ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite vs. ecobee3 Lite: Strengths & Trade-Offs
Naila Syifa
Updated October 2024
If you're looking for a budget-friendly thermostat that still offers smart features and reliable energy-saving capabilities, both the ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite and ecobee3 Lite are excellent options to consider. But how do these two models compare, and which one is the better choice for your home?
Key Takeaways
ecobee3 Lite can be self-installed but doesn’t support humidifiers, dehumidifiers, or ventilators. ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite supports them but requires pro installation. ecobee3 Lite can also double as a hub for the ecobee Smart Security plan, while the Smart Thermostat Lite is still waiting for this feature to be added in a future update.
| ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite | ecobee3 Lite Smart Thermostat | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 3.62” x 3.62” x 0.91” | 4” x 4” x 0.8” |
| Built-In Proximity Sensor | ❌ | ✅ |
| Built-In Humidity Sensor | ✅ | ✅ |
| Vacation Scheduling | ✅ | ✅ |
| App Control | ✅ | ✅ |
| 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 | 10 |
| HVAC Accessory Support | ✅ 1-Wire | ❌ |
| Power Extender Kit | Sold Separately | Included |
| Wi-Fi | Single-Band | Single-Band |
ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite
Basic Programmable Wi-Fi Thermostat
✓ Temperature & Humidity Sensing
✓ Pro Installation Required
✓ Smart Home Integration
✓ Works with SmartSensors
ecobee3 Lite Smart Thermostat
Basic Programmable Wi-Fi Thermostat
✓ Temperature, Humidity, Proximity Sensing
✓ Ecobee Smart Security Support
✓ Smart Home Integration
✓ Works with SmartSensors
Design
ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite
The ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite is the newer model between the two, so it boasts a newer design more similar to the higher-end Smart Thermostat Premium and Smart Thermostat Enhanced. While the ecobee3 Lite retains the design of the older ecobee3, it still looks sleek and modern with its minimalist aesthetic.
The ecobee3 Lite has a slight advantage with a display that can auto-awake when you approach it, thanks to its built-in proximity sensor that detects presence. The ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite has no proximity sensor, so you'll need to touch the screen to wake it up.
The ecobee3 Lite is also larger at 4” x 4” x 0.8”. The LCD touchscreen measures 3.5" diagonally and has a 320 x 480 pixels resolution. In comparison, the ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite measures 3.62” x 3.62” x 0.91” with a 2.8" touchscreen display at 240 x 320 pixels resolution. A larger, higher-resolution display makes reading and interacting with the ecobee3 lite easier.
Winner: ecobee3 Lite
Features
ecobee3 Lite
Both the ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite and ecobee3 Lite can help reduce energy bills by adjusting temperature settings based on the pre-customized schedule and taking advantage of off-peak hours through the Time of Use feature.
The built-in humidity sensor on both thermostats takes into account humidity levels so the temperature will always be in your comfort zone regardless of moisture in the air.
Both thermostats can be controlled with the ecobee app on Android and iOS devices, including Apple Watch.
They also work with various smart home ecosystems, including Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant. The ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite adds support for Alarm.com, while the ecobee3 Lite supports Samsung SmartThings and IFTTT.
ecobee SmartSensor is available for both models as an optional accessory, allowing you to monitor temperature and occupancy in multiple rooms for more precise comfort control throughout your home.
One advantage that the ecobee3 Lite has over the ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite is that it works as a hub for the ecobee Smart Security system. If you subscribe to the Smart Security plan, the ecobee3 Lite can be used to arm/disarm your home by entering a 4-digit PIN code on the on-screen keypad and can also send freeze protection alerts to notify you of potential frozen pipes due to sudden temperature drops.
The ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite doesn't currently support the Smart Security system, but ecobee said to expect this feature to be added in a future update.
Winner: ecobee3 Lite
System Compatibility & Setup
ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite
ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite requires professional installation, while the ecobee3 Lite is designed to be self-installed by most homeowners in about 45 minutes.
Installing both thermostats requires a C-wire, but the Power Extender Kit can be used to accommodate homes without a C-wire. The Power Extender Kit comes included with the ecobee3 Lite, while it's sold separately for the ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite.
Both thermostats have 10 wire terminals, but the terminals offered are different:
ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite offers Rc, Rh, W1, W2, Y1, Y2, C, OB, G/PEK, ACC.
ecobee3 Lite offers Rc, Rh, W1, W2, Y1, Y2, C, O/B, PEK, G.
The ACC terminal on the Smart Thermostat Lite gives it an advantage in supporting a one-wire HVAC accessory, including a humidifier, dehumidifier, or ventilator. The ecobee3 Lite, on the other hand, doesn't support HVAC accessories.
Winner: ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite
Price & Availability
ecobee3 Lite
ecobee3 Lite is priced at US$149.99 and is available from major retailers like Amazon.
The ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite can only be purchased through authorized HVAC professionals in your area, with pricing subject to variation based on your location and the cost of installation.
ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite vs. ecobee3 Lite Smart Thermostat
Final Thoughts
ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite
Both the ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite and ecobee3 Lite offer compelling energy-saving features for homeowners looking for a budget-friendly smart thermostat, but each has its own strengths and trade-offs.
The ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite shines in its ability to integrate with HVAC accessories like humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and ventilators, but it requires professional installation and has limited availability in the market.
The ecobee3 Lite is widely available and comes with a larger display and added ecobee Smart Security support, but it lacks compatibility with HVAC accessories.
If you like to read more about Smart Thermostats, check out our other relevant guides here:
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium vs Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite vs Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite vs Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
Ecobee Thermostat Premium vs Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen)
Ecobee Thermostat Enhanced vs Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen)
Nest Thermostat vs Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen)
Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) vs Honeywell T9
Author
Naila Syifa
Content Manager at Synced. She crafts insightful content on the latest trends in technology, consumer electronics, and smart home gadgets.
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