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The optimal smart thermostat controls the climate control in the house or apartment so that it is pleasantly cool in summer and warm in winter. It also saves energy costs.
This is the basic idea of the Canadian company Ecobee, which developed the first smart thermostats ever and launched them on the market worldwide. After the market launch of the first generation of smart thermostats in 2014, the devices are constantly being developed and perfected.
Compared to its predecessor Ecobee4*, the latest model Ecobee5* is equipped with advanced features for the integrated Alexa speech software, streaming functions and many additional options.
The question which is better can only be answered if you know if you need the integrated functions. For this purpose it is crucial to know which of the functions on the new thermostat are really new and useful and which are unnecessary for the purpose of a thermostat:
- Does a smart thermostat also have to be able to stream Spotify and if so, are you willing to pay more for it?
- How much do these additional functions influence the actual purpose of a thermostat?
- Does it make sense to you if you can control the thermostat in your home from the other side of the world?
These and other questions are explored in this text. We compare the new thermostat model Ecobee 5 with its predecessor Ecobee 4 and highlight the advantages and disadvantages of both models.
If you are unsure about buying one of the two models, you should read on carefully.
The following lines will not only give you an overview of the latest trends in the market of smart thermostats, they will possibly lead you to your purchase decision in a neutral and fact-based way.
Table of Contents
Differences between Ecobee4 and Ecobee5
A lot has happened on the market of controls for air conditioning and heating systems in the last 10 years. Smart thermostats such as the products of the Ecobee company now not only have energy-saving functions or can monitor temperature and humidity. The latest devices can be controlled with an app from anywhere in the world, give feedback when it is too hot or too cold and have voice control.
In the summer of 2019, Ecobee launched its latest model Ecobee5.
We compare this model with the fourth generation of these thermostats and highlight the advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, this article is intended to clarify the question of which is the better of the two models.
Voice control
Both the Ecobee4* and Ecobee5* use Amazon’s integrated Alexa speech support, which allows the thermostat to be controlled without the need to press a button and only by voice control. But already here there are differences in the functions.
Ecobee4 only receives and implements the voice commands for controlling the thermostat.
The newer model also has the ability, just like an Alexa Echo or Echo Dot device, to implement almost all speech functions. Without the need for an additional device, you can use Ecobee5 to call, notify someone or get information.
In addition, the Ecobee5 is equipped with better quality and louder speaker and higher quality materials.
The microphones required for voice control are integrated in both models.
But here too, the microphone of Ecobee4 is a technically analog, while Ecobee5 uses a digital microphone. The advantage lies in the digital microphone’s greater speed of response. Ecobee5 recognizes the voice command much faster and delivers answers from Google or Alexa in the same short reaction time.
WiFi connections
Here we look at the Bluetooth and WiFi connections of the two thermostats.
Ecobee4 is not equipped with a Bluetooth function. With Ecobee5, the Bluetooth function provides the luxury of listening to music from online platforms such as Spotify or Pandora via the thermostat.
The thermostat thus has the function of an additional loudspeaker in the house and thus saves, for example, an extra loudspeaker.
Both models are equipped with a WiFi connection. A stable WiFi connection is a basic prerequisite for the efficient and smooth operation of a smart thermostat. Ecobee4 offers a 2.4GHz connection here.
The increasing strain on the in-house W-LAN network with smart electronic devices can quickly push a 2.4GHz router to its limits. Ecobee5 follows the trend and supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz connections. The W-LAN connection is therefore more stable and leads to less interference.
With both improvements in the connection type of Ecobee5 you have to ask yourself the question: Do you need this?
While the stability of the W-LAN connection at 5GHz is very useful, you really have to decide for yourself whether your thermostat must also be able to play music or not.
Energy-saving mode Eco+, price and design
At the time of the Ecobee5 launch, there was a software upgrade to Eco+ mode, which was only available for Ecobee5.
This technical improvement is an absolute highlight. It enables additional energy savings of up to 23%.
The software adapts the control of the heating to the schedule of your household, as well as to the measured humidity in the house. This means that the heating is only activated when someone is in the house.
In addition, the felt temperature is taken into account in the temperature control.
The felt temperature is a mixture of the measured temperature and humidity.
A further advantage of this software is the daily adjustment of energy consumption to local prices. This way, the premises are preheated when energy costs are low and then consumed less when the price is higher.
This highlight of the software is now available as an upgrade for both Ecobee4 and Ecobee3 and can therefore not be considered an advantage for Ecobee5.
The design and size of Ecobee4 and Ecobee5 are almost identical. Both models have the same square shape and size with corner radii.
In terms of price, the Ecobee5 thermostat is on par with the price of Ecobee4 when it was launched. Due to the additional technical features of the Ecobee5, many dealers have lowered the prices of the previous model.
This means that the latest model in the Ecobee range is on average 25% more expensive than the Ecobee4.
Model differences at a glance
In the following table, you can see all differences between the two models at a glance.
| Model | Ecobee4 | Ecobee5 |
|---|---|---|
| Voice control | Alexa | Alexa with additional functions |
| WiFi frequency | 2.4 GHz | 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Air humidity sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone | Analog | digital |
| Room sensor | Yes | Compatible |
| Smart Sensor | Compatible | Yes |
| Range of the remote sensor | 137 m | 180 m |
| Sensor battery life | max. 24 months | max. 60 months |
| App Control | Android/iOS | Android/iOS |
| Web Access | Yes | Yes |
| Eco+ | Yes, with upgrade | Yes |
| Dimensions | 10.1 x 10.1 x 2.5 cm | 11 x 11 x 2,5 cm |
Similarities of both models
Here we will look into the question of further advantages of both devices.
You can neglect these options when examining Ecobee5 because they are already included in the previous model.
Control via App
Both thermostats can be controlled with an appropriate app and internet access. This makes it possible to control the heating in the house even when you are on vacation or on a business trip from the other side of the world. If, for example, sensitive plants or pets need to be protected against a cold spell, this is a very convenient function.
All you need is the Ecobee App. It is available for both Android and iOS operating systems.
Remote sensors
Ecobee4 and Ecobee5 are equipped with remote sensors. These sensors collect data from the installed temperature sensors and analyze it to find the optimal temperature settings for your well-being.
The sensor technology also includes an absence function, which saves energy when no one is present.
A Smart Sensor is also available as an accessory, which is compatible for both models. It offers a higher tolerance range and a longer battery life.
Humidity sensor
Both models are equipped with a sensor to measure the humidity.
Especially for applications in tropical climates, where it gets very hot and humid in summer, this sensor is a good monitoring instrument for the personal well-being factor.
IFTTT Software
The sequence of letters stands for “if this then that” and stands for a freely available software that is compatible with both Ecobee models.
This web-based software allows you to create your own commands under conditions and program the thermostat accordingly. In this way you can, for example, tell the thermostat to heat when energy prices are low.
Energy evaluations
You can analyze and evaluate the data collected by both thermostat models on a monthly basis. If you can see at which times you have used more or less energy, it will help you to optimize your thermostat settings or live more energy-consciously.
Accessories
Ecobee4 and Ecobee5 already contain a remote sensor in the basic equipment.
In both cases, you can expand the thermostats with a sensor package consisting of two smart sensors distributed around the room.
A thin mounting plate can be purchased for wall mounting, which also gives the thermostats in the four walls a smart appearance.
Frequently asked questions
After reading the previous comparisons and points, you may still have some unanswered questions. In the following, we will deal with some of the most common questions.
How difficult is the changeover from Ecobee3 to Ecobee4 or Ecobee5?
Changing from Ecobee3 lite or Ecobee4 is relatively easy because the wiring is the same. After switching off the fuse for the heating system you simply disassemble the old device and connect the cables in the same colors according to the wiring diagram of the new device. Then you install the new device, turn the fuse back on and you’re done!
If you have installed a Power Extender Kit, you should read and follow the installation instructions on the manufacturer’s site (link).
Do Ecobee4 and Ecobee5 also work without WiFi?
Yes, the smart thermostats also work without WiFi. For example, if your router breaks down or your WiFi network is having problems, you can still control the heating with both Ecobee4 and Ecobee5. But only to a limited extent. Only the basic functions can be controlled. All convenient functions, such as control with Alexa or support for the Home Kit, cannot be used.
Is it worth switching from Ecobee3 to Ecobee4 or Ecobee5?
If you upgrade from Ecobee3 to a newer model, you can easily program all existing room sensors to the new device. In general, the question of upgrading is a question of the available budget. The control options of the thermostat for the heating system are the same.
It is only about the comfort of the software, voice control or automatic programming. If you are a fan of smart home applications, you will certainly enjoy them. But for the pure control of the heating, it is not absolutely necessary.
With Ecobee4 a room sensor is mentioned, with Ecobee5 a Smart Sensor. What is the difference?
The range of the sensor and the battery. The Smart Sensor is the designation for the room sensor of the Ecobee5. Both sensors use a frequency of 915MHz for communication with the thermostat. However, the Smart Sensor has been further developed and has a range of up to 180 m. The older room sensor can only offer a maximum range of 137 m.
Regarding the battery, it should be mentioned that Ecobee4 is equipped with the monocell CR2032. This battery has a maximum lifetime of 24 months. The Smart Sensor of Ecobee5 uses the monocell CR2477. The Smart Sensor can be operated with one battery for 5 years.
How long is the warranty on Ecobee4 and Ecobee5?
The manufacturer gives a warranty of 3 years from the date of purchase for both models.
It is important to register the device on the Ecobee website after purchase and to keep the proof of purchase.
On which devices does the app for Ecobee4 and Ecobee5 run?
Both devices use the same app. It runs on both iOS and Android operating systems and is compatible with both an iPad and the Apple Watch.
After downloading the app, we recommend that you make the necessary settings so that you can fully enjoy the convenient functions for controlling the thermostat right from the start. Once the data of the apartment or house have been set, the thermostat can be controlled from anywhere in the world via an Internet connection.
Conclusion
The difference between Ecobee4* and Ecobee5* is not very big. Both work with the same software and both have voice control. The question about the better device must be answered clearly with Ecobee5. Not only the microphone and thus the command recognition by voice is better, but also music playback is possible with this device. The remote sensor in Ecobee5 not only has a better range but also much longer battery life. Furthermore, the price difference is only 25%.
The only negative point about Ecobee5 is that it could have been equipped not only with Alexa but also with the Google Home Assistant.
Anyone who has already networked their smart home with the Google Home Assistant must go through an installation process here.
If you want to install a smart thermostat for the first time or if you don’t want to miss the comfort of listening to music via thermostat, you should go for Ecobee5.
But if you already own an Ecobee3 or Ecobee4 and don’t necessarily want to have the latest technology, the leap to the fifth generation of models and thus a new investment doesn’t make much difference.
The technical leap from Ecobee4 to Ecobee5 is only in the finer details, so when you install a smart thermostat for the first time, we can also recommend the cheaper 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.