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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.

READ NEXT: The best smart speakers to buy


Best Amazon Echo: At a glance

  • Best all-round Echo: Amazon Echo (4th Gen, 2020) | Buy now
  • Best cheap Echo: Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2022) | Buy now
  • Most affordable Echo with a screen: Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen, 2021) | Buy now
  • Best sounding Echo: Amazon Echo Studio | Buy now
  • Best for video: Amazon Echo Show 10 | Buy now
  • Best for children: Amazon Echo Dot Kids (5th Gen, 2022) | Buy now
  • Best with a tiny screen: Amazon Echo Spot | Buy now
  • Best Echo subwoofer: Amazon Echo Sub | Buy now

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: £90 | Buy now from 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 review of the Amazon Echo (4th gen) for more details

2. Amazon Echo Dot/Dot with Clock (5th gen, 2022): The best cheap Echo speaker

Price: £55 (£65 with clock) | Buy now from 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 Amazon Echo Dot 5th gen (2022) review for more details

3. Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd gen, 2021): The most affordable Echo speaker with a smart screen

Price: £75 | Buy now from Amazon

It might only represent a small upgrade over its predecessor, but the new Echo Show 5 remains the cheapest way to own a decent-sized smart screen with Alexa – and you’ll certainly notice the upgrades, no matter how small. The front-facing camera, for example, is now 2MP, up from 1MP on the previous model; it isn’t the last word in video conferencing technology, sure, but it’s more than good enough for video calls with friends or family.

On the speaker side of things, you of course get the usual suite of Alexa smart assistant functions – answering questions, setting timers, interacting with other smart devices, to name a few – and the sound quality is pretty good considering the size of the driver and housing. With plenty of body and clarity, this speaker works well for podcasts, radio shows and calls.

Who is it for?

Those who want video-calling and photo display functionality, but aren’t willing to pay more for larger screens and better-quality cameras.

Read our full review of the Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd gen) for more details

4. Amazon Echo Studio: The best-sounding Echo speaker

Price: £190 | Buy now from 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 review of the Amazon Echo Studio for more details

5. Amazon Echo Show 10: The best Echo speaker for video

Price: £240 | Buy now from 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 review of the Amazon Echo Show 10 for more details

6. Amazon Echo Dot Kids: The best echo for children

Price: £60 | Buy now from Amazon

More than just a cutesy redesign (though that is most definitely a plus), this is a 4th gen Echo dot that is optimised for children. The restricted functions allow your child to play music, ask Alexa questions, and call approved friends and family. The easy to use parental controls allow you to set daily time limits, filter out explicit songs, and review activity via the Amazon Parent Dashboard.

Another great perk is the inclusion of one free year of Amazon Kids Plus, which gives children access to child-friendly Audible books, educational materials and interactive games. This will be set to automatically renew after the year is up, so be sure to cancel it via the Parent Dashboard before the renewal date if you don’t want it to continue.

Who is it for?

Anyone who would like their kids to have access to all the fun and educational material that Alexa can offer, but doesn’t want to just let them loose in the untamed wilds of the internet.

Read our full Amazon Echo Dot Kids review for more details

7. Amazon Echo Spot: The best Echo speaker with a tiny screen

Price: £120 | Buy now from Amazon

Amazon’s Echo Spot is a ball-shaped alarm clock with a tiny 2.5in screen which displays text-based notifications as well as soothing pictures of clouds and other such niceties. There’s even a front-facing camera integrated into the Spot which allows you to make video calls and, like the rest of the lineup, Alexa remains at your beck and call. You can use all the normal voice commands that you use with the standard Echo products.

Who is it for?

People who see the Echo as the perfect alarm clock substitute, or want an Echo Show but can’t justify the price.

Read our full review of the Amazon Echo Spot for more details

Buy now from eBay


8. Amazon Echo Sub: The best Echo subwoofer

Price: £120 | Buy now from 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 review of the Amazon Echo Sub for more details