Ecobee3 Vs Ecobee3 Lite – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

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

FeatureEcobee3Ecobee3 Lite
Room Sensors IncludedYes, 1 sensor includedNo, must be purchased separately
Built-in Occupancy SensorYesNo
Follow Me FeatureFully functional with built-in occupancy sensorRequires room sensors only
HVAC CompatibilitySupports multi-stage heating and cooling, HRV/ERV systemsSupports multi-stage heating and cooling only
Advanced Comfort SettingsIncludes Smart Recovery, Home IQLacks Smart Recovery, Home IQ
HomeKit CompatibilityYesYes
Energy ReportsDetailed reports availableSimplified reports
PriceCheck Ecobee3 PriceCheck 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

FeatureEcobee3Ecobee3 Lite
Smart Thermostat FunctionalityYesYes
Remote Sensor CompatibilityYesYes
Wi-Fi ConnectivityYesYes
Touchscreen DisplayYesYes
Energy SavingsYesYes
HomeKit SupportYesYes
GeofencingYesYes
Mobile App ControlYesYes
Alexa, Google Assistant IntegrationYesYes
Easy InstallationYesYes
Price Check Ecobee3 Price Check Ecobee3 Lite Price

FAQ

Q: Do both Ecobee3 and Ecobee3 Lite support smart thermostat functionality?
A: Yes, both models are designed as smart thermostats, offering intelligent temperature management features to optimize comfort and energy efficiency.

Q: Can I use remote sensors with both the Ecobee3 and Ecobee3 Lite?
A: Yes, both thermostats are compatible with Ecobee’s remote sensors. However, the Ecobee3 comes with a room sensor included, while the Ecobee3 Lite requires separate purchase of sensors.

Q: Do the Ecobee3 and Ecobee3 Lite connect to Wi-Fi?
A: Yes, both models have Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling remote control through the Ecobee app or web interface.

Q: Are the Ecobee3 and Ecobee3 Lite compatible with Apple HomeKit?
A: Yes, both thermostats are compatible with Apple HomeKit, allowing for integration into smart home systems and control through Siri.

Q: Do both thermostats support geofencing?
A: Yes, both models include geofencing capabilities, adjusting temperature settings based on your location relative to your home.

Q: Can I control both thermostats using voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant?
A: Yes, the Ecobee3 and Ecobee3 Lite are compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing for hands-free control using voice commands.

Q: Are there energy savings features in both models?
A: Yes, both thermostats are designed to reduce energy usage through intelligent scheduling, energy insights, and integration with utility rebate programs.

Q: Do the Ecobee3 and Ecobee3 Lite have a touchscreen display?
A: Yes, both models feature a responsive and user-friendly touchscreen interface for managing settings directly on the device.

Q: Is the installation process easy for both thermostats?
A: Yes, both the Ecobee3 and Ecobee3 Lite are designed for easy installation with clear instructions and compatibility with most HVAC systems.

Q: What is the main difference in terms of included accessories?
A: The Ecobee3 comes with a room sensor included, whereas the Ecobee3 Lite does not include a sensor, but it is compatible with them if purchased separately.

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