ecobee Reviews

To get started with ecobee, you begin by purchasing at least one ecobee device — whether that’s a window and door sensor, doorbell camera, indoor camera or smart thermostat. Then you’ll download ecobee’s free mobile app and set up your devices. You can track activity, receive real-time alerts and manage settings through the app.

A subscription isn’t required, and if you only need basic alerts from your doorbell, window and door monitors, you’ll be fine without one. However, you’ll need a subscription to store video from your indoor camera or access other advanced features, such as automated thermostat adjustment.

ecobee’s home security lineup includes door and window sensors, room sensors, indoor cameras, doorbell cameras and smart thermostats. These devices connect through the ecobee app, which lets you monitor and manage compatible devices.

Sensors

Here’s a closer look at ecobee’s sensors:

• SmartSensor for doors and windows: These tiny wireless sensors can be placed on doors, windows or cabinets to detect when they’re opened or left ajar. They notify you of unusual activity and sync with your HVAC system to pause heating and cooling when doors or windows are open, helping reduce energy waste.
• SmartSensor for rooms: This small, wireless sensor detects temperature and occupancy in individual rooms. It works with your ecobee thermostat to help identify hot and cold spots and adjust heating or cooling based on where people are in the home.

Cameras

ecobee offers two camera options:

• Doorbell camera: This device provides a 175-degree vertical field of view designed to show a full-body, high-definition view of people and packages near your door, including items placed close to the entrance. The color camera is built for outdoor use and allows you to see in the dark. The doorbell camera allows you to remotely view visitors and communicate with them.
• Indoor camera: This small, two-way 1080p camera lets you hear what’s happening in your home and communicate remotely via its speaker.

Smart thermostats

ecobee offers smart thermostats in three tiers —Essential, Enhanced and Premium. All three thermostats detect temperature and occupancy, allowing you to control your heating and cooling system through a wide color touchscreen. The Premium plan adds a plethora of intelligent features like air quality and humidity monitoring, Spotify streaming and a built-in speaker and microphone.

Mobile app

The ecobee mobile app is available to iOS and Android users. It allows you to pair and control all your ecobee home security devices. It alerts you when noteworthy activity is detected, displays your temperature status and allows you to communicate with guests through your doorbell camera. If you’re on the Plus or Advanced plan, you can use the app to access 30 days of camera video storage.

ecobee sells home security devices individually and in bundles. At the time of publishing, a la carte equipment starts at $79.99 for a two-pack of door and window sensors, while bundles cost $459.99 to $619.97. Subscription plans are optional for basic alerts but required for features such as video storage.

Bundle pricing

ecobee bundles combine multiple home security products. Bundles may offer a lower per-device cost than buying each item separately.

A la carte pricing

You can also buy ecobee devices individually. This may be a better option if you only need one or two devices or already own compatible ecobee products.

Subscription pricing

ecobee doesn’t require a subscription for basic sensor use, but video storage and some smart features require a paid plan. If you have one indoor security camera, the Plus plan may be enough. Homes with two or more cameras need the Advanced plan for video storage.

ecobee’s sensors and cameras are easy to install, but the thermostat and doorbell require a little more effort.

Door and window sensors are battery-powered and include adhesive backing, so you can easily stick them on door or window frames. Temperature sensors are also wireless and can be attached to the wall or placed on a surface.

The indoor cameras, however, are wired and must be placed within 10 feet of a power outlet. You can place the camera on a stand or use the included wall-mounting kit to attach it with screws.

Since ecobee’s thermostats and video doorbells connect to your home’s existing HVAC or doorbell wiring, check ecobee’s compatibility guides before buying. Installation may require removing your existing thermostat or doorbell and reconnecting wires.

ecobee provides self-installation guides on its website. For Smart Doorbell Camera orders, ecobee also works with HelloTech, a third-party smart home installer.

ecobee sensors, cameras, doorbells and thermostats all come with a three-year warranty. If a product malfunctions during that window, you can replace it for free. The warranty doesn’t cover products that were improperly installed, so it’s important to follow the proper setup steps.

ecobee also covers all products with a 30-day money-back guarantee, providing a full refund if you’re unsatisfied.

Yes, ecobee can be worth it, particularly if you want a home security system with advanced thermostat technology. It’s also a strong option if you want to remotely communicate through your cameras, doorbells and thermostats.

Other security systems have higher-resolution cameras, but ecobee’s cameras are good enough for nearly all use cases. Built-in two-way speakers and microphones are common in cameras and doorbells, but they’re especially unusual in a thermostat. Also, if you want to keep an especially keen eye on temperature in your home — including in specific areas — ecobee’s remote sensors are an excellent option that provides a more granular view of your home’s temperature.