ecobee Automatic Energy Star Thermostat

Last updated: August 6, 2023


Not only can you control the temperature from anywhere with this thermostat, but you can also connect to other smart devices and even play music. The built-in SmartSensor maintains comfort, monitoring and adjusting the thermostat based on occupancy and temperatures.

We looked at the top Thermostats and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Thermostat you should buy.

Product Details

Key Takeaway: Amazon Alexa is integrated into the ecobee Thermostat with Voice Control.

In our analysis of 56 expert reviews, the ecobee Automatic Energy Star Thermostat placed 6th when we looked at the top 10 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

The all-new ecobee Smart Thermostat with voice control enhances how you experience comfort by working with a state-of-the-art Smart Sensor (included) and brings new meaning to having control of your home thanks to Alexa built-in. Not only will it help you save energy and reduce the cost of heating and cooling your home, it also provides an easy way to have a lasting impact in the fight against climate change. The ecobee Smart Thermostat with voice control is one small change that can make all the difference.

Our Expert Consultant

Vicki Liston 
Home Improvement Expert

Vicki Liston writes, produces, and narrates “On The Fly…DIY,” an award-winning home improvement and DIY show of unique project tutorials for the casual DIY’er.

Home improvement and all things DIY have been Liston’s passion since she bought her first house in 2007 and she started making video blogs in 2014. She’s performed hundreds of DIY projects, from small ones to major, wall-smashing renovations and can teach you how to make a trendy DIY barn door for cheap. The proceeds earned from “On The Fly…DIY” are donated to no-kill animal shelters and rescue organizations.

Expert Reviews


What reviewers liked

There's an LED strip on the top of the device that glows blue when you use an Alexa voice command and red when the built-in microphone is turned off.
A strong app and an excellent touchscreen interface on the device itself make it supremely easy to use
The Ecobee SmartThermostat adds features to its built-in Alexa speaker. It has a redesigned temperature sensor and works with Google Assistant and Siri -- all for the same $249 price.
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This wifi thermostat performed very well on its own merits, earning one of the top scores we have seen so far by its good performances in our ease of use, remote access, and installation tests.
The SmartThermostat boasts a new touchscreen display that is clear and reasonably bright.
In addition to working with Amazon’s Alexa, the SmartThermostat, like the Ecobee4, supports Apple’s HomeKit platform and Google Assistant, plus IFTTT and Samsung’s SmartThings, so it can integrate with most homes regardless of which voice assistant you prefer or platform you use.
One particularly useful feature enabled by SmartSensors is something called “Follow Me.” This uses the sensors to detect which rooms in your house are occupied, and adjust the temperature accordingly, depending on your current comfort setting.
Because it has Alexa built in, you don’t need a separate Echo speaker to control it by voice, and if Alexa isn’t your smart-assistant choice, this model also works with Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit and Siri (although they are not built in).
The ecobee also has a humidity sensor within the base. If you have a whole house humidifier or dehumidifier, it can be controlled by this thermostat.
The other big feature that the SmartThermostat includes is a built-in (and fully functional) Amazon Alexa voice assistant. The unit has microphones that allow far-field voice recognition.
Excellent smart home integrations

What reviewers didn't like

At $249 it's a bit pricey
Alexa integration can be annoying if you already have an Echo (or other Alexa-powered device) within earshot
Depending on where your thermostat is located in your home, it might not be in an ideal place for an Alexa speaker.
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Lackluster performance in our accuracy tests, could be more intuitive to use
If your system lacks a C-wire connection, a power extender is included, which makes for a more complicated process
The new remote sensor is nicer to look at than the prior model, but I’m disappointed that it doesn’t add the ability to measure humidity; it still only measures temperature and detects motion.
If your thermostat wiring doesn’t have a c-wire (what’s a c-wire?), setting up the ecobee3 will require an extra step.
Requires at least 3 thermostat wires — only works with a common wire or additional hardware
By far the biggest flaw we encountered with Ecobee is how long it takes to adjust to Home from Away, or vice versa, if you interrupt the regular schedule.
View our Thermostat buying guide for in-depth advice and recommendations.

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