Centralite Micro Door Sensor vs Ecobee SmartSensor for Doors & Windows

The Ecobee SmartSensor for Doors & Windows is better overall, winning on rating, warranty, battery life and occupancy sensing for ecobee thermostat owners. The Centralite Micro Door Sensor is a simpler, cheaper Zigbee sensor for existing SmartThings-style hubs.

Ecosystem and capability. The Ecobee SmartSensor for Doors & Windows pairs with an ecobee thermostat, adds occupancy detection and can pause HVAC, while the Centralite Micro Door Sensor is a plain Zigbee contact sensor that requires a compatible Zigbee hub.

The Ecobee SmartSensor for Doors & Windows adds occupancy (motion) detection to door contact, useful for its ecobee automations, whereas the Centralite Micro Door Sensor only detects open/close. The ecobee's occupancy alerts do require a Smart Security subscription.

For its security features, yes. The Ecobee SmartSensor for Doors & Windows needs an ecobee thermostat to work, and motion, arm/disarm and occupancy alerts require an ecobee Smart Security subscription. Basic open/close alerts and HVAC pausing work without it.

Buy the Ecobee SmartSensor for Doors & Windows if you own an ecobee thermostat and want to pause heating or cooling on an open door, plus occupancy sensing, a 3-year warranty and long battery life, and you accept the subscription for security features.

Buy the Centralite Micro Door Sensor only if you already run a SmartThings-style Zigbee hub and want a basic, inexpensive contact sensor. It lacks the ecobee's occupancy sensing, warranty and battery advantages.