Quick Specs Comparison
Here’s a side-by-side look at the key details for each thermostat, pulled straight from the Amazon listings. Prices reflect the discounted rates available at the time of writing.
| Image | Product | Price | Dimensions | Power Source | Connectivity | Controller Type | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ecobee Enhanced | $152.48 | 0.94″D x 4.09″W x 4.09″H | Corded Electric | Wi-Fi (2.4GHz & 5GHz) | Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, SmartThings | 3 years |
 | ecobee3 Lite | $152.48 | 1″D x 4.05″W x 4.05″H | AC/DC | Wi-Fi (2.4GHz) | Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant, Vera | 3 years |
 | Emerson Sensi Touch | $135.99 | 1.17″D x 5.63″W x 3.2″H | Corded Electric | Wi-Fi (2.4GHz) | Alexa, HomeKit, Google Assistant, SmartThings | 3 years |
 | Honeywell Home T5 | $79.99 | 1.06″D x 4.06″W x 4.06″H | Corded Electric | Wi-Fi (2.4GHz) | Alexa, HomeKit, Google Assistant | 2 years |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
I’ve dug into the key aspects that matter most when picking a smart thermostat: installation ease, smart home compatibility, energy savings, design, temperature control, and app experience. Here’s how these four stack up.
1. Ease of Installation
- Winner: Emerson Sensi Touch
- Why: Emerson nails it with a step-by-step app guide that even first-timers rave about. Customers like Jeff say it’s a breeze with clear instructions, and the included wire labels and built-in level make it foolproof. The ecobee models are close contenders but can trip up with complex wiring (like needing a Power Extender Kit), while Honeywell’s T5 gets mixed reviews for setup clarity.
| Feature | ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced | ecobee3 Lite Smart Thermostat | Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat | Honeywell Home T5 WiFi Smart Thermostat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Install Time | ~45 minutes | ~45 minutes | ~30 minutes | Varies (DIY-friendly but less guided) |
| Tools Included | Power Extender Kit, wire labels | Power Extender Kit, wire labels | Wire labels, built-in level | Mounting hardware, basic guide |
| App Guidance | Yes, wiring-specific | Yes, wiring-specific | Yes, highly detailed | Yes, but less intuitive |
2. Smart Home Compatibility
- Winner: ecobee Enhanced
- Why: This model shines with dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) and seamless integration with Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, and SmartThings. It’s a dream for anyone building a connected home. The others are solid too, but ecobee3 Lite lacks 5GHz support, and Honeywell’s T5 has spotty geofencing feedback.
| Feature | ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced | ecobee3 Lite Smart Thermostat | Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat | Honeywell Home T5 WiFi Smart Thermostat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Voice Assistants | Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant | Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Smart Platforms | HomeKit, SmartThings, IFTTT | Vera | HomeKit, SmartThings | HomeKit |
| Wi-Fi Bands | 2.4GHz & 5GHz | 2.4GHz | 2.4GHz | 2.4GHz |
3. Energy Savings
- Winner: ecobee Enhanced
- Why: With a claimed 26% annual savings (vs. 72°F hold) and features like eco+ occupancy detection, it edges out the competition. Emerson and Honeywell hover around 23%, but customer reviews suggest ecobee’s adaptive features deliver more consistent results.
| Feature | ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced | ecobee3 Lite Smart Thermostat | Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat | Honeywell Home T5 WiFi Smart Thermostat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Savings | Up to 26% | Up to 23% | ~23% | 8-16% |
| Key Features | eco+, occupancy detection | Occupancy detection | Scheduling, geofencing | Geofencing, scheduling |
4. Design and Display
- Winner: Emerson Sensi Touch
- Why: Its vibrant touchscreen and sleek look win over customers like Albert, who praise its “beautiful interface.” The ecobee models are modern too, but some find the proximity sensor annoying, and Honeywell’s T5 feels less premium.
| Feature | ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced | ecobee3 Lite Smart Thermostat | Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat | Honeywell Home T5 WiFi Smart Thermostat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 4.2″ color touchscreen | 3.5″ touchscreen | Color LCD touchscreen | 3.5″ LCD touchscreen |
| Material | Metal, glass | Plastic | Plastic | Plastic |
| Customer Feedback | Sleek but sensor-sensitive | Elegant, modern | Attractive, clear | Nice but basic |
5. Temperature Control
- Winner: ecobeeEnhanced
- Why: It adjusts based on occupancy and humidity, earning praise for precision. Emerson’s consistent temp control is strong too, but Honeywell and ecobee3 Lite have mixed reviews on accuracy.
| Feature | ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced | ecobee3 Lite Smart Thermostat | Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat | Honeywell Home T5 WiFi Smart Thermostat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Precision | High (humidity-adjusted) | Good | Very consistent | Mixed reviews |
| Sensors | Optional SmartSensor | Optional SmartSensor | None | None |
6. App Experience
- Winner: Emerson Sensi Touch
- Why: Customers love its intuitive app for setup and control. ecobee’s app is feature-rich but complex, while Honeywell’s Resideo app gets flak for bugs and geofencing issues.
| Feature | ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced | ecobee3 Lite Smart Thermostat | Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat | Honeywell Home T5 WiFi Smart Thermostat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Usability | Feature-packed | User-friendly | Highly intuitive | Straightforward but buggy |
| Complaints | Login hassles | Minimal | None notable | Geofencing, connectivity |
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Q: Do these thermostats work without a C-wire?
A: The ecobee models include a Power Extender Kit for C-wire-less homes. Emerson and Honeywell require a C-wire, though adapters are available separately.
Q: Which is the cheapest option?
A: Honeywell Home T5 at $79.99 takes the crown for affordability.
Q: Can I install these myself?
A: Yes! All four are DIY-friendly, with Emerson being the easiest (30 minutes) and ecobee models taking about 45 minutes. Honeywell varies based on your setup.
Q: Are they compatible with Alexa?
A: Absolutely—all four work with Alexa, plus Google Assistant. ecobee Enhanced also supports Siri.
Q: How much can I save on energy bills?
A: ecobee Enhanced offers up to 26%, ecobee3 Lite and Emerson around 23%, and Honeywell 8-16%, depending on usage.
Ready to Buy?
If this guide helped you pick your perfect thermostat, consider grabbing it through these Amazon links. Each purchase supports my work at no extra cost to you—thanks for that!
- ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced – $152.48
- ecobee ecobee3 Lite Smart Thermostat – $152.48
- Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat – $135.99
- Honeywell Home T5 WiFi Smart Thermostat – $79.99
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If this guide helped you find what you need, please consider using these links to support my work. Every purchase through these links helps me create more free content like this. Thank you!