
Smart Home Fit
8.5/10
Ideal for Alexa users seeking a smart display with enhanced audio and smart home control.
Starting at
$179.99
Works With
The Echo Show 8 is a solid choice for Alexa users seeking a mid-sized smart display with good sound and a vibrant screen but falls short for those wanting a larger display or multi-assistant support.
The Amazon Echo Show 8 (newest model) is a solid mid-sized smart display that balances screen size and audio quality well. Its 8.7-inch HD display is vibrant and sharp, making it great for video calls, streaming shows, and displaying recipes or smart home controls. The spatial audio offers a noticeable improvement over previous Echo Show 8 models, providing richer sound that fills a small to medium room nicely. Alexa’s voice recognition remains responsive, and the device integrates smoothly with other Amazon services and smart home devices. However, it does have some limitations. The screen size, while adequate, is smaller than the Echo Show 10, which might be a downside if you want a more immersive video experience or a rotating display. The camera, though improved, is not as advanced as some competitors, and privacy-conscious users might find the physical shutter a bit basic. Additionally, the device is heavily tied to the Amazon ecosystem, so users invested in Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit might find it less appealing. This Echo Show 8 is perfect for those who want a capable smart display for kitchen counters, bedside tables, or small living rooms and are already comfortable with Alexa. If you need a larger screen, better camera for video calls, or multi-assistant support, you might want to consider alternatives.
7
Value
8
Setup
7
Reliable
6
App
7
Ecosystem
Fresh from every angle - Completely redesigned with a thinner display, fast processing, and room-filling spatial audio.
Connectivity
Full features and integrations only available within Amazon Alexa ecosystem; no Apple HomeKit or Google Assistant support.
Compared to the Google Nest Hub Max, the Echo Show 8 offers better sound quality and a more vibrant display, but the Nest Hub Max has a superior camera and better integration with Google services, which might matter if you use Google apps extensively. The Lenovo Smart Display 8 is a close competitor with a similar screen size but generally weaker speakers and less polished Alexa integration. The Echo Show 10 offers a larger 10.1-inch rotating screen and stronger speakers but comes at a significantly higher price point. So, the Echo Show 8 strikes a balance between price, display quality, and sound, but falls short if you want the largest screen or best camera.
Setup is straightforward with a difficulty rating of 2 out of 5. It typically takes about 10-15 minutes, mostly involving connecting to Wi-Fi and signing into your Amazon account. No special tools are needed since it’s a plug-and-play device. Some users report occasional hiccups with Wi-Fi connectivity during setup, but these are usually resolved by restarting the device. Professional installation is generally not necessary.
In daily use, the Echo Show 8 is reliable with quick response times to voice commands. The Alexa app is functional but can feel cluttered compared to competitors like Google Home. Users often appreciate the clear display and decent audio for casual media consumption and video calls. Battery life is not applicable since it’s a plug-in device. Some common complaints include occasional lag in app loading and limited camera field of view during video calls.
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Perfect for Amazon ecosystem users looking for a versatile smart display for entertainment and home management.
Consider pairing with other Alexa devices for a seamless smart home experience.
Buy the Echo Show 8 if you’re already using Alexa devices and want a mid-sized screen with good sound. Consider pairing it with other Alexa-compatible smart home gadgets for a more seamless experience. Avoid if you prioritize video call camera quality or use Google or Apple ecosystems heavily. Watch for deals around holidays to get better pricing.
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