Amazon Smart Thermostat vs Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential

The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential is the stronger overall choice thanks to its longer three-year warranty, Bluetooth plus Wi-Fi connectivity, color touchscreen, humidity and motion sensors, temperature alerts, and support for multiple platforms. The Amazon Smart Thermostat counters with a lower price and an included trim plate.

Platform reach and sensing depth. The Amazon Smart Thermostat works only with Alexa and has a single temperature sensor, while the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential works with Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home and Home Assistant, and adds humidity and motion sensing plus temperature alerts.

Only the Amazon Smart Thermostat includes a trim plate as standard, which helps cover marks left by an old thermostat. The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential does not ship with one, so factor that in if your wall needs covering.

The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential wins on both. It has a 4-inch color touchscreen and a three-year warranty, versus the Amazon Smart Thermostat's non-touch LED display and one-year warranty.

Buyers who want the most affordable way to add smart scheduling to an Alexa home and appreciate having the trim plate included, and who do not need a color screen, extra sensors or support for other ecosystems.

Anyone who wants a color touchscreen, humidity and motion sensing, temperature alerts and compatibility with Alexa, Google Home and Apple Home, plus a longer warranty, and is willing to spend a little more than the entry-level Amazon option.