accounts for over a quarter of smart speakers and smart displays sold around the world, according to the latest figures from Statista. Since then, it has expanded the range greatly, with many models to choose between and a choice of a smart speaker (Echo) or a display with speakers (Echo Show). With so many different devices costing from very little to quite a lot, it can be hard to know which one to buy. If you don’t want a screen, then look at the Echo smart speakers. All Echos run on mains power (they’re not battery powered or portable) and they’re all hands-free. That means they respond when you ask a question, but they all rely on Wi-Fi and an internet connection. You can do a lot with Alexa. You can ask for specific music and have that music play in sync across all your Echo devices. You can also “drop in” on another Echo in a different room to have a quick conversation with a family member. You can also call friends and relatives who have Echos – or the Alexa app – and this can be a video call if you and they have an Echo Show. Of course, there are more prosaic uses, such as saying “Alexa, what’s the time?” and “Alexa, set a timer for 10 minutes”. But if you have compatible smart lights, or a smart plug, you can also say “Alexa, turn on the lights in the kitchen” or “Alexa, turn off the iron”. This is the great thing about Echos. You can use them very simply, or really take advantage of the cleverer stuff that Alexa can do. Read on to see how they differ, but also check out these great accessories for the various Echo devices including the Wall Clock and Echo Connect. There’s also the Echo Sub which can be paired with one or a pair of Echos to provide better bass (but only when streaming music from the internet). If you want tips on the things you can do with an Echo, here’s how to use Alexa. It’s difficult to pick the ‘best’ Echo for this roundup. Best can mean different things: best value; best sound; best features. However, whatever your priority, you’ll find what you’re looking for below.
Good value Useful clock display in 'with clock' version Can extend home Wi-Fi
Sound distorts at high volumes
Alternatively, the Echo Dot 5 can be used singly as a Wi-Fi extender as part of an Eero mesh Wi-Fi system, which is another bonus.
Very good sound quality Supports spatial audio
Relatively expensive
The Studio also supports ‘3D audio’, which is essentially virtual surround sound. Currently it can play Dolby Atmos and Sony 360 Reality Audio, which can be both music and video soundtracks. Best of all, the Studio is way cheaper than rivals from Apple and Google.
Built-in Zigbee hub Good sound
No clock display
As you’d expect, it can’t compete with the Echo Studio in that respect but then again, it’s half the price. The fourth-gen Echo also has a built-in smart hub, allowing it to connect to and control Zigbee devices such as Philips Hue lights and mean you don’t need a separate ‘bridge’ or hub for those devices. The light ring, as with the one of the Echo Dot, can be blocked from view because it’s right at the base, but it really depends upon where you put it in your room and where you’re sitting or standing. If you want more volume and stereo sound, you can pair two Echo 4s together.
Large screen great for photo slideshows Wall-mountable Will soon get Fire TV update
Middling sound quality No third-party widgets No Zigbee hub
It works well in a kitchen where it doesn’t take up any space on your worktops and can show recipes which you can navigate with your voice using Alexa. The update will also bring support for the latest Alexa Voice Remote, which is preferable to trying to navigate using your voice. This is a touchscreen, though, so it’s simple to use if you’re sitting close enough to reach the screen. Thanks to ‘Visual ID’ Alexa can recognise who’s in front of the screen and display personalised information in those widgets. And, because of the thin picture-frame design, sound quality isn’t the Echo Show 15’s strong suit: you’ll want to choose the Echo Show 10 if you plan to listen to a lot of music. You can use the Show 15 for video calls, but it’s a shame that the camera doesn’t keep you in the frame like the Echo Show 8 and 10. Also note that there is no built-in Zigbee hub here.
Rotating display faces you Great sound Built-in Zigbee hub
Expensive
Admittedly, it does sound a bit gimmicky but does come into its own if you want a smart display for a kitchen island where you’d otherwise have to turn the screen manually to see it as you move around. The rotation is also a benefit for keeping an eye on your room when you’re away, because you can swipe on the screen of your phone while using the Alexa app to turn the camera and see – and hear – what’s happening. Other than that, the overall experience is much like other Echo Shows.
Can operate like a security camera Camera keeps you in the frame in video calls
No Zigbee hub
Plus, this second-generation model has a 13Mp camera which has plenty of resolution for digital zoom. This is used in video calls to keep you in the middle of the frame even if you move around the room – just like the Facebook Portal and latest iPad Pro’s Centre Stage feature. It’s not as versatile as the 360° Echo Show 10, but it’s a great addition nonetheless.
Cheap
No longer offered with clock display
It lacks many of the new features you get in the fifth-generation Dot, and there’s no ‘with clock’ model available any more. Only the non-clock version is sold.
Good size for bedrooms Can be used like a security camera
Mediocre sound Screen is a little small
Sound quality isn’t as good as the Echo 4 or the Echo Show 8, which is the main drawback. This second-gen model has a higher-resolution camera than the first-gen (but not as good as the 8’s) and can also be used a kind of security camera as you can view the camera feed remotely. Essentially, it’s a good choice if you have a tight budget but want an Echo with a screen and don’t need music to sound amazing.
Inexpensive Good for garages / large hallways
Not suitable for music
It’s brilliant for asking Alexa for information, and controlling your lights, switches and plugs. You can plug in a motion sensor (or night light) to make it even more useful. You can listen to music on it, but it sounds terrible.
Alexa in your car!
Hard to hide cables About to be replaced by new, smaller version in US
Jim has been testing and reviewing products for over 20 years. His main beats include VPN services and antivirus. He also covers smart home tech, mesh Wi-Fi and electric bikes.
