ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential (EB-STATE7-01) vs Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) with Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen)
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
Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) with Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen)
Multi-stage 24V systems run through the Google Home app, in homes with or without a C wire
Google's top thermostat, bundled with one room sensor, a trim plate and a steel plate. The maker lists up to three stages of heat and cool, three-stage heat pumps with aux and emergency heat, plus humidifier, dehumidifier and ventilation terminals. Power Sharing means no C wire in most homes, and control runs through Google Home and Matter.
Published specifications
- Maker: most 24V systems; heating and cooling 1-3 stages; heat pump to 3 stages with AUX, AUX2 and E
- Maker: star connector takes only one of W3, Y3, G3, E, HUM or DEHUM; AQ+/AQ- limited to Y3 or VENT/HUM/DEHUM
- Maker: Power Sharing works with or without a C wire; under 1% of homes may need a C wire or Nest Power Connector
- Maker: Wi-Fi 802.11n on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz; works with Google Home and Matter; Google Home app required to set up
- Maker: 3.9 in diameter, 1.1 in deep, 5.7 oz; 2.7-inch 600x600 circular display; Soli, temperature, humidity, light sensors
- Warranty: Google Store lists 2 years retail and 5 years for HVAC pros; the listing's warranty PDF says one year
Strengths
- Maker publishes the exact stages and terminals, including three-stage heat, cool and heat pump support
- Trim plate, steel plate and a Nest Temperature Sensor are all in the box
- Works without a C wire in over 99% of homes by Google's own figure, and takes 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz Wi-Fi
Caveats
- Setup requires the Google Home app and account; Alexa or Apple control goes through Matter and may need a third-party hub
- Warranty length differs between Google's spec page and the warranty PDF on the listing, and covers authorised resellers only
- The extra terminals are shared: you cannot use W3, Y3, G3, E, HUM and DEHUM all at once
Read the full Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) with Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen) 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 Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) with Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen) if your situation matches: Multi-stage 24V systems run through the Google Home app, in homes with or without a C wire. Its main caveat: Setup requires the Google Home app and account; Alexa or Apple control goes through Matter and may need a third-party hub.
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)
- Google Store tech specs and wiring compatibility, Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) Source for Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) with Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen)
- Google Consumer Hardware Limited Warranty PDF supplied with the Amazon listing Source for Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) with Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen)
- Google Nest compatibility checker named on the Google Store specs page and in the listing Source for Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) with Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen)
Primary sources checked .