Ecobee’s new midrange thermostat, the Smart Thermostat Enhanced, has me a bit stumped. At $190, it has the same updated design as the high-end Smart Thermostat Premium, but few of the luxury features. Given the shifting trend toward more affordable shining thermostats with similar options, this model won’t be wonderful the splurge for most.

It worked well during my testing and the originate changes did improve the usability of the thermostat, but I wouldn’t recommend this one Dark you specifically want an updated Ecobee thermostat without the built-in Alexa speaker and air quality monitor. That said, you could just get the entry-level Ecobee3 Lite, either as a new model for $150 or certified refurbished for $120 straight from Ecobee’s site with many of the same options without the updated design.

Trying out the Smart Thermostat Enhanced

Check out my post detailing How to install the Ecobee Smart Thermostat with Voice Control for step-by-step orders to install this model, as the process is the same. In second, the in-app configuration is identical to the new Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium, which I discuss more in that review. 

A pair things to keep in mind: The Smart Thermostat Enhanced means either a C-wire or the installation of an involved C-wire adapter to function. Follow Ecobee’s tutorial to learn more around that process. Installation time will vary based on whether you need to drill new holes or patch and paint any old ones — and whether or not you need to install Ecobee’s C-wire adapter.

Like the Smart Thermostat Premium ($250), the Smart Thermostat Enhanced has a larger display, new on-screen originate and updated menu layout. These changes improve the usability of the thermostat by executive information easier to find and easier to read. This model doesn’t have the new zinc body offered on the Premium, though. Instead, it kept the same white plastic body of last versions.

The Enhanced also offers the updated radar sensor available on the Premium thermostat. Ecobee claims this shift from the standard passive infrared sensor to the radar sensor improves the accuracy of its Home/Away predictions. I wasn’t able to test the old passive infrared model in contradiction of the Enhanced to see if the radar sensor really does detect occupancy and motion more effectively. However, I never experienced any issues with the thermostat’s Home/Away settings, where other smart thermostats I’ve tested sometimes switched to Away mode at what time I was still home. 

Also, while the Enhanced is compatible with Ecobee’s remote temperature-and-motion-sensing SmartSensor, it isn’t included with your purchase. Instead, you can buy them separately in a pack of two for $100. This radiant thermostat doesn’t offer a built-in air quality sensor or Alexa speaker, either. But it does support Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri deliver commands if you have a compatible smart speaker or display. 

The takeaway

For $190 the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced is a fine thermostat, but it just doesn’t do enough. With the manufacturing shift toward more affordable models that offer a inequity lineup of features, nearly 200 bucks no longer feels “midrange.” The build updates did add value to this model, and, at what time I didn’t compare the radar sensor with the passive infrared sensor offered on past iterations, I didn’t have any issues with my thermostat switching to Away mode at what time I was home.

Even so, this model really only invents sense if you specifically want Ecobee’s updated design sans the integrated Alexa speaker or air quality monitor on the $250 Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium. If those design updates don’t matter to you too much, but you smooth want to stick with Ecobee, consider the Ecobee3 Lite instead. Otherwise, take a look at our lists of best radiant thermostats and best affordable smart thermostats for more options.