There are several smart thermostats available for your home, but two of the most well-known brands are Google and Ecobee. Google may be the more popular of the two with its Google Nest thermostat, but Ecobee has also made a name for itself, especially when it comes to controlling your air conditioning and heating. They both work the same way, but some differences may mean that one will serve you better overall.
The Google Nest Smart Thermostat comes in two models, separated by premium features like advanced scheduling, support for ventilation systems, and a larger screen. Either Nest device allows users to control the temperature anywhere through the use of the Google Home app, set schedules, and monitor the status of your HVAC unit. The Ecobee smart thermostat comes in three models, separated by features like air quality monitoring, voice assistant support, and a smoke detector.
If you want better value in a smart home thermostat, Ecobee might be better for you. Google Nest smart home thermostats start at around $129.99 and go up to around $279.99 for the premium “Learning” model. Ecobee models range from an entry price of $139.99 to $259.99 for its most equipped version. Ecobee’s smart thermostat also gets high marks in Consumer Reports.
Comparison of the characteristics of the thermostats of the two
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Looking at the Google Nest Learning Thermostat first, the premium product comes with all the standard thermostat features such as setting and controlling the temperature from anywhere via the app, but it also has a smart schedule. This feature learns the temperatures you enjoy by tracking your usage and automatically activates them when you usually have them. This can help you save money in the long run.
Both the Nest and Ecobee smart thermostats have smart sensors built into the thermostat itself. This allows them to automatically adjust the temperature accordingly if the room becomes too hot or too cold. If you want to expand this capability, you can purchase additional sensors for either thermostat and place them in other rooms in your home.
Both have an air quality alert feature on higher-end models. Ecobee also has a built-in speaker, unlike the Google Nest smart home thermostat. Otherwise, the two are really quite similar in many ways.
The best overall choice might be the Ecobee smart home thermostat
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The Nest and Ecobee were ranked among the top 10 major smart thermostats and it’s clear to see why. But Ecobee offers users a few additional options that can improve their setups.
A key Ecobee accessory is a sensor that detects when a door or window is open and will alert you and adjust the air accordingly. The company also offers subscriptions starting at $5 per month that can use its security sensors to automatically change temperatures based on when you’re home. It’s worth noting that Google Nest can perform some of the same experiences, but may require purchasing sensors from other companies.
Reviewers on Amazon like the app that comes with Ecobee, which they find simple and well-organized so you can quickly find all the settings without having to worry about scrolling or searching for where to start. Amazon reviews for Google Nest are also favorable for usability.
Ultimately, both companies offer premium devices to help you better control the temperature in your home. The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is a high-quality device designed to help you better control the temperature in your home. Its $259.99 price may be steep, but it’s $20 less than you’d pay for the premium Google Nest Learning Thermostat. If you like Google’s ecosystem, you might prefer Nest even with the higher price, but people wanting to ditch Google because of its AI will find good value in Ecobee.
