ecobee3 Smarter
Score: 84/100
Emerson Sensi Touch 2
Score: 77/100Rankings
The ecobee3 Smarter thermostat provides a 3.5-inch color touchscreen and a suite of built-in sensors for precise climate control, along with broad 24 V HVAC compatibility and optional Power Extender Kit. It requires a C-wire or additional kit and uses older 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, which may limit some setups. Best suited for users wanting multi-zone sensing and Apple ecosystem integration.
Emerson's Sensi Touch 2 offers a full-color touchscreen and Alexa voice control with a focus on privacy and easy DIY installation. It mandates a C-wire and currently supports only Alexa, limiting broader smart-home ecosystems. It fits well for users who prioritize a sleek interface and straightforward setup.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
3 yearsbest | 3 yearsbest | |
3.5 inchbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.612 kg | 0.281 kgbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
General(1) | ||
HVAC Compatibility | ~95% of 24V systems (conventional 2H/2C, heat pump 4H/2C, gas/oil/electric/dual fuel, humidifier/dehumidifier/ventilator/HRV/ERV) | Works with most HVAC systems (C‑wire required) |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Smart Home Integration | Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Alexa |
Display(1) | ||
Display Type | color touchscreen | Touchscreen color display |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Device Weight (kg) | 0.612 kg | 0.281 kg |
Device Dimensions (H×W×D) (mm) | 23.6×100.3×100.3 mm mm | 19.6×82.6×142.2 mm mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Ecobee3 for its comprehensive sensor suite that enables smart recovery and precise humidity management, as well as its extensive HVAC compatibility that covers most 24V systems. They note its value for multi-zone comfort without a hub, while pointing out the need for a C-wire or Power Extender Kit and the lack of newer Wi-Fi standards compared to later models.
Everyday users praise the thermostat for its straightforward installation and reliable Wi-Fi control, especially appreciating the seamless Siri and HomeKit integration. The most common feedback revolves around occasional wiring difficulties in homes without a C-wire, but overall sentiment is highly positive.
Professional reviewers have highlighted the Sensi Touch as a leading smart thermostat, noting its award-winning status for best overall performance from 2017 through 2019, which underscores its solid feature set and user-friendly design.
“ease of install and Wi-Fi control”
“seamless Siri/HomeKit remote access”
