Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential review

The Essential is ecobee's lowest-priced thermostat, and it keeps the ecobee app and smart home support that make the range easy to live with. It runs on your schedule for home, away and sleep, can start heating or cooling early so the house reaches the set temperature on time, and runs the fan after each cycle to use leftover heat or cooling. Ecobee says it can cut energy bills by up to 23%, or up to $250 a year. It works with Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant and Alexa, which few rivals at this price match, and with ecobee SmartSensors if you add them. The trade-offs show in the hardware: there is no occupancy sensor in the thermostat, Wi-Fi is 2.4 GHz only, and it supports 2H/1C or 1H/2C conventional systems and 2H/1C heat pumps. Homes without a C wire need the Power Extender Kit, sold separately. We compared documented features and published prices.

Who it is for

Budget buyers with standard systems who want the ecobee app and Apple, Google or Alexa control.

Price

$139.99 on the ecobee US store when checked.

Smart Thermostat Essential $139.99 Serious savings made easy.
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 9, 2026.

Key features

• 2.8 inch full-color touchscreen
• Pre-heating and pre-cooling that learns how long your system takes
• AC Overcool to Dehumidify and fan dissipation after each cycle
• Works with SmartSensor, sold separately
• Works with Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Ecobee says it can save up to 23%, or up to $250 a year
• Strength: Supports all three major smart home platforms
• Strength: 3-year extended warranty
• Weakness: No occupancy sensor in the thermostat
• Weakness: 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only
• Weakness: Power Extender Kit for homes without a C wire is sold separately

Key facts

• Savings claim: Up to 23%
• Room sensor: Optional, sold separately
• C wire: Needed, or adapter sold separately
• Warranty: 3 years

Where it ranks

Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential is No. 5 in our Best Smart Thermostats verdict.