Nest vs. Ecobee: Which Smart Thermostat is Better for Your Home?

October 15, 2021

Introduction

Smart thermostats are excellent additions to any home automation system. They allow users to control their HVAC systems remotely, monitor energy usage, and save money on bills. The two primary brands on the market are Nest and Ecobee. Nest has been around for over ten years and recently released the Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation, while Ecobee's latest version is the SmartThermostat. In this article, we will examine both products and determine which one is better for your home.

Features

In terms of features, both Nest and Ecobee devices offer several impressive capabilities. Both products allow users to control temperature remotely using their mobile devices, which is great for homeowners who are frequently away from home. However, the Nest Learning Thermostat is a step ahead when it comes to learning the homeowners' routines and automatically adjusting temperature settings accordingly.

Ecobee, on the other hand, has a remote sensor capability that allows users to monitor the temperature in multiple rooms. This feature helps significantly in homes with rooms that are usually hotter or colder than the rest. Additionally, the SmartThermostat comes with a built-in Alexa speaker, which makes it highly convenient for homeowners who use smart assistants frequently.

Energy Savings

Both the Nest Learning Thermostat and the Ecobee SmartThermostat boast impressive energy-saving capabilities. According to Nest, their thermostat can help save approximately 10-12% on heating bills and 15% on cooling bills. Ecobee, on the other hand, claims that their thermostat can help save up to 23% on annual energy bills.

Design

When it comes to aesthetics, the Nest Learning Thermostat is the more attractive of the two devices. The device has a sleek, minimalist appearance and is available in several colours. The Ecobee SmartThermostat, while not as eye-catching, still looks great on a wall and has a 3.5-inch glass touchscreen display.

Compatibility

Both devices are compatible with most central HVAC systems, but Ecobee SmartThermostat has a leg up on Nest regarding compatibility with external sensors. It is also compatible with Apple's HomeKit, which is a significant advantage.

Price

The Nest Learning Thermostat is priced at $249, while the Ecobee SmartThermostat costs $249. Although the price tag is the same, users who require remote sensors may need to purchase them separately, driving up the price.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Nest and Ecobee products are both excellent options for any homeowner looking to upgrade their HVAC system. The Nest Learning Thermostat is perfect for those looking for an aesthetically pleasing device that can monitor their routine, while the Ecobee SmartThermostat is an excellent option for homeowners who need multi-room temperature control. Ultimately, the right choice will depend on the homeowner's unique needs and preferences.

References

Nest Learning Thermostat. (n.d.). Retrieved 14 October 2021, from https://store.google.com/ca/product/nest_learning_thermostat_3rd_gen?hl=en-CA.
Ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control. (n.d.). Retrieved 14 October 2021, from https://www.ecobee.com/en-ca/smart-thermostats/smart-wifi-thermostat-with-voice-control/