ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium Review: Versatile with Room for Improvement

When I got my hands on the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium, I was curious about how it would stack up against the other smart thermostats I've tested. With its promise of Siri and Alexa integration, a built-in air quality monitor, and SmartSensor technology, it seemed like a feature-packed option.

One of the key selling points is the potential to save up to 26% annually on heating and cooling costs, according to ecobee. That’s a pretty bold claim, but it does catch the attention of anyone looking to cut down on energy bills.

The thermostat also boasts an air quality monitor, which I found intriguing. It's not a common feature in thermostats, and I'm always up for gadgets that promise to enhance home health and comfort.

After using it for a couple of weeks, I've got some thoughts on where it shines and where it could use some polishing. So, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of this smart home gadget.

At around $250, the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium sits in the mid-to-upper range for smart thermostats. Given its array of features, it provides decent value, but it’s not the cheapest option out there. You’re paying for the integration with Siri and Alexa, the air quality monitor, and the added security features.

One of the things I appreciated was the ENERGY STAR certification, which suggests that it’s quite efficient. This could translate into noticeable savings on energy bills in the long run, justifying some of the upfront cost.

However, the necessity of a subscription for the full range of features is a bit of a downside. If you want the complete security setup with real-time alerts, be prepared to shell out more on a regular basis.

In comparison to some of its competitors, the ecobee offers a robust feature set, but if you’re not going to use the voice control or air quality features, you might find better value in a simpler model. For tech enthusiasts who utilize all these features, it’s worth the investment.

The design of the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is sleek and modern, fitting well in my living room without being an eyesore. It’s crafted in a simple white finish that blends into most wall colors, making it pretty versatile in terms of aesthetics.

The build quality feels solid, which is reassuring because I’ve dealt with flimsier-feeling devices in the past. It’s got a nice weight to it, and the materials used don’t feel cheap or plasticky, which is always a plus for something that’s going to be a permanent fixture on your wall.

One aspect I appreciated was the intuitive touch screen. It’s responsive and pretty easy to navigate, which is essential for a device like this where you’ll be making adjustments fairly regularly. Compared to some other thermostats I’ve tried, this one’s screen is notably better in terms of response time.

Overall, the design and build of the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium are definitely a plus. It doesn’t look out of place in a modern home, and it feels like it’s built to last. However, don't expect it to be the centerpiece of your decor; it's functional more than it is flashy.

In terms of performance, the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium does a pretty solid job. The temperature control is accurate, and it quickly adjusts to the settings I input. The advertised energy savings are a big draw, and while I haven’t used it long enough to verify the 26% savings, it does seem efficient in its operation.

I tested the SmartSensors for doors and windows, and they seem to work well. The sensors provide timely alerts, notifying me of any entry or exit, which adds a layer of security to my home. However, these features require a subscription to ecobee Smart Security, which is an additional cost to consider.

The built-in air quality monitor is a unique feature. It alerts you about poor air quality and even gives tips on improvements, which is a nice touch. Although, I found these alerts to be a bit inconsistent at times, so it left me questioning its reliability.

Overall, the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is effective in its core functions, but some of the additional features like the air quality monitor could use a bit more polish. Still, it’s a competent device that covers a lot of bases for a smart home setup.