OUR TOP PICK
Best Smart Thermostat 2025
ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
The best thermostat for most people
Built-in air quality monitor
SmartSensor included
Alexa built-in
Energy savings guaranteed
$279.99
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Top Picks at a Glance
ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
$279.99
Save 11%
- Built-in air quality monitor
- SmartSensor included
- Alexa built-in
- Energy savings guaranteed
Nest Learning Thermostat
$279.00
Save 11%
- Learns your schedule
- Home/Away Assist
- Energy history reports
- Works with 95% of HVAC systems
Google Nest Thermostat
$149.99
Save 13%
- Soli radar sensor
- ENERGY STAR certified
- Easy DIY installation
- Savings Finder feature
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Quick Verdict
Ecobee wins for room sensor support, built-in Alexa, and works with all ecosystems. Nest offers a more elegant design and better learning algorithms.
Ecobee and Nest have been battling for smart thermostat supremacy for years. Both save energy, look great on your wall, and integrate with smart home systems. But they have different strengths that matter for different homes.
Feature Comparison
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| Feature | Ecobee Premium | Nest Learning |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 3.5″ touchscreen | 2.08″ circular |
| Room Sensors | Yes (1 included) | Yes (sold separately) |
| Built-in Speaker | Yes (Alexa) | No |
| Air Quality Monitor | Yes | No |
| HomeKit Support | Yes | No |
| Learning Algorithm | Good | Excellent |
| Price | $250 | $249 |
Room Sensors
Ecobee's biggest advantage is its room sensor system. The included sensor detects occupancy and temperature in different rooms, letting your thermostat prioritize comfort where you actually are. This is a game-changer for multi-story homes or spaces with hot/cold spots.
Nest offers temperature sensors too, but they're sold separately and the integration isn't as seamless.
Smart Learning
Nest's learning algorithm is legendary. It observes your behavior and creates automatic schedules without manual programming. After a week or two, it anticipates your needs perfectly.
Ecobee relies more on occupancy detection and manual schedules. It's effective but requires more initial setup.
Ecosystem Support
Ecobee works with Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, SmartThings, and more. If you use HomeKit, Ecobee is your only premium option.
Nest is optimized for Google Home but also works with Alexa. No HomeKit support.
Our Recommendation
Choose Ecobee if you have hot/cold spots in your home, use Apple HomeKit, or want a built-in Alexa speaker.
Choose Nest if you prefer automatic learning over manual setup, use Google Home, or prioritize elegant design.
