Smart home devices are getting more exciting every year, and Amazon’s Echo lineup is one of the best out there. If you’re thinking about getting one, you might be wondering which to choose: the Amazon Echo or the Amazon Echo Show 8. Both are great, but they shine in different ways. Let’s break it down in simple terms to help you decide.
Table of Contents
1. Design and Display: What Do They Look Like?
Amazon Echo
- Shape: Small, round, and sleek.
- No Screen: It’s just a speaker, so no visual distractions.
- Fits Anywhere: Perfect for small spaces like nightstands or bookshelves.
- Light Ring: Glows when Alexa is listening.
This is for people who love simplicity and just want great sound without a screen.
Amazon Echo Show 8
- Screen Included: It has an 8-inch HD touchscreen.
- Uses for the Screen: Watch videos, follow recipes, or make video calls.
- Privacy Features: Comes with a camera shutter you can close for privacy.
- Looks Good Anywhere: Great for the kitchen, office, or bedside table.
If you like having a screen for extra features, the Echo Show 8 is the way to go.
2. Sound Quality: How Do They Sound?
Amazon Echo
- Amazing Sound: Clear highs, deep bass, and room-filling audio.
- 360-Degree Sound: Perfect for music, podcasts, or movies when paired with Fire TV.
- Room-Adaptive: Adjusts to your room for the best sound quality.
Best for people who care about really good sound for music or parties.
Amazon Echo Show 8
- Good Sound with Extras: Not as powerful as the Echo, but still great.
- Spatial Audio: Makes movies and video calls sound better.
If you want decent sound with the bonus of a screen, the Show 8 is your pick.
3. Smart Home Control: Voice vs. Touch
Amazon Echo
- Voice Control Only: Tell Alexa to turn on lights or lock doors.
- Built-In Smart Hub: Works with popular smart home gadgets like lights and locks.
- Temperature Sensor: Adjusts heating or cooling based on the room temperature.
For those who want a no-fuss, voice-only smart home setup, this is perfect.
Amazon Echo Show 8
- Voice AND Touch Control: Use the screen to control your devices or check camera feeds.
- Supports More Gadgets: Works with new smart home tech like Thread-enabled devices.
- Widgets: Quickly access shortcuts like turning on lights or checking cameras.
If you want to see what’s happening in your smart home, go with the Show 8.
Key Differences in Smart Home Integration
| Feature | Amazon Echo | Amazon Echo Show 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Home Protocols | Zigbee, Matter | Zigbee, Matter, Thread |
| Control Method | Voice-only | Voice + Touchscreen |
| Motion-Activated Routines | Yes | Yes (with additional on-screen context) |
| Camera Integration | No | Yes (live feeds on the display) |
| Temperature Sensor | Yes | No |
| Shortcut Widgets | No | Yes (e.g., for lights, cameras, or reminders) |
4. Communication: Voice or Video?
Amazon Echo
- Voice Calls Only: Use Alexa to call friends, family, or other Echo devices.
- Intercom Feature: Announce things like “Dinner is ready!” to other Echos in your house.
Perfect for quick calls or simple communication.
Amazon Echo Show 8
- Video Calls: The 13 MP camera is sharp and keeps you in focus.
- Group Calls: Great for family or work meetings.
- Photo Sharing: Show off your favorite pics during a call.
Choose this if you love face-to-face chats or need video for work or family.
Key Differences in Communication Features
| Feature | Amazon Echo | Amazon Echo Show 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Calling Capability | Voice-only | Voice and video calling |
| Video Quality | Not applicable | 13 MP camera with auto-framing |
| Drop-In Feature | Audio-only | Audio and video |
| Announcements | Audio-only | Audio with visual context |
| Top Connections Widget | Not available | Yes, for quick access to frequent contacts |
| Noise Reduction | Standard microphone | Enhanced noise reduction for clearer audio |
| Group Calls | Voice-only groups | Supports group video calls |
5. Entertainment: What Can You Do for Fun?
Amazon Echo
- Music First: Stream music from Amazon Music, Spotify, or Apple Music.
- Multi-Room Sound: Sync music across your home.
- Podcasts and Audiobooks: Enjoy your favorites with premium sound.
This is all about audio entertainment.
Amazon Echo Show 8
- Music and Videos: Watch Netflix, Prime Video, or YouTube.
- Interactive Fun: Play games or use Alexa skills that need a screen.
- Photo Frame Mode: Show off family pictures when you’re not using it.
Great for people who want both music and video options in one device.
Key Differences in Entertainment Options
| Feature | Amazon Echo | Amazon Echo Show 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Streaming | Yes, supports major platforms | Yes, with lyrics and visual album art |
| Video Streaming | Not available | Yes, supports Prime Video, Netflix, and Fire TV |
| Multi-Room Audio | Yes | Yes |
| Interactive Entertainment | Limited to voice-based Alexa skills | Includes visual games, trivia, and interactive skills |
| Display for Visual Content | Not available | 8-inch HD touchscreen with adaptive color |
| Photo Display | Not available | Yes, as a digital photo frame with Amazon Photos |
| YouTube Access | No | Yes, via built-in web browsers |
Which One Should You Choose?
Pick the Amazon Echo if you:
- Love great sound and don’t need a screen.
- Want a compact, stylish device for music, podcasts, and smart home control.
- Are looking for a budget-friendly option with premium audio.
Pick the Amazon Echo Show 8 if you:
- Want a touchscreen for video calls, recipes, or streaming TV.
- Need visual controls for your smart home.
- Love the idea of an all-in-one entertainment hub.
Both devices are fantastic, but your choice depends on what you need most—simple sound and voice control or a screen with extra features.