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Add to SafariWhen comparing ecobee3 vs Honeywell RTH9580WF, the Slant community recommends Honeywell RTH9580WF for most people. In the question“What are the best smart thermostats?” Honeywell RTH9580WF is ranked 3rd while ecobee3 is ranked 4th. The most important reason people chose Honeywell RTH9580WF is:
Instead of continuously heating and cooling, this thermostat can use a fan mode instead of full cooling to help preserve power while still providing adequate comfort.
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 Automatically works to reduce power usage
Instead of continuously heating and cooling, this thermostat can use a fan mode instead of full cooling to help preserve power while still providing adequate comfort.
Pro Notification support keeps you in the know
If there was an extreme temperature change, Honeywell lets you know. It can also notify you when it's time to change your air filter. Notifications like these are a nice addition, as it keeps you in the loop about what's going on with your house.
Pro Configurable schedule to suit your needs
You can schedule the settings for every day of the week through the dashboard. You can also edit your settings at any time.
Pro Beautiful interface
The interface is extremely attractive but also informative. It will tell you the indoor temperature and humidity as well as the outdoor temperature and humidity.
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 The user interface appears cluttered
While the UI is very functional, it appears cluttered as it tries to display a bunch of information all on the same display. On the main screen, there are 4 tabs on top, two buttons to adjust the setpoint, and it displays the current indoor temperature as well. On the left it displays current information such as date, time, weather conditions, and the status of the system.
Some will appreciate this layout for its functionality, but others will find it cluttered and not appealing.
Con Installation can be difficult
The tools you require aren't included, and depending on your HVAC system the installation can be tricky if you try to do it yourself.
Con Doesn't learn as much
While this smart temperature can learn, it doesn't learn as much as other smart thermostats. It relies more on programming.
