Amazon has a range of Echo devices, but we’ll guide you through them on so you can decide which is the the best Echo.
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(Pocket-lint) — Amazon has a blistering array of Echo speakers, suiting a full range of prices and uses. From the compact models up to larger speakers for a fuller music experience, there’s something for everybody. Plus, there’s also a selection of devices with displays — the Echo Show.
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.
With regular sales events like Black Friday, you’ll find some great deals on Echos too.Which is the best Amazon Echo for you?
Pocket-lintAmazon Echo (4th Gen, 2020)
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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
Amazon’s latest flagship Echo changes the shape to a sphere and drops the cylinder design of previous models. The fresh look gives the Echo the chance to boost its audio credentials, taking the 3.0-inch woofer from the previous Echo 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 smarter, with a Zigbee controller and Amazon Sidewalk, meaning it will be 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.
Amazon Echo (4th Generation) review: Certified wonderball
Pocket-lintAmazon Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2022)
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Dimensions: 100 x 100 x 89mm, 340g
Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 and 5GHz), Bluetooth & LE Mesh
Audio: 1.73-inch speaker
Alexa: Yes
While the Echo Dot (5th gen) looks like the 2020 model, there have been a few key differences to this new device. There’s a new speaker in it for starters, which is larger, promising boosted bass performance.
There’s also an accelerometer, so you get more tap controls, while it now 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. Again there’s a version with a clock too..
Amazon Echo Dot (5th gen) review: Small speaker, big sound
Pocket-lintAmazon Echo Dot (4th Gen, 2020)
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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
The 2020 Echo Dot follows the latest Echo in offering to a spherical shape, moving on from the puck of the previous few generations. It sticks to the same speaker, however, so expect the audio performance to be similar. It also offers all the same functions, with the only real changes being the addition of greater Wi-Fi bands.
There are neat character designs for kids, and a newly-refreshed version of the Echo Dot with Clock.
Amazon Echo Dot (4th Generation) review: Still a beginner’s dream?
Pocket-lintAmazon Echo Plus (2nd Gen, 2018)
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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
The second-generation version of the Echo Plus appeared in 2018 and takes a shorter, wider stance, with a cloth-covered exterior. The design is essentially exactly the same as the third-gen Echo — as are the speakers inside.
The Echo Plus 2 offers all the Alexa functions that all other Echo devices will offer you, but has a built-in Zigbee controller (like the largest Echo Show and the fourth-gen Echo), meaning you can directly connect to and control compatible smart home devices. It’s a great all-rounder, but given the performance is now matched by the new Echo, you have to really need that Zigbee controller to justify the extra price.
Also, since this one is now a little long in the tooth, you may have trouble finding it in certain locations.
Amazon Echo Plus (2nd generation) review: Second time’s a charm
Pocket-lintAmazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen, 2018)
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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
The Echo Dot has been amazingly popular and the third generation was redesigned in 2018, ditching the hard plastic to match the Echo. It’s a larger diameter than the original model it replaces and that gives space for a 1.6-inch speaker.
The Echo Dot is a great standalone Alexa device, well equipped to converse with you and while it’s not really designed as a music device, it will give you great overall sound. It can also be connected to another speaker via 3.5mm cable if you wish.
There’s also a version with a LED clock behind the cloth.
