PaulβDecember 30, 2025
I absolutely love my Amazon Echo 8! The sound quality is rich and clear, perfect for music, podcasts, and video calls. The screen is sharp and vibrant, making it great for watching shows, checking recipes, or seeing weather updates at a glance. Alexa is super responsive and has made my daily routine so much easier β from controlling smart lights to setting reminders and timers hands-free. The camera quality for video calls is excellent, and the privacy shutter gives me peace of mind. Setup was quick and simple, and it connects perfectly with my other smart devices. Overall, this little device packs a punch β highly recommended for anyone looking to upgrade their smart home experience! Read more
Trio782βDecember 27, 2025
The Echo Show 11 is nicely conceived and well executed. It gives access to Alexa+ in a package with a usefully sized screen and impressive audio. In my experience, it is more precise at voice recognition than its predecessors. It is easy to set up using the Alexa app. The Zigbee capability is a nice addition. The cost is significant, but the value is real. Look for it on sale. Read more
MusicFanβNovember 13, 2025
Initial 6 hour quick review. Great device and big upgrade from the Echo show 10. Iβm just a bit aggravated in the native video apps supported by the device. It does support prime video, YouTube(browser), TikTok(browser), peacock(browser) and hbo max(browser ) but no Netflix ( previously supported in echo show 10 model available later per Amazon above description) or others. This device is our main video streaming device for the kitchen and to only support these few is a huge disappointment. Soo much capability in this device to be hampered by video/app distribution squabbles. Reason for 4 out of 5 stars. Would be 5 out of 5 if amazon added more native video streaming apps. **Update 11/30/2025** Changing my rating to 5 of 5 stars. This is really the only device out right now that meets our kitchen media consumption device needs with the 11 inch screen. The screen is a big upgrade and beautiful. Yes, the OS still needs work but hoping Amazon will be working on that in the future. They did finally add the Netflix app and keeping my fingers crossed that there will be more to come. Read more
AubreyβNovember 14, 2025
I've never had an Echo Show 8, so I bought the 3rd Gen (2023) at a big discount while waiting for the new 2025 model to come available. I'm really glad I had some time with the 2023 3rd Gen because I think it is superior in most ways... and the things that really needed improvement (touch screen, UI) were not noticably better in the new model. Additionally, my brand new one shipped with a microphone error that is apparently a long-standing hardware issue on previous gen models. (REALLY!?) Here are my chief complaints: -Sound: Gen 4 (2025) was a noticable downgrade in sound quality, especially at increased volume. The 3rd Gen can be cranked to the max with little distortion, but the 4th Gen has buzzy highs and a diminished bass response by comparison. To be fair, neither are the "room filling" sound they claim to be, but the 2023 3rd Gen was somewhat better for a big, open room. - Camera - the switch is gone! My guess is because they want to keep that camera on for ever more data collection, but I like to flip the shutter closed on our bedroom devices and in our common areas when we have visitors. Yes, there are various options to cover it yourself, but it's the principle behind the design change. And yes, you can turn the camera off in the software settings, but nothing is as trusty as an opaque covering. - All the hardware buttons were moved to the side, making them harder to see and use. This is a matter of preference and would be less bothersome with continued use, but it is different from other echo show devices (we also have three 5-inch models). - UI: the screen interface is apparently unchanged and unfortunately, still lacking. This is mostly a software thing, but if they are going to refresh a device, you would expect some improved functionality. Alas, you are still forced to endure laggy screen swipes and menus that somehow have the same crowded feel of the 5-inch device. I have read the processor was improved to take advantage of Alexa+, but so far it is definitely slower to respond to voice commands. - Plug: believe it or not, plugs designed for the 3rd Gen WILL NOT work with this device. Yes, they are both 30 watt and yes, both plugs will fit both devices, but the 4th Gen Echo Show will not even turn on using a 3rd Gen plug. Why?! This kind of thing should be ubiquitous (and USB-C) by now. Stand - in keeping with changing accessories for no apparent reason other than taking more of your money, the stand designed for a Gen 3 WILL NOT work with a Gen 4. Yes, they are both magnetic and yes, they are pretty much the same size, but the Gen 4 has a different shape. Shameless! Looks: This one is another matter of preference, but the Gen 4 just looks awkward to me... It's essentially the latest Echo Dot with a Fire Tablet stuck on the side. I much prefer the 3rd Gen, which has a cleaner homogeneous quality, kind of like a miniature vintage TV set. The new screen is apparently "improved," but I honestly can't see any apparent change. Errors: How a brand new design ships with known microphone issues that plagued older devices is beyond me. The microphone just mutes itself at random. I've tried everything... software settings, unplug, reboot, reset... Nothing works. And there are no apparent triggers. Sometimes it stays on for awhile and sometimes it mutes right after talking to the device. Again, new device with a not new issue... Makes you wonder what other legacy issues are lurking inside unfixed. Those are the specifics, but in general it's a 1-star review because of Amazon's complete lack of true innovation. I have been a Prime subscriber and avid user of nearly all Amazon devices since the very first Echo (which still works and sounds better than this Echo Show 8). The problem for several years now is their devices are advertised as "new and improved" but the reality is components and functionality that hasn't improved the user experience for many years. I quit buying Fire tablets (for my kids) in favor of iPads several years ago. I have since quit buying Fire TV devices in favor of Roku and AppleTV. My last holdout has been the Echo devices, which so far hasn't been bested in value... But after my experience with the new Echo Show, I'm afraid their replacement time is also near. Read more