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Ecobee vs Nest: Crucial Differences Between both Thermostats

October 6, 2020
5 Min Read
Ecobee Vs Nest Reddit
Ecobee Vs Nest Reddit

The Ecobee and Nest are considered the best two smart thermostats available. If users read just about any smart thermostat review, they’ll see these two thermostats almost always come out on top.

I’ve researched both Ecobee and Nest and I’ve found 5 key differences. The differences between Ecobee and Nest aren’t vast. Regardless, they are different and the differences DO matter.

ecobee 4 vs nest
ecobee 4 vs nest

Which Thermostat is better?

This is subjective it mainly depends on the user’s preference. For example, if they are a hands-on tinkerer with an affection for customization and endless data? Then, Ecobee is the perfect match.

On the other hand, if the users want a thermostat that looks great and works with barely any thoughts from the users, then Nest is a good fit.

Look and feel of Ecobee & Nest

When both these thermostats are put on a wall, it makes room for an interesting conversation. The Nest showcases a modernized look of the classic Honeywell Round. Whereas, Ecobee undertook a rectangular look from the programmable thermostats of the last 30 years and round the corners. Hence, the result is something that looks a bit like an oversized smart-watch.

Ecobee & Nest; which is better?

Both Ecobee and Nest have pros and cons. Ecobee is frequently opted for by users but it can be said with utmost surety that the Nest looks good too. The Ecobee doesn’t have that cool factor that Nest does. If users aren’t concerned about the look of the thermostat they may go along with Ecobee, otherwise, the Nest is the ideal choice.

Schedule Learning

What makes Nest a class apart from Ecobee is that it automatically learns the user’s schedule. When users install the Nest, it goes on to make a few assumptions about users based on typical humans. It then uses those guesses as a baseline for its schedule. For example, when users feel too warm or too cold, they will use either the app or thermostat to adjust the temperature up or down. When they make this adjustment, Nest records it. Then after a week or two of adjustments, Nest will learn the user’s schedule and the temperature settings that they prefer.

As time goes on, it will continue to respond to the user’s adjustments. Therefore, rather than keeping a fixed schedule, it will keep evolving.

Ecobee uses a more conventional schedule. The users choose their desired times and temperatures for when they are home, away, or sleeping. Once the user sets the time and temperature, they don’t change unless the user changes them.

Voice Control

Voice control is the preferred way users interact with their smart thermostat. I’ve found it to be easier to adjust the thermostat with a voice command rather than open the app or get off the couch (gasp!) and adjust it manually.

Ecobee is dedicated to voice control. They support all three major voice assistants.Also, the Ecobee has an Alexa speaker built into it. If you don’t already have a smart speaker near your thermostat, it could be useful.

It goes without saying that Ecobee is really dedicated to voice control. They support all three major voice assistants. Further, the ecobee has an Alexa speaker built into it. If users don’t already have a smart speaker near their thermostat, it could be useful.

Whereas Nest supports both Google Home and Amazon Alexa.

Hence, the integrated Alexa speaker on the Ecobee is a slight advantage over the Nest. However, if users already have a smart speaker nearby, the additional one may cause further problems. If it causes problems then users can disable it.  Nest, on the other hand, doesn’t support HomeKit directly so if users frequently use HomeKit then the Ecobee is a better choice.

FAQs

Q: What are the unique features of Ecobee and Nest?
A: The Ecobee comes in black plastic with a glass screen and has a significantly larger screen than the Nest. The screen is a touch screen that gives access to many control settings from the base unit if they desire. The Nest has a stainless steel outer ring that reflects the user’s wall color and thereby allows it to blend in with any décor. The face lights up with blue light when the system is cooling and accordingly the orange light when it is heating.
Q: Can Nest be programmed to run on a conventional schedule?
A: Yes, it can. If users don’t like the way Nest learns, they can always shut the learning schedule feature off.
Q: Is Ecobee a better choice than Nest?
A: Among Ecobee and Nest, which thermostat is better depends on the features that each thermostat offers. For example, Nest doesn’t support Homekit directly, therefore if users are a Homekit user then Ecobee is the ideal choice for them.
Q: Does Ecobee support Geo-Fencing:
A: Ecobee does support Geo-Fencing but only for one phone.
Q: Do Ecobee and Nest require a C-Wire?
A: Ecobee requires a c-wire, but it comes with a c-wire adapter called the Power Extender Kit (PEK). Nest, however, doesn’t require a c-wire. It uses “power stealing” instead.

Conclusion

To conclude, it would be safe to say that both Ecobee and Nest have their set of pros and cons but each comes with unique features. The Nest looks great and feels like value for money. It has the most comprehensive home/away system and it is the only thermostat that can learn your schedule. It is among the thermostats which really put smart thermostats in the public eye.

Whereas, the Ecobee gives equally as many smarts as Nest and covers that up with superior customization and data feedback. The Ecobee’s remote sensors’ give it some unique abilities. It is a great product from a great company which isn’t going anywhere.

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