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Smart Thermostat Reviews: Nest, Ecobee and Honeywell Reviewed

closeup of honeywell smart thermostat at 68 degrees
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Picking out a new piece of technology can be difficult; there are so many different things to consider. A great part of shopping for these items is that there are reviews. But, with so many reviews out there, it can be daunting to sit and read every single one. Luckily, we’ve got you covered. Here are the common smart thermostat reviews; the good, the bad, and the ugly for Nest, Ecobee, and Honeywell. These reviews come directly from Google Reviews and their website reviews. 

nest smart thermostat showing 62 degrees

Smart Thermostat Reviews: Installation Process

When it comes to new purchases, sometimes it’s so exciting to buy it, that you forget to check reviews on how to install it. The installation is often an oversight, but it is incredibly important to remember when making a big purchase. What good is a thermostat if you can’t figure out how to make it work? Luckily, the reviews on these three thermostats will help you make a conscious choice. 

Nest

Most reviews of the Nest thermostat claim it’s an easy installation. The installation itself can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, but most can complete the installation process in 30. Google Nest also has installation videos to ensure that your installation process can run as smoothly as possible.

Ecobee

While the installation on the Nest proved easy, the same cannot be said for the Ecobee. Customers have complained about it being a process with the Ecobee3, but that the Ecobee4 had an easier installation. The Ecobee does offer professional installation for $99, so if you’re worried about that aspect, know that you can pay someone to do it for you.

Honeywell

One common review that is seen on the Honeywell 9000 Thermostat is that it comes equipped with an energy saver, instead of having to add that feature with the Nest or the Ecobee products. While reviews say that it can be a complicated install, most praised Honeywell for having very detailed instructions. 

The Verdict

Between the Nest, Ecobee, and Honeywell products, the smart thermostat reviews all point to the Nest being the best as far as installation goes. The biggest contribution to their installation is that they have the videos to help guide users through the whole process.

A smart thermostat is hanging on a beige wall inside a living room.

Thermostat Design Reviews

Having a smart design for the smart thermostat proves to be a huge selling point to prospective customers. Not only are users wanting a great thermostat, but also wanting one that looks as high-tech as it is. When you’re paying that much for a thermostat, you don’t want something that is an eye-sore, afterall. 

Nest

The Nest boasts a sleek, circle design. Users reviews often mention the circular design to help adjust temperature. This design has been well-received and preferred by their customers. It has an innovative dial control, and motion sensors. The motion sensors will cause the thermostat to glow, so if you walk up to your thermostat, it will recognize your movement and tell you the temperature. This way, the light is not on all day, leading to energy savings. 

Ecobee

Design wise, the Ecobee is described by consumers as having an “edgy” or “futuristic design.” The design itself is neither square, nor circular, but more of a hybrid. It has four sides like the square, but rounded edges for a new design interface. 

Honeywell 

Customers love the fact that the Honeywell can have any color on the front panel that they want. This design feature allows for further customization, which is a huge plus for them. 

The Verdict

Design wise, customers preferred the Nest’s design best. 

smart thermostat on wall set to 63

Smart Thermostat Reviews: Overall Functionality

Nest

Nest users cannot get enough of their thermostat. The thermostat is easy to use, understands your habits and schedule, and saves money in the long run. It is compatible with your Amazon Alexa, or your Google Assistant products. However, some customers are not happy that it is not compatible with Apple, and they have to have a Google Home or Amazon Alexa to make more use out of their thermostat. 

Another complaint about the functionality of the Nest is that motion sensors are not the best, and that they believe the Nest needs to make great improvements to this feature. Some complain that because of the poor motion sensors, they often have to walk by their thermostat several times so it looks like they’re home. 

Ecobee

While the Nest thermostat is designed for simplicity, the Ecobee is designed for the user. The thermostat itself works quite like a smartphone. This is a great help for an easier transition for those who aren’t as privy with new technology. The Ecobee 4 comes with a built in Amazon Alexa speaker. This way, you have two great smart devices in one. It is also compatible with Apple Home, something that Nest is not compatible with. Customers love that they can control their thermostat from their phone through the App. 

These features have their customers raving with the ease and functionality of their device. While some customers complain that the price of the Ecobee 4 is too high, they cannot deny the fact that it is the best thermostat on the market right now. 

Honeywell

The Honeywell 9000 is easy to use, and connects to Apple, Samsung, Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Logitech. Customers love that there are so many different options available to connect their thermostat to. Customers also love their “vacation mode” option. This function lets customers set a minimum and maximum temperature during their vacation.

While Honeywell has the same ability to set a schedule, many of the negative reviews are that the schedule can only be set for seven days. The other thermostats have a larger learning capability that the Honeywell just does not have.  Another common complaint is that it is difficult for multiple users to take advantage of the apps and website, as there is only one account email per thermostat. 

The Reviews are In: Final Verdict

Between the three, the best usability review goes to the Ecobee products. 

A cat looks out the window while sitting on the armrest of a couch.

Final Thoughts

Smart thermostat reviews are a great way to scope out a potential product that can be added to your home. Having a smart thermostat is a great addition to your home for the ease of changing the temperature, or for saving money. At ONIT, we recognize that sometimes it can be difficult to make a final decision and having a professional opinion can be helpful. That’s where we come in! The transition to adding smart technology to your home should be an easy one, and we are here to help you through it. Contact us today for a free quote. 

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