Ecobee Essential: Affordable Smart Thermostat with Core Features
Ecobee is expanding its lineup with the Smart Thermostat Essential, a more affordable option unveiled at CES 2025. Priced at $130, the Essential provides most of the same core features that have made Ecobee’s Enhanced ($190) and Premium ($250) models popular, but at a significantly lower cost.
For buyers who want a no-fuss smart thermostat, the Essential keeps things simple, excluding advanced features like motion detection radar and the ability to stream video from Ecobee’s security devices. However, you’ll still get a full-color touchscreen (just a bit smaller than the others) and the promise of saving 23% on energy bills each year through smart scheduling and energy-saving capabilities.
One of the standout features of the Essential is its adaptive learning technology, which automatically adjusts your home’s heating and cooling based on your routines. This means your house stays comfortable when you’re home, while minimizing energy waste when you’re away.
The Essential is also expandable with Ecobee SmartSensors, which track both temperature and room occupancy for more precise climate control. For those interested in professional monitoring, Ecobee offers that as well.
Designed to integrate with the biggest smart home ecosystems, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, the Essential is easy to set up and use. Through the Ecobee app, users can access Home Energy Reports, which analyze their energy usage and offer suggestions for optimizing efficiency.
For those on a budget or new to smart home devices, the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential is a practical and affordable entry point, providing reliable temperature control without the complexity of higher-end models. Plus, like all Ecobee thermostats, it’s Energy Star-certified and comes in eco-friendly packaging, underscoring the company’s commitment to sustainability.
The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential will be available in March 2025, offering a smart, energy-efficient solution for homes at a more affordable price.