Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential vs Sensi Smart thermostat

The Sensi Smart thermostat is the better overall value, with a lower price, a higher owner rating, built-in voice control and an available trim plate. The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential is the more feature-rich choice, adding a color touchscreen, more sensors and more alerts.

Price and interface. The Sensi Smart thermostat is cheaper and uses a large 5-inch monochrome display with voice control, while the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential centers on a 4-inch color touchscreen with proximity sensing and temperature and intrusion alerts.

The Sensi Smart thermostat has the larger screen at 5 inches, but it is monochrome and not a touchscreen. The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential's 4-inch display is smaller yet is a full color touchscreen you operate directly.

Yes. The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential adds proximity/motion sensing plus temperature and subscription-based intrusion alerts. The Sensi Smart thermostat covers temperature and humidity sensing but does not include those alert types.

Buyers who want the more affordable, well-rated unit with a big readable display, humidity sensing, Apple Home support and built-in voice control, and who do not need a color touchscreen or occupancy-based alerts.

Buyers who prefer a 4-inch color touchscreen, proximity sensing and a broader alert suite including intrusion alerts, and who value a modern touch interface over the Sensi's larger monochrome screen.