Ecobee vs. Ecobee Lite | Comparison, Featues, Pros & Cons

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The Canadian manufacturer of smart thermostats, sensors and light switches as well as cameras has set new standards with the various thermostats of the Ecobee* and Ecobee Lite* series. The thermostats are operated via a touchscreen, can be controlled via a web portal, and there are even apps for iOS, Android and the Apple Watch. However, this does not apply to all thermostats. 

Interestingly, Ecobee’s thermostats and cameras serve as a hub for other smart devices. The manufacturer’s light switches and cameras, on the other hand, do not offer a hub function.

Ecobee was founded in 2007 and has since won several awards. In 2011, there was the AHR Expo Innovation Award in the building automation category, and the Deloitte Technology Green 15 award for Canadian green technology companies was added.

The manufacturer’s smart thermostats are particularly interesting. Ecobee launched the world’s first smart thermostat in 2008. Since then, the products have been constantly improved, new functions were added, the devices were adapted to the requirements of the market in terms of compatibility. The flagship Ecobee smart thermostat was launched in June 2019. But the Ecobee3 Lite, of course, has not disappeared because of this. The device is considered less costly, but in return it does not communicate with Alexa. 

In a nutshell: 

If you don’t want to spend too much money and don’t necessarily need the very latest technology that the home automation market has to offer, the Ecobee 3 Lite is the best choice. Otherwise, the Ecobee SmartThermostat offers a lot more features and therefore the best price-performance ratio.

Ecobee SmartThermostat – Pros & Cons

Ecobee 3 Lite – Pros & Cons

What is an Ecobee?

All Ecobee thermostats are equipped with a touch screen and are able to work with up to 32 external sensors. This allows them to adjust the temperature accordingly anywhere in the apartment or house. The Ecobee SmartThermostat* (= Ecobee 5) also supports Amazon’s Alexa.

Already since the Ecobee 3, you can create different programs for the different activities of the day in the thermostat. The controlled rooms are then always tempered according to the program. For example, “Home”, “Not at home” and “Sleep” are preset. 

You use these presets to set your own preferences – or you add your own profiles. It is also possible to use the motion sensors: Whenever no movement is detected, the “Not at home” program automatically turns on. There is even a vacation mode, so you can use the “Not at home” setting for specified periods of time by date.

In addition to the temperature settings, you can set reminders on all devices:

• for maintenance
• for filter replacement
• for the replacement of the UV lamps

Different alarms for high/low temperatures and humidity you also use. And since the Ecobee 3, all thermostats come with a sensor for temperature and motion in the set. An exception is the Ecobee Lite, where the sensor is not included. These are first of all the common features of the devices since the Ecobee 3, which was already launched on the market in 2015. But what do the individual devices look like in detail?

Ecobee Devices – List

Ecobee Smart:

• announced for October 2008
• 5.5 by 3.2 by 1 inch
• Room sensors connected by cable

Ecobee Smart Si:

• announced for January 2012
• 5.5 by 3.2 by 1 inch
• Room sensors connected by cable

Ecobee 3, first generation:

• announced for September 2014
• 3.9 by 3.9 by 0.9 inch
• Maximum 32 peripheral devices, wireless

Ecobee 3, second generation:

• announced for June 2015
• 4 by 4 by 0.9 inch
• Maximum 32 peripheral devices, wireless

Ecobee 3 Lite*:

• announced for October 2016
• 4 by 4 by 0.8 inch
• Maximum 32 peripheral devices, wireless

Ecobee 4:

• announced for May 2017
• 4.29 by 4.29 by 1.03 inches
• Maximum 32 peripheral devices, wireless

Ecobee SmartThermostat with VoiceControl*:

• announced for June 2019
• 4.29 by 4.29 by 1 inch
• Maximum 32 peripheral devices, wireless

The Eco+ has been shipping since 2019 and allows the individualization of the thermostats in the smart home. Additionally, the Smart Light Switch+ was announced in May 2017 and launched in May 2018. The Smart Light Switch+ has a built-in microphone including Amazon Alexa, motion and daylight sensors. The Ecobee SmartCamera was launched in April 2020 and also features Amazon Alexa support. The camera shows a 180-degree view of the room in 1080p video and can be used for two-way communication. Even night vision is possible. At the same time, the Canadian manufacturer released the SmartSensor, which connects wirelessly to the thermostat or camera.

Ecobee Compatibility

Ecobee devices do not stand alone but can be used with many different systems. They can be integrated with:

• Cortana from Microsoft
• Amazon Alexa
• Apple HomeKit
• Google Assitant
• Samsung SmartThings
• Wink
• IFTTT
• Logitech Harmony
• Control4
• … and many more.

The Ecobee SmartThermostat* and Ecobee 3 Lite* devices are extremely widely used, so a comparison between them makes the most sense.

The Ecobee 3 Lite supports most of the functions that the latest thermostat also offers. True, the focus of smart thermostats is basically temperature control. But they can all do that. The differences lie in the numerous additional functions that they bring with them and which should make your life more comfortable.

Ecobee vs. Ecobee Lite: Features

Before we compare the Ecobee SmartThermostat and the Ecobee 3 Lite in detail, a word about the value of this comparison. There is no better or worse device in the strict sense. Because it always depends on what exactly you need for your home automation. 

While some people are better off with the more expensive Ecobee SmartThermostat, other people find the Ecobee 3 Lite the perfect solution. We can’t tell you which device is better for you. Only you know what you need and what the rest of your home automation looks like. 

We can only compare the facts as objectively as possible. That is why we do not have a test winner or comparison winner, but only two top devices.

Voice Control

The Ecobee SmartThermostat is equipped with voice control and is marketed as an industry-leading product. Amazon Alexa is integrated as standard. So you can voice control the temperature through the thermostat and not have to set anything. After the more recent updates in 2021, Apple’s Siri is also integrated, so Apple’s HomeKit can now be used voice-controlled.

However, you will only find this feature on the Ecobee SmartThermostat, not on the Ecobee 3 Lite. The Ecobee 3 Lite is compatible with Alexa and Siri. However, the voice assistants are not integrated into the thermostat. So you need to program the Ecobee 3 Lite into the parent smart home system. Otherwise, the voice control will not work. 

Once you’ve done that and set up voice control, you can also integrate the Ecobee 3 Lite with any other Alexa-controlled device. You can then use it to make calls, answer texts or listen to music. Ecobee SmartThermostat already has these functions set up, so you don’t have to program them.

So when it comes to voice control, the Ecobee 3 Lite has the features you need, just like the Ecobee SmartThermostat. But it’s a bit more of a hassle to actually use them on the Ecobee 3 Lite.

Versatility

All Ecobee thermostats can be perfectly combined with all common smart home ecosystems. All necessary functions are integrated in the devices, and this even applies to the Lite version. However, with the Ecobee 3 Lite, it must be noted that the device must first be appropriately programmed. 

With the appropriate settings, the thermostat can be used in all smart ecosystems. This is not a big problem, because the device can be easily synchronized. But it does take a bit of work. With the Ecobee SmartThermostat, on the other hand, the plug-and-play function ensures that it simply starts working in any ecosystem without further programming. This is much more convenient.

Temperature Control

With both the Ecobee SmartThermostat and the Ecobee 3 Lite, you control the temperature either where the thermostat is installed or via the app. The Ecobee app is available for both devices. And of course, you can also use voice control for both devices.

If the temperature suddenly rises or falls, both thermostats automatically adjust the temperature control. Especially in winter, when there are sometimes unforeseen, spontaneous cold snaps, this function is important. It prevents pipes from freezing.

The Ecobee 3 Lite thermostat as well as the Ecobee SmartThermostat record the temperature and allow close monitoring. The two devices are equivalent in this regard, there are no differences. Nevertheless, the Ecobee SmartThermostat is easier to use in terms of temperature control due to the simpler voice control.

Motion Sensors

Unlike the low-cost Ecobee 3 Lite, the Ecobee SmartThermostat comes with a built-in motion sensor. This allows the thermostat to independently determine whether you are at home or not. If the motion sensor detects no movement, the device assumes absence. The temperature is then adjusted to achieve maximum energy efficiency.

Important: This function can only develop its maximum benefit if you place the thermostat cleverly. Ideally, install it in a place that is always frequented when someone is at home. The main living room of the apartment is ideal for this. If you hang the thermostat in a rarely used broom closet, the apartment will remain cold. Without constant motion detection, the device assumes that no one is at home.

For larger apartments and rooms that are used only sporadically, additional motion sensors are a good solution. Then the rooms used in each case can be heated individually, which increases the energy efficiency of the house. The additional devices can of course also be used with the Ecobee 3 Lite. 

However, the inexpensive thermostat comes without a built-in motion sensor. Programming the additional devices is unproblematic and quickly done – but there is also some additional effort involved.

What makes the Ecobee 3 Lite attractive is the built-in vacation mode. So you can easily tell the device directly or via the app in which period you are not at home. The temperature in the house is adjusted accordingly.

Design

Both the Ecobee 3 Lite and the Ecobee SmartThermostat are sleek devices that come in a simple black color. This makes them suitable for almost any interior style, blending seamlessly with the interior. Both devices are equipped with a touch screen, so they are easy to use. At night, a small motion detector provides light when needed, and this also applies to both devices.

The Ecobee 3 Lite, at 4.05 by 4.05 by 1 inches, is slightly smaller than the Ecobee SmartThermostat, at 4.29 by 4.29 by 1 inches. Thus, there is no difference in the appearance of the devices – the design definitely does not help you much in choosing the right device.

Costs

The Ecobee SmartThermostat from Ecobee is significantly more expensive than the Ecobee 3 Lite. However, the initial cost is not the only difference. The Ecobee SmartThermostat allows for the booking of Ecobee Haven. The advanced home security system can be booked for a small monthly fee and uses the built-in sensors of the Ecobee SmartThermostat for security monitoring. 

This is not possible with Ecobee 3 Lite, Ecobee Haven requires more expensive thermostats or additional devices. The smart sensors can be additionally purchased in a cost-effective double pack for both thermostats.

Related Questions

Which Ecobee thermostat is the current model?

In recent years, Ecobee has regularly released new models of the SmartThermostat. At the beginning of 2022, the fourth generation Ecobee SmartThermostat is the current model. In addition, the Ecobee 3 Lite is widely used, because the device is much cheaper with almost identical features and functions. The Ecobee SmartThermostat is still available. Together with the Ecobee 3 Lite, this is Ecobee’s best-selling thermostat.

However, only the Ecobee SmartThermostat has voice control with the latest hardware and software. It is the only device so far to feature Alexa voice control and a new room sensor. A glass cover and an improved processor complete the high-end device.

What about support for the older Ecobee devices like the Ecobee 3 Lite?

Ecobee still supports older devices as well. The Ecobee 3 Lite can be integrated with almost any popular smart home system. The thermostat can be controlled either via touchscreen or via the Ecobee app. You’ll continue to receive updates. You can also continue to rely on support and updates for the other connected devices, such as sensors and cameras, which are not yet integrated into the Ecobee 3 Lite.

What exactly can I do with the Ecobee 3 Lite?

Not all features of the Ecobee SmartThermostat are available on the Ecobee 3 Lite. For example, you will not have voice control if you do not program the thermostat accordingly. Still, the low-cost device gives you full control over your heating and air conditioning. Since the Ecobee 3 Lite can be controlled from your smartphone with the Ecobee app, you can control your home’s climate from anywhere.

Conclusion: Solid Devices from a Rather Inexpensive Third-Party Supplier

The Canadian manufacturer Ecobee offers smart thermostats that work with almost every common smart home system. And it doesn’t matter whether you choose the low-cost Ecobee 3 Lite* or the flagship Ecobee SmartThermostat*. The devices differ, but they don’t differ in functionality. Their core competencies are the same. It’s the trappings that justify the higher price of the Ecobee SmartThermostat. The operation of the Ecobee SmartThermostat is more convenient overall, which is not least due to the thermostat’s plug-and-play function.

If you value high comfort or the motion sensor integrated in the Ecobee SmartThermostat, the more expensive device is probably the better choice for you. But keep in mind: You can always purchase motion sensors from Ecobee and integrate them into your smart home system. This works even if you are using an Ecobee 3 Lite thermostat.

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