ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite vs. ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced: Which to Pick?

Naila Syifa

Updated October 2024

ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite vs. ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced

The Smart Thermostat Lite and the Smart Thermostat Enhanced are some of ecobee's recommended smart thermostat options. The Lite version requires professional installation, while the Enhanced model can be self-installed by most homeowners. Other than that, both models have many more differences that make one better suited for certain users and home setups than the other. Which one is the best pick for you?

On our list

#1 Design

#2 Features

#3 System Compatibility & Setup

#4 Price & Availability

Key Takeaways

The Enhanced model offers more advanced occupancy sensing capabilities and wider smart home integration, while the Lite model provides greater HVAC system compatibility and flexibility, particularly for homes without a C-wire. The decision between the two models mainly depends on whether you prioritize advanced smart features or broader HVAC compatibility.

	ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite	ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced
Dimensions	3.62” x 3.62” x 0.91”	4.09” x 4.09” x 0.94”
Built-In Radar Occupancy Sensor	❌	✅
Built-In Humidity Sensor	✅	✅
Built-In Indoor Air Quality Monitor	❌	❌
Security Hub	❌ Coming Soon	✅
SmartSensor	Sold Separately	Sold Separately
Smart Home Integration	Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Alarm.com	Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, SmartThings, IFTTT
Terminal	10	8
HVAC Accessory Support	✅ 1-Wire	✅ 1-Wire
Power Extender Kit	Sold Separately	Included
Installation	Professional	Self-Installation
Wi-Fi	Single-Band	Dual-Band

ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite

Basic Programmable Wi-Fi Thermostat

✓ Temperature & Humidity Sensing
✓ Pro Installation Required
✓ Smart Home Integration
✓ Works with SmartSensors

Exclusively Sold at Local HVAC Installers

ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced

Advanced Programmable Wi-Fi Thermostat

✓ Radar Occupancy Sensing
✓ Schedule Assistant
✓ Smart Home Integration
✓ Works with SmartSensors

Buy on Amazon

Design

ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced

The ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite comes smaller than the Enhanced model. It measures 3.62” x 3.62” x 0.91” and features a 2.8-inch full-color LCD touchscreen with 240 x 320 pixels resolution.

In comparison, the ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced measures 4.09" x 4.09" x 0.94" and boasts a larger 4-inch full-color LCD touchscreen with 540 x 540 pixels resolution.

Except for size, both thermostats look nearly identical. They feature a sleek, modern design with a square shape and rounded corners. They are constructed using high-quality plastic and glass materials, giving them a premium look and feel.

Winner: ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced

Features

ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite

The ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite lacks radar occupancy and proximity sensing capabilities found in the Enhanced model. That means the Enhanced thermostat is smart enough to detect when someone enters or leaves the house, adjusting temperature settings accordingly with the Smart Home & Away feature. It also can learn your routine and suggest changes to the schedule if it detects consistent patterns in your daily activities, a feature known as Schedule Assistant.

Without the radar technology, the Lite model can't intelligently detect home occupancy and relies largely on the schedule you set up. Therefore, you need to continuously make sure that your schedule accurately reflects your daily routine to maximize energy savings.

The ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced also serves as a security hub for ecobee Smart Security system. If you subscribe to the plan, the thermostat can be used to arm/disarm your home, send motion alerts when the system is armed, send notifications of potential frozen pipe risks, and more. The Lite model doesn't currently support the ecobee Smart Security system but is reported to receive the support in a future update.

Both thermostats have another difference in their compatibility with smart home ecosystems. While both models support Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant, the Lite model also supports Alarm.com while the Enhanced model supports SmartThings and IFTTT. This difference may be crucial if you're heavily invested in a particular smart home ecosystem.

Beyond these differences, both thermostats share many common features and capabilities.

They can be controlled remotely from the app on phones, tablets, or Apple Watch.
They have a built-in humidity sensor that can adjust temperature settings based on the humidity levels in your home.
They work with the separately sold SmartSensors, which can manage hot and cold spots throughout your home.
They offer a Time of Use feature, which helps you save money by automatically adjusting your home's temperature based on peak and off-peak energy rates.
They support vacation scheduling and geofencing.

Winner: ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced

System Compatibility & Setup

ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced

The ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite and Enhanced work with most HVAC systems, including one-wire HVAC accessories like humidifiers, dehumidifiers, or ventilators.

Installation requires a C-wire, but the Power Extender Kit can be used to install the thermostat if your system lacks a C-wire. The Enhanced model comes with the Power Extender Kit included, while the Lite doesn't. A Power Extender Kit for the ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite will be available for separate purchase in the near future.

The ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced is designed for self-installation at home, while the Lite model is intended for professional installation.

Despite this potential drawback, the ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite has an advantage with its 10 wire terminals, slightly more than the Enhanced model with just 8 terminals. More terminals can provide greater flexibility for complex HVAC systems. ecobee claimed the Lite model to be compatible with ~95% of HVAC systems while the Enhanced model is compatible with ~90% of systems.

Below are the specific wire terminals for each model:
Lite: Rc, Rh, W1, W2, Y1, Y2, C, OB, G/PEK, ACC
Enhanced: R, W1, W2/OB, Y1, Y2, C, PEK+, G

The extra ACC terminal on the Lite is used for connecting a one-wire HVAC accessory. Without an ACC terminal, the Enhanced model uses its PEK+ terminal for accessory connections. However, that means you can't use the Power Extender Kit and connect an accessory simultaneously.

If your home has no C-wire and thus requires a Power Extender Kit, you'll have to give up the ability to connect a HVAC accessory with the Enhanced model, or opt for the Lite model to maintain both functionalities.

Winner: ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite

Price & Availability

ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite

The ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced retails at US$189.99 and is available in major retailers and online stores, including Amazon.

The ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite is exclusively available through your local HVAC installer.