ecobee3 Smarter
Score: 84/100
Google Nest Thermostat
Score: 76/100Rankings
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.
The Google Nest Thermostat offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity with a compact 2.4-inch display and Energy Star efficiency. Its main trade-off is occasional C-wire requirement and a modest display size. Ideal for users seeking an affordable, Google-centric smart thermostat.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
3 yearsbest | 1 years | |
3.5 inchbest | 2.4 inch | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.612 kg | 0.139 kgbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
General(2) | ||
HVAC Compatibility | ~95% of 24V systems (conventional 2H/2C, heat pump 4H/2C, gas/oil/electric/dual fuel, humidifier/dehumidifier/ventilator/HRV/ERV) | Supports heating stages W1-W3, cooling stages Y1-Y2, heat pump with auxiliary and emergency heat (O/B, AUX, E) |
Warranty (years) | 3 years | 1 years |
Connectivity(3) | ||
Wi‑Fi Standard | 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz) | 802.11b/g/n, 802.11a/n |
Bluetooth Version | BLE 5.4 | BLE |
Smart Home Integration | Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Google Home |
Power & Installation(2) | ||
C‑Wire Requirement | true | false |
Power Source | 24 VAC | HVAC system wiring |
Display(3) | ||
Display Type | color touchscreen | IPS LCD |
Screen Size (inch) | 3.5 inch | 2.4 inch |
Resolution | 320x480 pixels | 240x320 |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Device Weight (kg) | 0.612 kg | 0.139 kg |
Device Dimensions (H×W×D) (mm) | 23.6×100.3×100.3 mm mm | 27.2x84.0x27.3 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.
“ease of install and Wi-Fi control”
“seamless Siri/HomeKit remote access”
