Hands-on With Amazon's Compact Echo Show: A Google Nest Hub Competitor?

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Post on Apr 11, 2025

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<h1>Hands-on with Amazon's Compact Echo Show: A Google Nest Hub Competitor?</h1>

Amazon's Echo Show lineup has expanded, and the newest addition is a compact marvel designed to compete directly with the Google Nest Hub. This smaller, more affordable Echo Show boasts a similar form factor, but does it offer enough to dethrone the reigning champion of smart displays? We spent some time with the device to find out.

<h2>A Familiar Design, Smaller Footprint</h2>

The first thing you notice is the size. This Echo Show is significantly smaller than its larger siblings, making it ideal for smaller spaces, nightstands, or even kitchens with limited counter space. The 8-inch display is crisp and vibrant, displaying information clearly, whether it's your calendar, a live camera feed, or a recipe. The design maintains the familiar sleek aesthetic of the Echo Show series, with a fabric-covered back and a clean, minimalist front. The overall feel is one of quality and sophistication, befitting its price point.

<h2>Smart Home Control at Your Fingertips</h2>

Like its larger counterparts, this compact Echo Show excels at smart home control. Connecting to your existing smart home ecosystem is a breeze, allowing you to control lights, thermostats, and other compatible devices with simple voice commands or through the touchscreen interface. We tested its compatibility with Philips Hue lights, and the integration was seamless, offering quick and responsive control. This makes it a powerful central hub for managing your connected home.

<h2>More Than Just a Smart Display: Entertainment Central</h2>

Beyond smart home functionality, this compact Echo Show offers a surprisingly robust entertainment experience. Streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video are readily accessible, and the audio quality, while not studio-grade, is surprisingly good for its size. Making video calls is also a seamless process, and the camera quality is excellent for everyday use. It's a versatile device that can easily transition from a smart home controller to an entertainment center in an instant.

<h3>Key Features Compared to Google Nest Hub:</h3>

• Screen Size: Slightly larger than the Nest Hub's 7-inch display.
• Sound Quality: Offers a richer, more full-bodied sound experience in our testing.
• Camera: Features a built-in camera for video calls and security monitoring. (Nest Hub lacks a camera.)
• Price: Competitively priced against the Google Nest Hub.

<h2>The Verdict: A Strong Contender</h2>

The compact Amazon Echo Show is a compelling addition to the smart display market. While the Google Nest Hub remains a solid contender, this smaller Echo Show offers a compelling package of features, impressive sound quality, and a vibrant display at a competitive price. Its ease of use and integration with the broader Amazon ecosystem make it a strong option for anyone looking for a versatile and affordable smart display. Whether it dethrones the Nest Hub is ultimately a matter of personal preference, but it certainly gives Google a run for its money. This device is a true testament to Amazon's commitment to innovation in the smart home arena.