Plain Buy Guides

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ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential (EB-STATE7-01) vs Sensi Lite Smart Thermostat ST25 (Black)

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

Check this model on Amazon

Read the full ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential (EB-STATE7-01) guide

Sensi Lite Smart Thermostat ST25 (Black)

Single-stage or one-extra-stage 24 VAC systems on a 2.4 GHz network

Copeland's Sensi Lite thermostat, confirmed by matching UPC. It handles 1H/1C, 1H/2C or 2H/1C conventional systems and 2H/1C heat pumps. Copeland and the listing agree that heat-only, cool-only and heat pump systems need a C wire. Setup requires the Sensi app and an account; the warranty is three years for DIY or pro installs.

Published specifications

  • Maker: stages 1H/1C, 1H/2C or 2H/1C conventional; heat pump 2H/1C; 3-wire zone heat
  • Maker and listing: C wire required for heat-only, cool-only and heat pump systems
  • Maker: 24 VAC, 20-30 Vac rating; hardwire with power stealing; 2 x AAA included
  • Guide: Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz only; Sensi app and account required; Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings
  • Maker: 5.07 x 3.13 x 0.88 in; 7-day schedule, 8 periods a day; geofencing; keypad lockout
  • Maker warranty table: 3 years, DIY or professional install

Strengths

  • Listing and maker agree on exactly which systems need a C wire
  • Three-year warranty applies whether you or a contractor installs it
  • UPC matches Copeland's product page, which publishes a specification block

Caveats

  • Only one extra stage: no 2H/2C, and no two-stage heat pump support
  • Heat pump, heat-only and cool-only systems need a C wire
  • Requires the Sensi app, an account and a 2.4 GHz network to set up

Check this model on Amazon

Read the full Sensi Lite Smart Thermostat ST25 (Black) 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 Sensi Lite Smart Thermostat ST25 (Black) if your situation matches: Single-stage or one-extra-stage 24 VAC systems on a 2.4 GHz network. Its main caveat: Only one extra stage: no 2H/2C, and no two-stage heat pump support.

Both entries repeat what each guide records. Confirm the model, included parts and availability on the current listing before ordering.

Primary sources

  1. ecobee product page and detailed specification panel for Smart Thermostat Essential Source for ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential (EB-STATE7-01)
  2. 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)
  3. ecobee thermostat compatibility checker named in the listing and on the maker page Source for ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential (EB-STATE7-01)
  4. Copeland product page and specifications for Sensi Lite Smart Thermostat ST25 Source for Sensi Lite Smart Thermostat ST25 (Black)
  5. Sensi Lite installation guide R-5664 (ST25 series) supplied with the Amazon listing Source for Sensi Lite Smart Thermostat ST25 (Black)
  6. Copeland Sensi warranty table by model Source for Sensi Lite Smart Thermostat ST25 (Black)

Primary sources checked .