Alexa & Echo Device Reviews
Every Amazon Echo smart speaker and display reviewed — pros, cons, sound quality and whether it’s worth buying in the UK.
Amazon’s 2025 Echo range is the biggest refresh in years — four new devices with the AZ3 and AZ3 Pro chips, Alexa+ ready hardware and redesigned form factors. This page covers every current model. Click through to the full review or use the Amazon links to check the latest price.
2025 Models
Echo Show 11Best Large Smart Display Display: 11-inch Full HD | Camera: 13MP | Chip: AZ3 Pro | Audio: Spatial
Amazon’s largest smart display — 60% more screen than the Echo Show 8 (2025). Full HD 11-inch touchscreen, spatial audio and AZ3 Pro chip. The obvious choice for Ring and Nest users who want a dedicated home screen for live camera feeds.
Echo Show 8 (2025)Best Smart Display Display: 8.7-inch HD | Camera: 13MP | Chip: AZ3 Pro | Hub: Zigbee & Matter
Fully redesigned — the display now floats above the speaker base. AZ3 Pro chip, built-in Zigbee and Matter hub. For Ring or Nest camera users, pulling up a live feed by voice makes this a genuinely useful kitchen or hallway device.
Echo Dot MaxBest Mid-Range Echo Speaker Chip: AZ3 | Bass: 3x Echo Dot 5th Gen | Alexa+: Ready | 5.1: Compatible
The first entirely new Echo speaker category Amazon has launched in years. Sits between the Echo Dot and Echo in sound quality. AZ3 chip and Alexa+ ready. A strong choice for anyone who found the Dot lacking in audio quality.
Echo Studio (2025)Best Amazon Smart Speaker Drivers: 3.75″ woofer + 3× 2.25″ full-range | Chip: AZ3 Pro | Hub: Zigbee, Matter & Thread | UK Price: £219.99
Amazon’s best-sounding smart speaker — redesigned from scratch with a compact spherical form, Dolby Atmos, automatic room adaptation and the most capable built-in smart home hub in the Echo range. Supports Zigbee, Matter, Thread and eero, plus temperature and presence sensors. Less bass than the original Echo Studio but a more versatile device overall.
Smart Speakers
Echo Studio (Original)Previous Gen — Best for Bass Speakers: 5 drivers incl. 5.25″ woofer | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Hub: Zigbee | Output: 3.5mm
The original Echo Studio. Still the better choice for pure bass performance thanks to its larger 5.25-inch woofer. Now largely superseded by the 2025 model but worth considering at a reduced price, especially if you use the 3.5mm audio output.
Echo (4th Gen)Best All-Round Echo Sound: 3-inch woofer & dual tweeters | Hub: Zigbee & Matter | Wi-Fi: Dual-band
Noticeably better sound than the Dot in a globe-shaped fabric design. Built-in Zigbee hub means compatible smart bulbs and plugs connect directly without a bridge. The right choice if sound quality matters a bit and you don’t need a screen.
Echo Dot (5th Gen)Best Value Smart Speaker Hub: Zigbee & eero | Sensor: Temperature | Wi-Fi: Dual-band
Amazon’s best-selling smart speaker. Inexpensive, compact and full Alexa functionality. If you want to try Alexa or add it to a room without spending much, start here.
Echo PopMost Compact Echo Design: Half-sphere | Speaker: 1.95-inch front-facing | Wi-Fi: Dual-band
Amazon’s smallest and cheapest Echo. Full Alexa functionality in a half-sphere design that fits anywhere. Best for bedrooms, kids’ rooms or secondary spaces.
Previous Generation Smart Displays
Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen)Previous Generation Display: 8-inch HD | Camera: 13MP | Hub: Zigbee & Matter
The previous generation Echo Show 8. Superseded by the 2025 model but still capable. Worth considering at a significantly reduced price.
