Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium vs Enhanced

Imagine someone from the 1950s traveling forward in time and landed in the 2020s. What technology would be the most mind-boggling? Smartphones? Smart TVs? Teslas? The list of possibilities would be endless. All of these wild inventions would be stunning to someone from an era in which analog television was a modern wonder!


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Ecobee Premium vs Enhanced Overview

But with all of these newfangled devices, something tells me that a 1950’s housewife would be bowled over at a smart thermostat. Because honestly, these are so much more than just a thermostat! Today is the perfect day to pretend to be a 1950s time traveler and just marvel at these two from Ecobee. Which will you take back to 1954 with you?? You’ll be the hit of the dinner party, guaranteed.

Connectivity

Both units are compatible with iOS or Android, but that’s where the tie ends! The Premium clearly has an upper hand in this race.

The Enhanced version is compatible with Alexa, but she is not built in. No other virtual assistant (i.e. Siri) is installed or compatible, and there are no voice control options mentioned. The Premium version has either Alexa or Siri built-in and can be controlled by voice. Additionally, the Premium comes with a smart speaker, so streaming bops from Spotify via voice control through your thermostat is now a
reality.

Enhanced (connectivity): 3 stars
Premium (connectivity): 5 stars

Energy saving
Both the Enhanced and the Premium boast an average annual energy savings of 26%. That’s pretty darn good, folks. According to reviews, it holds up to its claims….almost too well. Many users state that the thermostat is pre-set to save energy so much that it made their homes quite uncomfortable, and having to go through and customize each individual setting is a time-consuming and frustrating process. The upside? Often immediate savings on their energy bill. Efficient, yes. Comfortable, no.

Enhanced (energy saving): 5 stars
Premium (energy savings): 5 stars

Customization

Continuing the thoughts on energy-saving settings, several reviews for both the Enhanced and the Premium mention a surprising lack of customization. It appears to be a painstaking process to simply tell the thermostat what temperature you want, and when you want it, due to the aggressive energy-saving nature of the device. For those who want to customize their settings more precisely and communicate easily with their thermostat, this is a deal breaker.

The Enhanced is compatible with most 24VAC HVAC equipment and includes 1 wire accessory support for humidifiers, ventilators, etc. The Premium has the same compatibility but includes 2 “1 wire” accessory supports and a Smart Sensor that adjusts the temperature in rooms of your choice for additional comfort. …Or aggressive savings, if you prefer. No shade, but personally I’m Team Comfort.

Enhanced (customization): 3 stars
Premium (customization): 4 stars

Additional features

The Enhanced and the Premium both have built-in occupancy detection, which means the thermostat will adjust the temperature in a given room based on occupancy. Again, if you want your home at a precise temperature (regardless of how many people are in it), it’ll be a trip down the rabbit hole to customize that.

Both versions also come with real-time weather monitoring, which is definitely convenient – provided you give your precise street address when setting it up. Some users were concerned about privacy, as they have no idea who receives this information over at Ecobee. Considering that the thermostat already “knows” when they aren’t home. Their concern is justified.

The Premium, as usual, comes with some additional bells and whistles that are admittedly pretty amazing. It can also be an air quality monitor, a smoke detector, and a break-in alarm, providing you sign up for an Ecobee Smart Security plan. For someone who likes having numerous services in one place, this would be ideal! Now, if only it could come with a built-in hair stylist, or maybe a housekeeper.

Enhanced (additional features): 4 stars
Premium (additional features): 5 stars

Which is best?

For those with a flair for “extras”, the Premium is a clear choice. It combines multiple features into one device, as well as supporting other features externally (i.e. the smart speaker). There isn’t a better choice if one likes having a lot of options!

ecobee New Smart Thermostat Premium with Smart...
  • Save up to 26% per year on heating and cooling costs. ENERGY STAR certified. Included SmartSensor (50 dollar...
  • Built-in air quality monitor alerts you to poor air quality, provides tips on how to improve it, and reminds...
  • Premium materials and advanced engineering mean a large, vibrant display with a cinematic interface, a...

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium vs Enhanced Conclusion

For those who live by the “less is more” mantra, the Enhanced would be the best fit. While it still boasts some good features, it doesn’t overwhelm. If you’re good with having a separate home security system and don’t mind accessing Siri through your iPhone like we used to in 2012, this might be your dream smart thermostat.

Yes, sir, thermostats have sure come a long way. Here’s to hoping the next-gen will find a way to include that housekeeper. My rug has seen better days.

ecobee New Smart Thermostat Enhanced -...
  • Save up to 26% per year on heating and cooling costs. ENERGY STAR certified. Automatically adjusts the...
  • Enjoy comfort without compromise. Smart Thermostat Enhanced preheats or precools your home before you arrive,...
  • Easy to install and use every day, ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced comes with everything you need for...

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

ecobee Smart Thermostat | Bestsellers (last 24h)

Last update on 2024-03-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


ecobee Smart Thermostat | Bestsellers (last 24h)

Last update on 2024-03-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


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