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Amazon has a wide range of Echo speakers, covering a variety of prices and use cases. From compact models, like the Echo Pop, up to larger speakers for a fuller music experience, there's something for everyone. Plus, there is also a selection of devices with displays - the Echo Show. Choosing which Echo is the best is something of a challenge, because there's such variety - but that's exactly what we're here to help with.
The Amazon Echo - and Alexa voice assistant - has cemented its place in households, providing not just music, but smart home control and a range of interactions. But the selection can be a little confusing, so we've drawn them all up into one place to help you choose from the different Alexa devices. Of course, sales events like Black Friday will make the Echo a lot cheaper, so that's a great time to buy.
The best Amazon Echo devices
Before we move into the details and comparing all the Echo devices, we'll start with recommendations. We've used all these devices extensively and while some decisions might be made purely around price, there are a few other factors to consider, as detailed below. First and foremost, these are the devices that we recommend, based on our extensive experience.
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Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen)
Best Echo overall$23 $50 Save $27The sound quality is better than it ever has been, with the same capabilities as its bigger, more expensive siblings.
Pros- Great value for money
- Surprisingly good sound
- Fits in anywhere
Cons- Not quite room-filling sound
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Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen, 2023)
Best Echo with a display$105 $150 Save $45The latest Echo Show is also the best, offering room-filling sound and a fresh new design. Not only does it look great, but it's well connected too, the perfect hub for your smart home.
Pros- Fresh new design
- Great room-filling sound
- Best connected Echo Show yet
Cons- No real display changes
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Amazon Echo Studio
Best Echo for music$155 $200 Save $45The Echo Studio offers awesome sound quality to really get the party started. If you want the best from your music, this is the model to choose.
Pros- Great sound quality
- Supports spatial audio and Hi-Res formats
- Flagship performance
Cons- It's expensive
The Echo Dot 5th-gen will suit most people the best, because it's compact, it's affordable and it's a great way to add Alexa to your home. That means you can have a voice-controlled smart home with very little outlay. The best of the Echo Show models is the Echo Show 8. The latest show device from Amazon has great connectivity and a fresh new design. But we also recommend the Echo Studio. When it comes to sound quality, this is by far the most accomplished of the Echo speakers, supporting spatial audio and delivering room-filling sound. If you like music, go with the Studio.
Best Amazon Echo smart speaker
There are a range of options when it comes to choosing an Echo device. Amazon has its current selection of spherical Echo devices - the Dot and the regular Echo and Pop - but there are also legacy devices - the older puck-shaped Dot and cylindrical Echos. While some of these older devices are still perfectly servicable (Alexa works the same on all Echo devices), some of the older devices you now can't buy. So we're mostly comparing the latest and more commonly available Echo devices. We'll deal with the screened devices - Echo Show - below.
Amazon Echo spec comparison
Before we proceed, however, here are the specs for the current generation of Echo devices.
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Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen)
- Dimensions
- 100 x 100 x 89mm, 340g
- Woofer Size
- 1.73in
- Connectivity
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Matter
- Colors
- Charcoal, Glacier White, Deep Sea Blue
- Others
- Temperature sensor, Accelerometer
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Amazon Echo (4th generation)
- Dimensions
- 144 x 144 x 133mm, 970g
- Woofer Size
- 1x 3in woofer, 2x 0.8in tweeters
- Connectivity
- Dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Colors
- Charcoal, Glacier White, Twilight Blue
- Others
- Zigbee, Matter, Sidewalk, Thread Border Router, eero
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Amazon Echo Pop
- Dimensions
- 99 x 83 x 91mm, 196g
- Woofer Size
- 1.95in
- Connectivity
- Dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Colors
- Charcoal, Glacier White, Lavender Bloom, Midnight Teal
- Others
- Matter
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Amazon Echo Studio
- Dimensions
- 206 x 175mm, 3.5kg
- Woofer Size
- 3x 2in midrange, 1x 5.25in woofer, 1x 0.79in tweeter
- Connectivity
- Dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3.5mm
- Colors
- Charcoal, Glacier
- Others
- Zigbee, Sidewalk, Matter
Amazon Echo devices in detail
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen)
The sound quality is better than it ever has been, with the same capabilities as its bigger, more expensive siblings.
While the Echo Dot (5th gen) looks like the old 4th gen 2020 model, there are a few key differences in this new device. There's a new speaker in it for starters, which is larger, with better bass performance. There's also an accelerometer, so you get more tap controls, while it offers more connectivity, compatible with Amazon's Eero system. It also offers a temperature sensor, so you can easily find the temperature for your home. For many people, this is the Echo of choice - capable, affordable and compact. There's a version with a clock too.
The Echo Dot models offer that combination of performance and affordability. For those who want something discreet it's the perfect size, while the speaker performance is still good enough for casual listening. The Dot with Clock has additional skills, because it's great for beside the bed, so has extra appeal.
Amazon Echo (4th generation)
The standard Echo is the pick of the range for most people.
Amazon's flagship Echo launched in 2020, changed the shape to a sphere, and dropped the cylinder design of previous models. The change gave the Echo the chance to boost its audio credentials, taking the 3.0-inch woofer from the previous devices and doubling the 0.8-inch tweeters. That means the speaker can offer stereo without pairing, powered by Dolby and automatically adapting the sound to suit the room you put it in.
On top of that, it's smart, with a Zigbee controller and Amazon Sidewalk, meaning it is a better hub than previous Echos at this level, rivalling and surpassing the skills of the old Echo Plus. Like other Echos, it can be paired and grouped, and also works with the Echo Sub. If you're looking to fill a larger room with music, this is might be the best Echo for you.
Amazon Echo Pop
The latest addition to the family gives a fresh new design and a twist on the Echo Dot for a more distinct design.
The Amazon Echo Pop is a compact Alexa speaker and the latest addition to the family. It basically cuts the Dot in half for a fresh new design, but still packs in a decent speaker - and gives access to all of Alexa's functions. It comes in a range of colours, ideal for younger users, and you can also buy skins for it.
However, the sound field is rather limited from this dinky Echo device, so if you're going to do anything other than occasional listening to music, I'd recommend getting the Dot instead. It is, however, the cheapest Echo device, so ideal for getting started with Alexa.
Amazon Echo Studio
The Echo Studio has music performance that other Echo speakers can't match, so if you're a big streamer, then this is worthy of your consideration.
The Echo Studio is the top dog for audio in the Echo range, expanding into a bigger unit designed to give much richer sound. It offers support for spatial audio, including Dolby Atmos and Sony 360 Reality Audio. Not only is this a music master, but it can also handle your TV audio and is compatible with wireless connections to Fire TV devices. It can be stereo paired, too.
At its heart, though, this is still an Alexa device, capable of all the features that Alexa brings, as well as offering a Zigbee controller so it can natively connect to smart home devices and control them. It's great value for money for such a high-performing speaker - but it's quite a jump in both price and performance. It's best for music lovers or bigger rooms.
Amazon Echo Sub
It's not technically an Echo device, but its a subwoofer for the whole system. If you want to boost the sound quality, the Sub has a role to play.
The Amazon Echo Sub is technically an Echo companion, in that it doesn't offer Alexa in its own right; instead, the Echo Sub acts to boost your Echo set-up by adding a dedicated subwoofer. The Echo Sub can be paired with one Echo, but it's ideally suited to a stereo-paired set of Echos, to create a 2.1 system. The only drawback here is that you'll have to use Echos of the same type, so a pair of Echo Dots, for example. The Echo Sub is a great upgrade, meaning you'll have a decent music system - and all with Alexa's great voice control - but check you have compatible devices before you buy.
Best Amazon Echo Show
Amazon has plenty of screened devices to explore, too. These make the Alexa experience more visual and makes apps, services and interactions much more interactive. There's a full selection from the Echo Show 5 up to the Echo Show 15.
Amazon Echo Show spec comparison
We'll start with a comparison of what these devices offer, so you can quickly glance and see how they differ.
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Amazon Echo Show 15 Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen, 2023) Amazon Echo Show 8 Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) Chipset Amlogic Pop1 with AZ2 Neural Edge MediaTek 8183 with AZ1 Neural Edge Octa-Core SoC with Amazon AZ2 Neural Network Engine MediaTek MT 8183 MediaTek MT 8169 B Display 15.6in touchscreen 10.1in rotating touchscreen 8in 1280 x 800 8in, 1280 x 800 5.5in touchscreen Sound 2x 1.6in speakers 2x 2in tweeter, 1x 3in woofer 2 x 2in driver with passive bass radiator 2 x 2.0in driver with passive bass radiator 1.75in speaker Connectivity Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Matter Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Matter Bluetooth, Zigbee, Matter, BLE Mesh, Sidewalk Bluetooth, Matter, BLE Mesh Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Matter Dimensions 402 x 252 x 35mm, 2215g 251 x 230 x 172mm, 2560g 200 x 139 x 106mm, 1034g 200.4 x 135.9 x 99.1mm, 1037g 147 x 91 x 82mm, 456g Camera 5MP with physical shutter 13MP 13MP with privacy shutter 13MP with privacy shutter 2MP camera with built-in shutter Integrations Amazon Alexa Amazon Alexa Amazon Alexa Amazon Alexa Amazon Alexa
Amazon Echo Show devices in detail
Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen, 2023)
Amazon's latest Echo Show is also its best, with a fresh design and better connectivity than ever before. This is the top choice if you want an Echo Show.
The Amazon Echo Show 8 was updated in September 2023 with a fresh new design and better connectivity. The new design allows for better speaker performance, and the sound quality and volume from this device is impressive. The new design also means it looks better - less boxy - so it's definitely the most attractive device in the range.
The functionality of all the Echo Show devices is basically the same, but this model is the most advanced. The size makes it attractive as it doesn't take up too much space and it's good value for money too.
Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen)
A top choice of Echo Show devices, the screen rotates so you're always in the picture and it offers the best sound quality of all the Show devices.
The Echo Show 10 is the third generation of the 10-inch device. The big change over earlier versions was the design, with a more substantial speaker base and a screen that swivels. That means the display can move, to follow you around the room. That's ideal for those who put it in a larger kitchen, for example, and those who don't want to have to physically move it all the time.
The speaker arrangement has also expanded over the previous edition. It's a 2.1 setup, with a dedicated woofer and a pair of tweeters, making for a more robust sound. The downside is the increased cost - but it's the best of the Echo Show devices.
Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen)
The updated Show 5 has a refined design and is ideal for smaller spaces. It's also very affordable, adding to the appeal.
The latest version of the Echo Show 5 smooths off the design for better looks while also boosting the sound quality. The size has immediate appeal, because you can slip it into a small space without compromising on the functionality. It's a popular bedside option, although you might want to take advantage of that privacy shutter.
At the same time, the Echo Show 5 doesn't support all the connectivity features that you get in the new Echo Show 8 and the touch controls can be a little slow. However, if you're mostly going to use voice and want that visual feedback too, then it makes a great choice.
Amazon Echo Show 15
The Echo Show 15 is the largest device, designed for wall-mounting. It makes a great family planner, but the sound quality isn't great.
The Echo Show 15 is designed to blend in. Rather than a bulky speaker or screen that commands space on a shelf, worktop or desk, this is much more subtle and looks like a picture frame. It can be mounted in portrait or landscape directly to a wall, or you can have it on a stand.
The Echo Show 15 can still do all the stuff Amazon's other screened devices can do, but it also enables you to have shared calendars, sticky notes, and reminders, while also working as a Fire TV. It's a great idea, but the sound quality isn't great, so it's not the best of the Echo Show models.
Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen)
Sitting in the middle is the Echo Show 8, a great compromise giving enough space to enjoy the visuals and decent sound - although it's now been updated.
The Echo Show 8 (2021) is now an older option, updated by the newer model listed above. The design isn't as refined and the speakers aren't quite as good, but in terms of the display and the cameras, there isn't a huge difference between these devices. However, the newer model launched at a cheaper price - so this older Echo Show 8 will only really appeal if there's a really good deal on it.
Otherwise the 8-inch display and range of functions is generally the same as on the 2023 model, offering a great size between the Show 10 and Show 5.
Which Amazon Echo should you buy?
When it comes to the Echo speakers, the newest 2022 Echo Dot (5th Gen) is the model to get and is the most popular. The Echo Dot is ideal to extend Alexa to other rooms of the house where you don't have an Echo, so if you've set up a voice-controlled smart home, Echo Dot makes it easy to always be in voice range. It's also a great bedside or small room device, as the audio performance is surprisingly good. If it's a bedside companion you want, the Echo Dot with Clock is a great option.
The larger Echo is the better sounding. If music is what's important to you, then adding the Echo Sub will boost the experience, adding low range skills - so this is also great as an upgrade option in the future. Stereo pairing then makes for a great 2.1 system.
But the Echo Studio is in a whole other league, by far the most ambitious speaker from an audio point of view really boosting the quality - but also offering Dolby Atmos and immersive audio when partnered with your Fire TV. It can also be stereo paired, which is a formidable setup, but might be a little large for some people.
The Echo Show range takes things in a different direction. It's more expensive, but it gives you Alexa Video Calling and a display for more interactive returns. If you know someone else with an Echo Show, it's a natural choice to save you from needing to use Zoom on your laptop. The new Echo Show 8 (2023) is the model to get, but the Echo Show 10 offers the best sound quality and a display that swivels. For smaller spaces, go with the Echo Show 5.
Echo Show 15 is in a world of its own, and is the only one that really resembles something you'd stick up on your wall. It's a smart screen and control hub that looks like a picture frame, and can be used as one - but it's not as good as the Echo Show 10 or 8 when it comes to sound quality.
How did I choose the best Echo?
I've been using the Amazon Echo since it launched, from the first generation all the way through to the most recent additions. I don't just review and test the Echo models, I actually live with them, using them daily and use them for things like running smart home functions. That means I have a wealth of experience, not just in the Echo as a standalone device, but also in the services and functions that it offers.