Which is best, Ecobee vs Nest? In general, smart thermostats offer more energy savings and greater ease-of-use than traditional home thermostat. However, in the battle between Ecobee vs Nest, the two smart thermostats are only slightly different. But knowing these differences can help you choose what’s right for your schedule and lifestyle.
What should you be looking for in a smart thermostat? Generally, people tend to focus on what home AI assistants the thermostats can pair with (such as Google Home and Amazon Echo), ease of installation and self-programming, how well the remote control functions, how effective the temperature and humidity sensors are, and ease-of-use of the devices’ apps.
Ecobee compatible devices
Ecobee can be controlled by iOS or Android devices. And if you prefer to use Windows, you can control Ecobee from its web portal. Also, there are a number of compatible smart devices such:
- IFTTT
- Apple HomeKit
- Samsung SmartThings
- Amazon Alexa
- Control4
- Keen Smart Vents
- Wink
- …and many others.
Nest compatible devices
Here are some of the devices that work with Nest:
- Google Home
- Nest x Yale Lock
- LIFX
- Philips hue
- Lutron Caséta
- Smart Garage Hub by Chamberlain
- …and more
Common problems with Nest
The most common problem with Nest has so far been minor glitch that makes the thermostat malfunction. There are many customer reviews describing a problem with the Nest overheating their homes due to a “power sharing” issue. This means that Nest thermostat, like most WiFi thermostats, requires a C-wire in order to charge.
Since most homes don’t have an extra wire for this purpose, the thermometer steals power from HVAC control wires, sending a signal to increase temperature.
However, there is a solution to this potentially dangerous problem. You can go with the classic approach and pull a wire, or you can get a kit like Venstar’s ‘add a wire’.
Another downside to Nest is that it doesn’t have multiple sensors like Ecobee.
Common problems with Ecobee
The Ecobee smart thermostat has a lot of great features, and one that you might find annoying. Compared to other smart thermostats, Ecobee works a bit different. Typically, when you set temperatures for the day, night, weekends, etc, there’s also an option to alter the temperature setting temporarily, which takes effect until the next programmed change. Since this is not a case with Ecobee, you have to clear any manual changes to get it back the way it was originally programmed.
Fortunately, there is a way to change this setting:
Go to Main Menu of your Ecobee > Settings > Preferences, then tap Hold action. Set it to Until next activity.
Which one is easier to use?
Looking from a consumer perspective, “Ecobee vs. Nest” may still be a tie. On the one hand, Nest has a great and responsive touchscreen, a rather easy setup, a display that shows time and local weather. On the other hand, Ecobee simply looks better; it also offers easy installation and free Android apps.
What’s the best smart thermostat: Ecobee vs Nest?
It’s not so much about which one is better, but which one is better suited for your lifestyle. For example, if you have a bigger house, it may be wiser to opt for Ecobee due to its extra sensors. Nest would be a great option for people who need a thermostat with more advanced Android apps.