Ecobee3 Lite cuts smart thermostat's price while keeping Apple HomeKit support

Ecobee on Monday launched the Ecobee3 Lite, a new version of its flagship thermostat that's cheaper than the original while retaining most of its core features.

The only things missing from the Lite are room sensors, and accessory compatibility, including humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and ventilators. The unit can't for instance detect whether a room is occupied. The benefit though is a much cheaper $169 pricetag, versus $249 for the regular Ecobee3.

The Lite otherwise features the same 3.5-inch color touchscreen and platform support, including HomeKit, Amazon Echo, Wink, IFTTT, and Samsung SmartThings. It can also be controlled with apps for iOS, Android, and the Apple Watch.

One difference with some other smart thermostats is ability to use hardwired power instead of batteries.

Ecobee is currently taking preorders for the Lite, which should ship on Oct. 31. Online shoppers will be able to buy it from Amazon, Best Buy, Home Depot, and of course Ecobee itself, but outlet sales will initially be restricted to Home Depot.

Follow AppleInsider on Google News

23 Comments

wizard69 13358 comments · 21 Years

About 7 years ago

Why would any body pay 169 for a thermostat?

MacPro 19719 comments · 18 Years

wizard69 said:

Why would any body pay 169 for a thermostat?

I'd wager our Nest, which cost more than that, has paid for itself many times over in the years we've had it installed not to mention the convenience of remote control ability when needed.

techprod1gy 838 comments · 11 Years

I have used most of the smart thermostats. They all have paid for themselves through energy savings and probably on convenience alone from my perspective. I often thought if one of these companies can hit the $99 mark with a smart thermostat they would really knock it out of the park. I do not like the fact that this runs on batteries. That is a deal breaker from me. I do like the direction overall that they are going with trying to get the price point low enough.

smiffy31 202 comments · 12 Years

techprod1gy said:

I have used most of the smart thermostats. They all have paid for themselves through energy savings and probably on convenience alone from my perspective. I often thought if one of these companies can hit the $99 mark with a smart thermostat they would really knock it out of the park. I do not like the fact that this runs on batteries. That is a deal breaker from me. I do like the direction overall that they are going with trying to get the price point low enough.

I think the phrase "One difference with some other smart thermostats is ability to use hardwired power instead of batteries." breaks your deal breaker.

I hope they keep the batteries as a backup power supply.

rob53 3253 comments · 13 Years

No room sensors? I like the Nest's ability to sense movement in the area allowing it to reduce the heat when nobody is there. That's one feature I wish Ecobee would leave in, and drop price further.