When comparing ecobee3 vs Netatmo Thermostat, the Slant community recommends ecobee3 for most people. In the question“What are the best HomeKit thermostats?” ecobee3 is ranked 1st while Netatmo Thermostat is ranked 2nd. The most important reason people chose ecobee3 is:
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.
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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 Great customizable scheduling system
You can set the schedule to virtually anything you could want - multiple heating and cooling periods each day, and you can even save different schedules and switch between them with the tap of a button in the app if you so choose.
Pro Learns, and can adjust to weather as well as your home
After a couple weeks of learning, you can switch to a PID (proportional integral derivative) control. This uses predictive and learned behavior to provide the best heating experience possible.
PID control looks at weather conditions, and adjusts its cycling to compensate for it. For example, if a sudden cold front is expected, the system will turn on earlier than normal to ensure the temperature stays at a comfortable level.
Also, PID takes into consideration your house's insulation properties, which let it perform better than merely waiting until the temperature reaches the upper/lower setpoint values.
Pro Energy tracking built-in
You will be able to view energy reports from the daily, weekly, monthly or yearly view. This can help you save up to 37% on your power bill (and help pay off the thermostat itself) by recognizing high power times and adjusting the temperature to save power during those times.
Pro Works with Android, iOS, Windows Phone, and has a web app
No matter if your family is divided across mobile platforms, everybody can still control the Netatmo Thermostat. There is also a web app, so it can be controlled using a computer or on other phones and tablets by logging in to the web app.
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 Hardware feels basic
While other smart thermostats let you use the thermostat itself for virtually any adjustments, the Netatmo Thermostat only displays the setpoint temperature (in bold black) and the current temperature (outlined).
The display is E-ink, which doesn't look as good as good as LCDs and can't display colours. Also, there is no backlight making it impossible to see with the lights off.
Con Limited controls on the thermostat itself
On the thermostat itself, you can only change the temperature. All other controls must be implemented from the app on your phone, through Siri, or through the web app.