If you’re in the market for a smart thermostat, you may be wondering which model is right for you: the Ecobee 5 or the Ecobee 4.
Both of these thermostats offer advanced features and benefits that can help you save energy and enhance your home’s comfort.
In this section, we will compare the Ecobee 5 and Ecobee 4 smart thermostats, highlighting their features and benefits to help you make an informed decision for your home.
With their sleek designs and intuitive interfaces, the Ecobee 5 and Ecobee 4 are both top contenders in the smart thermostat market.
But which model is right for you? In the following sections, we will explore the features, performance, design, integration options, energy efficiency, and user interface of both models to help you make an informed decision.
Ecobee 5 Features
Now that you have a general understanding of the differences between the Ecobee 5 and Ecobee 4 smart thermostats, let’s take a closer look at the standout features of the Ecobee 5 that set it apart from its predecessor and other smart thermostats on the market.
Sensor Capabilities
One of the most significant upgrades to the Ecobee 5 is its sensor capabilities.
The thermostat includes a room sensor that can detect occupancy and temperature, allowing it to adjust the temperature based on the rooms that are in use.
This functionality helps optimize energy usage and can lead to significant cost savings over time.
Voice control
The Ecobee 5 is equipped with Amazon Alexa, allowing you to control the thermostat using your voice.
This feature eliminates the need to physically adjust the thermostat or use a smartphone app, providing a more convenient and hands-free experience.
Compatibility
The Ecobee 5 is compatible with most HVAC systems, including gas, oil, and electric, making it a versatile option for many households.
Additionally, the thermostat supports dual-fuel systems, which are becoming increasingly popular in newer homes.
Mobile App
The Ecobee app, available for both iOS and Android devices, allows you to control the thermostat from anywhere.
With the app, you can adjust the temperature, set schedules, and receive alerts if the temperature is too high or low.
Performance Metrics
According to Ecobee, the Ecobee 5 can save homeowners up to 23% on their annual energy bill.
Additionally, the thermostat is equipped with a built-in algorithm that adapts to your schedule and preferences, ensuring maximum energy efficiency without sacrificing comfort.
As you can see, the Ecobee 5 has several features and advantages that make it a top choice for many homeowners.
From its advanced sensor capabilities to its voice control functionality, the Ecobee 5 is a smart thermostat that can help you save money and energy while enjoying a more comfortable living space.
Ecobee 4 Features
Just like the Ecobee 5, the Ecobee 4 is a smart thermostat that is designed to help you optimize your home’s heating and cooling.
Although it is not the latest version in the Ecobee series, it still comes with a variety of features that make it a compelling choice for homeowners who want to upgrade their thermostats.
The following are some of the features of the Ecobee 4:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Embedded Alexa voice assistant | The Ecobee 4 comes with an inbuilt Alexa voice assistant that allows you to control your smart home devices, make phone calls and get a weather forecast, among other things. |
| Compatibility with various HVAC systems | The Ecobee 4 is compatible with most 24V heating and cooling systems, including gas, oil, and electric systems. |
| Remote sensor technology | The Ecobee 4 comes with a remote sensor that enables intelligent temperature control by adjusting the temperature based on the occupancy and temperature of the room. |
| Energy-saving features | The Ecobee 4 is designed to help you save on your energy bills by optimizing your heating and cooling to minimize unnecessary usage. |
| Smart home compatibility | The Ecobee 4 integrates with a variety of smart home platforms, including Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, and IFTTT. |
While the Ecobee 4 might not have some of the latest features that come with the Ecobee 5, it is still a reliable and energy-saving smart thermostat that offers good value for its price.
Performance Comparison
When deciding between the Ecobee 5 and Ecobee 4 smart thermostats, you want to ensure that your choice is based on more than just features.
You want a thermostat that performs well, saves energy, and delivers the ultimate user experience.
In this section, we will compare the performance of the Ecobee 5 and Ecobee 4, helping you decide which of these smart thermostats is best suited for your home.
Responsiveness
Both the Ecobee 5 and Ecobee 4 have quick and responsive touch screens, making it easy to adjust the temperature and set schedules.
However, the Ecobee 5 has a newer processor and improved hardware, which makes it slightly faster than the Ecobee 4.
Energy-saving capabilities
The Ecobee 5 and Ecobee 4 both come with energy-saving features that help keep your energy bills in check.
However, the Ecobee 5 has an updated SmartSensor that detects occupancy and temperature in different rooms, allowing for more accurate and efficient temperature control.
This can lead to significant energy savings over time.
Overall user experience
Both the Ecobee 5 and Ecobee 4 are user-friendly, with intuitive touch screens and easy-to-navigate menus.
However, the Ecobee 5 has a few additional features that enhance the overall user experience.
For example, it has an improved mobile app that allows you to control your thermostat from anywhere, and it also integrates with more home automation systems and voice assistants than the Ecobee 4.
| Ecobee 5 | Ecobee 4 |
|---|---|
| Faster performance | Slightly slower performance |
| Smarter sensors that detect occupancy and temperature | Basic temperature sensors only |
| Improved mobile app and home automation integration | Limited home automation integration |
Based on the performance comparison, it’s clear that the Ecobee 5 has a slight edge over the Ecobee 4.
However, both models are high-quality smart thermostats that will help you save energy and money while enjoying a comfortable living environment.
Design and Installation
When it comes to design and installation, the Ecobee 5 and Ecobee 4 have some similarities but also some differences to consider.
Both models have sleek and modern designs with touchscreen displays that are easy to use and navigate.
However, the Ecobee 5 has a larger and higher-resolution display compared to the Ecobee 4, making it easier to read and interact with.
In terms of installation, both thermostats are compatible with most HVAC systems and can be installed by homeowners with some DIY experience.
However, the Ecobee 5 has a newer and more advanced wiring system, which may require more expertise to install properly.
If you’re not comfortable with DIY installation, both models have professional installation options available for an additional fee.
When it comes to compatibility with other smart home devices, both thermostats are compatible with a wide range of platforms, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, and Apple HomeKit.
However, the Ecobee 5 has some additional features that make it more versatile, such as built-in voice control and compatibility with more third-party smart home platforms.
| Ecobee 5 | Ecobee 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 5.3-inch, 480×960 resolution | 3.5-inch, 320×480 resolution |
| Wiring | Newer and more advanced | Standard wiring |
| Voice Control | Built-in Amazon Alexa | Compatible with Amazon Alexa |
| A wide range of platforms | More third-party platforms | Wide range of platforms |
Overall, both the Ecobee 5 and Ecobee 4 are user-friendly and visually appealing, with easy-to-navigate touchscreen displays.
However, the Ecobee 5 has some additional features that make it a more versatile and advanced smart thermostat compared to the Ecobee 4.
Smart Home Integration
One of the standout features of the Ecobee 5 and Ecobee 4 smart thermostats is their ability to seamlessly integrate with other smart home devices and platforms.
This means that you can control your Ecobee thermostat using voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, as well as integrate it with home automation systems like Samsung SmartThings and IFTTT.
With the Ecobee 5, you can even use its built-in Amazon Alexa voice assistant to control other smart devices in your home, such as lights and speakers, without needing a separate Alexa device.
This added convenience and versatility make the Ecobee 5 a top choice for homeowners looking to build a comprehensive smart home system.
Comparison
The Ecobee 4 also offers voice control through its integration with Amazon Alexa, but it doesn’t have the same advanced functionality as the Ecobee 5.
It also has limited compatibility with other smart home platforms, so if you’re looking to build a more comprehensive smart home system, the Ecobee 5 may be the better choice.
Both the Ecobee 5 and Ecobee 4 also offer mobile app control, allowing you to adjust your thermostat remotely from your smartphone or tablet.
The Ecobee app is available for free on iOS and Android devices, making it easy to manage your home’s temperature and energy usage from anywhere.
Energy Efficiency and Savings
When it comes to energy efficiency and savings, both the Ecobee 5 and Ecobee 4 smart thermostats are designed to help you cut down on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
One of the standout energy-saving features of both models is the ability to automatically adjust your home’s temperature based on occupancy and outside weather conditions.
This means you won’t have to constantly manually adjust the thermostat, as it will do the work for you.
The Ecobee 5 has a built-in occupancy sensor that can detect when you’re home or away, and adjust the temperature accordingly.
It also uses a feature called Eco+ that intelligently adjusts your heating and cooling based on energy demand and pricing, helping you to save even more on your energy bills.
The Ecobee 4, on the other hand, doesn’t have a dedicated occupancy sensor but instead relies on geofencing technology to detect when you’re leaving or arriving home.
It also has a similar feature to Eco+ called “Smart Home/Life,” which learns your routines and preferences to help optimize your energy usage.
| Ecobee 5 | Ecobee 4 |
|---|---|
| Has a built-in occupancy sensor | Relies on geofencing technology |
| Uses Eco+ for intelligent energy usage | Uses Smart Home/Life to optimize routines |
| Can integrate with other smart home devices for added energy savings | Can integrate with other smart home devices for added energy savings |
Overall, both the Ecobee 5 and Ecobee 4 are excellent choices for energy-conscious homeowners looking to reduce their energy bills.
However, if you’re looking for a more advanced energy-saving experience, the Ecobee 5’s built-in occupancy sensor and Eco+ feature may be worth the investment.
User-Friendly Interface and Controls
The user interface and controls of the Ecobee smart thermostats are designed to be intuitive, making it easy to manage your home’s temperature from anywhere.
Both the Ecobee 5 and Ecobee 4 feature touchscreen displays that are responsive and easy to navigate.
One advantage of the Ecobee 5 is that it has a larger and higher-resolution screen compared to the Ecobee 4, which makes it even easier to read and interact with.
Additionally, both models offer a mobile app that allows you to control your thermostat remotely and view energy reports.
One standout feature of the Ecobee 5 is its built-in Alexa voice control, which makes it possible to adjust the temperature and perform other tasks using voice commands.
This feature is not available in the Ecobee 4, but both models are compatible with third-party voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Remote Sensors
Another unique feature of the Ecobee smart thermostats is their ability to connect with remote sensors, which provide temperature readings from different rooms in your home.
This allows the thermostats to adjust the temperature based on the readings from each sensor, ensuring that every room is at the desired temperature.
The Ecobee 5 has an advantage over the Ecobee 4 in this regard, as it comes with a built-in SmartSensor that can detect occupancy and adjust the temperature accordingly.
The Ecobee 4 can also connect with SmartSensors, but they must be purchased separately.
Overall, the user interface and controls of both the Ecobee 5 and Ecobee 4 are easy to use and navigate, with the Ecobee 5 offering a slight advantage in terms of its larger screen and built-in voice control.
The ability to connect with remote sensors is also a unique and useful feature that sets these smart thermostats apart from others on the market.
Conclusion
After comparing the Ecobee 5 and Ecobee 4 smart thermostats, it’s clear that both models have their own unique set of features and advantages.
The Ecobee 5 boasts some standout features, such as a built-in Alexa, improved sensor technology, and an updated design.
On the other hand, the Ecobee 4 is still a reliable and cost-effective option that provides all the basic features needed for a smart thermostat.
In terms of performance, both models are responsive, efficient, and easy to use.
However, the Ecobee 5’s improved sensor technology and built-in Alexa give it a slight edge over the Ecobee 4.
When it comes to design and installation, both Ecobee models have a sleek and modern appearance, but the Ecobee 5’s updated design may better suit those with contemporary aesthetics.
In terms of compatibility and ease of installation, both models are compatible with most HVAC systems and relatively simple to install.
Both the Ecobee 5 and Ecobee 4 are capable of integrating with other smart home devices and platforms, such as voice assistants and home automation systems.
Additionally, both models are equipped with energy-saving features that can help reduce your home’s heating and cooling costs.
Ultimately, the decision between Ecobee 5 and Ecobee 4 comes down to your personal preferences and needs.
If you want the latest and greatest in smart thermostat technology and are willing to pay a premium for it, the Ecobee 5 is the way to go.
However, if you’re looking for a reliable and cost-effective option that still provides all the basic features of a smart thermostat, the Ecobee 4 is a solid choice.
In conclusion, the Ecobee 5 vs 4 comparison highlights the impressive capabilities of both models and demonstrates the benefits of upgrading to a smart thermostat.
Whether you choose the Ecobee 5 or Ecobee 4, you can rest assured that you’re making a smart investment in your home’s energy efficiency and overall comfort.
