Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium Review: Is It Worth the Upgrade?
The thermostat landscape has shifted dramatically. Gone are the days of the beige plastic dial that you simply ignored until you were freezing. Today, the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium promises to be more than just a temperature controller; it positions itself as a home security hub, an air quality monitor, and a smart speaker all wrapped in zinc and glass. But with a price tag significantly higher than its competitors, is it truly the best option for your home? In this comprehensive review, we strip down the marketing hype to test performance, installation, and real-world energy savings.
The Evolution of the Smart Thermostat
When we look at the history of climate control, Ecobee has consistently been the pioneer of the “remote sensor” concept, solving the age-old problem of hot and cold spots in a house. While many users are still debating Nest vs Ecobee thermostats, the release of the Premium model attempts to end the argument by adding features that Google’s Nest simply doesn’t have.
The “Premium” isn’t just a fancy name. Ecobee has overhauled the design, moving away from plastic to premium materials, and integrated a radar sensor for advanced occupancy detection. For homeowners who have thermostat explained to them as simple switches, this device is a massive leap forward. It acts as a bridge between comfort, health, and security.
Design & User Interface: A Glass Act
The first thing you notice when unboxing the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is the build quality. Unlike the Ecobee vs Wyze thermostat comparison where plastic dominates, the Premium features a zinc body and a smooth glass face. It feels substantial in your hand—more like a piece of modern jewelry than an HVAC component.
The screen is a 4-inch color touch display with 540 x 540-pixel resolution. It is noticeably sharper than previous generations. The user interface (UI) has been refreshed to be more intuitive, with larger temperature readouts and easier access to humidity and air quality data.
Radar Technology
One of the subtle but major upgrades is the shift from PIR (Passive Infrared) to Radar technology. Why does this matter? Old sensors required you to walk directly in front of them to “wake up” the screen. The radar sensor detects presence from further away and around corners, lighting up the display as you approach. It feels futuristic and responsive.
Installation: Easier Than You Think
Many homeowners are intimidated by wiring, fearing they might break their HVAC system. However, Ecobee has arguably the best guided installation process in the industry. The app walks you through everything with diagrams.
The C-Wire Solution
A common issue with smart upgrades is power. If you check your current unit and see thermostat low battery symptoms, you likely lack a “Common” wire (C-wire) that provides constant power. Ecobee includes a Power Extender Kit (PEK) in the box. This small adapter installs at your furnace control board to power the thermostat without running new cables through your walls.
If you are replacing an older model, the process is straightforward. For example, we have a specific guide on how to switch out an hz311 thermostat for an ecobee thermostat, which demonstrates just how adaptable the Ecobee backplate is.
Note for High Voltage Systems: This thermostat is designed for low-voltage (24V) systems. If you are looking for a thermostat for baseboard heaters (high voltage), the Ecobee Premium will not work. You should look into alternatives like the Mysa Smart Thermostat review for those specific needs.
The “Premium” Difference: Air Quality & Smart Sensors
This is where the Ecobee Premium separates itself from the pack, including the standard Amazon Smart Thermostat review units.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Monitor
Built directly into the device is a sensor that measures Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and estimated Carbon Dioxide (CO2) levels. If you’ve been cooking without a vent or if the house feels stuffy, Ecobee alerts you. While it cannot clean the air unless you have a ventilator hooked up to your HVAC, the awareness it provides is valuable. It moves the conversation from “is it hot enough?” to “is the air healthy?”
SmartSensor Included
The package comes with one SmartSensor. You place this in a room that usually gets too hot or cold (like a bedroom over the garage). The thermostat can then average the temperature between the hallway and that bedroom, or prioritize the bedroom at night. If you are struggling with a thermostat not reaching set temperature in specific zones, this sensor is the solution. It essentially fixes balancing issues without expensive ductwork.
Daily Performance and “Eco+”
After testing the unit for several weeks, the reliability is rock solid. We didn’t experience the dreaded issue where the thermostat keeps rebooting, which can plague cheaper, power-starved Wi-Fi units.
Eco+ and Energy Savings
A major question we get is: do smart thermostats really save money? Ecobee’s “Eco+” feature is the engine that drives savings. It learns your routine and adjusts the HVAC run times based on Time of Use (TOU) electricity rates. It can precool your home when energy is cheap and coast through the expensive afternoon hours.
For a deeper dive into the mechanics of this, read our analysis on how does a smart thermostat save money.
Voice Control & Smart Home Hub
The Ecobee Premium has a built-in speaker and microphone. It supports both Amazon Alexa (built-in) and Siri (if you have a HomePod to act as the hub). You can ask it to play music, set timers, or adjust the temperature. While the speaker quality won’t replace a Sonos, it is surprisingly clear for podcasts or news briefings.
Furthermore, the device acts as a security hub. If you subscribe to Ecobee’s Smart Security service, the thermostat and its sensors detect motion when you are away, alerting you to potential intruders.
Comparison: Ecobee Premium vs. The Competition
How does it stack up against other heavy hitters? Below we compare it against the Nest Learning Thermostat and the Honeywell T9. You can also read our full Honeywell Home T9 review for more context.
| Feature | Ecobee Premium | Google Nest Learning (v3) | Honeywell Home T9 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Build Material | Zinc & Glass | Stainless Steel & Glass | Plastic |
| Remote Sensor | Included (1) | Sold Separately | Included (1) |
| Air Quality Monitor | Yes (VOCs) | No | No |
| Voice Assistant | Alexa Built-in / Siri Support | No (Works with) | No |
| C-Wire Adapter | Included (PEK) | Not Included | Included |
If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option without the voice assistant and glass body, you might consider the Wyze vs Govee thermostat debate, or even the simpler Honeywell T5 review. However, for sheer feature density, the Ecobee Premium wins.
Pros & Cons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium require a C-wire?
Yes, it requires constant power. However, it comes with a Power Extender Kit (PEK) in the box, which allows you to install it even if your current wall setup lacks a C-wire.
Can Ecobee Premium control a humidifier?
Yes, the Ecobee Premium has a dedicated accessory terminal (ACC+) that can control 1-wire or 2-wire accessories like humidifiers, dehumidifiers, or ventilators. This is a significant advantage over simpler units like the Emerson Sensi Touch review model.
Is the Ecobee Premium worth it over the Enhanced?
If you care about Air Quality monitoring, want the premium metal/glass materials, and need the included SmartSensor, the Premium is worth the extra cost. If you just want smart control, the Enhanced is sufficient.
How do I know if my thermostat is bad before buying this?
If you are experiencing temperature swings or blank screens, check our guide on how to tell if your thermostat is bad to confirm you need a replacement.
Why does my thermostat say heat on but no heat?
This is often a furnace issue, not a thermostat issue, but it can be a wiring fault. If the Ecobee is installed and you see this, double-check your W wire connection. For old units, read our guide: thermostat says heat on but no heat.
Final Verdict: The King of Smart Thermostats
The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is arguably the most complete thermostat package on the market today. It takes the “smart” aspect seriously, integrating air quality health, security, and voice assistance into a device that looks stunning on the wall.
While the price point is high, you aren’t just buying a switch; you are buying a climate manager. The inclusion of the SmartSensor alone adds significant value, solving comfort issues in multi-story homes. For those wondering are wifi thermostats worth it, the Ecobee Premium provides a resounding “Yes.”
If you want the absolute best integration with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, or Google Home, and you value data regarding the air you breathe, this is the upgrade to make.
For more tips on maintaining your HVAC system and choosing the right gear, be sure to visit our complete thermos guide and browse our other reviews at The Thermo Expert.