Watch a Video Review

Key Takeaways

Best for: ecobee features on a budget
Standout: Color touchscreen and Apple, Google and Alexa support
Watch out: Power Extender Kit needed without a C-wire
Not for: Homes that need room sensors

The ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential is ecobee’s entry model, with a color touchscreen, the ecobee app and support for Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa and SmartThings. It sells for about $130 to $150.

What you need before you buy

A 24V HVAC system; check ecobee’s online compatibility checker.
A C-wire or the ecobee Power Extender Kit (sold separately).
Wi-Fi and the ecobee app.

How it saves energy

Follow a schedule that eases off while you are out, and track usage in the app. ecobee says this saves up to 23% a year compared with holding one temperature.

Curious how fast it would pay for itself? Try our smart thermostat savings calculator.

How it compares

	ecobee Essential	Amazon Smart Thermostat	ecobee Enhanced
Typical price	$130–$150	$60–$80	$180–$200
Screen	Color touchscreen	Color LED, touch controls	Color touchscreen
C-wire	Needed (kit sold separately)	Required (adapter in a bundle)	Optional (power kit included)
Works with	Alexa, Google, Apple Home, SmartThings	Alexa	Alexa, Google, Apple Home
Best for	ecobee on a budget	Cheapest Alexa pick	Room sensors, occupancy radar

See my Amazon Smart Thermostat and ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced reviews.

Want to see other Thermostats? Compare them side by side →

How I researched this: ecobee’s Smart Thermostat Essential product page and compatibility checker, the Amazon listing, and a video review from Tech Bandicoot. Prices checked October 30, 2026.

ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential

The ecobee Essential brings a color touchscreen and broad smart-home support for about $140. Here is what you give up versus the Enhanced.

Product Brand: ecobee

Editor's Rating:
4.3

Pros

Color touchscreen and the ecobee app for about $140
Works with Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa and SmartThings
Schedules and energy reports, with ecobee saying up to 23% savings
Works with about 85% of HVAC systems
Free software updates

Cons

No room-sensor support or built-in occupancy radar like the ecobee Enhanced
Homes without a C-wire need the Power Extender Kit (sold separately)
Trim plate also sold separately
Fewer premium features than the Enhanced

Specs

Model	ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential
Display	Color touchscreen
Compatibility	About 85% of 24V HVAC systems
C-wire	Needed, or use the ecobee Power Extender Kit (sold separately)
Connectivity	Wi-Fi
Works with	Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings
Features	Schedules, remote control, energy reports
Savings claim	Up to 23% a year on heating and cooling

Verdict

The Essential is the cheapest way into ecobee's polished app and broad platform support. If you want room sensors to fix hot and cold rooms, spend more on the ecobee Enhanced.

Was this helpful?

One tap. Helps us make the site better.

Thanks! We read every message.

Common Questions

Do I need a C-wire?: Yes, or the ecobee Power Extender Kit, which is sold separately and adds power without new wires.
Does it work with Apple Home?: Yes, along with Google Home, Alexa and SmartThings.
How is it different from the ecobee Enhanced?: The Enhanced adds features such as room-sensor support and a built-in power kit; the Essential keeps the core app and scheduling for less.

ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential Review