The ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is a top-tier smart thermostat that merges climate control, air quality monitoring, and basic security capabilities into one elegant unit. Its radar motion sensing, built-in Alexa or Siri, and compatibility with a wide range of HVAC systems make it both versatile and powerful. With features like smoke alarm detection and intelligent energy optimization, it’s ideal for homes wanting a forward-looking, integrated smart solution.
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Introduction
In this Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium review, we analyze the most advanced climate control device currently available for residential homes. While basic smart thermostats allow you to change the temperature from your phone, Ecobee has aimed higher. They want to be the central hub of your home’s health and security.
The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is not just a temperature controller; it is an air quality monitor and a smart speaker wrapped in a sleek zinc body. But with a price tag significantly higher than the standard “Enhanced” model, is the upgrade justified? Does the air quality sensor actually provide useful data? We installed the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium to see if it truly reigns supreme.
Design and Build Quality
The first thing you notice is that this doesn’t feel like a cheap plastic gadget.
- Premium Materials: True to its name, the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium features a glass face and a brushed zinc metal body. It looks sophisticated on the wall, resembling a piece of modern jewelry rather than a utility appliance.
- Display: The touchscreen is significantly larger and more responsive than previous generations (50% larger than the Ecobee3 Lite), making it easier to read humidity and temperature stats from across the room.
The Smart Sensor Included
One of the biggest selling points of the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is that it comes with a separate SmartSensor in the box.
- Hot/Cold Spots: Most thermostats only measure temperature in the hallway (where they are installed), leaving your bedroom freezing or boiling. You place the SmartSensor in the room that matters most (like the nursery or master bedroom).
- Occupancy Detection: The system is smart enough to know which room you are in. If you are in the bedroom at night, it will adjust the furnace to keep that room comfortable, ignoring the empty hallway. This is a game-changer for comfort and efficiency.
Indoor Air Quality Monitoring
This feature is exclusive to the Premium model. The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium has a built-in VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) sensor.
- Health Tracking: It constantly sniffs the air for pollutants like cooking fumes, off-gassing from furniture, or smoke.
- Alerts: If air quality drops, it alerts you on the screen and app, suggesting you open a window or turn on a fan. During our review, it accurately detected when we were cooking with olive oil and when we lit a candle. It brings invisible health hazards to your attention.
Voice Control: Siri and Alexa
This device effectively replaces an Echo Dot or HomePod Mini in your hallway.
- Built-in Speaker/Mic: You can talk directly to the thermostat. Ask it to play music, set a timer, or check the weather.
- Siri Integration: It is one of the few third-party devices that officially supports Apple Siri (requires a HomePod on the network), making it the top choice for Apple HomeKit users.
Installation and Compatibility
Installing a smart thermostat can be intimidating, but Ecobee is known for its user-friendly process.
- C-Wire Adapter: If your old home lacks a “C-wire” (Common wire), the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium includes a Power Extender Kit (PEK) in the box. This ensures compatibility with almost any HVAC system without needing to run new cables through your walls.
- The App: The step-by-step video guide in the app makes wiring fool-proof, usually taking about 30-45 minutes for a novice.
Energy Savings with Eco+
Beyond the hardware, the software is brilliant. The Eco+ feature learns your routine. It automatically adjusts the temperature when you leave home (Geofencing) and can even precool your home when electricity rates are cheaper (Time of Use optimization). Over a year, these micro-adjustments can shave a significant percentage off your utility bills, helping the device pay for itself.
Final Verdict
Is the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium worth the high price?
If you want the absolute best, yes. The inclusion of the external SmartSensor (valued at $50 alone) and the beautiful metal design make it a worthy upgrade over the plastic models. The added Air Quality Monitor gives it a health dimension that no other competitor offers. It is the smartest, most capable thermostat on the market in 2025.
Ready to upgrade your home? Get your Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium today.
For more on saving energy, check out the Energy Star Guide to Smart Thermostats.
For more home upgrades, browse our Home Improvement category.
