The Ecobee4 automatically controls the temperature of your home down to individual rooms and it doubles as a smart speaker.
The latest and greatest in smart thermostat technology is currently found in the Ecobee4. It's an updated model that comes with built-in Alexa Voice Service and far-field voice technology as well as accessory support for humidifiers, dehumidifiers, ventilators, HRV (Heat recovery ventilation), and ERV (energy recovery ventilation).
Ecobee takes a rather novel approach to temperature control by using a main base along with sensors that you place throughout your home. The Ecobee4 comes with one sensor, but you can purchase additional Ecobee Room Sensors with Stands in packs of two for $75.50.
Ordinary thermostats read the temperature in just one room, but the Ecobee4 goes a step further with the addition of room sensors that deliver the right temperature to the rooms that matter most. The room sensors detect occupancy and temperature to better manage your energy bills and comfort.
By keeping energy use low when it's not needed, the Ecobee4 saves you an average of 23% annually on your heating and cooling costs when compared to setting a thermostat at 72 degrees Fahrenheit and letting it be.
The entire system can be operated remotely using the Ecobee app on your phone. You can use it with Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, IFTTT, and other platforms. As a bonus, the Ecobee4 is hardwired so it doesn't rely on a battery to charge itself and thus can provide more reliable heating and cooling.
When you do what to interact with the main Ecobee4 base, it has Amazon's Alexa Voice Service built-in, so, in addition to changing the temperature hands free, you get the same voice command options you get with an Amazon Echo or Echo Dot such as weather and sports updates, turning Alexa-enabled devices such as lights on and off, hearing a joke, and much more.
Voice recognition is embedded with the microphones along with a speaker engineered for a clear Alexa voice and sound. Its touchscreen base display isn't only modern and aesthetically pleasing, it's also is easy to use and fast to respond. If that wasn't enough, the entire system has a fast and easy install process with step-by-step directions delivered right to your phone along with free expert support and a comforting 3-year warranty.
The Ecobee4 has received rave reviews from tech experts including a 4.5 out of 5-star rating on CNET. Tom's Guide gives it a 9 out of 10-star rating, while Digital Trends gave it a 4 out of 5-star rating. It's also TechHive's favorite smart thermostat, followed by the Nest Learning Thermostat. On Amazon, the Ecobee4 holds a 4.1 out of 5-star rating based on more than 300 customer reviews.
Pros: Unique sensor system provides optimal temperature to each room, saves on energy costs, open API offers dozens of control options, remote access, aesthetically pleasing touchscreen design
Cons: Price can add up with additional sensors, Alexa integration is far from perfect
Buy the Ecobee4 on Amazon for $199