Ecobee’s new midrange thermostat, the Sensible Thermostat Enhanced, has me a bit of stumped. At $190, it has the similar up to date design because the high-end Sensible Thermostat Top rate, however few of the luxurious options. Given the transferring development towards extra reasonably priced sensible thermostats with an identical choices, this fashion may not be well worth the splurge for many.
It labored neatly throughout my trying out and the design adjustments did give a boost to the usability of the thermostat, however I would not suggest this one until you particularly need an up to date Ecobee thermostat with out the integrated Alexa speaker and air high quality track. That mentioned, it’s worthwhile to simply get the entry-level Ecobee3 Lite, both as a brand new fashion for $150 or qualified refurbished for $120 without delay from Ecobee’s web site with most of the identical choices minus the up to date design.
Do not Like
- Pricey
- Far off sensor no longer incorporated
Checking out the Sensible Thermostat Enhanced
Take a look at my submit detailing How one can set up the Ecobee Sensible Thermostat with Voice Keep watch over for step by step directions to put in this fashion, as the method is similar. As well as, the in-app configuration is similar to the brand new Ecobee Sensible Thermostat Top rate, which I talk about extra in that evaluation.
A pair issues to remember: The Sensible Thermostat Enhanced calls for both a C-wire or the set up of an incorporated C-wire adapter to serve as. Observe Ecobee’s educational to be informed extra about that procedure. Set up time will range in keeping with whether or not you wish to have to drill new holes or patch and paint any outdated ones — and whether or not or no longer you wish to have to put in Ecobee’s C-wire adapter.
The arrange procedure works the similar because the Sensible Thermostat Top rate.
Screenshots through Megan Wollerton/CNET
Just like the Sensible Thermostat Top rate ($250), the Sensible Thermostat Enhanced has a bigger show, new on-screen design and up to date menu structure. Those adjustments give a boost to the usability of the thermostat through making data more uncomplicated to search out and more uncomplicated to learn. This fashion does not have the brand new zinc frame presented at the Top rate, regardless that. As an alternative, it saved the similar white plastic frame of earlier variations.
The Enhanced additionally provides the up to date radar sensor to be had at the Top rate thermostat. Ecobee claims this shift from the usual passive infrared sensor to the radar sensor improves the accuracy of its House/Away predictions. I wasn’t ready to check the outdated passive infrared fashion along the Enhanced to look if the radar sensor in point of fact does hit upon occupancy and movement extra successfully. On the other hand, I by no means skilled any problems with the thermostat’s House/Away settings, the place different sensible thermostats I have examined from time to time switched to Away mode whilst I used to be nonetheless house.
Additionally, whilst the Enhanced is appropriate with Ecobee’s faraway temperature-and-motion-sensing SmartSensor, it is not incorporated together with your acquire. As an alternative, you’ll be able to purchase them one at a time in a pack of 2 for $100. This sensible thermostat does not be offering a integrated air high quality sensor or Alexa speaker, both. But it surely does give a boost to Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri voice instructions in case you have a appropriate sensible speaker or show.
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The takeaway
For $190 the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced is a fine thermostat, but it just doesn’t do enough. With the industry shift toward more affordable models that offer a similar lineup of features, nearly 200 bucks no longer feels “midrange.” The design updates did add value to this model, and, while I didn’t compare the radar sensor with the passive infrared sensor offered on past iterations, I didn’t have any issues with my thermostat switching to Away mode while I was home.
Even so, this model really only makes sense if you specifically want Ecobee’s updated design sans the integrated Alexa speaker or air quality monitor on the $250 Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium. If those design updates don’t matter to you too much, but you still want to stick with Ecobee, consider the Ecobee3 Lite instead. Otherwise, take a look at our lists of best smart thermostats and best affordable smart thermostats for more options.
