Ecobee Smart Sensor vs Room Sensor: 9 Differences

Ecobee is a leading brand in the industry of smart thermostat devices to regulate room temperature according to your need. Years ago, Ecobee room sensors were their leading thermostat pairing device in the market. However, they discontinued that sensor and launched its upgraded version called Ecobee smart sensor. So, what’s the difference between Ecobee smart sensors and room sensors?

Ecobee room sensor is a first-generation thermostat sensor that is replaced by Ecobee second generation smart thermostat sensor. The newer version has better ergonomics, connection strength, wider viewing angle and others.

Due to the thermostat sensor popularity, Ecobee keeps upgrading its devices. Even the google nest thermostat adopted the sensors by looking at the Ecobee success. There is much valuable information passed between the Ecobee smart sensor and thermostat. So let’s check out these Ecobee sensors’ capabilities in this Ecobee smart sensor vs. room sensor guide.

Quick Comparison Table

Most users check battery life, connection strength and viewing angle in Ecobee thermostat sensors. Eventually, the manufacturer upgraded those functions and made second-generation sensors more efficient and convenient. Besides, they also include many additional features in their smart sensor.

Also Check: New Nest 4th Generation Thermostat Review

Ecobee Smart Sensor Vs Room Sensor – Features Comparison

Here we come to the main objective of this article. Former Ecobee room sensor users can quickly identify the changes added in the second generation Ecobee smart sensor. People loved the newer version due to its user-friendly operations and convenience. So below are the differences between the Ecobee smart sensor vs room sensor.

Working : Smart Sensor Vs. Room Sensor

Ecobee smart sensor is a pairing device that connects with Ecobee smart thermostat devices. These sensors are designed to monitor climate changes happening in your rooms. Besides, they also detect current temperature in the sensor placed spot.

This information directly transfers to the Ecobee smart thermostat, which automates room temperatures according to optimization. Install your Ecobee smart sensor in a different room than the thermostat located room.

The Ecobee room sensor works like a second generation device. Still, the new sensor has better features than the older one. The first-generation Ecobee room sensor controls both temperature and room occupancy. You can easily connect the device with an Ecobee smart thermostat. However, the older version doesn’t regulate temperature in the installed room. Instead, they monitor other room environments and adjust automatically.

Note: – The smarter version supports more voice assistants than older sensors. For example, Amazon’s Alexa, HomeKit platform, Google Assistant, plus IFTTT and Samsung’s SmartThings.

Design: Smart Vs Room Sensor

The new Ecobee smart sensor comes with an elegant design and modern appearance. It has much better ergonomics than the older version.

These changes help smart sensors to achieve wider viewing angles and efficient work.

Additionally, the second generation sensor added a flat metal at the bottom. It helps to place or install the device anywhere. You can even feel the premiumness coming from this sensor.

In contrast, the room sensor added a cheap and simple clip system for installation. Besides, there are simple square designs and older ergonomics included. These outdated versions do not reach such occupancy ability that newer sensors have.

Note: – Ecobee smart sensor’s compact design and magnetic surface ensures a pleasing appearance in your room.

Installation & Setup: Smart Vs Room Sensor

The newer Ecobee thermostat sensor added a flat metal at the bottom, so you can easily place the device anywhere in the room securely. These small changes make the newer version more convenient than the older one which has a simple clip system for wall mounting.

Additionally, the installation & setup (pairing) of Ecobee smart sensors is much easier than room sensors. You can connect the new sensor in seconds using the Ecobee mobile app. Thanks to their simple, quick, and intuitive integration with brand software.

• Go to the app home screen
• Tap on “+” icon, located on the top right corner
• Select your sensor
• Select smart sensor
• Tap on “let’s get started.”
• Scan the QR code behind the sensor
• Pull the tab out
• Wait for a second, and your smart sensor will be paired with the thermostat

Note: – To pair room sensors, you must go to the thermostat device and perform minutes of optimizations. Click here to learn more.

Motion Detection: Smart vs Room Sensor

Ecobee smart sensors have greater motion detection ability than first-generation sensors. This feature helps the thermostat to respond faster and automate the temperature quickly. Due to their multiple voice assistant integration, you get an extra benefit in temperature control.

Both Ecobee smart sensor and room sensor use 915MHz, but the newer version has faster data transmission speed. These updates make the smart features (Follow Me and Smart Home/Away.) more convenient.

Note: – Ecobee smart sensor has greater motion detection still it shows occupancy for up to 35 minutes until you reset it.

Communication Range: Smart vs Room Sensor

Ecobee smart sensors can connect thermostats from 60 ft distance. It is 15ft more distance than room sensors which are only 45ft. Reviewers say this is an excellent update in Ecobee smart sensors. Indeed, the communication range can fluctuate depending on physical barriers or interference. Walls, floors, furniture, and other electronic devices can minimize the Ecobee sensor’s distance. That’s why more is better to avoid rendering.

Note: – In open space, Ecobee smart sensors can deliver data from 100 ft distance. This is enough to place the new sensor in the central location of your room. So no communication problem will develop if the room diameter is under 90 ft.

Viewing Angle: Smart vs Room Sensor

The room sensor has a 140-degree horizontal and limited vertical viewing angle of 25-30 degrees. On the other hand, the second-generation smart sensor has a 140-degree horizontal and 100-degree steep viewing angle. So the newer version works better to detect motion. These second-generation sensors can identify the objects from 20 ft distance. In-room sensors, this monitoring ends above 12-15 ft distance. The changes are small but it’s enough to adjust temperature more accurately.

Battery life: Smart vs Room Sensor

The manufacturer inserted more powerful batteries in their second-generation device. Back in the room sensor, there was a 240mAH CR2032 battery. This much power does not last more than one and a half years. On the other hand, Ecobee smart sensors added1000mAH CR2477 batteries that efficiently last for up to 2-5 years. This is four times higher than the first-generation room sensor.

Note:-The newer batteries may be charged twice the room sensors batteries. Also, it is worth the money when it comes to performance and annual battery costs.

Pet Immunity: Smart vs Room Sensor

Ecobee smart sensors have better occupancy ratings than older versions. It means you get an updated pet immunity verison in the new device. In fact, the update is far better than the first-generation room sensor. A few years ago, their room sensors could not distinguish between animals and humans. Those sensors mentioned specific rules to work out occupancy properly. For example,

• Avoid placing the sensor in rooms where your pet is active most
• Avoid direct pointing to your sensor and dogs
• Mentioned mounting the device at a height of 6.5ft

The room sensor may shut off occupancy detection accidentally. But things have changed in the second-generation Ecobee sensor. Today’s Ecobee smart sensor occupancy activates only by humans. There is no need for adjustments like keeping the sensor higher to eliminate dog characters from the device.

Note: – From this time, you can place the smart sensor anywhere in the room without worrying about your pet’s location. This installation does not impact much on the occupancy as room sensors did.

Pricing: Smart vs. Room Sensor

A 2-pack of Ecobee smart sensors will cost around $80-$100 on amazon even the Ecobee room sensors charge near that price. You may need to buy smart sensors if you carry an Ecobee3 or Ecobee4 smart thermostat. These thermostats don’t come with sensors in their package. Ecobee 3 Lite and Ecobee 4 Smart Thermostat don’t have built-in occupancy sensors. So you have to buy a room or smart sensor separately by paying approx $200-$300.

FAQs – Ecobee Smart Sensor vs Room Sensor

How Accurate Are Ecobee Sensors?

The manufacturers claim the Ecobee temperature sensor has a +/- 1.0F accuracy, which is programmed to provide data every 15 seconds. It is designed to use the previous two values and average them into current data. In short, the Ecobee algorithm continuously averages the room temperature.

Will Ecobee Work Without Sensors?

Yes, the Ecobee thermostat works without a sensor, but you may not enjoy newer updates that come with smart sensors. Most importantly, the smart sensor helps to save energy by up to 23%, which is caused by air conditioning and heating. Ecobee thermostat and smart sensor work together to optimize the room temperature efficiently.

Can Ecobee Use Other Sensors?

Yes, the Ecobee thermostat can be used with other sensors. These devices can integrate with a maximum of 32 sensors. That’s how you can increase productivity and automate temperature control more accurately.

How Does Ecobee Work With Multiple Sensors?

Ecobee sensors collect climate data from specific rooms and deliver them to the thermostat. Users can pair with 32 sensors in a single thermostat and boost accuracy without touching.

How Many Ecobee Smart Sensors Do I Need?

The manufacturer says at least one Ecobee smart sensor should be installed on the floor. It helps to average the room temperatures properly. On the other hand, two-room sensors need to perform like the Ecobee new generation sensor.

Conclusion- Who is Winner?

Undoubtedly, Ecobee smart sensors have better features than first-generation room sensors. If you are looking for a better Ecobee thermostat sensor, go for the new version. There are limited complaints available in the second generation device. Newer pet immunity, extended battery extension, wider viewing angle, and 60 ft distance coverage are crucial features in the Ecobee smart sensor. Besides, it is energy efficient, has a longer lifespan, and is much more convenient than the Ecobee room sensor. The second-generation smart sensor is definitely a value-for-money product for users.