REVIEWS / THERMOSTATS / OWNER INSIGHTS
🦉 WE READ 63 OWNER COMMENTS
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium: what owners actually say
Owners like the HomeKit and Nest-alternative angle, but cloud dependency and built-in Alexa are real friction points.
What owners complain about
- Cloud dependency SOME
Multiple users are frustrated that the thermostat relies on cloud connectivity, with one calling it 'not even remotely acceptable.' Others note that while some local functionality exists, features are missing without a cloud connection.
- Built-in Alexa feels unwanted SOME
Several users want to know if Alexa can be fully uninstalled rather than just turned off. One commenter openly mocked the idea of streaming music through a thermostat: 'Who in their right mind is playing music to their thermostat.'
- HomeKit support not solid enough FEW
At least one user wants Ecobee to solidify HomeKit support before expanding into other integrations, suggesting the current implementation isn't fully trusted yet.
- Generational upgrade frustration SOME
Owners who recently bought the previous model are annoyed by the new release, and several are asking whether mounting plates and screw locations are compatible between generations — implying they are not.
- Wire compatibility confusion SOME
Multiple users are unsure if the thermostat will work with their specific HVAC setups — 2-wire, 3-wire, oil burner with baseboard heat plus central air — suggesting the installation guidance isn't clear enough for non-standard configurations.
What owners love
- Not a Nest
Owners explicitly value Ecobee as a Google-free alternative: 'Simple, works, not a Nest' and 'none of the Google baggage.'
- Long-term loyalty
One owner has used Ecobee since the first generation and still loves it, appreciating the company's direction compared to Nest.
- HomeKit appeal
HomeKit users are actively seeking this thermostat, and content about HomeKit integration is praised as genuinely helpful for that audience.
- Multi-assistant household support
Users are interested in running both Apple HomeKit/Siri and Amazon Alexa simultaneously on one device, which the thermostat apparently supports.
Surprising patterns
- Several owners are asking whether they can mix and match thermostat tiers across a multi-zone home (e.g., one Premium and two Enhanced), suggesting Ecobee's product lineup is creating decision paralysis rather than clear guidance.
- Flush-mounting is a real concern — at least one user wants to recess the thermostat into the wall but worries about whether side-mounted sensors would be blocked, indicating the design assumes surface mounting.
- The built-in speaker and music streaming capability is treated with open derision by some users, who see it as an unnecessary gimmick rather than a feature.
WHO SHOULD SKIP IT
Buyers who want full local control without cloud dependency, or who are bothered by having Alexa baked into the device, will likely be frustrated.
Synthesised from 63 real owner comments across 3 platforms. Every point is grounded in the comments — no marketing, no AI guessing. How we do it →