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Add to SafariWhen comparing ecobee3 vs Tado Smart Thermostat, the Slant community recommends Tado Smart Thermostat for most people. In the question“What are the best smart thermostats?” Tado Smart Thermostat is ranked 2nd while ecobee3 is ranked 4th. The most important reason people chose Tado Smart Thermostat is:
You can configure the Tado thermostat to have one setpoint during the day while you're away at work or sleeping, and another setpoint when you are at home requiring heating.
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Important information is displayed at a glance
The display shows the current temperature, as well as which mode you're in (off, auto, cooling or heating), as well as humidity and the current weather. There is also a temperature slider handy for quick adjustments.
Pro Satellite sensor provides extended sensing range
Instead of a single point of sensing which can be influenced based on its location, the ecobee3 also utilizes a satellite sensor. This satellite sensor provides another perspective on the house, and between the two will provide smarter heating and cooling.
For example, if the main thermostat is located near a heat source (kitchen, full living room, etc) or cold source (near a door in winter) it can be influenced by temporary temperature fluctuations. The satellite sensor can help detect these temporary changes, and won't over-heat (or over-cool) the house when it isn't actually required.
The range on this extra sensor is about 45 feet, which should be plenty for most houses.
Pro Full web support allows monitoring and adjusting from anywhere
In addition to the phone app, you can access the web portal for (almost) full control of the system. This is very handy if your phone's battery dies, as you can login from any internet connected device.
Pro Integrates with numerous other systems
In addition to HomeKit, the ecobee3 can hook up with IFTTT (IF This Then That - an automation tool based on custom recopies), Alexa (Amazon's voice activated personal assistant found in it's Echo line of products), Wink (a stand-alone ecosystem) as well as SmartThings (Samsung's smart home ecosystem). This allows integration with a wider variety of smart home products outside of the HomeKit ecosystem.
Pro Straightforward install for 5 wire systems
If you already have the common wire (ie your system uses 5 wires), the installation is very quick and easy.
Pro Very configurable scheduling
You can configure the Tado thermostat to have one setpoint during the day while you're away at work or sleeping, and another setpoint when you are at home requiring heating.
Pro Great UI
The UI is similar across the different apps and webpage, which makes it easy to use any other UI if you're familiar with one. It's also laid out very nicely, and provides weather reminders as well.
Pro Cross platform support for all major operating systems
There is an Android app, an iOS app, and even a Windows Phone app. There is also a web app that lets you control the thermostat from any web browser. This is a thermostat that you won't need to worry about compatibility with.
Pro Automatic location based control
Based on your location, the Tado thermostat can automatically determine when it needs to be on and when it can stay in idle mode saving power. This location data isn't monitored by a motion sensor - instead it uses your phone's location so that by the time you arrive home it should already be a suitable temperature.
Pro Multi-zone
Supports multiple heated areas with different temperatures.
Cons
Con Installation can be tricky for 4 wire systems
If your system lacks the common (C) wire and is only a 4 wire system, you will need to use the included Power Extender Kit (5-wire systems don't require this). Then, additional steps are required depending if your HVAC system has a controller board or not.
Con Extra satellite sensors cost extra
One satellite sensor is included in the box, but if you want more you'll have to buy them. They come in packs of 2, and are sold at $79. It would also be convenient if you could buy just 1 additional sensor as well, but packs of 2 seem to be the only way they come.
Con The external sensor can lose connection
The satellite sensor is handy, but it adds another connection point which can disconnect (and based on user reviews, it can do so frequently even when installed within 5 meters of the main thermostat).
Con Requires a hub to be plugged into your router
You will need to use the hub, which is another piece of equipment in your house. It also needs to be plugged directly into the router which means one less available port on the router.
The requirement of the hub means that the range is limited, which could mean that the thermostat has connection issues depending on where it's installed (walls or far distances will lessen the signal strength).
Con Installation is very tough
Tado suggests you get the wiring done professionally. While it's convenient that there is a conversation between you and Tado to figure things out ahead of time - making sure the installation itself goes well - it's inconvenient that you need to have it set up professionally when the other major thermostats can usually be wired with relative ease.
Con Limited controls through the thermostat itself
The thermostat is minimal, and it lacks the functionality of normal thermostats if you want to control it through the physical wall mounted unit. Just about all of the controls will need to be done through the app.
