ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential (EB-STATE7-01) vs ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium with SmartSensor
These are side-by-side facts taken from each product guide: published specifications, strengths and caveats as their sources state them. This page is not a test, a ranking or a verdict about which model is better.
ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential (EB-STATE7-01)
Simple single-transformer systems with one stage of cooling, on a 2.4GHz network
ecobee's entry thermostat: a 2.8-inch touchscreen, temperature and humidity sensing only, and six wire terminals. The maker lists conventional 2H/1C or 1H/2C and heat pump 2H/1C, wired 24VAC through C and R. The Power Extender Kit and Trim Kit are sold separately, and Wi-Fi is 2.4GHz only.
Published specifications
- Maker: wire terminals C, R, G/PEK, Y1, OB (also takes W2 or Y2), W1
- Maker: conventional 2H/1C and 1H/2C; heat pump 2H/1C; gas, oil, electric, forced air
- Maker: wired 24VAC through C and R; Power Extender Kit sold separately for homes without a C wire
- Maker: Wi-Fi 6 at 2.4GHz only; Bluetooth BLE 5.4; sub-GHz sensor radio; about 5MB a month
- Maker: 3.62 x 3.62 x 0.91 in; 2.8-inch 240x320 touchscreen; temperature and humidity sensors only
- Maker: box holds thermostat, backplate, wire labels, screws and plugs; trim kit sold separately
Strengths
- ecobee publishes the exact terminal list and stage support, so you can check fit before buying
- Hardwired 24VAC with no batteries, and it works with Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit
- Small 3.62-inch body with a full-colour touchscreen and the same ecobee app as the dearer models
Caveats
- Six terminals only: no two-transformer wiring, no second cooling stage on a heat pump, no accessory terminal
- Power Extender Kit and Trim Kit are both extra purchases, unlike every other ecobee model
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only, no on-board speaker or occupancy sensor, and no bundled room sensor
Read the full ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential (EB-STATE7-01) guide
ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium with SmartSensor
24 VAC forced-air, heat pump, boiler or PTAC systems, checked first with ecobee's compatibility tool
ecobee's top thermostat ships with a room SmartSensor, the Power Extender Kit and a trim plate. The maker's spec sheet covers conventional 2H/2C, heat pumps to 4H/2C, boilers and PTACs on 24 VAC, and rules out line-voltage, millivolt and 0-10VDC systems. Dual-band Wi-Fi, Alexa built in, Siri with an Apple home hub. Read the warranty's installer clause before you fit it yourself.
Published specifications
- Maker: 24 VAC systems; conventional 2H/2C; heat pump 4H/2C; boilers; PTAC or fan coil to 3 fan speeds
- Maker: not compatible with line voltage (110/220V), millivolt or 0-10VDC systems
- Maker: Power Extender Kit included for homes without a C wire; booklet requires 3 or 4 specific wires
- Maker: dual-band Wi-Fi 2.4GHz and 5GHz, Bluetooth 5.0, 915MHz sensor radio, 4 VA, hardwired
- Maker: 4.09 x 4.09 x 1.02 in; 4-inch 540x540 touchscreen; trim plate and one SmartSensor in the box
- Warranty: 3-year limited; maker's pro sheet advertises 5 years with professional installation
Strengths
- SmartSensor, Power Extender Kit and trim plate are all included, not add-ons
- Maker publishes a full spec sheet: stages supported, wire terminals, Wi-Fi bands and power draw
- Dual-band Wi-Fi, Alexa built in, Siri with an Apple home hub, Google Assistant and SmartThings
Caveats
- The warranty excludes units not installed by a licensed HVAC contractor, while the listing sells DIY installation
- The Power Extender Kit only works if you have the three or four wires the booklet names
- Listing paperwork is inconsistent: part number EB-STATE6-01 and a user guide warranting a different ecobee model
Read the full ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium with SmartSensor guide
How to choose between them
Choose the ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential (EB-STATE7-01) if your situation matches: Simple single-transformer systems with one stage of cooling, on a 2.4GHz network. Its main caveat: Six terminals only: no two-transformer wiring, no second cooling stage on a heat pump, no accessory terminal.
Choose the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium with SmartSensor if your situation matches: 24 VAC forced-air, heat pump, boiler or PTAC systems, checked first with ecobee's compatibility tool. Its main caveat: The warranty excludes units not installed by a licensed HVAC contractor, while the listing sells DIY installation.
Both entries repeat what each guide records. Confirm the model, included parts and availability on the current listing before ordering.
Primary sources
- ecobee product page and detailed specification panel for Smart Thermostat Essential Source for ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential (EB-STATE7-01)
- ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite tech specs and sell sheet, the pro-only model with the same body size Source for ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential (EB-STATE7-01)
- ecobee thermostat compatibility checker named in the listing and on the maker page Source for ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential (EB-STATE7-01)
- ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium tech specs and sell sheet (maker PDF) Source for ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium with SmartSensor
- ecobee product page for Smart Thermostat Premium Source for ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium with SmartSensor
- ecobee installation booklet supplied with the Amazon listing Source for ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium with SmartSensor
- ecobee terminal-designation chart supplied with the Amazon listing Source for ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium with SmartSensor
- ecobee user guide supplied with the Amazon listing Source for ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium with SmartSensor
Primary sources checked .