Ecobee security subscriptions now offer two tiers at competitive monthly rates: a Standard Plan at $5 per month and a Complete Plan at $10 per month, both delivering core home protection features with a key difference in professional monitoring and cloud storage capacity.
Key Takeaways
- Standard Plan costs $5/month; Complete Plan with professional monitoring costs $10/month
- Complete Plan includes 24/7 professional monitoring via RapidSOS and unlimited 30-day cloud storage for all SmartCameras
- Standard Plan limits cloud storage to one camera and excludes professional monitoring
- Both plans include motion/entry alerts, geofencing, smoke and freeze detection, and 3-year equipment warranty
- Bundle deals start at $249.99 for the Starter Kit and include one-year Complete subscriptions
What Ecobee security subscriptions include
Both Ecobee security subscriptions unlock motion and entry alerts, automatic arm/disarm with geofencing, smoke alarm detection, freeze detection, phone and app notifications, monthly Home IQ savings reports, a 3-year equipment warranty, and compatibility with Alexa and Siri. The distinction lies in monitoring depth and storage limits. The Complete Plan adds 24/7 professional monitoring through RapidSOS—meaning a human operator can respond to alerts and contact emergency services—plus unlimited cloud storage for all SmartCamera recordings retained for 30 days. The Standard Plan strips away professional monitoring and restricts cloud storage to a single camera, making it suitable for users who want app-based alerts without the overhead of a monitoring service.
Ecobee security subscriptions pricing and bundles
Individual subscription management happens in the Ecobee app under Home > Security Plan > Subscriptions, where users select their preferred plan or update payment details. For those starting fresh, Ecobee’s hardware bundles bundle subscriptions into the purchase price. The Smart Security Starter Kit sells for $249.99 and includes the essential sensors needed to get started. The Whole Home Solution costs $369.99 and adds an indoor camera to the mix. For users wanting both security and climate control, the Total Security and Savings Bundle runs $369.99 to $449.99 (discounted from $619.97) and includes the Smart Thermostat Premium—which retails separately for $259.99—plus a video doorbell. The Comfort & Security Bundle and Home Security Bundle, priced at $289.99 (discounted), both bundle one year of the Complete Plan subscription. A one-month free trial of Smart Security comes with doorbell camera registration, letting users test the service risk-free.
Ecobee security subscriptions versus competitors
At $5 to $10 monthly, Ecobee’s subscription tiers undercut Ring Protect Pro and SimpliSafe Standard monitoring plans in raw price. However, a critical limitation separates Ecobee from some rivals: the system relies on Wi-Fi connectivity rather than cellular backup, which means a lost internet connection disables monitoring until connectivity returns. Cellular-based competitors like Cove offer comparable $10-per-month or lower professional monitoring with the added resilience of cellular failover, making them more reliable in scenarios where home internet drops. Sensor costs also matter for expanding coverage. Ecobee’s SmartSensors for doors and windows run $79.99 for a pack of two, significantly higher than the industry standard of $20 to $30 per sensor.
Should you buy Ecobee security subscriptions?
The Standard Plan makes sense for renters or users who want basic motion and entry alerts without professional monitoring costs. The Complete Plan justifies its $10-monthly cost only if professional monitoring and unlimited camera storage align with your needs and budget. The bundle deals offer genuine value—a year of Complete monitoring included with hardware purchases reduces the effective monthly cost when amortized across 12 months. However, the Wi-Fi-only architecture and above-market sensor pricing mean Ecobee works best for homes with rock-solid internet and modest expansion plans. If cellular redundancy or budget-friendly expansion matter, competitors deserve consideration.
Can I try Ecobee security subscriptions before paying?
Yes. Registering an Ecobee doorbell camera unlocks a one-month free trial of Smart Security, allowing you to test professional monitoring, cloud storage, and all included features at no cost before committing to a paid plan.
What’s the difference between Ecobee Standard and Complete plans?
The Standard Plan ($5/month) provides motion and entry alerts, geofencing, and smoke/freeze detection but excludes 24/7 professional monitoring and limits cloud storage to one camera. The Complete Plan ($10/month) adds RapidSOS professional monitoring and unlimited 30-day cloud storage across all SmartCameras, making it the choice for users who want a monitored system.
Are Ecobee sensor prices competitive?
No. Ecobee’s SmartSensors cost $79.99 for two units, well above the $20-to-$30-per-sensor industry standard, making expansion expensive compared to rivals. This pricing matters if you plan to secure multiple entry points across a larger home.
Ecobee’s subscription pricing hits the sweet spot for budget-conscious smart home users, but the Wi-Fi dependency and sensor costs create friction for serious expansion. The Complete Plan’s $10-monthly rate is fair for professional monitoring, and the bundle deals genuinely reduce upfront costs—just ensure your home’s internet reliability can handle always-on security before committing.
This article was written with AI assistance and editorially reviewed.
Source: Tom's Guide
