Echo Show 8 Review: Recommended Smart Display?

The question of whether to purchase the Amazon Echo Show 8 is a common one for those looking to enhance their smart home experience. After extensive testing, this Echo Show 8 review: recommended? concludes that, yes, it is a worthwhile addition, especially for those already invested in the Alexa ecosystem. This article will delve into the specifics of the device, its features, and its practical applications, drawing from multiple reviews to provide a comprehensive picture.

The Echo Show 8: A Sweet Spot in the Smart Display Lineup

The Amazon Echo Show family includes a range of devices, from the compact Echo Show 5 to the larger Echo Show 15. However, the Echo Show 8 strikes a compelling balance, making it a practical choice for many households. Its 8-inch display is large enough to be easily viewed from across a room, yet its footprint isn't so large that it overwhelms a kitchen counter or bedside table. The Echo Show 8 review: recommended? often highlights this balance as a key strength.

Design and Build Quality

The Echo Show 8 (3rd generation) features a modern design with a mesh-covered rear, offering a more contemporary look than previous models. It's available in both black and white, allowing it to blend seamlessly into various home decors. While some reviewers note the bezels around the screen are a bit thick, the overall build quality is sturdy and reliable. The physical privacy shutter for the camera is also a welcome addition, providing an extra layer of security and peace of mind for users concerned about privacy.

Key Features and Functionality

The Echo Show 8 review: recommended? is bolstered by its versatility. This isn't just a smart speaker with a screen; it's a smart home hub, a media player, and a communication device all rolled into one.

Display and Visuals

The 8-inch HD screen adds a visual dimension to the Alexa experience. Users can view timers, weather forecasts, written responses to questions, and recipe instructions. The display is also useful for controlling smart home devices, offering a touch interface for those who prefer not to use voice commands. The 'Adaptive Content' feature, which debuted on the 2023 model, provides more detail on screen when you are closer to the device.

Audio Performance

The Echo Show 8 incorporates dual 2-inch speakers and a passive bass radiator, resulting in good sound quality for its size. While it might not compete with high-end wireless speakers, the audio is more than adequate for everyday use, whether you're listening to music or watching videos. It also provides the option to connect to external speakers via Bluetooth or a 3.5mm audio jack for an enhanced listening experience.

Smart Home Integration

The Echo Show 8 excels as a smart home controller. It supports Zigbee, Matter, and Thread, enabling it to communicate with a wide variety of smart devices. This allows you to control lights, thermostats, and other connected devices directly from the screen. The ability to create routines and control devices with your voice or a simple tap makes managing your smart home easier than ever.

Communication and Video Calls

The built-in camera facilitates video calls with friends and family. The auto-framing feature ensures you stay in the center of the screen, even as you move around the room. The physical privacy shutter is a crucial detail for those who are cautious about having a camera in their home.

Practical Applications and Use Cases

The Echo Show 8 review: recommended? is further strengthened by its real-world usefulness. It's not just a gadget; it's a device that can integrate into your daily life.

Kitchen Companion

The Echo Show 8 shines as a kitchen companion. It can display recipes, set timers, play music, and control smart kitchen appliances. The ability to see recipe instructions on screen while cooking is a significant advantage, although it can sometimes be a bit cumbersome to control while your hands are messy.

Entertainment Hub

The device is also capable of streaming music and videos from a variety of sources, such as Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube (via a browser). Although it may not be ideal for extended movie sessions, it's great for quick entertainment while doing chores or relaxing.

Smart Home Control Center

As mentioned, the Echo Show 8’s smart home capabilities make it an excellent control center. You can view live feeds from your security cameras, adjust your smart lights, and control your thermostat all from a single interface. This is particularly useful for managing a larger smart home setup.

Areas for Improvement

While the Echo Show 8 review: recommended? is generally positive, some areas could be improved.

User Interface

Some users feel the user interface hasn't evolved significantly over the years and could be more intuitive. The touch response is not always as fast as a smartphone or tablet, which can lead to slight frustrations.

Advertising and Bloatware

The device can be a bit pushy with advertising and sponsored content, which can be annoying for some users. Although there are ways to minimize these distractions, it can take some effort to tailor the experience to your preferences.

Camera and Microphone

While the camera is good for video calls, some users report that the microphone isn't as sensitive as other Echo devices, occasionally causing a device further away to respond instead. However, this is a minor issue for most users.

Echo Show 8 vs. Competitors

When comparing the Echo Show 8 to other similar devices, such as the Google Nest Hub, the Show 8 often comes out ahead due to its more versatile functionality. While the Nest Hub might offer a slightly cleaner audio experience, the Echo Show 8's better camera and smart home integration make it a more robust option for most users.

The Echo Show 8 also occupies a sweet spot in Amazon's own lineup. Compared to the smaller Show 5, the Show 8 offers a more usable screen for media consumption and control. And while the larger Show 10 has a better speaker and tracking capabilities, the Echo Show 8 is more affordable and more practical for many homes. The Echo Show 15 is primarily designed for wall mounting, while the Echo Hub is focused on smart home control rather than entertainment.

Final Verdict: A Resounding Yes

After considering all aspects of the device, the Echo Show 8 review: recommended? concludes with a resounding yes. Its combination of a great screen, good sound, strong smart home integration, and versatile features make it a worthy addition to any smart home, especially at its discounted prices. While some areas could use improvement, the Echo Show 8 offers a compelling user experience that is both practical and enjoyable. If you’re looking for a smart display that balances functionality and affordability, the Echo Show 8 is a great choice.