Emerson Sensi Touch
Score: 82/100
ecobee3 Lite
Score: 82/100Rankings
The Emerson Sensi Touch provides a color LCD touchscreen, geofencing, and wide smart-home compatibility while being ENERGY STAR certified. Mandatory C-wire power and lack of 5 GHz Wi-Fi or battery backup constrain some installations. It fits homeowners wanting reliable scheduling and voice-assistant control without premium pricing.
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.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
3 yearsbest | 3 yearsbest | |
— | 3.5 inchbest | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 2.268 kgbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
General(1) | ||
HVAC Compatibility | Single/multi-stage gas/oil/electric, heat pumps, heat/cool only; not millivolt or 3-wire zone | Approximately 95% of 24V systems |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Smart Home Integration | Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, SmartThings | Siri, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, IFTTT, Alexa |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Device Dimensions (H×W×D) (mm) | 85.9x142.9x25.4 mm mm | 102.9x102.9x21.4 mm mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers, including USA Today's Reviewed.com, named the Sensi Touch the best overall smart thermostat for multiple years, praising its intuitive menus, clear backlit display, precise control, and smart alerts.
Everyday users consistently commend the easy installation, straightforward app, and effective geofencing that delivers noticeable energy savings. Common criticisms focus on the mandatory C-wire, occasional Wi-Fi reliability issues, and the lack of room sensors or battery backup.
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.
