Hands-On: Amazon's Smaller, Cheaper Echo Show Takes Aim At Google's Dominance

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Post on Mar 18, 2025

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Hands-On: Amazon's Smaller, Cheaper Echo Show Takes Aim at Google's Dominance

Amazon is shaking up the smart display market with the release of its newest Echo Show, a smaller, more affordable model designed to directly compete with Google's Nest Hub. This isn't just a minor refresh; it's a strategic move to broaden its smart home ecosystem and challenge Google's current market leadership. Our hands-on review reveals a surprisingly capable device that packs a punch despite its lower price point.

A Smaller Footprint, Bigger Impact?

The most immediate difference is size. This new Echo Show is significantly smaller than its predecessors, making it far less imposing on countertops or nightstands. Its compact design doesn't sacrifice functionality, though. The 8-inch HD display remains vibrant and clear, delivering crisp visuals for video calls, streaming services, and smart home controls. The reduced size makes it a more versatile option for smaller spaces, a key advantage over larger, more expensive competitors. This makes it ideal for bedrooms, kitchens, or even dorm rooms where space is at a premium.

Performance and Features: A Budget-Friendly Powerhouse?

While the price is lower, Amazon hasn't skimped on essential features. The usual suspects are all present: Alexa voice control, hands-free calling, video calling capabilities, and integration with a vast array of smart home devices. Our testing revealed responsive voice recognition even in noisy environments, a significant improvement over some previous Echo Show models. The sound quality, while not studio-grade, is surprisingly robust for its size, perfectly adequate for casual listening or video conferencing.

Key Features at a Glance:

• Compact 8-inch HD display: Ideal for smaller spaces.
• Improved Alexa voice recognition: Reliable performance even in noisy environments.
• Robust sound quality: Surprising audio performance for its size.
• Seamless smart home integration: Control your compatible devices with ease.
• Affordable price point: Makes smart display technology more accessible.

Going Head-to-Head with Google's Nest Hub:

This new Echo Show directly targets Google's Nest Hub, a popular and well-established competitor. While the Nest Hub boasts some advantages, such as superior Google Assistant integration for Android users, Amazon's offering counters with a more competitive price and a stronger emphasis on video calling and entertainment features. This makes it a compelling alternative for users invested in the Amazon ecosystem.

The Verdict: A Smart Buy?

Amazon's smaller, cheaper Echo Show is more than just a budget option; it’s a well-designed and capable smart display that punches above its weight. Its compact size, improved performance, and competitive price make it a strong contender in the smart home market. Whether it surpasses Google's dominance remains to be seen, but this new Echo Show certainly levels the playing field. For those seeking a versatile and affordable smart display, this device is definitely worth considering. The improved user experience and competitive pricing make it a compelling purchase for both new and existing Amazon customers. It's a significant step in making smart home technology accessible to a wider audience.