ecobee3 Smarter
Score: 84/100
Honeywell Home RTH9600WF
Score: 78/100Rankings
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 Honeywell Home RTH9600WF is an ENERGY STAR-certified smart thermostat featuring a vibrant color touchscreen and extensive smart-home integration. Its requirement for a dedicated C-wire and incompatibility with certain heating systems limit installation flexibility. Ideal for homeowners with compatible 24 VAC systems seeking advanced display and remote control.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
3 yearsbest | 2 years | |
3.5 inchbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.612 kg | 0.318 kgbest |
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| 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) | Works with 24 VAC systems (forced air, heat pump, hydronic, hot water, steam); requires C-wire; incompatible with millivolt, 120/240V baseboard heat, heating-only oil furnaces without C-wire |
Warranty (years) | 3 years | 2 years |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Smart Home Integration | Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, iOS, Android |
Power & Installation(1) | ||
Power Source | 24 VAC | Battery |
Display(1) | ||
Display Type | color touchscreen | LCD color touchscreen with backlight |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Device Weight (kg) | 0.612 kg | 0.318 kg |
Device Dimensions (H×W×D) (mm) | 23.6×100.3×100.3 mm mm | 89x22x114 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 such as Consumer Reports evaluate the RTH9600WF on smart-feature performance (Smart IQ), manual operation ease, and automation capabilities, but detailed ratings are behind a subscription wall, leaving only a general acknowledgment of its comprehensive smart-thermostat functionality.
“ease of install and Wi-Fi control”
“seamless Siri/HomeKit remote access”
