Editor’s note: Originally published December 2020. Reviewed and updated November 2026. Some models mentioned here may have been updated or discontinued since; check current availability and specifications before buying.
The ecobee4 is a Wi-Fi smart thermostat with Amazon Alexa built in, so you can control it, and ask Alexa other questions, by voice without buying a separate smart speaker. It comes with a room sensor, installs in about half an hour on most systems, and can be controlled from your phone. Here’s what it offers, based on manufacturer information, and who it suits.
Quick answer
- The ecobee4’s main difference from the ecobee3 is built-in Alexa, with its own speaker and microphone.
- It includes a room sensor, and you can add more.
- It works with Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit and SmartThings as well as Alexa.
- It is hardwired, uses 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and about 15 MB of data a month.
- Voice recognition can struggle with background noise.
Design
The main unit is a black square with rounded edges, a black face and a white back, so it blends in on most walls. The room sensor is a smaller white square that you place elsewhere in your home. Both are understated enough to suit most décor.
Listed specifications
- 3.5-inch display
- Built-in Amazon Alexa with speaker and microphone
- Built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
- About 15 MB of bandwidth per month when using Alexa
- Works with gas and electric heating systems
- Hardwired installation
- Includes one room sensor; more can be added
- Free of mercury, arsenic and PVC
- Three-year warranty (at the time of writing)
Key features
Easy installation
Ecobee says installation should take about half an hour by following the included guide. Because it’s hardwired, you don’t need to worry about it running out of batteries. If you’re unsure whether your wiring is compatible, our thermostat buying guide explains what to check.
Designed to save energy
The ecobee4 is designed to heat and cool your home as efficiently as possible. You can set it to hold your preferred temperature and humidity so you aren’t constantly adjusting it. It monitors local weather, can use outside air to help cool your home when conditions allow, and alerts you if it detects a problem, so you can deal with it before it becomes an expensive repair.
Works with other smart devices
Alexa is fully integrated, but you don’t have to use it. The ecobee4 also works with Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit and SmartThings, so it should fit into most smart-home setups.
App control
Install the ecobee app on your phone or watch to adjust settings from work, on the road or on vacation.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Built-in Alexa, no separate speaker needed
- Includes a room sensor; more can be added
- Easy to use, even if you are new to smart devices
- Hardwired, so no batteries to replace
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Full Alexa functionality needed some work at the time of writing
- Microphone may not hear you over background noise
- You may need to experiment to get voice commands working the way you want
Who should consider the ecobee4?
- People trying a smart thermostat for the first time who want something easy to learn.
- Households that already use Alexa or another voice assistant and want to add more connected devices.
- Homes with uneven temperatures, where the included room sensor helps.
Bottom line
The ecobee4’s standout feature is talking directly to Alexa without extra hardware, combined with a room sensor and broad smart-home compatibility. Expect a short learning period to get voice commands working reliably. If you don’t need built-in Alexa, read our ecobee3 review, and see how ecobee compares with its main rival in ecobee vs Nest.
FAQ
What’s the difference between the ecobee4 and ecobee3?
The main difference is that the ecobee4 has Amazon Alexa built in, with its own speaker and microphone.
Do I have to use Alexa with the ecobee4?
No. Alexa is optional, and the thermostat also works with Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit and SmartThings.
How long does installation take?
According to ecobee, about half an hour by following the included guide.
