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Ecobee vs Johnson Controls Metasys

Ecobee logo

Ecobee

Software

Smart thermostats with room sensors for whole-home comfort

From
$139.99/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Johnson Controls Metasys logo

Johnson Controls Metasys

Software

Building management and control system platform

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Ecobee installation requires a C-wire in most cases, necessitating professional installation for some users unfamiliar with HVAC wiring; Johnson Controls Metasys a Metasys server supports 1,300 devices and 65,000 objects, so larger estates require additional servers
  • They diverge on capability: Ecobee covers Room Sensors, Johnson Controls Metasys covers HVAC control.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Ecobee and Johnson Controls Metasys actually diverge.

Attributes where Ecobee and Johnson Controls Metasys differ
AttributeEcobeeJohnson Controls Metasys
Starting price$139.99/one-timeOn request
Pricing modelUnknownquote
PlatformsWeb, iOS, AndroidWeb, Mobile
Founded20071885

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 Ecobee

  • Room Sensors
  • Built-in Alexa
  • Energy Reports
  • Smart Recovery
  • HomeKit
  • Google Home
  • SmartThings
  • IFTTT

Only in Johnson Controls Metasys

  • HVAC control
  • Building automation
  • Energy management
  • Security integration
  • Analytics dashboard
  • SOC2
  • SSL encryption
  • On-premise deployment

Both cover

  • Web support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Ecobee

  • Energy savingsnot Johnson Controls Metasys
  • Multi-room comfortnot Johnson Controls Metasys
  • HVAC optimizationnot Johnson Controls Metasys
  • Remote climate controlnot Johnson Controls Metasys

Johnson Controls Metasys

  • Building automation for offices, data centres, hospitals and universitiesnot Ecobee
  • Managing multi site campuses from one building management systemnot Ecobee
  • Meeting compliance and reporting requirements for regulated facilitiesnot Ecobee

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

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

Johnson Controls Metasys

  • A Metasys server supports 1,300 devices and 65,000 objects, so larger estates require additional servers
  • No hardware requirement, licensing model, subscription term or price is published on the product page; the routes offered are a demo booking and a contact form

Pricing, plan by plan

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

Johnson Controls Metasys

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Johnson Controls Metasys review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Ecobee if

  • You need room sensors.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want built-in alexa.
Ecobee review

Choose Johnson Controls Metasys if

  • You need hvac control.
  • You work on Web, Mobile.
  • You also want building automation.
Johnson Controls Metasys review

Questions people ask

Is Ecobee or Johnson Controls Metasys better?
Neither clearly leads. Ecobee starts at $139.99/one-time and Johnson Controls Metasys at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Ecobee or Johnson Controls Metasys?
Ecobee starts at $139.99/one-time and Johnson Controls Metasys at On request.
Does Ecobee or Johnson Controls Metasys run on more platforms?
Ecobee runs on Web, iOS, Android. Johnson Controls Metasys runs on Web, Mobile.
What is Ecobee best used for?
Ecobee is most often used for energy savings, multi-room comfort, hvac optimization, remote climate control. Of those, energy savings and multi-room comfort are not what Johnson Controls Metasys is typically brought in for.
What can Ecobee do that Johnson Controls Metasys cannot?
Ecobee covers Room Sensors, Built-in Alexa, Energy Reports, Smart Recovery. Johnson Controls Metasys covers HVAC control, Building automation, Energy management, Security integration. Both handle Web support.

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.

Source
Ecobee: 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.

Source
Ecobee: 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.

Source
Ecobee: 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.

Source
Ecobee: 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
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