ecobee Smart Sensor vs. Room Sensor — Brief & Full Overview

There are 7 differences between the ecobee room sensor and smart sensor. Faster detection, better occupancy range, and improved battery life — all in favor of ecobee Smart Sensor.

So, to sum it up, our top pick is the ecobee Smart Sensor. However, if you’re still hesitating between the two, check out all seven differences described in detail below.

ecobee Smart Sensor vs. Room Sensor — Differences

ecobee smartsensor

Difference #1: Faster Response – ecobee smart sensor has faster detection compared to ecobee room sensor. The sensor captures and sends more temperature and occupancy data more often. Plus, even though both sensors use 915MHz radio waves, the ecobee smart sensor features faster transmission speeds. As a result, it really improves Smart Features like Follow Me and Smart Home/Away.

Difference #2: Pet Immunity – the new smart sensor has better occupancy readings. The pet immunity feature minimizes false reading triggered by your furry friend or friends. Plus, ecobee put together a list with placement recommendations to prevent your pets from setting off the occupancy detection feature. You can also use it for ecobee room sensors if you have them already.

Difference #3: Range – you can place ecobee room sensors within 45 ft. of your ecobee thermostat. The ecobee smart sensor has an improved pairing range of up to 60 ft. 

Even if you don’t have a big home, there are a few barriers and obstacles that can lower the pairing range. Thick walls, different floors, or other devices like baby monitors and cordless phones on the same 915MHz frequency can really downgrade the range. 

So, after all, it’s better to have a longer pairing range just in case. 

Difference #4: Viewing Angle – ecobee smart sensor has a better viewing angle of ~140° horizontal and 100° vertical. It’s a significant improvement from the original ~120° horizontal and 25–30° vertical. With a wider vertical viewing angle, ecobee smart sensor sends better motion detection readings which directly result in energy saving.                                                                   

Difference #5: Powered by – ecobee room sensor uses a CR-2032 coin battery which lasts approximately 1 year. Ecobee smart sensor, on the other hand, uses a bigger CR-2477 coin-cell battery with a lifespan of 5 years. 

Difference #6: Design – new ecobee smart sensor has a more curved front face compared to the square-ish look of ecobee room sensor. The new look results in improved occupancy detection.

Also, the new sensor uses a magnetic mount to attach to its satin-steel stand whereas the ecobee room sensor clicks in its plastic stand.

Difference #7: Dimensions – there’s only one downside in ecobee smart sensor — it’s slightly bigger with increased depth by 0.23 inches. And that’s because of the increased battery size if we could guess. However, when it comes to overall height and width, it’s slightly smaller and narrower.


Comparison Chart | ecobee Smart Sensor vs. Room Sensor

Good Choice
Best Choice
Star Rating
-
-
Detects temperature
Detects occupancy
Detects body heat signatures
Uses infrared technology
915MHz radio waves
915MHz radio waves
Sends more data more often
Pet immunity
Range
up to 45 ft.
up to 60 ft.
Viewing angle
~120° horizontal and 25–30° vertical
~140° horizontal and 100° vertical
Powered by
CR-2032 coin battery
CR-2477 coin-cell battery
Max # of sensors per thermostat
32
32
Design
Square-ish
More curved front face
Dimensions
Width: 1.7 in (44 mm) Depth: 0.8 in (20 mm) Hight: 1.7 in (44 mm) With Stand: 2.1 in (54 mm)
Width: 1.6 in (40 mm) Depth: 1.03 in (26.4 mm) Hight: 1.58 in (40 mm) With Stand: 1.97 in (50 mm)
Reviews
-
-
Good Choice
Star Rating
-
Detects temperature
Detects occupancy
Detects body heat signatures
Uses infrared technology
915MHz radio waves
Sends more data more often
Pet immunity
Range
up to 45 ft.
Viewing angle
~120° horizontal and 25–30° vertical
Powered by
CR-2032 coin battery
Max # of sensors per thermostat
32
Design
Square-ish
Dimensions
Width: 1.7 in (44 mm) Depth: 0.8 in (20 mm) Hight: 1.7 in (44 mm) With Stand: 2.1 in (54 mm)
Reviews
-
Best Choice
Star Rating
-
Detects temperature
Detects occupancy
Detects body heat signatures
Uses infrared technology
915MHz radio waves
Sends more data more often
Pet immunity
Range
up to 60 ft.
Viewing angle
~140° horizontal and 100° vertical
Powered by
CR-2477 coin-cell battery
Max # of sensors per thermostat
32
Design
More curved front face
Dimensions
Width: 1.6 in (40 mm) Depth: 1.03 in (26.4 mm) Hight: 1.58 in (40 mm) With Stand: 1.97 in (50 mm)
Reviews
-

How do ecobee sensors work?

ecobee smartsensor

So, what do ecobee sensors do?

Ecobee was one of the first companies to introduce smart sensors for their smart thermostats. Since then, temperature sensors have become an inevitable part of any smart home’s ecosystem. 

Both, ecobee room sensor and smart sensor use infrared technology (915MHz radio waves) to detect temperature & occupancy. Then, ecobee smart thermostat uses these occupancy and temperature readings to adjust and balance out temperature levels in different rooms of your home. 

So yeah, you can forget about that cold bedroom in the middle of winter or super hot living room in summer. Why? With ecobee sensors, your thermostat will even out the temperature throughout your home and minimize hot or cold spots.

Are there any limits? Yes, but they’re pretty difficult to reach with a maximum of 32 sensors per one thermostat. 

ecobee Smart Sensor vs. Room Sensor | F.A.Qs.

Does ecobee sensor measure humidity?

Ecobee room sensor and smart sensor only measure temperature and occupancy where you place them. ecobee3 and ecobee4 thermostats have built-in sensors to measure temperature, humidity, and occupancy.

Can you add sensors to ecobee lite?

Yes! ecobee3 lite doesn’t have any built-in sensors. So, as an alternative, you can always add either ecobee room sensor or ecobee smart sensor. It’ll enable smart features like Follow Me and Smart Home/Away mode.

How do ecobee sensors detect occupancy?

Ecobee sensors use passive IR to detect occupancy. It helps them to distinguish between bigger and smaller objects based on the amount of heat produced. So, if you and your pet are the same sizes, there might be a problem with the “Pet Immunity” feature.

What battery does ecobee sensor use?

ecobee Room Sensor uses 3-volt CR-2032 batteries and ecobee SmartSensor uses a single 3-volt CR-2477 battery.

Are the new ecobee sensors better?

Absolutely! Check out our seven reasons to buy the new ecobee sensor over the original one.

Sources: ecobee Room Sensors, ecobee SmartSensors, and hands-on experience with the products.

Last update on 2024-03-19 at 01:10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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