. Check out our comprehensive thermostat review to see the test results of our entire lineup.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  | |  | ||
| Price | $190 List $189.99 at Amazon | $170 List $144.99 at Amazon | $55 List $49.49 at Amazon | $80 List $79.99 at Amazon | $25 List $20.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Great display, top-notch customer support, easy install | Large screen, easy to see at night, simple remote access app | Large screen, easy to read, straightforward programming | App-guided installation, easy scheduling, event settings | Simple design, great customer service |
| Cons | Interface shows finger smudges, so-so accuracy, some scheduling limitations | No backup battery, some feature limitations on app | Poor customer support, nightlight button not illuminated | Difficult visibility in bright light | No backlight, no scheduling, small display screen |
| Bottom Line | This modern thermostat has smart features and a sleek interface, though it struggles to maintain accurate temperature settings and is a bit overpriced | A well-designed, highly-customizable smart thermostat with an easy-to-read screen and lots of features | A low-cost, high-performance digital thermostat that is accurate, easy to set up, and program but lacks WiFi and a remote access app | A decent quality, cost-effective, smart thermostat that is easy to operate and integrates with Alexa-connected smart devices | This simplistic model lacks higher-order programming and remote access, but it's accurate and economic |
| Rating Categories | Ecobee Smart Enhanced | Honeywell WiFi Smar... | Orbit Clear Comfort | Amazon Smart Thermo... | Emerson NP110 |
| Ease of Use (40%) | |||||
| Install & Support (30%) | |||||
| Remote Access (20%) | |||||
| Accuracy (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Ecobee Smart Enhanced | Honeywell WiFi Smar... | Orbit Clear Comfort | Amazon Smart Thermo... | Emerson NP110 |
| Colors | Black screen, white base | Grey, white | White | White | White |
| Battery Backup | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Learning/ Adaptive Controls | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Dimensions | Length: 4.09 in Width: 4.09 in Depth: .94 in |
Length: 3.5 in Width: 4.5 in Depth: .88 in |
Length: 5.3 in Width: 3.25 in Depth: 1.3 in |
Length: 3.5 in Width: 3.5 in Depth: .84 in |
Length: 6 in Width: 4 in Depth: 1.5 in |
| Works Directly with Alexa/Amazon Echo | Yes | Yes/Hey Google | No | Yes | No |
| Works with Apple HomeKit | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Model # | EB-STATE6L-01 | RTH9585WF1004/U | 83521 | S6ED3R | NP110 |
Show full specification detailsHide full specification details
Our Analysis and Test Results
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
The Ecobee will even show you the weekly forecast.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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.
With the Ecobee you can conveniently calibrate the temperature for when you're away.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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.
The installation of the Ecobee is a breeze due to its no-tool-necessary wire ports and a built-in level.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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.
The Ecobee app gives users access to the thermostat controls and the weather outside the home.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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.
The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced offers users ease of use, remote access, set up and support, but suffers in accuracy.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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.
—
Nick Miley, Matt Spencer, and Austin Palmer
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