Best Amazon Echo 2024
Our pick of the best Echo speakers from Amazon's range of Alexa-ready devices
Picking out the best Amazon Echo speaker is no easy thing. Amazon’s family of Echo smart speakers has been growing rapidly since its inception in 2015 – so rapidly, in fact, that it’s becoming difficult to keep track of how many there are, let alone decide which one might be best for you.
There are currently seven different Echo smart speaker/display product lines, each bringing something distinct to the table. There are also a few other products that bear the Echo name, including wireless earbuds, in-car smart assistants and even smart buttons.
If you like the idea of having a home assistant waiting on your every command, then you’ve come to the right place. Here, we’ll run you through the best Echo devices that are currently available, the differences between each model, and explain which are most suitable for particular tasks. Not sure which Echo is best for you? Then read on.
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Best Amazon Echo: At a glance
| Best all-round Echo | Amazon Echo (4th Gen, 2020) (~£110) | Check price at Amazon |
| Best cheap Echo | Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2022) (~£55) | Check price at Amazon |
| Best Echo for video | Amazon Echo Show 10 (~£260) | Check price at Amazon |
| Best-sounding Echo | Amazon Echo Studio (~£220) | Check price at Amazon |
How we test Echo speakers
With such a broad range of Echo speakers available to buy now, it can be challenging to figure out exactly which one best meets your needs. Aesthetically, the differences are easy enough to judge, so we’ll note which ones will require more space and whether the new redesign is effective. From there, our reviewer will look at functions that are performed well by other Echo speakers, to see if the new model improves or advances them in any way, or if there are compromises to meet a lower price point.
First checking the “smart” in smart speaker, we’ll test how responsive and accurate Alexa is, asking it to perform tasks, answer questions and interact with other smart devices. We’ll also ask the speaker to play music, podcasts and audiobooks, to see if the sound quality is reasonable for the asking price. As there are so many generations of Echo speakers at this point, the important thing here will be judging whether or not the new model is worth buying over the old, which is likely to be cheaper.
Some Echo speakers, like the Show series or the Echo Dot Kids, have specific functions, whether that be including a display or being more child-friendly. Our reviewer will look at these additions and see if it’s actually worth opting for one of these over a standard Echo, testing an Echo Show 10 with a video doorbell or asking Alexa to read a story on the Echo Dot Kids, for instance.
Which is the best Amazon Echo speaker for you?
1. Amazon Echo (4th gen, 2020): The best all-round Echo speaker
Price when reviewed: £110 | Check price at Amazon
The spherical design of the new Echo is a departure from the towering cylinders of old, but it’s not the only new thing this 4th-gen smart speaker has to offer. By adding a second 0.8.mm tweeter, the new Echo can adjust more adeptly to the acoustics of the room it’s in, and produce something resembling stereo audio playback as well. Of course, Alexa is as helpful as ever, and all-new Zigbee support means the Echo has replaced the Echo Plus, and can now double as a smart home hub for your lighting or thermostat.
Who is it for?
This is the standard model for those who want a good all-round speaker with the advantages that Alexa brings. If you don’t need extra bells and whistles, like an extra screen or an integrated camera, but want something with some solid sound that won’t break the bank, then this is the Echo for you.
Read our full Amazon Echo (4th Gen, 2020) review
2. Amazon Echo Dot/Dot with Clock (5th gen, 2022): The best cheap Echo speaker
Price when reviewed: £55 (£65 with clock) | Check price at Amazon
Continuing with the spherical design introduced with the 2020 Echo Dot, the latest iteration is pretty similar besides a few notable upgrades. Chiefly, the speakers have seen a boost in size, jumping to 1.73in from 1.6mm. This delivers a much-needed boost to audio quality, particularly in the bass department.
An all-new temperature sensor combines well with Alexa to set timers and control smart devices to raise your home’s temperature as and when needed. Plus, there’s a touch-sensitive top button to make controlling any alarms much easier.
As with the previous model, you’ll get a built-in LED digital clock face if you spend £10 more too.
Who is it for?
Those who want the Echo’s Alexa functionality but have a pre-existing sound system – or a tight budget.
Read our full Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2022) review
3. Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen, 2023): The most affordable Echo speaker with a smart screen
Price when reviewed: £90 | Check price at Amazon
With the second generation model now discontinued, the Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen, 2023) is now the cheapest way to try out one of the brand’s Alexa-compatible smart displays. Improvements are fairly light, but audio quality is marginally better, thanks to the larger 1.75in driver, and the newer processor bumps performance slightly.
That being said, we still found the display a little laggy during testing and anyone eyeing this display up for streaming may find the limited list (just Prime Video and YouTube) lacking. Still, if you want to try out a smart display without spending too much, the 3rd Gen Echo Show 5 is the best way to do so.
Who is it for?
This is the entry point for Amazon’s smart display range, so it’s perfect for anyone who wants to dip their toe into smart display waters without having to fork out triple figures.
Read our full Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen, 2023) review
4. Amazon Echo Studio: The best-sounding Echo speaker
Price when reviewed: £220 | Check price at Amazon
If it’s high-quality audio you’re after, the Echo Studio is the Amazon speaker for you. It has a total of five audio drivers (three mids, one tweeter and one woofer) that work in tandem to produce the best sound of any Echo speaker we’ve tested. It helps hugely that the Echo Studio supports Hi-Res audio (24-bit/up to 192kHz) and Dolby Atmos as well as Amazon’s proprietary 3D Audio format, which takes full advantage of the five-driver arrangement.
The Studio is equipped with Amazon’s usual suite of Echo-specific features. The ever-helpful Alexa will answer questions, play music, set timers, store reminders and interact with your smart home appliances. It can also pair via Bluetooth with the Amazon Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Cube to enhance your film-watching experience.
Who is it for?
Audiophiles who like Amazon’s ecosystem and don’t want to shell out vast sums for a great-sounding smart speaker.
Read our full Amazon Echo Studio review
5. Amazon Echo Show 10: The best Echo speaker for video
Price when reviewed: £220 | Check price at Amazon
Amazon’s latest Echo Show device brings some interesting updates to the tablet-sized 10in touchscreen.
Instead of integrating the touchscreen directly into the speaker unit, Amazon’s engineers have attached the screen on the Show 10 to a motorised, pivoting base via a slim, curved bracket. It uses clever computer vision tech to follow you around the room, leveraging its 13-megapixel camera and beam-forming microphones to pinpoint your location and pivot the screen so it faces towards you.
Who is it for?
Those looking for a smart speaker that doubles up as a video-calling station or a smart home hub.
Read our full Amazon Echo Show 10 review
6. Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen, 2023): Best-value Echo with a display
Price when reviewed: £150 | Check price at Amazon
The 3rd Gen Echo Show 8 offers the best balance between price and features of all Amazon’s smart displays. Additions like Netflix support and the built-in Zigbee smart device control hub make it more rounded than the Show 5 and despite the price increase, it’s less of a hit to your wallet than the Show 10.
This generational refresh makes several small but appreciated improvements. During testing, we found that navigating the display felt nippier than the 2nd Gen model, and the tweaks to the speaker arrangement put out stronger audio – though it’s still not class-leading. The new Adaptive Content feature impressed as well, effectively scaling the size of the display as we moved further away from it. It’s a little subtle sometimes, but still a thoughtful inclusion.
Who is it for?
Those who don’t want to pay over £200 for the Show 10 but still want to be able to watch Netflix on their smart display.
Read our full Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen, 2023) review
7. Amazon Echo Sub: The best Echo subwoofer
Price when reviewed: £120 | Check price at Amazon
As the name suggests, the Echo Sub is a dedicated subwoofer. It connects to the Echo, Echo Studio and Echo Dot and bolsters the speakers’ bass capabilities. On its own, the Echo Sub won’t do much, other than play low-end frequencies – you’ll need to pair it to Amazon’s other speakers to reap the benefits. Unlike the others, this speaker is best placed on the floor.
Who is it for?
The Echo Sub is designed for those who love music. It’ll drastically improve the low-end frequencies from your other Echo devices, creating a more engaging sound.
Read our full Amazon Echo Sub review
