Echo (4th Gen) Review: Pros, Cons, Common Issues & Is It Worth It?

Best All-Round Echo Speaker

Generation: 4th Gen  |  Display: No  |  Hub: Zigbee & Matter  |  Sound: 3-inch woofer & dual tweeters  |  Wi-Fi: Dual-band

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Overview

The 4th generation Echo is a step up from the Dot — bigger, better sounding and with a built-in smart home hub that can control Zigbee and Matter devices directly without needing a separate bridge. The globe design was a significant visual change from the older cylindrical Echo and it still looks good sitting on a shelf.

It’s positioned between the Dot and the Echo Studio in Amazon’s range — better audio than the Dot, more practical than the Studio, and priced to reflect both.

Key Features

• 3-inch woofer and dual tweeters — noticeably better sound than the Dot
• Built-in Zigbee hub — control compatible smart home devices without a separate bridge
• Built-in Matter controller
• Alexa built-in with full smart home control
• Built-in eero Wi-Fi extender
• Can be paired with a second Echo for stereo sound
• Globe design with fabric finish
• Works with Ring, Nest, Philips Hue and most Alexa-compatible devices
• Dual-band Wi-Fi

Setup & Compatibility

Setup via the Alexa app — same process as all Echo devices. The built-in Zigbee hub means you can add compatible smart bulbs or plugs directly to Alexa without needing a Hue Bridge or similar. Works with 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi.

Pros

• Sound quality is a clear step up from the Echo Dot
• Built-in Zigbee hub removes the need for a separate smart home bridge
• Matter support future-proofs it for newer smart home devices
• The fabric globe design looks good in most rooms
• Can be stereo paired with another Echo for better music

Cons

• More expensive than the Dot for what is still a modest speaker
• Audiophiles won’t be satisfied — the Echo Studio is a different class
• Alexa still occasionally mishears or misunderstands
• No screen — if visual feedback matters, the Echo Show range is worth considering

Common Problems & Fixes

Smart home devices not responding through the built-in Zigbee hub is a common early issue — usually resolved by running device discovery again in the Alexa app.

Wi-Fi dropouts are less common than on smaller Echo devices but still possible if the router signal is weak. Restarting the device usually resolves temporary connectivity issues. For a full list of known faults and fixes see our troubleshooting guide.

Real World Performance

The sound quality improvement over the Dot is noticeable and makes a real difference for music listening. It fills a room better, bass is more present and voices sound clearer.

The Zigbee hub is a practical addition — removing the need for a separate hub simplifies the smart home setup considerably and is something you appreciate every day.

Best Alternatives

• Echo Dot (5th Gen) — Cheaper if sound quality isn’t a priority
• Echo Studio — Significantly better audio for serious music listening
• Echo Show 8 — Adds a screen for video calls and visual smart home control

Who Should Buy It?

The Echo suits anyone who wants noticeably better sound than the Dot, values the built-in Zigbee hub and doesn’t need a screen. A good all-rounder for a living room or kitchen where music quality matters a bit.

Verdict

A well-rounded smart speaker that hits a useful middle ground in Amazon’s range. The sound quality improvement over the Dot is real, the Zigbee hub is a practical addition and the design holds up well. If you care about how music sounds and want Alexa in a room where you’ll actually listen, the Echo is a sensible choice.

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🔧 Troubleshooting guide  ·  Alexa & Echo hub  ·  All Smart Home Devices