Amazon Echo vs Plus vs Studio vs Dot vs Show vs Spot: What's the difference?

 

Amazon has a blistering array of Echo speakers, perfect for a wide range of prices and uses. (Pocket-lint) There's something for everyone, from the compact to bigger speakers for a fuller music experience. Plus, a range of devices with displays is also available.

Other Amazon smart devices that operate in some way with Alexa - such as the Amazon Echo Wall Clock - also have a flourishing ecosystem. In order to keep track of all the offers and discounts, we detail what they all do, what the variations are and highlight the best rates.

Which is the best Amazon Echo for you?

Amazon Echo (fourth gen)

• Dimensions: 144 x 144 x 133mm, 970g
• Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi supports 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 and 5GHz), Bluetooth (A2DP), 3.5mm audio in/out, Zigbee, Sidewalk
• Audio: 3.0-inch woofer and 2x 0.8-inch tweeter
• Alexa: Yes (Always-on/always-listening/voice-activated)

The new Echo from Amazon changes the form to a sphere rather than a cylinder like previous versions. The latest configuration offers the Echo the ability to improve its audio credentials, taking the previous Echo's 3.0-inch woofer and doubling the 0.8-inch tweeters. That means that without pairing, the speaker can offer stereo, powered by Dolby and change the sound automatically to suit the room you put it in.

On top of that, with a Zigbee controller and Amazon Sidewalk, it's smarter, ensuring it would be a better hub at this level than previous Echos, rivalling and surpassing the abilities of the old Echo Plus. It can be paired and grouped, like other Echos, and also works with the Echo Sub.

Amazon Echo (third gen)

• Dimensions: 148 x 99 x 99mm, 780g
• Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi supports 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 and 5GHz), Bluetooth (A2DP), 3.5mm audio in/out
• Audio: 3.0-inch woofer and 0.8-inch tweeter
• Alexa: Yes (Always-on/always-listening/voice-activated)

With the same speaker layout and design, the 2019 Echo takes on the consistency of the 2018 Echo Plus, adding a new colour, but otherwise offering a higher-quality design and sound than the second-gen Echo. The Zigbee controller you'll find on the Echo Plus doesn't have it, but that's a small omission.

The Amazon Echo has been replaced by the 2020 Echo (fourth gen), with greater connectivity, which sounds a little better. Amazon does not sell the older Echo model in many markets anymore.

Amazon Echo Plus (second gen)

• Dimensions: 148 x 99 x 99mm, 780g
• Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi supports 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4 and 5GHz), Bluetooth (A2DP), 3.5mm audio in/out, Zigbee
• Audio: 3.0-inch woofer and 0.8-inch tweeter
• Alexa: Yes (Always-on/always-listening/voice-activated)

The second generation version of the Echo Plus debuted in 2018 and, with a cloth-covered exterior, takes a shorter, wider stance. In essence, the architecture is exactly the same as the third-gen Echo - as are the speakers inside.

The Echo Plus 2 has all the Alexa features provided by all other Echo products, but has a built-in Zigbee controller (like the largest Echo Display and the fourth-gen Echo), which means you can attach and control compatible smart home devices directly. It's a great all-rounder, but you still need the Zigbee controller to justify the extra price, given that the output is now balanced by the new Echo.

Amazon Echo Studio

• Dimensions: 206 x 175 x 175mm, 3.5kg
• Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi supports 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 and 5GHz), Bluetooth (A2DP), 3.5mm audio in/out, Zigbee
• Audio: 3x 2.0-inch midrange, 1.0-inch tweeter, 5.25-inch woofer, Dolby Atmos, MPEG-H
• Alexa: Yes (Always-on/always-listening/voice-activated)

In the Echo range, the Echo Studio is the top dog for audio, growing into a wider device built to deliver a much richer sound. It supports the new Amazon Music HD service, as well as Dolby Atmos support and MPEG-H 3D formats, such as Sony 360 Reality Audio. This is not only a music master, but it can also handle audio from your TV, compatible with wireless Fire TV system connections. It can also be combined with a stereo.

But this is still an Alexa product at its core, capable of all the functionality that Alexa offers, as well as providing a Zigbee controller so that it can natively connect and monitor smart home devices. For such a high-performing speaker, it is great value for money.

Amazon Echo Dot (fourth gen)

• Dimensions: 100 x 100 x 89mm, 328g
• Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 and 5GHz), Bluetooth, 3.5mm audio out
• Audio: 1.6-inch speaker
• Alexa: Yes (Always-on/always-listening/voice-activated)

In moving to a spherical form and moving away from the puck of the previous few years, the 2020 Echo Dot matches the current Echo. However, it sticks to the same mic, so we'd think that the audio output will be identical. It still provides all the same features, with the inclusion of greater Wi-Fi bands being the only real improvements.

There are clean character designs for kids, and the Echo Dot with Clock is a freshly revamped edition.

Amazon Echo Dot (third gen)

• Dimensions: 43 x 99 x 99mm, 300g
• Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n (2.4 and 5GHz), Bluetooth, 3.5mm audio out
• Audio: 1.6-inch speaker 
• Alexa: Yes (Always-on/always-listening/voice-activated)

The Echo Dot was extremely popular and the third version was redesigned to fit the Echo in 2018, ditching the hard plastic. It is a larger diameter than the original model that it replaces and offers a 1.6-inch speaker space.

The Echo Dot is a great standalone Alexa system, well equipped to speak to you and it will give you a great overall sound though it's not really built as a music device. If you wish, it can also be connected via a 3.5mm cable to another speaker.

Amazon Echo Flex

• Dimensions: 72 x 67 x 66mm, 166g
• Connectivity: Bluetooth and dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 and 5GHz), USB-A (7.5W), 3.5mm audio output, 
• Audio: Built-in speaker for voice feedback
• Alexa: Yes (Always-on/always-listening/voice-activated)

The smallest way to get Alexa into your house, plugging right into the wall, is the Amazon Echo Flex. To provide the Alexa experience, it has a speaker and microphone, but if you want to attach it to existing speakers, there is also a 3.5mm port.

It also has a USB connection that can be used to charge a phone, but devices, including a motion sensor or a night light, can also be accepted. It's a tiny, versatile tool and a simple addition to any space. Naturally, because of the tiny speaker, it's not really intended for playing music, but if you want voice control or Alexa features without the wires, then the Flex is an interesting option.

Amazon Echo Sub

• Dimensions: 210 x 210 x 202mm, 4.2kg
• Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n (2.4 and 5GHz)
• Audio: 6-inch down-firing woofer, 100W Class D amplifier
• Alexa: No

Technically, the Amazon Echo Sub is an Echo companion, in that it does not provide Alexa in its own right; instead, the Echo Sub works by adding a dedicated subwoofer to improve your Echo set-up.

The Echo Sub can be combined with one Echo or Echo Plus, but to create a 2.1 system, it's best suited to a stereo-paired set of Echos. The only downside here is that you're going to have to use Echos of the same kind, like an Echo Plus pair, for instance.

Essentially, if you're a fan of Echo and you already have one or two Echos, then the Echo Sub is a fantastic improvement, which means you're going to have a good music device, all with great voice control from Alexa.

Amazon smart displays and video devices

With many devices that will add a screen to make the Alexa experience more visual, Amazon has now expanded into the domain of video.

Amazon Echo Show 5

• Dimensions: 148 x 86 x 73mm, 410g
• Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi supports 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 and 5GHz), Bluetooth, 3.5mm output
• Display: 5.5-inch touchscreen
• Audio: 1.65-inch speaker
• Camera: 1-megapixel sensor
• Alexa: Yes (Always-on/always-listening/voice-activated)

The 5.5-inch monitor gives the Echo Show 5 its name and is simply just a smaller version of the main Echo Show. It's also considerably cheaper and much better than the main Echo Display, though. There are some compromises in the efficiency of the camera and sound, but it offers enough sound for most small to medium-sized rooms.

For Alexa Calling, it provides a front camera, has a single speaker for all your audio and looks like a nicer option for an Echo bedside. It can also be used as a gradually-brightening alarm clock, much like the Echo Spot, while there is also a new privacy shutter over the camera. There is no help from YouTube, like the other series, which remains a disappointment.

Amazon Echo Show 8

• Dimensions: 200.4 x 135.9 x 99.1mm, 1037g
• Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi supports 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 and 5GHz), Bluetooth, 3.5mm output
• Display: 8.0-inch touchscreen
• Audio: 2.0-inch speaker
• Camera: 1-megapixel sensor
• Alexa: Yes (Always-on/always-listening/voice-activated)

The Echo Show 8 between the Echo Show (10-inch) and the Echo Show 5 slots into the void. The Zigbee controller you're going to get in the larger model is missing but gives a little improvement over the smaller model.

There's a camera on the front, with a mask, so you can protect your privacy if you don't need it for a call. This is basically a bigger Display 5, which is significantly smaller than the 10-inch edition.

From 21 November 2019, The Echo Display 8 will be available.

Amazon Echo Show 10

• Dimensions: 251 x 230 x 172mm, 2560g
• Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi supports 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 and 5GHz), Bluetooth A2DP, Zigbee, Sidewalk
• Display: 10.1-inch touchscreen
• Audio: 3.0-inch woofer, 2x 1.0-inch tweeters
• Camera: 13-megapixel sensor
• Alexa: Yes (Always-on/always-listening/voice-activated)

The 2020 Echo Show 10 is the third version of the Echo Show. The architecture, with a more substantial speaker base and the screen now on a swivel, is the big change in this version. That means that the show will travel around the room to follow you. This is perfect for those who, for example, place it in a larger kitchen and do not want to rotate it or the time physically, or have to shift it.

The monitor remains the same size, but the configuration of the speaker has also improved over the previous version. With a dedicated woofer and a pair of tweeters, it is now a 2.1 rig, which should allow for a far more robust tone. It also provides Zigbee and Sidewalk assistance, so other devices can serve as a smart home centre.

Amazon Echo Show (second gen)

• Dimensions: 246 x 174 x 107mm, 1755g
• Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi supports 802.11a/b/g/n/c (2.4 and 5GHz), Bluetooth A2DP, Zigbee
• Display: 10.1-inch touchscreen
• Audio: 8-microphone array, dual 2-inch stereo speakers
• Camera: 5-megapixel sensor
• Alexa: Yes (Always-on/always-listening/voice-activated)

The largest Echo Show's second generation extends the display over the original model and shifts the speakers to the left. In an enhanced design, the objective is a better audio and visual experience, and that's what you get.

You get all of your previous Alexa skills, including video calling (now improved with Skype support), as well as the addition of a Zigbee controller. Like the Echo Plus, without the need for separate hubs or applications, the new Display will setup and monitor compatible smart home devices.

Amazon Echo Spot

• Dimensions: 32 x 84 x 84mm, 163g
• Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi supports 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4 and 5GHz) and Bluetooth (A2DP), 3.5mm audio output
• Display: 2.5-inch round touchscreen
• Audio: 1.4-inch speaker
• Alexa: Yes (Always-on/always-listening/voice-activated)

The Amazon Echo Spot is what you would get if you crossed the old Echo Dot with the Echo Show. Sitting beside your bed for alarms is a portable Echo. It has a tiny 2.5-inch screen that, like music, can be used for simple tasks and talents, but it does a lot more. It can be used to render video calls, much like the Echo Show, with a front camera.

It essentially offers the same features, but in a much smaller form factor, as the Echo Display. It can also be connected to your speakers via Bluetooth, or via a 3.5 mm cable.

Alexa Gadgets

As a collection of revolutionary products, Amazon officially announced Alexa Gadgets that carry Alexa into a new realm. In this range, we have included the Echo Look, because of its specific collection of features.

Amazon Echo Wall Clock

• Dimensions: 254 x 254 x 41mm, 380g
• Connectivity: Connects to your compatible Echo device
• Display: Er, it's a clock
• Audio: None
• Alexa: No, it uses the other device

It's a clock that you initially think makes no sense - it's a pretty stupid smart gadget, since it is a really cheap wall clock with some LEDs around the edge for all intents and purposes. But what, you know? We have come to depend on our own. It shows you timers in a visual way, so if you cook with Alexa frequently or use other timers, it is really very helpful to see when things are done at a glance.

Conclusion: Which Echo should you buy?

The third-gen Echo (or Echo 3 as some would call it) was the hot speaker to choose when it comes to Echo speakers - great sound and great value for money, but with the new 2020 Echo, that's changed now (fourth gen). The most intelligent and best sounding is the new Echo - and the third-gen Echo is no longer commonly available.

If music is what is important to you, then adding the Echo Sub would improve the experience, adding skills of low range - so this is also perfect in the future as an upgrade option. Then stereo pairing makes for a perfect device of 2.1.

As the smart home controller is now available on the fourth-gen Echo too, the Echo Plus is now mostly redundant. However, if that's what you want, it retains that cylindrical shape.

In a whole other league, the Echo Studio is by far the most ambitious speaker, really improving the output from an audio point of view - but still providing Dolby Atmos and immersive audio when combined with your Fire TV. It can also be paired with stereo, which is a fantastic setup.

Echo Dot is perfect for expanding Alexa to other rooms in the house where you don't have an Echo, because Echo Dot makes it easy to still be in the voice range if you've set up a voice-controlled smart home - even though the Echo Flex can subtly plug into the wall and provide voice controls - but it's not great for music.

The Echo Show takes stuff in another direction. It's more costly, but it provides you with video calls and a more immersive return view. With an Echo Show, if you know anyone else, it's a natural option to save you from having to use Skype on your laptop. Echo Show and Show 10 both offer a Zigbee remote, so the new Echo has all of the smart home benefits.

Show 5 and Show 8 provide smaller options for display, both providing plenty of interactive fun, but not quite as capable as the 10-inch model. For its better sound and more traditional and practical display, we would prefer the Show 5 over the Echo Spot, although the Echo Dot with Clock is a great choice if it's a bedside companion you like.