Amazon ’s Echo equipment are designed to make your life that bit easier , thanks to their simplicity of usage , versatility and , most importantly , the Alexa smart supporter .
Over the years , Amazon has built a low but mighty collection of Echo gadget that fit into every home . From the budget friendly talker for gentle listening to mighty 21 - in displays go with Fire TV osmium , there ’s guaranteed to be an Amazon Echo for you .
We ’ve reviewed numerous Echo devices and rated each one on its invention , display , cameras ( if applicable ) , functionality , sound timber and smart home compatibility , and list the top scorer below .
If you ’re not sold on Alexa , then chat ourbest overbold speakerslist to explore alternative options . Plus whether you ’re just getting start on your smart home setup or looking to expand it further , be sure to take through our guides to thebest saucy plugs , best chic thermostatsandbest video doorbellslists .
At a glance
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How we test
come up out more about how we test Amazon Echo speakers
All Amazon Echo speakers are capable of the same heart action , as they ’re powered by Alexa in the swarm . It ’s how they deliver the outcome that numerate , and that ’s what we test .
We speak to all chic speakers in a form of locations and with differing sum of background noise , to see how well the microphones work .
To test audio quality , we put all of our speakers through the same playlist , hear to how they sound with different genres . We test at dissimilar sound grade , too , so we can see how healthy character change as the intensity kick the bucket up .
For smart displays , we test using TV from Netflix and Prime Video , plus we make TV call to see what the webcam is capable of .
All smart speakers ar connected to a range of smart twist , and we quiz the ability to control them with vocalism or , in the case of the Show devices , on - screen restraint
Amazon Echo (4th Generation)
Pros
Cons
Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen)
Amazon Echo Dot (5th generation)
Amazon Echo Dot Kids (5th generation)
Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Generation)
Amazon Echo Studio (2022)
Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Generation)
Amazon Echo Show 21
Trusted Score
For the modish loop of its saucy talker , Amazon went back to the drawing control board . Rather than being a marvelous cylinder , the Amazon Echo ( 4th Generation ) is a large ball . It ’s a good pick on Amazon ’s part , as this smart verbaliser does n’t look as pettish as its predecessors , and it is built to agree into your home . There ’s now a panoptic choice of colours , too , with oxford gray , glacier white and twilight blue angel to opt from .
On top , Amazon has render the same solidification of strong-arm controls that most Echo speakers have : a mute clitoris to stop Alexa hearing , an activation button ( for when you do n’t require to say the wake word ) , and volume control .
The status light has been proceed from the top of the speaker to the bottom , which is a in force choice . When the Echo ( 4th contemporaries ) reply or shows a presentment , the visible light shines down onto a board and does n’t light up the room in the same agency that old generation did .
A newfangled power - saving mode is designed to cut energy use while the twist is n’t in utilization , but it ’s restrictive as it does n’t lick if you have Spotify linked or if there are notifications wait .
This mannequin has a Zigbee hub build - in , something that had been curb to the Echo Plus speakers before . With this , you may add saucy twist , such as saucy lights , straight to Alexa without the need for an extra hub . It ’s not that useful : not all Zigbee devices are compatible , such as Hue light electric switch , and you usually get more dominance by using the native app . For model , Philips Hue gives more ascendence in the app than Alexa does if you join the bulb forthwith to the Echo loudspeaker system .
Two 0.8 - in tweeters and a 3 - inch woofer make the Echo ( fourth genesis ) sound pretty good . In fact , the sound quality is such a step up that we no longer hanker for a better audio organisation . for certain , there are better - sounding smart speakers , such as theSonos One , but these be a lot more . What you get here is counterbalance and cool at a large price .
give the price , the Amazon Echo ( 4th coevals ) is the best overall Alexa - powered impudent speaker .
Full reappraisal : Amazon Echo ( 4th Generation ) ReviewReviewer : David Ludlow
The new addition to the Echo family , the Echo Show 8 Gen 3 tout multiple upgrades on its predecessor that make it a worthy addition to your household .
pack an 8 - column inch HD touchscreen video display with adaptive gloss , you’re able to stream video content across legion streaming services including Prime and Netflix , or get Amazon Photos to turn the Show 8 ’s dwelling screen into a digital photo skeletal frame . Whatever you choose , the display will search optimal in any brightness .
With a built - in wise hub that includes affair , Thread and Zigbee backing , your entire household can be connected and care just by your Echo Show 8 . Pairing and controlling compatible equipment such as unclouded bulb , thermostat and doorbells is seamless too and does n’t demand any extra equipment or hubs .
Of course , with Alexa , you do n’t even necessitate to lift a digit to control your devices , as you’re able to simply just use your articulation to ferment sure gadgets on or off .
Compared to its predecessor , the audio quality of the Show 8 Gen 3 has seen significant improvements . With dual 2 - inch neodymium stereoscopic picture utterer paired with a passive basso radiator , the Gen 3 boasts a robust soundscape . Not only this , but the inclusion of spatial audio recording processing engineering means the healthy experience is further enhanced with a unsubtle , more immersive audio output .
Room - adaptation engineering also features on the Show 8 Gen 3 which automatically analyse the acoustics of your room and hunky-dory - tunes the audio playback for optimal sound . Whether you ’re pour a new series or take heed to music , the sound will stay needlelike .
With the new Top Connections widget , you may now call anyone who has the Alexa app or an Echo twist with a blind . call option are clear , with interference - reduction technology , and video call to get an upgrade thanks to the 13MP , car - frame camera . The camera ’s built - in cover mean you ’ll never have to worry about your privateness either .
The Echo Show 8 Gen 3 does a great deal , from being a smart home hub for your connect devices to an amusement centre for streaming content and even a way to keep in mite with loved ones .
Full Review : Amazon Echo Show 8 Gen 3Reviewer : Paul Lamkin
The best overall budget smart speaker , the Amazon Echo Dot ( 5th contemporaries ) is a great choice for those that want a smaller twist around the sign and are n’t so bothered by music playback . That enunciate , this latest version has an audio climb that makes it a far better pick than its harbinger .
outwardly , the Echo Dot looks like the bigger Echo , although here the global speaker system is more baseball - sized . This is the same design that Amazon has used since the Echo Dot ( fourth Generation ) . It comes in a choice of three semblance : charcoal gray , deep ocean blue and glacier snowy . Plus , give an extra £ 10 and you could get theEcho Dot with Clock ( 5th Generation ) , which is physically the same but it has an integrated LCD screen that shows the sentence . That makes the Dot with Clock a groovy choice for a bedside table .
As with the last multiplication , the Echo Dot has its light ring relocated to the bottom of the speaker . Shining down , we found it less intrusive than the upwards fire lights of the late model .
On top , the Echo Dot has the same button layout as the other Echo chic verbalizer : volume controls , tongueless button and activation button . Of course , it can do the same things as all of the other smart loudspeaker system , as it ’s connected to Alexa in the cloud .
As with the with child Echo , there ’s the newfangled powerfulness - preserve modality , which curve vim use while the utterer ’s not being used . This mode has been improve , so it now launch the majority of the metre .
good tone used to be a grown failing of the Echo Dot range , but here affair are serious . Amazon has kick upstairs the talker from a 1.6 - column inch equipment driver to a 1.73 - column inch front firing driver . This now deliver a illusion of basso and more powerful audio to the point that the Echo Dot is now a decent budget medicine player . It lacks the clarity and high - end response of its big crony , but for casual hearing , this is a gravid music player .
There ’s now no 3.5 mm audio recording output on this speaker . We did n’t miss it and , if you desire an Echo machine to punch into international speakers , the Echo Flex is a cheaper choice .
It ’s hard to beat the Echo Dot ( fifth Generation ) for terms , and it ’s a great budget smart speaker with improved audio . If you do have the Echo Dot ( 4th genesis ) there ’s not much understanding to raise , though .
Full recap : Amazon Echo Dot ( 5th coevals ) ReviewReviewer : David Ludlow
Amazon has submit the Echo Dot ( fifth Generation ) and give it the ultimate kid - well-disposed makeover with the Echo Dot Kids .
Although standard Echo Dots can operate in a ‘ youngster ’ mode and are really £ 10 cheaper than the dedicated Kids translation , there are a few cardinal dispute with the Echo Dot Kids to justify the redundant spend .
Despite the Echo Dot Kids sporting the same build and control layout as the Echo Dot , it comes in a choice of two kid - favorable close , an bird of Minerva or a dragon , and boasts a utile two year trouble - spare guarantee intend that Amazon will supervene upon the speaker for free in the event of inadvertent damage .
Also included is a free one - twelvemonth subscription to Amazon ’s Kids Plus which provide a master of ceremonies of age - appropriate audiobooks , game and apps , conveniently spread across any Amazon equipment you have , includingFire tablets .
With Kids mode , parents and guardians can limit medicine choice or remove songs with explicit language via Amazon Music , Apple Music and Spotify , set bedtimes , pause Alexa and disable interpreter purchase .
Parents can even cease kids from using Alexa ’s smart home control . Although this is a useful feature , what we would care to see in the future is more flexibility with this choice , tolerate kids to hold some smart abode gadget but not others .
Like the Echo Dot , the Echo Dot Kids gasconade an updated audio recording organisation with a 1.73 - inch talker . Although the speaker unit ca n’t quite produce full nuance on all tracks , mass and bass carrying into action is more than capable and final result in a decent music speaker unit .
If you have a spare Echo Dot then you’re able to easily turn that into a kid - friendly twist . However , with the extra two yr warrantee , a cute design and one twelvemonth of Amazon Kids Plus for liberal , we ’d in earnest recommend spending the special £ 10 for this consecrated Kids Echo Dot .
Full review : Amazon Echo Dot Kids ( 5th propagation ) ReviewReviewer : David Ludlow
Rather than just rehash the sure-enough design , the Amazon Echo Show 10 ( 3rd Generation ) is a very different production from its herald . The independent modification is the young design , with the 10 - column inch screen float on a prominent round base of operations .
This is the motorised base , which lets the Echo move a full 360 - degrees , which it does mechanically . Once the Echo Show 10 has been configured for its nursing home position , activating Alexa does two thing : first , the mike ferment out roughly where you are and start to move the screen , then the photographic camera locks onto you and tag you , keeping the filmdom face you .
It vocalise like a silly upgrade , but it ’s really useful , particularly in spaces where you ’re potential to be more mobile , such as a kitchen . As you take the air around cooking , anything you necessitate Alexa can always clearly be seen on screen , whether that ’s a weather write up or a video recording for a recipe that you ’re following .
This fancy movement mode is also useful for TV call . combine with the 13MP camera , the Echo Show 10 can mechanically chase and follow you , zooming in to keep you ( or a group of you ) perfectly in chassis . It ’s a very clever trick .
It ’s not a perfect organisation , though . The screen can take a long time to give back to its habitation positioning , and it can sometimes keep moving when it really does n’t call for to . For the most part , Amazon does get thing right .
The 10 - inch screen is large enough to take in picture on , with support for Netflix and Amazon Prime telecasting , although we suggest watching films and programmes that do n’t peculiarly profit from a braggy projection screen .
Sound timber is also excellent , with double 1 - inch tweeter and a 3 - inch woofer . There ’s flak and presence here , with the Echo Show 10 delivering great sound , whether you ’re mind to music or watching a film
This model has the standard set of control : loudness , mute and a camera privacy slipper . It also gives you the same port as the other Show displays : Alexa shows you additional information on - screen , such as the current atmospheric condition or controls to tweak a saucy home command .
An incredible bit of applied science , the Echo Show 10 ( 3rd Generation ) has a move silver screen that ’s genuinely useful . It delivers , quite maybe , the best overall Alexa experience , although that comes at a price , and the cheaper Echo Show 8 is far better note value .
Full review : Amazon Echo Show 10 ( 3rd Generation ) ReviewReviewer : David Ludlow
TheEcho Studiowas born out of Amazon look to produce a gamy spec wireless loudspeaker that would ferment in tandem with itsMusic streaming service . The end result is a Dolby Atmos andHi - ray audiocompatible speaker that ’s cheaper than expect and boasts a powerhouse carrying into action .
The Echo Studio ’s cylindrical design is freehanded than the the likes of of theApple HomePod 2nd Gen , and heavier too , so this is a verbalizer that needs some quad and a firm Earth’s surface to strut its poppycock . The most late model is essentially the same as the original that launched in 2019 , but comes in a new Glacier white finish .
As mention above , the Echo Studio supports3D audioin Atmos , Sony 360 Reality Audioand MPEG - H , while fit in to Amazon to can wreak tracks up to 24 - bit/44.1kHz , but you will involve an Amazon Music subscription to play medicine up to that character as the Echo Studio does not support the likes of Tidal Connect and Chromecast , which we found to be unsatisfying and determine .
One of the more reasons to get the Echo Studio is that it works with other Amazon products , and we easy and successfully paired it to another Echo Studio , while there ’s also the option of connecting it to aFire telecasting Cubeto create a Dolby Atmos home cinema system . Smart standards such asZigbeeandMatterare stick out , and we also incur Alexa to be as helpful as usual , her reactivity to queries even with medicine play aloud is speedy .
And the Echo Studio ’s euphony performance is one we enjoyed , though the late updates do n’t quite bring in the best out the speaker . The unexampled Stereo Spatial Engagement earn euphony vocalise expectant but also fathom hollow , specially with high-pitched frequencies . We bump midrange clarity remained good , in fussy with voice , and those who care bass will enjoy the amounts that the Echo Studio gives to course . While some will find it overpower , we actually get it to not be overdone , just powerful .
With 3D sound the speaker is capable of a spacious and grandiloquent performance , but it ’s lacking some item and definition . TheSonos Era 300sounds better than the Echo Studio but it is twice the cost . And toll is another agent to take into consideration as the Echo Studio has move up to £ 219.99 / € 239.99 , some may feel it ’s too much for an Amazon - centric speaker . However , for those bury in the Amazon ecosystem , this is the best - sounding Echo speaker .
Full review : Amazon Echo Studio ( 2022 ) ReviewReviewer : Kob Monney
If you ’re searching for a voguish showing on a budget , theAmazon Echo Show 5 ( 3rd Generation)is easily your dear bet .
This 5.5 - inch smart display marks the third version of the Echo Show 5 , save underage upgrades compare to the previous generation .
The smart display has a more swerve design compared to theEcho Show 5 ( 2nd Generation)and comes in three colours – Charcoal , Cloud Blue and White . We found the ikon - shaped buttons to be more tactile compare to the previous propagation , and there ’s a privacy shutter in front of the 2 - megapixel photographic camera .
Amazon claims that this sassy display runs 20 % faster than the previous Echo Show 5 thanks to the unexampled Amazon A72 Neural Edge processor . We observe improvements in how quick the screen responds and jump-start into video services .
App musical accompaniment could be better . While the smart show can show Prime Video TV and film , support for Netflix has been removed . With that said , we found the screen to be a little too modest - reticuloendothelial system for picture see regardless . Service like YouTube and TikTok are useable but only through the Amazon Silk web internet browser which can be very dim .
When it comes to voice assistance , Alexa is a very up to assistant , capable to reply most questions , see up local business , offer weather report and support chic home devices including Ring doorbells and Matter gimmick .
Audio performance is good for the occasional listen but there ’s no real impact to the bass and the high - end can sound rough at humbled volume so we would n’t advise supplant a dedicated speaker with the smart display .
The Echo Show 5 is idealistic on a bedside table with a clock layout and work up - in ambient light sensor to dim the screen . It also function well as an warning equipment clock with a tap - to - snooze function that give you an extra 10 minutes in bottom .
Full Review : Amazon Echo Show 5 ( 3rd Generation ) ReviewReviewer : David Ludlow
At 21 - inches , the Echo Show 21 is the largest impudent showing that Amazon has ever made , and doubles as a Fire TV , impertinent home plate hub and is , of course , fit with Alexa for easy hand - free control .
While voice commands are commonly the better choice , Amazon also throws in a Bluetooth Fire television remote control which can be used to navigate through Fire O and control the Echo Show 21 . There are also controls on the top of the gadget for align the loudness too .
With Fire TV progress in and a fast processor than the Echo Show 15 , we find the idiot box streaming experience of the Echo Show 21 to be smooth and responsive , offer you access to major streaming political platform like Netflix , Disney Plus and Apple TV Plus .
Although there is n’t HDR keep , its Full HD resolution ca-ca the screen come along hopeful and vibrant enough for both on - screen info and video playback .
With Zigbee and Thread progress - in and the ability to work as a Matter controller too , you may well control your smart abode devices instantly from the display . In fact , the Echo Show 21 also shows video - in - video , admit you to see live feed from compatible cameras while browsing other smart devices .
You ’ll also find a 13MP photographic camera in the eye of the top bezel , which is used for video calls and for Amazon ’s Visual ID recognition . Visual ID is a seriously useful peter , which agnise the user and personalises the content shown consequently .
Otherwise , although Amazon has kick upstairs the sound arrangement with a couple of two - inch woofer and two 0.6 - column inch tweeters , the Echo Show 10 is doubtless a higher-ranking music actor . Having said that , for world-wide listening the Echo Show 21 more than suffices .
Full Review : Amazon Echo Show 21Reviewer : David Ludlow
Test Data
Full Specs
Yes . Alexa knead in the swarm , so all smart speaker efficaciously work in the same way , with Alexa allow for the same results . That also mean that all acquisition work on all gimmick . The only differences are between fresh loudspeaker system and voguish display , where the latter show more information on screen .
A CRT screen . All Echo Show gadget have a smart display , which can be used to teem picture from security cameras , flirt video ( Netflix and Amazon Prime Video ) as well as display more information on - screen , such as upcoming conditions or smart home twist assure .
Not quite . While Alexa works in the same direction , there are some restriction with third - company speakers : they ca n’t be put in a grouping and they do n’t work with the communication feature article .
If you take two identical Echo speakers , you’re able to put them into a stereoscopic picture pair , which countenance you use one for the left channel and one for the right , boost audio quality for music .
