Software · head to head
Crestron vs Ecobee
Crestron
Software
Enterprise-grade control and automation technology
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
Ecobee
Software
Smart thermostats with room sensors for whole-home comfort
- From
- $139.99/one-time
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Crestron crestron does not sell direct or publish prices; its own site's How-To-Buy navigation routes buyers only to a dealer/partner search (Elite Platinum Commercial Dealers) or an authorized representative, with no online pricing or purchase path.; Ecobee installation requires a C-wire in most cases, necessitating professional installation for some users unfamiliar with HVAC wiring
- They diverge on capability: Crestron covers Enterprise Control, Ecobee covers Room Sensors.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Crestron and Ecobee actually diverge.
Identical on both: free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in Crestron
- Enterprise Control
- Powerful Programming
- Extensive Integration
- Reliability
- 5000+ devices
- Custom protocols
- Web/Mobile apps
- Touch panels
Only in Ecobee
- Room Sensors
- Built-in Alexa
- Energy Reports
- Smart Recovery
- HomeKit
- Google Home
- SmartThings
- IFTTT
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Crestron
- Conference room automationnot Ecobee
- Building managementnot Ecobee
- Campus-wide controlnot Ecobee
- Corporate AVnot Ecobee
Ecobee
- Energy savingsnot Crestron
- Multi-room comfortnot Crestron
- HVAC optimizationnot Crestron
- Remote climate controlnot Crestron
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Crestron
- Crestron does not sell direct or publish prices; its own site's How-To-Buy navigation routes buyers only to a dealer/partner search (Elite Platinum Commercial Dealers) or an authorized representative, with no online pricing or purchase path.
Ecobee
- Installation requires a C-wire in most cases, necessitating professional installation for some users unfamiliar with HVAC wiring
- Not compatible with line-voltage baseboard heating systems without additional specialized controllers
- Touchscreen display is prone to fingerprints and cannot be adjusted from the mobile app
- Advanced settings interface can feel complex and technical for non-technical users
- Display settings and customization options are limited to on-device configuration only
Pricing, plan by plan
Crestron
On request- Professional$1000/month
- Programming tools
- Device control
- Advanced features
- Enterprise$10000/month
- Large deployments
- Custom solutions
- Enterprise support
Ecobee
$139.99/one-time- Smart Thermostat Essential$139.99/one-time
- Up to 23% energy savings
- ENERGY STAR certified
- Remote app control
- Smart Thermostat Enhanced$199.99/one-time
- Up to 26% energy savings
- Built-in Alexa voice control
- HomeKit compatible
- Smart Thermostat Premium$259.99/one-time
- Up to 26% energy savings
- Built-in radar occupancy sensor
- Indoor air quality monitoring
Which should you pick?
Choose Crestron if
- You need enterprise control.
- You work on Control systems, Mobile apps, Web interfaces, Touch screens.
- You also want powerful programming.
Choose Ecobee if
- You need room sensors.
- You work on Web, iOS, Android.
- You also want built-in alexa.
Questions people ask
- Is Crestron or Ecobee better?
- Neither clearly leads. Crestron starts at On request and Ecobee at $139.99/one-time, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Crestron or Ecobee?
- Crestron starts at On request and Ecobee at $139.99/one-time.
- Does Crestron or Ecobee run on more platforms?
- Crestron runs on Control systems, Mobile apps, Web interfaces, Touch screens. Ecobee runs on Web, iOS, Android.
- What is Crestron best used for?
- Crestron is most often used for conference room automation, building management, campus-wide control, corporate av. Of those, conference room automation and building management are not what Ecobee is typically brought in for.
- What can Crestron do that Ecobee cannot?
- Crestron covers Enterprise Control, Powerful Programming, Extensive Integration, Reliability. Ecobee covers Room Sensors, Built-in Alexa, Energy Reports, Smart Recovery.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Ecobee: How much can I save with an Ecobee thermostat?
Ecobee thermostats can save up to 26% on annual heating and cooling costs according to manufacturer claims. However, independent ENERGY STAR data shows average savings of around 8%, equating to $50-$100 annually for typical U.S. homes.
SourceEcobee: Does Ecobee work with HomeKit?
Yes, Ecobee is HomeKit-enabled and was the first to introduce a HomeKit-compatible smart thermostat. The Premium and Enhanced models support Apple HomeKit and allow control via Siri from any Apple device.
SourceEcobee: What is a SmartSensor and what does it do?
Ecobee SmartSensors are wireless remote temperature and occupancy sensors that detect which rooms are occupied. They allow the thermostat to balance heating and cooling to occupied rooms and ignore empty spaces, improving both comfort and efficiency.
SourceEcobee: Do I need a C-wire to install Ecobee?
Most installations require a C-wire for reliable operation. Ecobee includes a Power Extender Kit to help with installations lacking a C-wire, but some DIYers may still need professional installation assistance.
SourceEcobee: What voice assistants does Ecobee support?
Ecobee supports Apple Siri, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings for voice control. The Premium model has built-in Alexa and Siri, while Enhanced and Essential models support all platforms via integration.
Source