The Ecobee4 Smart Thermostat is being hailed as the best one there is currently available in the market. But how true is that claim? Sure, the latest smart temperature regulator from Ecobee is affordable at just $249. On top of that, it has a built-in Amazon Alexa speaker.
Wait, did somebody say there is a digital AI assistant incorporated to the Ecobee4 Smart Thermostat? Yes, and that is only one thing that makes this device a great buy. Aside from that, it sports a responsive touchscreen display. The thermostat also has a remote temperature and proximity sensor. Plus, it connects with a ton of mobile and web applications. And aside from Amazon Alexa, this home appliance is also integrated with Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings and IFTTT, CNet notes.
While the design is still a far cry from that of Nest's elegance, Ecobee4 Smart Thermostat's minimalist design makes it a good home addition. The rounded touchscreen display is user-friendly and responds quickly to the user's touch. The face also shows the current temperature in a prominent manner and right beside it is the slider for temperature adjustment. It also has blue LED light at the top, which flashes on when Alexa is activated.
Aside from its unobtrusive design, Tom's Guide writes that the best feature of Ecobee4 Smart Thermostat is its remote sensor. It is capable of connecting to up to 32 room sensors, making temperature adjustment much easier. Furthermore, the proximity sensor of the smart home appliance detects presences in the house. This means that it can automatically switch from Home to Away mode.
Amazon Alexa also works smoothly with the thermostat. The microphone picks up voices and commands very well and responds promptly, too. If there is another Amazon device in the vicinity, like an Echo or Echo Dot, Ecobee4's always listening mode can be turned off so that the homeowner only has to use one Amazon-related gizmo.
Although the Ecobee4 Smart Thermostat has a lot of good things going for it, it also has downsides. For one, the speaker is weak and it is not a good idea to use it as a music player. It cannot connect to an external or Bluetooth speaker either. That is why, it cannot be used as a primary Alexa device, unlike the Echo or the Echo Dot.
The geofencing also is not up to par with Honeywell Lyric's, which can detect if a person is within proximity of the house. This feature turns on or off the thermostat automatically, so that the house is already at the desired temperature upon entry. Fortunately, Ecobee is adding this adjustment to Android, though iOS users will have to rely on other applications.
Overall, Ecobee4 Smart Thermostat is a smart buy. With its smart app integrations, it is very convenient to use. But if you do not have any use for its smart capabilities, then Ecobee does have a line of less pricey thermostats.
