Google Nest and Ecobeee are two of the most respected brands in the smart thermostat industry.
Ecobee helped introduce innovations like long-term energy tracking, smart sensors, and a built-in smart speaker.
Nest, too, helped accelerate the modern smart home era with automatic scheduling, minimalist styling, and robust smart home compatibility.
Until recently, Nest thermostats have been the most outstanding thermostat brand on the market, but recent upgrades by Ecobee, including the introduction of Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium and Enhanced models, have narrowed the gap.
That is why some smart homeowners are torn between choosing Ecobee vs Nest.
In this post, we will examine Ecobee vs Nest thermostats in order to help you choose the right one for your home. So, let’s get started.
Nest Overview
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| 1. Though they come separately, Nest remote sensors are more affordable than Ecobee’s. 2. It comes with automatic scheduling. 3. Compatible with popular home security systems 4. It comes with a backup battery, eliminating the need for a C-wire. 5. HVAC monitoring systems alert you to your issues. 6. The base model is more affordable than Ecobee’s | 1. The base model doesn’t offer support for remote sensors. 2. The Nest Learning Thermostat requires two separate apps. 3. Energy usage reports are available for only 10 days, which is shorter when compared to Ecobee’s 180 days. 4. Warranty shorter than Ecobee’s |
Where It Stands Out: Best for Automation
Nest has been a top-ranking thermostat for many years, especially in a few areas like automation where the competition has had a hard time trying to catch up.
We are particularly impressed with Nest’s automatic scheduling and HVAC monitoring features. It is also user-friendly and easy to install.
And if you have an eye for fine things, Nest features an impressive circular design and comes in multiple color options.
Thermostat Selection
Google Nest has two popular smart thermostats, which is why it has remained a top choice.
The Nest Thermostat is the more affordable one but doesn’t include automated scheduling. It is also compatible with fewer devices, but it is cheaper than the Ecobee 3 Lite.
The Nest Learning Thermostat is more advanced than the Nest Thermostat.
Most people love this thermostat because it gradually learns your routine to be able to develop a dynamic schedule.
It is also beautifully designed and easy to use, like the other Nest thermostats. We also love the fact that it is compatible with more third-party smart home platforms, but it isn’t a cheap thermostat.
Ecobee Overview
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| 1. Remote temperature and motion sensors 2. Power extender kit for places without a C-wire 3. User-friendly touchscreen controls 4. Detailed energy usage reports 5. HomeKit compatibility3-year warranty | 1. Base models are more expensive than Nest’s 2. The power extender kit may increase installation time. 3. It doesn’t come with a backup battery. |
Where It Stands Out: Best for Automation
Ecobee thermostats rival Nest’s in many ways, but they stand out in some areas.
We love the fact that Ecobee thermostats come with a remote sensor and, in some cases, a built-in smart speaker.
Perhaps the biggest winner is its support for Apple HomeKit, an excellent smart home ecosystem.
What this means is that you can connect your thermostat to more devices in the Apple ecosystem.
Thermostat Selection
Ecobee has lined up three lines of thermostat models to be able to stand a chance in the marketplace.
Specifically, it has Ecobee3 Lite, Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced, and Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium.
The company introduced Ecobee3 Lite a year after the release of the Nest Learning Thermostat, and it is a more affordable option of the three Ecobee thermostat models.
On the other hand, the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced and Smart Thermostat Premium are an upgrade of the Lite version.
They have additional sensors and come with HVAC accessory support.
Also Read: Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium & Enhanced Review
Head-to-Head Comparison of Ecobee vs Nest
As noted earlier, Ecobee and Nest are two solid thermostats with quite a number of similarities, such as ease of installation, pricing, and HVAC compatibility.
Obviously, both have basic features like WiFi connectivity, manual scheduling options, and mobile app controls.
It is also important to note that they are not similar in a number of aspects. We will analyze Ecobee vs Nest in these precise areas:
Ecobee vs Nest Design
Both thermostats feature impressive designs and will look nice in any stylish home, but these two provide diverse ways of using the device.
For instance, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat has a sizable color display in the center of the thermostat and is not a touchscreen.
Google takes cues from traditional thermostats in this aspect.
But the good thing is that Nest thermostats come in more than six colors, making them easy to blend into your home’s interior.
Overall, Google Nest has a more impressive visual appeal.
While Ecobee’s Smart Thermostat Premium might lack the visual appeal of Google Nest, it adopts a more interactive usage.
You interact with your thermostat using a 2.9-inch color screen, just as you would on your smartphone.
Ecobee vs Nest Features
Ecobee and Nest thermostats match evenly in terms of basic functions, but when it comes to the extras, Ecobee takes the lead.
For instance, the Ecobee3 Lite thermostat comes with a ‘follow me’ and occupancy detection features to help in the automatic adjustment of room temperatures.
On top of this, it has a very useful eco+ feature, which comes in handy as it can adjust heating based on humidity levels and can also schedule heating, thus saving on electricity bills.
Even for the high-end models, Ecobee still outshines Nest with its smart features, like extensive voice controls.
The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium and Enhanced models also come with the SmartSensor and energy savings controls to help you save on energy costs.
Ecobee claims to save you up to 26% on energy bills, which might be higher than Nest’s 12%.
Ecobee vs Nest Installation
Generally, setting up a thermostat takes time.
So, be prepared to do some work while installing either Ecobee or Google Nest thermostats.
But the good thing is that both brands offer plenty of installation guides and companion apps to make the process a breeze.
Apart from this, they also offer a solution to the dreaded C-wire nightmare. But they do it in their own unique ways.
For instance, the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium offers a power extender kit to use if you don’t have a C-wire.
Just keep in mind that you have to install this extender on your furnace to create a C-wire from existing wires.
Nest thermostats solve this issue in a different way. Actually, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat doesn’t need a C-wire to install the device.
Additionally, it comes with a built-in backup battery to keep your device working.
Also Read: Thermostat C-Wire: How It Works on Your Thermostat
Ecobee vs Nest Smart Home Integration
A big selling point of any smart thermostat is the ability to connect with existing smart devices and things like remote control and automation.
The good thing is that both Ecobee and Google Nest thermostats work with popular smart home systems.
Despite being a Google brand, Nest thermostats work with both Amazon Alexa and Samsung SmartThings.
So, you can control your Nest thermostats with voice commands as long as you connect them with a smart speaker.
The only shortcoming with Google Nest thermostats is that they do not support Apple HomeKit, but the company has promised to make this a reality soon.
Also, the fact that some Nest products are already Matter-compatible is good news for Nest users.
Ecobee probably shines when it comes to integration with smart home frameworks because it offers more options.
Its thermostats are compatible with popular platforms like Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings.
Ecobee’s smart thermostats come with built-in voice control capability as well as Alexa.
What this means is that you can make hands-free calls, play music and podcasts from your thermostat, and even make intercom-style announcements.
Ecobee vs Nest Price
If your main concern has been cost, then this section will help you make the right investment.
Both brands have affordable and high-end models to cater to diverse needs.
When compared together, both seem to have products at similar price points, but the ordinary Nest thermostats are slightly cheaper.
The Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Gen) is available at $249, just like Ecobee’s Premium model.
The most affordable Ecobee model, i.e., Ecobee3 Lite, costs $169, which is pricier than the Nest Thermostat by $40.
The latter will only set you back $129. So, Google Nest edges out Ecobee in this aspect.
Ecobee vs Nest: Which One Is the Best for You?
To be sincere, both thermostats work perfectly. For this reason, our comparison of Ecobee vs Nest boils down to a close tie.
Each of them stands out in different areas, so you will select one over the other based on your priorities and preferences.
For instance, Ecobee is a clear winner when it comes to customization.
It will work best for users who want to configure every setting for optimum customization.
Likewise, Nest’s simplicity and pricing capture the hearts of ordinary users.
It offers the best user experience for anyone who doesn’t have much knowledge about HVAC systems.
Even though the Google Nest Thermostat features a premium design, Ecobee seems to stand out when it comes to integration.
The latter is not only compatible with popular smart home automation platforms, but it is also a part of a larger security ecosystem, making it a great choice for users looking for seamless smart home integration.
Moreover, Ecobee comes with a built-in smart sensor. But if price is a major concern, then Google Nest will be the best option.
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