ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium with SmartSensor 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 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
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 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.
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 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
- 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 .