Alarm.com Smart Thermostat
Score: 78/100
ecobee3 Lite
Score: 82/100Rankings
The Ecobee3 Lite offers a budget-friendly 3.5-inch touchscreen, built-in sensors and broad HomeKit, Alexa and Google Assistant support. Its reliance on a C-wire or power extender kit and modest display resolution may deter users seeking higher-end visuals. Best suited for cost-conscious owners of 24 V HVAC systems who value multi-room sensing.
The Alarm.com Smart Thermostat is a Z-Wave-enabled thermostat featuring a high-resolution color touchscreen and machine-learning HVAC health monitoring. Its main drawbacks are the required Alarm.com subscription, mandatory C-wire, and a limited operating temperature range. It is best suited for existing Alarm.com security customers who want deep integration and humidity control.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
— | 3 yearsbest | |
— | 3.5 inchbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.14 kgbest | 2.268 kg |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
General(1) | ||
HVAC Compatibility | Heat up to 3 stages, Cool up to 2 stages, Heat pump (O/B), Fan (G), Humidifier/dehumidifier/vent (Z1/Z2 configurable) | Approximately 95% of 24V systems |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Smart Home Integration | Alarm.com, Z-Wave | Siri, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, IFTTT, Alexa |
Power & Installation(1) | ||
Power Source | 24 VAC | Hardwired 24V |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Device Weight (kg) | 0.14 kg | 2.268 kg |
Device Dimensions (H×W×D) (mm) | 50.8×203.2×203.2 mm mm | 102.9x102.9x21.4 mm mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers highlight the thermostat's seamless integration with Alarm.com, noting the built-in Z-Wave hub reduces hardware clutter and the machine-learning HVAC monitoring provides valuable early-warning alerts. They also praise the sleek touchscreen design and straightforward installation, while cautioning that the product requires an Alarm.com service subscription and has a limited temperature operating range.
Everyday users appreciate the convenience of remote app control, real-time alerts, and the ability to manage humidity, but they commonly express frustration over the mandatory C-wire requirement and the need for an ongoing Alarm.com subscription to unlock full features.
Industry analysts and the manufacturer emphasize the Ecobee3 Lite's strong energy-efficiency credentials, easy installation with the optional Power Extender Kit, and its broad smart-home ecosystem support, positioning it as a cost-effective solution that can still achieve notable savings of around 23 % per year.
