Ecobee3 & Ecobee3 Lite share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Ecobee3 rather than the Ecobee3 Lite.
Why Do I Recommend The Ecobee3?
- The Ecobee3 has 3 room sensors, which allow more accurate temperature management in specific zones, while the Ecobee3 Lite requires purchasing room sensor.
- Ecobee3 has a built-in occupancy sensor and supports advanced features like Follow Me to adjust the temperature based on room activity, while Ecobee3 Lite lacks a built-in occupancy sensor.
- It supports HRV/ERV systems and suitable for more complex HVAC setups, whereas Ecobee3 Lite does not support HRV/ERV systems.
- The Ecobee3 includes Smart Recovery and Home IQ for energy optimization and detailed insights, features absent in the Ecobee3 Lite.
Maybe the Ecobee3 Lite price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Ecobee3 Lite. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
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Side By Side Comparison
Feature | Ecobee3 | Ecobee3 Lite |
Room Sensors Included | Yes, 1 sensor included | No, must be purchased separately |
Built-in Occupancy Sensor | Yes | No |
Follow Me Feature | Fully functional with built-in occupancy sensor | Requires room sensors only |
HVAC Compatibility | Supports multi-stage heating and cooling, HRV/ERV systems | Supports multi-stage heating and cooling only |
Advanced Comfort Settings | Includes Smart Recovery, Home IQ | Lacks Smart Recovery, Home IQ |
HomeKit Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
Energy Reports | Detailed reports available | Simplified reports |
Price | Check Ecobee3 Price | Check Ecobee3 Lite Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Smart Thermostat Functionality: Both the Ecobee3 and Ecobee3 Lite are designed as smart thermostats, offering intelligent temperature control based on schedules, preferences, and external conditions. They help optimize home comfort and energy efficiency.
- Remote Sensor Compatibility: While the Ecobee3 includes a room sensor, both models are compatible with Ecobee’s remote sensors, allowing for multi-room temperature management and additional functionality like Follow Me.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Both thermostats connect seamlessly to Wi-Fi, enabling remote access and control from anywhere via the Ecobee app or a web interface.
- Touchscreen Display: The Ecobee3 and Ecobee3 Lite feature a responsive and intuitive touchscreen interface, making it easy to manage settings directly from the device.
- Energy Savings: Both models are designed to reduce energy usage by learning user habits, integrating with utility rebates, and offering usage insights to help save on energy bills.
- HomeKit Support: They are fully compatible with Apple HomeKit, allowing users to integrate them into their smart home setup and control them using Siri.
- Geofencing: Both models support geofencing, enabling the thermostat to adjust settings based on the user’s proximity to home, enhancing energy savings and comfort.
- Mobile App Control: The Ecobee app allows users to control both thermostats remotely, schedule temperature adjustments, monitor energy usage, and customize settings.
- Alexa and Google Assistant Integration: Both thermostats work seamlessly with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control, allowing for hands-free operation.
- Easy Installation: Both models are designed for straightforward installation, with clear instructions and compatibility with most HVAC systems, ensuring a hassle-free setup process.
Common Features
Feature | Ecobee3 | Ecobee3 Lite |
Smart Thermostat Functionality | Yes | Yes |
Remote Sensor Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
Wi-Fi Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
Touchscreen Display | Yes | Yes |
Energy Savings | Yes | Yes |
HomeKit Support | Yes | Yes |
Geofencing | Yes | Yes |
Mobile App Control | Yes | Yes |
Alexa, Google Assistant Integration | Yes | Yes |
Easy Installation | Yes | Yes |
Price | Check Ecobee3 Price | Check Ecobee3 Lite Price |
FAQ
Q: Do both Ecobee3 and Ecobee3 Lite support smart thermostat functionality? Q: Can I use remote sensors with both the Ecobee3 and Ecobee3 Lite? Q: Do the Ecobee3 and Ecobee3 Lite connect to Wi-Fi? Q: Are the Ecobee3 and Ecobee3 Lite compatible with Apple HomeKit? Q: Do both thermostats support geofencing? Q: Can I control both thermostats using voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant? Q: Are there energy savings features in both models? Q: Do the Ecobee3 and Ecobee3 Lite have a touchscreen display? Q: Is the installation process easy for both thermostats? Q: What is the main difference in terms of included accessories? |