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ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium vs Honeywell Home X8S Smart Thermostat
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium ranks higher (#1 vs #3 of 8) and scores better on scheduling & savings features, easy install & compatibility. Honeywell Home X8S Smart Thermostat wins on display & controls.
The biggest complaint about the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is expensive, with paid security extras; for the Honeywell Home X8S Smart Thermostat it's fussy, slow installation. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium | Honeywell Home X8S Smart Thermostat | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in smart thermostats | #1 | #3 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$$ |
| Type | Smart (sensor-based) | Smart (sensor-based) |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 13% | 13% |
| Overall score | 4.3 | 4.0 |
| Scheduling & savings features | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| App & smart home | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Easy install & compatibility | 4.0 | 2.5 |
| Display & controls | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Reliability | 3.5 | 3.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $100 · $$ $100–200 · $$$ over $200. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
- Expensive, with paid security extras
PCMag lists 'pricey' and 'some features require a subscription' as cons; its review says the Smart Security plan starts at $5 a month. CNET calls it 'very expensive'. On Amazon, value for money is mixed, and some owners call it a costly disappointment.
- Doesn't always hold the set temperature
Amazon's review summary says some owners report it doesn't reach the set temperature and some see connectivity problems with smart-home systems. Wirecutter says it first changed temperatures too drastically to save energy, so its heat pump ran almost nonstop until it was fine-tuned by hand.
- Weak customer support; setup is not the simplest
A Wirecutter editor waited 30 minutes on hold, never got the promised callback, and had the case closed with no solution. Wirecutter also says it isn't the easiest model to set up and advanced settings need a web browser. Most homes need a C wire; a power adapter kit for homes without one is included.
Source: Wirecutter, PCMag review
Honeywell Home X8S Smart Thermostat
- Fussy, slow installation
Tom's Guide lists 'installation can be tricky and time-consuming'; its reviewer's install took close to two hours, and the guide suggests a professional for first-timers. CNET lists 'C-wire required'. Tom's Guide says Honeywell provides a free C-wire power adapter via a promo code in the box.
- Limited, patchy doorbell feature
Tom's Guide says only Ring or First Alert doorbells are supported and incoming audio was intermittent. CNET also lists limited doorbell support. One Amazon owner reports Ring integration issues.
- Pricey for some
Amazon's review summary says value for money is mixed, with some owners finding it too expensive. Tom's Guide puts its $220 price at the high end of smart thermostats.
Who should pick which
Pick the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium if
Homes with hot or cold rooms (presence-sensing room sensor included)
People who want Alexa or Siri built into the thermostat
Mixed Apple, Google and Alexa smart homes
Skip it if: You want the cheapest way to get app control; You want to set it and forget it without fine-tuning; You don't want a microphone on your wall (it can be turned off)
Pick the Honeywell Home X8S Smart Thermostat if
People who want to prioritize specific rooms at set times
Ring doorbell owners
Mixed Apple, Google and Alexa homes (Matter)
Skip it if: You want a quick, simple DIY install; You need a long reliability track record; You want doorbell video from brands other than Ring or First Alert
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