Ecobee3 vs Ecobee4 vs Nest 3 - Pros, Cons & Comparison Table

Author
Recent Posts

Gained early experience with automation technology in the private and industrial sector, can turn his living room into a movie theater with one voice command and is the owner of this website. He is happy to share his accumulated experience with every new article.

Name	Ecobee4	Nest 3	Ecobee3
Image	*	*	*
Dimensions	4.29'' x 4.29'' x 1.0''	3.3'' x 3.3'' x 1.21''	3.9'' x 3.9'' x 0.9''
Display Size	3.5''	3.5''	2.08''
Resolution	320x480	480x480	320x480
Touchscreen	Yes	No	Yes
Wifi	2.4 GHz b/g/n	2.4GHz, 5GHz b/g/n	2.4 GHz b/g/n
Room Sensors	1 included	Sold separately	Sold separately
Temperature Sensors	Yes	Yes	Yes
Motion Sensors	Yes	Yes	Yes
Humidity Sensors	Yes	Yes	Yes
Proximity Sensors	Yes	Yes	Yes
Light Sensors	No	Yes	No
Voice Control	Yes: built-in Alexa	Yes: with separate devices	Yes: with separate devices
Monthly Reports	Yes	Yes	Yes
Weather	Yes	Yes	Yes
Price	Check Price*	Check Price*	Check Price*

What is a Smart Thermostat?

Smart thermostats are a modern technology that lets you control your home’s air conditioning from a tablet, smartphone or PC to get the optimum temperature. These thermostats represent the latest and the best type of heating and cooling technology for houses. Smart thermostats are designed so that it is easy to regulate the temperature in the house even during your absence. This includes intuitive programs to adapt the climate in the house to temporary and individual requirements.

A smart thermostat with three basic components gives you more efficient, user-friendly and simple control of your home’s heating. The first component connects directly to your heating system and can communicate wirelessly with the second component. The second component is the smart thermostat and the main control. The third component is an app for any electronic communication device. You can remotely control the thermostat master controller via the app and set your heating or cooling temperatures from anywhere.

But before you buy anything, we have to clarify a few things.

First, find out if your thermostat needs a C-wire. Since some older air conditioning systems use high voltage, but Wi-Fi thermostats require a low voltage, they are not compatible with smart thermostats. If you buy a smart thermostat, make sure that your house has a C-wire or that the thermostat is supplied with an adapter. I’ll show you the best three smart thermostats on the market today.

Ecobee4 vs. Ecobee3 vs. NEST – Pros & Cons

When it comes to smart thermostats, there’s only a handful to choose from, but the best are Ecobee3, Ecobee4 and Nest. Each of these three is unique in its own way. Before we discuss their similarities and differences, here is an overview.

All three thermostats cost between 150 and 250 bucks. However, the price has nothing to do with their functionality. The three products are based on different concepts and ideas. The thermostats learn over time and adapt gradually. It takes about a month for this process to end. With further manual fine-tuning, the thermostats will continue to learn and advance the automation process. Let’s take a look at each one.

Ecobee3

Check Price:

AMAZON*

The smart WLAN device Ecobee3* offers you the highest functionality and an exceptional level of automation. It is best if the device is fixed and adjusted at a suitable temperature. Of course, the Ecobee3 does this work independently, it simply interprets the request and automatically changes the temperature with the correct settings. The Ecobee3 can control the temperature in every single part of the house with sufficiently placed sensors.

Ecobee3 Features

The room sensor* of the Ecobee3 is an addition to the thermostat. With the help of this exclusive unit, you can use the information about the temperature and atmosphere in each individual room. The device records the various parameters, monitors the temperature and humidity of each individual room and its surroundings. With these functions, the thermostat is controlled to ensure the correct temperature in the house according to the desired need.

Problems may occur when setting the temperature of a device. But the user-friendly Ecobee3 makes temperature control simple and convenient.

With the help of sensors, Ecobee3 recognizes your location in the house. You can place the sensors and adjust the temperature for the whole house based on the average temperature and your movement. You can also select the sensors independently of your movement.

The Ecobee3 helps you to keep the room temperature comfortable. This happens to the information that the device collects and analyzes with the help of the Wifi in the house.

If you have a humidifier, you can use the Ecobee3 to prevent frost from accumulating on the windows, thus helping to stabilize the humidity in the house.

Ecobee3 provides you with continuous information so that you can control all functions at any time and you get a warning message if a malfunction occurs.

Ecobee3 Design

Ecobee3 is an unmistakable product that gives a sense of individuality to the relatively saturated wireless thermostat market. Most thermostats are shaped like a hockey puck. The Ecobee3 differs from its competitors because it is supplied in a stylish form. The device is housed in a black square bowl with rounded corners.

The wireless thermostat is only 25 millimeters thick. The physical housing of the device is complemented by a touch-sensitive 3.5-inch screen. Behind the unit, there is a white panel with eleven connections for heat pumps, air conditioners, cooling, heating, and accessories. The Ecobee3 is compatible with most single and two-stage air conditioning systems currently on the market.

Pros:

Remote sensors can be used to monitor the temperature of multiple rooms.
Very energy efficient, can save up to 25% of energy costs.
App and web portal are easy to use and highly functional.
The thermostat screen is very clear and reacts to touching.
All connection possibilities of this thermostat are very reliable.
The setting of the thermostat unit is very variable.

Cons:

Difficult installation.
Some functions are difficult to set.
The thermostat has no light or motion sensors.

👉 Check Price*

Ecobee4

Check Price:

AMAZON*

Ecobee4* is the latest and more advanced version of the two Ecobee models, offering a more practical approach and relying on sensor and touch screen instead of the app. But the device is also the most expensive.

Ecobee4 Features

Alexa users can talk to their Ecobee4 to adjust the temperature, set a timer or read the messages. This thermostat is equipped with far-field voice technology that allows the device to understand user instructions from anywhere in the room.

The Home Kit is extensive. You can remotely control all the smart things in your house with your smartphone. It is equipped with a touch screen that recognizes the prevailing house climate variables.

The Ecobee4 is equipped with room sensors to better manage cold and warm areas. This ensures that comfort is guaranteed at all times in all parts of the room.

It is designed to be very easy to use. The instructions are very easy to understand and implemented. You can adjust temperatures and comfort settings from virtually anywhere with your smartphone or other mobile devices. The device also works with home kits from Samsung, Apple, and others.

Compared to other thermostats, Ecobee4 saves an average of 23% of annual costs.

Geofencing is another feature. When you arrive or leave home, it can set different scenarios and adjust the thermostat accordingly.

Ecobee4 Design

It has an exquisite design. Although it has the same features as the Ecobee3, Ecobee4 has a slimmer design. The design is characterized by a beautiful blue line at the top, which serves as a portal between you and Alexa. The Ecobee4’s design can’t compete with Nest’s beautiful iPod-inspired thermostat, but it dominates every other category. The touch screen display is easy to operate and reacts quickly. Instead of Nest’s predictive algorithm, the Ecobee4 relies on a sensor.

The sensor is equipped with temperature, motion and proximity detection and can distinguish whether someone is at home or on the road. It is also a nice accessory for monitoring rooms with hot or cold spots. Optically Ecobee4 has a beautiful touch screen that shows the mode, the humidity in the rooms, the current temperature, other settings, updates and warnings. Compared to Ecobee3, the touchscreen is much more responsive and works easier.

Pros:

Very flexible heating and cooling options.
Display of the outside temperature on the thermostat.
Can send you an SMS or email if your house is above or below certain temperatures or humidity levels.
You can keep statistics and create reports.

Cons:

Longer installation process.
Only one sensor supplied in the box.
Low screen resolution.

👉 Check Price*

Nest 3

Check Price:

AMAZON*

The device that popularised the first smart thermostats is still at the top of the range. Nest Labs introduced the first smart thermostat in 2011. The Nest thermostat* offers a compelling combination of ease of use, sophisticated design, easy-to-use functions and an automatic energy saving function. It is an expensive, high-quality part of the kit and looks good. Nest has the skills and the design to consider your usage and activities and to adjust the temperature levels over and over again. This is where its energy-saving properties come into play. Thanks to its ability to react to changing conditions, you can still enjoy pleasant temperatures when needed.

Nest 3 Features

The Nest thermostat has a specially developed function for automatic planning. For example, the programmable thermostat adapts to the way you live and work and helps to save energy and thus reduce electricity bills. Within a few days, this smart device understands the temperature conditions you want and, after just one week of observation, keeps the house in the same conditions.

With the Presence function, the Nest unit learns to recognise whether you are within a certain radius, in which case it switches on the display to show you time, temperature and weather. In this way, the thermostat of the third generation of Nest saves energy and reduces costs.

A personal test function is available in the Nest thermostat unit app to help you keep an eye on everything. In addition, you can use it to read the history of energy consumption.

As a smart and programmable thermostat, the Nest thermostat unit has an admirable function that turns off the unit when no one is present. If you have forgotten to turn off the device, it will automatically do so and help you save energy.

Whenever you set the temperature of the thermostat to change the indoor climate, it is displayed on the screen of the unit. In addition, when you select an energy-saving temperature, a green sheet appears below the temperature indicator to let you know that energy is being saved.

The thermostat’s Wifi function lets you connect to your smartphone, laptop, or tablet. So you can control the temperature from any corner of the house.

Nest 3 Design

Nest thermostats are the best looking smart thermostats. They convince with style and first-class workmanship. The heart is the thermostat itself: an impact-resistant, cylindrical aluminium unit with a super-sharp colour display. The appearance is impeccable and the aluminum housing rotates for menu navigation and manual temperature adjustment with a comfortable clicking motion. In addition, this nest thermostat with its elegant design offers easy operation.

The outer metallic ring of this unit is the user interface that allows you to change the temperature and other settings in your home. The ring can be rotated to change the setting of the device, and by pressing towards the wall you can reach different menus. You can also browse the menu and options. With the help of this simple but clever ring, everything can be easily adjusted.

Pros:

Super industrial design.
Self-learning system.
Intuitive to use and set up.
Exceptionally smart learning.
Excellent software support.

Cons:

It’s expensive.
Offers only two years warranty.

👉 Check Price*

About Ecobee and Nest Thermostats

Originally, Ecobee offered two smart thermostats: the Ecobee3 and the Ecobee3 lite*. However, since May 2017 Ecobee has added another thermostat to its range – the Ecobee4. With this new version Ecobee makes a big step towards a speech controlled Smart Home. The goal is to control your Smart Home not only from your Smartphone, but also from every room in your house by voice.

Although voice control is an important part of smart automation, the technology is still under development and has some safety flaws. Amazon has been working for years on the development of a speech recognition function that enables the speech assistant to distinguish individual users based on their voices. However, this has not yet been published.

Nest doesn’t seem to be tracking any kind of voice control. Rumour has it that the company is working on a more cost-effective version of the Nest Learning thermostat at a significantly lower price. However, it remains to be seen what the lower-cost version can actually do.

Ecobee3 vs. Ecobee4 vs. Nest – The Differences

Difference 1: Built-in Voice Assistant

The Ecobee4 comes with an integrated Alexa voice controller. The Ecobee4 is not only a smart thermostat, but also your personal assistant. Ask Ecobee4 to play your favorite music, add eggs to your shopping cart, or read the latest news – it can do it all.

Both the Ecobee3 and the Nest have no built-in Amazon Alexa but are compatible with the Amazon Voice Assistant. So if you’re looking for voice control for your Ecobee3 or Nest thermostat, all you have to do is buy an Amazon voice controller separately.

Difference 2: Design

Nest has an iPod-inspired design that adds a beautiful touch to any smart home. The round thermostat measures just under 84 by 84 millimeters. It has a nice, bright display with a diagonal of almost 53 millimeters.

The Ecobee4 and the Ecobee3 have a similar design, except that the Ecobee4, with the built-in speaker and the light bar on the top, is slightly larger, 108 by 108 millimeters, while the Ecobee3 measures 100 by 100 millimeters.

Difference 3: Hardware Options

For your Nest thermostat, you can choose between several colour options. Nest offers thermostats in copper, stainless steel, black and white. Ecobee3 and Ecobee4 have no color variations available. they are only available in black.

Difference 4: Bluetooth-low energy

Nest supports Bluetooth Low Energy, a short-range wireless signal. This technology enables less battery power to be consumed and high data rates to be achieved at the same time. Ecobee3 and Ecobee4 do not support Bluetooth Low Energy.

Difference 5: Sensors

Normally, thermostats measure the temperature at the place of installation. This approach usually results in some rooms becoming cooler or warmer. That’s why Ecobee3 and Ecobee4 come with room sensors that help the Ecobee thermostat keep the temperature even in all your rooms. The Ecobee sensors measure temperature, humidity, presence and proximity. With the Ecobee sensors, you can adjust the temperature in all rooms.

The sensors are also designed to detect movements. So if you’re at home while the absence mode is on, the Ecobee thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature.

You can combine up to 32 sensors with one Ecobee thermostat. Both Ecobee3 and Ecobee4 come with one sensor each, but you can buy the Ecobee room sensors separately. And, if you have a big house, look for an Ecobee package with additional sensors.

The Nest thermostat has no sensors to report temperatures from other rooms.

Difference 6: Power

If your current thermostat configuration uses a C wire, congratulations! Then you can skip this section because Nest, Ecobee3 and Ecobee4 are all powered via C-cables.

The C-wire enables continuous current flow to the thermostat. The Nest thermostat claims to work without C-wire. But without the C-wire, the nest gets its energy from your heating or cooling system – provided it runs. If it doesn’t run, the nest still needs power. That’s why it turns on your heater just to keep itself going. In some systems, this is not noticeable, but in others, the heater reacts as if prompted to turn on and then off immediately.

Nest without C-wire: With the rechargeable lithium-ion battery, your nest thermostat will continue to function for some time before it is switched off, even in the event of a power failure, to prevent the battery from being completely drained. If the device is switched off for an extended period of time, the Nest thermostat must charge its battery before being switched on again. Charging may take up to three hours. Note that there are cases where Nest needs a C-wire to function properly. You should read Nest’s guide to this. There were some problems with battery failures and even heating setups that caused boiler reactions by pulsing the heat wire.

Ecobee without C-wire: As for Ecobee, Ecobee3 and Ecobee4 include a Power Extender Kit. This allows you to operate your Ecobee thermostat without a C cable while protecting you from failures. For more information on which cables are required for Ecobee’s Power Extender Kit, refer to the compatibility section of the manual.

Difference 7: Voice control

Since Ecobee4 has a built-in Alexa Voice Service, it also has a built-in microphone and speaker. This smart thermostat can listen to you and react.

Ecobee3 and Nest do not support voice and audio functions.

Difference 8: Warranty

Nest offers a two-year limited warranty.

Ecobee3 and Ecobee4, on the other hand, offer a three-year warranty.

Difference 9: Compatibility

This difference could be decisive. Ecobee works with Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Google Home, Wink, IFTTTT and others.

Nest works only with Alexa, Google Home, Wink and IFTTT. Nest does not officially support SmartThings integration, but you can still use a custom integration created by a developer in the SmartThings developer community. Note, however, that the integration violates the terms of use of Nest.

Difference 10: Environment Learning

There is a reason why the Nest Learning thermostat is called a learning thermostat. It was designed to create an automatic schedule based on your habits. Nest records the temperature you set at different times of the day and week to finally create an automatic schedule for you. Nest also helps you save energy by recommending energy-saving thermostat settings.

Ecobee3 and Ecobee4 are not learning thermostats. Thanks to their room sensors, however, Ecobee thermostats can always set a comfortable temperature level for you and save energy depending on the room occupancy. You’ll also receive monthly reports on how much energy you’ve saved and recommendations on how to save even more.

Ecobee3 vs. Ecobee4 vs. Nest – The conclusion

The choice between Ecobee3, Ecobee4 and Nest is based on two questions:

Do you need Amazon Voice Control in your home?

What other smart appliances are you planning to connect to the thermostat?

If you already have the Ecobee3 and want to upgrade to the Ecobee4 – you should be careful. The only real difference between them is the built-in Alexa from Amazon. It is better if you buy an Amazon voice controller like Echo, Echo Dot or Echo Show separately if you need it. The advantage of separating Alexa from your Ecobee thermostat is the flexibility of installation. You can place Alexa in a place where you don’t have to shout to be heard.

If you don’t have a smart thermostat yet and can choose between Ecobee3 and Ecobee4, the Ecobee4* is probably the better choice. The Ecobee4 is a combination of Ecobee3 and Amazon’s Alexa, and it’s cheaper to buy this two-in-one thermostat than to buy the devices separately. Just make sure you install the thermostat in a room where you can enjoy Alexa voice control. If you’re not really interested in Alexa, then Ecobee3* or Ecobee3 lite* is the better choice.

When you have to choose between Ecobee and Nest, it’s all about compatibility. Ecobee can be combined with a wider range of Smart Home Hubs. Ecobee also supports both Apple HomeKit and Google Home Integration. Nest, on the other hand, is strongly focused on Google Home. So your choice depends on which direction you want to go with your Smart Home devices. We think Ecobee actually offers the better deal.

The Ecobee4 is the best overall choice, as its sensors allow it to deliver the right temperature from room to room. It also recognizes occupied rooms and has an intuitive app. It also works with Apple’s Homekit and many other systems. The fourth generation of the Ecobee4 brings all the things we liked about the last generation and adds Alexa. It is a strong product compared to other competitors, such as the Nest thermostat. If you don’t have a smart thermostat yet, choose the Ecobee4*, which is a bit better than the others.

👉 Check Price: Ecobee4*

Attention: When installing electronic equipment, please be sure to observe the manufacturer’s safety instructions. You have to take care of your own safety. The information on this site only helps you to learn.
Disclosure: This website is the property of Martin Lütkemeyer and is operated by Martin Lütkemeyer. Martin Lütkemeyer is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Affiliate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to enable Web sites to earn advertising revenue through advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Links marked with * are affiliate links.