Smart displays with Alexa come down to one core decision: screen size versus purpose. The Amazon Echo Show 8 (Newest Model) earns my best overall pick because its 8.7-inch HD screen, spatial audio, and camera hit the sweet spot between bedside convenience and kitchen command center. If budget leads your decision, the Echo Show 5 covers the basics for alarms, timers, and weather without overspending, while the Echo Show 21 with Fire TV doubles as a wall-mounted TV for anyone wanting maximum screen real estate. The main tradeoffs you will face are size versus price, casual Alexa use versus dedicated smart home control (the Echo Hub fills that role), and new versus refurbished condition. Continue reading for the full breakdown of all 13 options.
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Key Takeaways
- The 8-inch class (Echo Show 8) won best overall because it balances video calling, room-filling spatial audio, and smart home dashboards without dominating a countertop.
- amazon.com/dp/B0C5DPSW5Y?tag=artificialintelligencemax-20&ascsubtag=dc-1092168″ target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow sponsored noopener”>amazon.com/dp/B09B2QTGFY?tag=artificialintelligencemax-20&ascsubtag=dc-1092168″ target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow sponsored noopener”>amazon.com/dp/B0BCR7M9KX?tag=artificialintelligencemax-20&ascsubtag=dc-1092168″ target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow sponsored noopener”>amazon.com/dp/B09TQ1S6NG?tag=artificialintelligencemax-20&ascsubtag=dc-1092168″ target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow sponsored noopener”>amazon.com/dp/B0C7X8BSGW?tag=artificialintelligencemax-20&ascsubtag=dc-1092168″ target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow sponsored noopener”>amazon.com/dp/B0DMTMM1RJ?tag=artificialintelligencemax-20&ascsubtag=dc-1092168″ target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow sponsored noopener”>amazon.com/dp/B0DC91H3JK?tag=artificialintelligencemax-20&ascsubtag=dc-1092168″ target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow sponsored noopener”>amazon.com/dp/B09B2SRGXH?tag=artificialintelligencemax-20&ascsubtag=dc-1092168″ target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow sponsored noopener”>amazon.com/dp/B0CDWWS127?tag=artificialintelligencemax-20&ascsubtag=dc-1092168″ target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow sponsored noopener”>amazon.com/dp/B0DC96PPZK?tag=artificialintelligencemax-20&ascsubtag=dc-1092168″ target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow sponsored noopener”>amazon.com/dp/B09B2SBHQK?tag=artificialintelligencemax-20&ascsubtag=dc-1092168″ target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow sponsored noopener”>amazon.com/dp/B0DC8ZMR1P?tag=artificialintelligencemax-20&ascsubtag=dc-1092168″ target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow sponsored noopener”>Amazon‘s lineup repeats models in different colors and conditions — the Echo Show 5 appears five times in this roundup — so color choice and refurbishment status, not features, are what set several entries apart.
- The Echo Hub is the only pick built purely for smart home control: it skips Fire TV and entertainment features in exchange for wall-mount design and Alexa+ integration.
- The 15-inch and 21-inch models (Show 15 and Show 21) function as hybrid displays and Fire TVs, making them better wall units than bedside or desk companions.
- Refurbished Like-New units of the Echo Show 15 and Echo Hub offer the same hardware at a lower entry point, which matters most on the bigger, pricier screens.
| Amazon Echo Show 8 Smart Display (Newest Model), 8.7-Inch HD Touchscreen, Spatial Audio, Graphite |  | Best Overall | Display: 8.7-inch HD touchscreen, 800 x 1340 resolution | Dimensions: 8.2 x 5 x 5.9 inches | Weight: 37 oz (1049 g) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Amazon Echo Show 5 (Newest Model) Smart Display with Alexa – Charcoal |  | Best Compact Pick | Display: 5.5-inch touchscreen | Dimensions: 5.8 x 3.6 x 3.2 inches | Weight: 16.1 oz (456 g) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Amazon Echo Show 11 Smart Display with Full HD Screen and Spatial Audio |  | Best for a Large Everyday Screen | Display: 10.95-inch Full HD touchscreen, 1920 x 1200 resolution | Dimensions: 10 x 5 x 7.2 inches | Weight: 45.92 oz (1302 g) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Amazon Echo Show 21 Smart Display with Fire TV |  | Best for Wall-Mounted Entertainment | Display: 21-inch Full HD, 1920 x 1080 | Dimensions: 21.4 x 13.2 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 10.7 lb | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Amazon Echo Show 5 Smart Display with Alexa, Cloud Blue |  | Best for Simple Bedside Alexa | Display: 5.5 inches | Camera: 2 MP | Color: Cloud Blue | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Amazon Echo Show 11 (Newest Model) Smart Display with Alexa, Graphite |  | Best Overall | Display: 11-inch Full-HD touchscreen | Processor: AZ3 Pro chip | Smart Home Hub: Built-in | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Amazon Echo Hub (Like-New), 8″ Smart Home Control Panel, Designed for Alexa+ |  | Best Value Smart Home Controller | Display: 8 inches | Condition: Certified Refurbished (Like-New) | Warranty: Same limited warranty as new device | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Amazon Echo Show 15 (Newest Model, Like-New Refurbished) – 15.6″ Full HD Smart Display with Fire TV |  | Best for Big-Screen Family Command Centers | Screen Size: 15.6 inches | Resolution: 1080p Full HD | Condition: Like-New (certified refurbished) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) Smart Display, Cloud Blue (Like-New) | | Best Compact Pick | Display: 5.5-inch touchscreen | Camera: 2 MP with built-in shutter | Speaker: 1.75-inch full-range speaker | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Amazon Echo Hub (Newest Model), 8″ Smart Home Control Panel |  | Best Dedicated Smart Home Wall Panel | Display Size: 8 inches | Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Matter, Sidewalk, Thread | Built-in Hub: Yes | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Amazon Echo Show 5 Smart Display with Alexa, Glacier White |  | Best Budget Nightstand Pick | Display: 5.5 inches | Camera: 2 MP | Voice Assistant: Alexa | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Amazon Echo Show 15 Full HD Smart Display with Fire TV | | Best Wall-Mounted Family Command Center | Display: 15.6-inch Full HD (1080p) | Streaming: Built-in Fire TV | Camera: Centered auto-framing camera with 3.3x zoom and noise reduction | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Amazon Echo Show 8 Smart Display (Newest Model), 8.7-Inch HD Screen, Spatial Audio, Glacier White |  | Best Smart Home Hub for the Money | Display: 8.7-inch HD touchscreen | Audio: Spatial audio | Processor: AZ3 Pro chip | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| smart displays with Alexa | Display | Camera |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Echo Show 8 Smart Displ | 8.7-inch HD touchscreen, 800 x 1340 resolution | 13 MP with auto framing |
| Amazon Echo Show 5 | 5.5-inch touchscreen | 2 MP camera with built-in shutter |
| Amazon Echo Show 11 Smart Disp | 10.95-inch Full HD touchscreen, 1920 x 1200 resolution | 13 MP with auto framing and 3.3x zoom |
| Amazon Echo Show 21 Smart Disp | 21-inch Full HD, 1920 x 1080 | 13 MP with shutter |
| Amazon Echo Show 5 Smart Displ | 5.5 inches | 2 MP |
| Amazon Echo Show 11 | 11-inch Full-HD touchscreen | Auto-framing, centered, 3.3x zoom, noise reduction |
| Amazon Echo Hub | 8 inches | — |
| Amazon Echo Show 15 | — | Auto-framing, wide field of view, 3.3x zoom |
| Amazon Echo Show 5 | 5.5-inch touchscreen | 2 MP with built-in shutter |
| Amazon Echo Hub | — | — |
| Amazon Echo Show 5 Smart Displ | 5.5 inches | 2 MP |
| Amazon Echo Show 15 Full HD Sm | 15.6-inch Full HD (1080p) | Centered auto-framing camera with 3.3x zoom and noise reduction |
| Amazon Echo Show 8 Smart Displ | 8.7-inch HD touchscreen | Centered auto-framing camera with 3.3x zoom |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Amazon Echo Show 8 Smart Display (Newest Model), 8.7-Inch HD Touchscreen, Spatial Audio, Graphite
The Echo Show 8 makes the strongest all-around case for a kitchen or shared room: its 8.7-inch screen is easier to read across a counter than the Echo Show 5’s compact display, while the Zigbee, Matter, and Thread hub can connect compatible devices directly. Spatial audio and a 13 MP auto-framing camera also make it more useful for music and video calls than a basic control panel. The tradeoff is that its screen is smaller than the Echo Show 11’s Full HD display, so the larger model suits people who watch more video or follow recipes from farther away. Bluetooth speakers that require a PIN are unsupported, and Amazon Sidewalk is enabled by default unless previously disabled.
Pros:- Built-in Zigbee, Matter, and Thread support connects compatible smart home devices
- Spatial audio with a woofer and two full-range drivers
- 13 MP camera with auto framing for video calls
- Physical controls can disable the camera and microphones
Cons:- Screen is smaller and lower resolution than the Echo Show 11’s Full HD display
- Bluetooth speakers that require PIN codes are unsupported
- Amazon Sidewalk is enabled by default unless previously turned off
Best for: Households that want one Alexa display for everyday routines, smart home connections, video calls, and kitchen viewing
Not ideal for: People who want a large Full HD screen for frequent video watching or need to pair a PIN-based Bluetooth speaker
- Display:8.7-inch HD touchscreen, 800 x 1340 resolution
- Dimensions:8.2 x 5 x 5.9 inches
- Weight:37 oz (1049 g)
- Camera:13 MP with auto framing
- Audio:1 x 2.8-inch woofer and 2 full-range drivers
- Wi-Fi:Wi-Fi 6E
- Smart home connectivity:Zigbee, Matter, and Thread Border Router
- Bluetooth:Version 5.4
Our verdict“Choose the Echo Show 8 for a balanced Alexa display with built-in smart home connectivity, capable audio, and video calling in a moderate footprint.”
Amazon Echo Show 5 (Newest Model) Smart Display with Alexa – Charcoal
For a bedside table or crowded desk, the Echo Show 5 keeps Alexa’s visual features close at hand without the footprint of the Echo Show 8. Its 5.5-inch touchscreen can show the time, weather, photos, or a video call, and the camera shutter gives privacy a direct, visible control. The tradeoff is a screen that feels cramped for watching shows or following a recipe from across a kitchen; the larger Echo Show 8 is a better shared-room display and adds a more capable camera and built-in smart home hub. This model’s full-range speaker supports everyday listening, but it is not the pick for room-filling audio. Amazon Sidewalk is enabled by default, and some services may require subscriptions.
Pros:- Compact body fits nightstands and small desks
- 5.5-inch touchscreen shows useful glanceable information
- Camera shutter and mic/camera off button provide direct privacy controls
- Recycled fabric and aluminum are used in its construction
Cons:- Small screen is limiting for video viewing and kitchen use
- Lacks the Echo Show 8’s built-in Zigbee, Matter, and Thread hub
- Amazon Sidewalk is enabled by default and some services may require subscriptions
Best for: People with limited bedside or desk space who want Alexa alarms, quick updates, and occasional video calls
Not ideal for: Buyers who plan to watch video often, view recipes from a distance, or need a built-in hub for smart home devices
- Display:5.5-inch touchscreen
- Dimensions:5.8 x 3.6 x 3.2 inches
- Weight:16.1 oz (456 g)
- Camera:2 MP camera with built-in shutter
- Audio:Full-range 1.75-inch built-in speaker
- Wi-Fi:Dual-band 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
- Bluetooth:A2DP audio streaming, AVRCP voice control
- Processor:MediaTek MT 8169 B
Our verdict“Pick the Echo Show 5 when space is tight and glanceable Alexa features matter more than a large screen or integrated smart home hub.”
Amazon Echo Show 11 Smart Display with Full HD Screen and Spatial Audio
The Echo Show 11 gives shared spaces a more readable Alexa screen than the Echo Show 8, with a 10.95-inch Full HD panel that can make recipes, calls, and streaming easier to follow at a glance. Its built-in Zigbee, Matter, and Thread hub covers smart home connections, while the 13 MP camera offers auto framing and 3.3x zoom for video calls. Compared with the wall-filling Echo Show 21, it takes up less space and keeps the setup closer to a conventional countertop display. Still, its 45.92-ounce body needs a substantial surface, and its screen is far smaller than the 21-inch model for household dashboards or TV viewing. Amazon Sidewalk is enabled by default unless previously turned off.
Pros:- 10.95-inch Full HD touchscreen provides more detail and viewing area than the Echo Show 8
- Zigbee, Matter, and Thread support for compatible smart home devices
- 13 MP camera includes auto framing and 3.3x zoom
- Spatial audio with a woofer and two full-range drivers
Cons:- Larger footprint and weight than the Echo Show 8
- Much smaller screen than the Echo Show 21 for viewing across a room
- Amazon Sidewalk is enabled by default unless previously turned off
Best for: Households that want a Full HD Alexa screen for shared viewing, recipes, calls, and compatible smart home control
Not ideal for: Buyers who need a compact bedside display or want the largest screen for Fire TV and household dashboards
- Display:10.95-inch Full HD touchscreen, 1920 x 1200 resolution
- Dimensions:10 x 5 x 7.2 inches
- Weight:45.92 oz (1302 g)
- Camera:13 MP with auto framing and 3.3x zoom
- Audio:2.8-inch woofer and two full-range drivers
- Wi-Fi:Wi-Fi 6E
- Smart home hub:Zigbee, Matter, and Thread Border Router
- Privacy controls:Microphone and camera disable button; camera controls on device and in app
Our verdict“Choose the Echo Show 11 for a substantial Full HD Alexa display that adds smart home connectivity without taking over a wall.”
Amazon Echo Show 21 Smart Display with Fire TV
The Echo Show 21 is the choice for buyers who want Alexa and streaming on a screen large enough to serve as a household focal point. Its 21-inch Full HD display, built-in Fire TV, and included remote make watching shows more natural than on the Echo Show 11, while customizable widgets can keep calendars and lists visible. It also supports Zigbee, Matter, and Thread devices, so it can act as both a screen and a smart home control point. That reach comes with a physical commitment: at 21.4 inches wide and 10.7 pounds, it needs substantial counter space or a suitable wall location. For bedside use or a modest kitchen, the Echo Show 8 is easier to place.
Pros:- 21-inch Full HD screen with built-in Fire TV
- Included remote supports conventional TV-style control
- Customizable widgets keep household information visible
- Zigbee, Matter, and Thread support plus camera privacy shutter
Cons:- Large size and 10.7-pound weight require careful placement
- Some apps, skills, and services may require subscriptions or fees
- Less practical for bedside use than the Echo Show 5 or Echo Show 8
Best for: Households seeking a large kitchen or wall display for Fire TV, shared calendars, video calls, and smart home controls
Not ideal for: People with limited counter or wall space, or those who mainly want a compact Alexa device for alarms and quick updates
- Display:21-inch Full HD, 1920 x 1080
- Dimensions:21.4 x 13.2 x 1.5 inches
- Weight:10.7 lb
- Camera:13 MP with shutter
- Audio:Two 2-inch woofers and two 0.6-inch tweeters
- Wi-Fi:Wi-Fi 6E; tri-band, dual-antenna MIMO
- Smart home connectivity:Zigbee, Matter, and Thread Border Router
- Orientation:Landscape or portrait
- Included accessory:Fire TV remote
Our verdict“Choose the Echo Show 21 if you have room for a large shared display and want Alexa, Fire TV, and household widgets in one device.”
Amazon Echo Show 5 Smart Display with Alexa, Cloud Blue
This Cloud Blue Echo Show 5 suits buyers who want a small Alexa screen for weather, photos, compatible camera views, and occasional video calls. Its camera shutter and mic/camera off control give it a clear privacy advantage over a screenless speaker, while the recycled fabric and aluminum add material details not listed for the Echo Show 11. Its core compact format, however, shares the Echo Show 5’s main limitation: a 5.5-inch display is less comfortable for extended video or reading recipes than the Echo Show 8’s larger screen. Camera and smart home functions also depend on compatible devices, and video calls are limited to Alexa app users and screen-equipped Echo devices. This is a focused bedside display, not a room-wide entertainment screen.
Pros:- Compact 5.5-inch display fits a bedside table
- Camera shutter and mic/camera off button offer privacy controls
- Can show compatible camera feeds and support video calls
- Uses recycled polyester fabric yarn and recycled aluminum
Cons:- Small screen is less suited to extended video viewing than the Echo Show 8
- Camera and smart home features depend on compatible devices
- Video calls are limited to Alexa app users and Echo devices with a screen
Best for: Alexa users who want a compact bedside screen for quick updates, photos, and calls with compatible Echo devices or the Alexa app
Not ideal for: People who want an expansive screen for streaming, recipes, or calls with a broad range of video calling platforms
- Display:5.5 inches
- Camera:2 MP
- Color:Cloud Blue
- Smart assistant:Alexa
- Recycled materials:100% post-consumer recycled polyester fabric yarn and 100% recycled aluminum
Our verdict“Pick this Cloud Blue Echo Show 5 for a compact, privacy-conscious bedside Alexa screen when occasional calls and quick updates are enough.”
Amazon Echo Show 11 (Newest Model) Smart Display with Alexa, Graphite
The Echo Show 11 hits the sweet spot that most smart displays miss: big enough to be genuinely useful, small enough to live anywhere. Its Full-HD 11-inch screen offers 60% more viewing area than the Echo Show 8, which matters most for recipes, video calls, and camera feeds viewed from across a room. The AZ3 Pro chip and Omnisense sensing let the display adapt to who is standing in front of it — something no smaller Echo Show can do. Compared with the wall-oriented Echo Hub, this model doubles as a real media device with spatial audio and doubled bass. The tradeoff is footprint: it demands counter or shelf space the Show 5 doesn’t, and its smartest features hinge on Alexa+ availability.
Pros:- Full-HD 11-inch screen with 60% more viewing area than the Echo Show 8
- Built-in smart home hub removes the need for separate bridges or hardware
- Spatial audio with up to 2x the bass of previous models doubles as a music speaker
- Auto-framing camera with 3.3x zoom makes video calls feel natural from a distance
Cons:- Advanced features depend on Alexa+ availability in your region
- Larger footprint won’t suit small nightstands or tight counters
- Visual ID and presence sensing may concern privacy-conscious buyers despite the disable button
Best for: Households wanting one do-everything display for recipes, video calls, music, and smart home control
Not ideal for: Buyers with cramped nightstands or small apartments who would find the footprint oversized
- Display:11-inch Full-HD touchscreen
- Processor:AZ3 Pro chip
- Smart Home Hub:Built-in
- Camera:Auto-framing, centered, 3.3x zoom, noise reduction
- Audio:Spatial audio, up to 2x bass vs Echo Show 8 (2023)
- Technology:Omnisense temperature, presence, and visual ID detection
- Streaming:Prime Video, Netflix, and more
- Color:Graphite
Our verdict“If you want a single display that handles entertainment, communication, and smart home duty without compromises, this is the one to buy.”
Amazon Echo Hub (Like-New), 8″ Smart Home Control Panel, Designed for Alexa+
For pure smart home command duty, the Echo Hub does the job of devices costing far more, and the certified refurbished route makes it the value play of this lineup. Its built-in hub covers Zigbee, Matter, Thread, Sidewalk, WiFi, and Bluetooth, so it replaces separate bridges for most ecosystems — a claim the Echo Show 5 can’t make. Unlike the Echo Show 15, which splits its attention between streaming and widgets, the Hub’s dashboard is purpose-built for adjusting lights, locks, and thermostats at a glance. The catch is scope: there’s no real entertainment appeal here, and the table stand and power-over-ethernet adapter are sold separately, so budget for mounting before you commit.
Pros:- Built-in hub supports Zigbee, Matter, Thread, Sidewalk, WiFi, and Bluetooth devices
- Certified refurbished with the same limited warranty as a new unit
- Wall-mountable design keeps counters clear and controls always visible
- Mic-off button and multiple privacy controls built in
Cons:- Wall mount accessories, table stand, and PoE adapter are separate purchases
- Refurbished units ship in generic packaging, which matters if this is a gift
Best for: Smart home enthusiasts who want a dedicated wall-mounted control panel without paying new-unit prices
Not ideal for: Anyone expecting a general-purpose display — there’s no meaningful music or video experience here
- Display:8 inches
- Condition:Certified Refurbished (Like-New)
- Warranty:Same limited warranty as new device
- Connectivity:WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Matter, Sidewalk, Thread
- Built-in Hub:Yes
- Mounting:Wall-mountable; stand and PoE adapter sold separately
- Recycled Materials:27%
Our verdict“This makes the most sense for buyers who want serious smart home control on a budget and already own a display for entertainment elsewhere.”
Amazon Echo Show 15 (Newest Model, Like-New Refurbished) – 15.6″ Full HD Smart Display with Fire TV
The Echo Show 15 is the family-binder replacement: a 15.6-inch Full HD board for shared calendars, to-do lists, camera feeds, and now built-in Fire TV streaming. Where the Echo Show 11 works best as a personal assistant on a counter, this model is designed to be mounted where the whole household sees it — the auto-framing camera and 3.3x zoom handle video calls from across a kitchen. The refurbished certification carries the same limited warranty as new, which softens the risk on a larger purchase. Tradeoffs are real: it’s overkill for a nightstand, wall hardware isn’t confirmed in the box, and Fire TV’s appeal depends on subscriptions you may already pay for elsewhere.
Pros:- 15.6-inch 1080p display large enough to read widgets and watch shows from across a room
- Built-in Fire TV with a remote opens up thousands of streaming apps
- Customizable widgets turn it into a genuine family organization tool
- Camera shutter plus mic/camera-off button provide layered privacy controls
Cons:- Refurbished unit may arrive in generic packaging
- Wall mounting accessories are not confirmed as included
- Streaming value depends on subscriptions you may already have on another TV
Best for: Busy families who want a wall-mounted hub for schedules, camera monitoring, and kitchen TV viewing
Not ideal for: Bedroom or desk users — the size is impractical and the shared-family features go unused
- Screen Size:15.6 inches
- Resolution:1080p Full HD
- Condition:Like-New (certified refurbished)
- Built-in Features:Fire TV, Alexa voice control
- Camera:Auto-framing, wide field of view, 3.3x zoom
- Privacy Controls:Mic/camera-off button, camera shutter
- Remote:Fire TV remote included
- Warranty:Same limited warranty as new device
Our verdict“Skip it for personal spaces, but for a kitchen wall where the whole family interacts, this is the most capable shared display in the lineup.”
Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) Smart Display, Cloud Blue (Like-New)
Sometimes a display just needs to fit on a nightstand, and the Echo Show 5 is the lineup’s best answer to that constraint. Its 5.5-inch touchscreen handles timers, weather, alarms, and morning news without swallowing surface space — the Echo Show 11 looks comical in the same spot. The 2 MP camera with a physical shutter is a welcome touch for a device that often lives in bedrooms, and the full-range speaker delivers surprisingly clear vocals for its size. Compared with the Echo Hub, this model trades hub capability for versatility: it’s an alarm clock and mini entertainment screen first, a smart home controller second. Some skills require subscriptions, and ad-hoc Wi-Fi networks aren’t supported.
Pros:- Genuinely compact footprint fits nightstands, desks, and bathroom counters
- Physical camera shutter plus mic/camera-off button suit private spaces
- Full-range speaker with deeper bass than its size suggests
- Refurbished pricing on a device certified to look and work like new
Cons:- 5.5-inch screen is too small for recipes, maps, or group video calls
- Some Alexa skills and services require subscriptions or extra fees
- No support for ad-hoc Wi-Fi networks
Best for: Bedroom users who want a compact alarm clock, video-call screen, and bedside smart controller in one
Not ideal for: Anyone wanting a primary smart home hub or a screen for watching video from across a room
- Display:5.5-inch touchscreen
- Camera:2 MP with built-in shutter
- Speaker:1.75-inch full-range speaker
- Dimensions:5.8 x 3.6 x 3.2 inches (147 x 91 x 82 mm)
- Weight:16.1 oz (456 g)
- Wi-Fi:Dual-band 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
- Bluetooth:A2DP and AVRCP support
- Condition:Refurbished, certified to look and work like new
Our verdict“The right choice for a second or third Alexa screen in private spaces — just don’t make it your only one.”
Amazon Echo Hub (Newest Model), 8″ Smart Home Control Panel
The new-unit Echo Hub is the best option for buyers building a serious smart home around a permanent wall panel. Its customizable dashboard with resizable sections outclasses the widget layouts on the Echo Show 15 for pure device control, and its multi-protocol hub — Zigbee, Matter, Thread, Sidewalk — means one panel can manage an entire mixed ecosystem without bridges. With Alexa+ and a Ring subscription, voice-searching camera footage becomes genuinely useful. Compared with its refurbished sibling, buying new guarantees current hardware and full retail packaging. The honest drawback: this is a specialist tool. It won’t replace an Echo Show for music or video, and accessories like the table stand are extra.
Pros:- Customizable dashboard with resizable tiles scales from a few devices to a full home
- Handles Zigbee, Matter, Thread, Sidewalk, WiFi, and Bluetooth devices without extra hubs
- Wall mounting with cable pass-through options enables a clean built-in installation
- Built-in security system control plus Ring camera summaries and voice footage search
Cons:- Alexa+ Ring features require a separate Ring subscription
- Mounting accessories, in-wall cable pass-throughs, and table stands are sold separately
- No meaningful entertainment capability for the price of a full smart display
Best for: Homeowners installing a permanent, always-visible control panel for a large multi-protocol smart home
Not ideal for: Renters or casual users — a dedicated panel is overkill when a single Echo Show 8 covers the basics
- Display Size:8 inches
- Connectivity:WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Matter, Sidewalk, Thread
- Built-in Hub:Yes
- Wall Mountable:Yes
- Voice Assistant:Alexa+
- Recycled Materials:27%
Our verdict“If your smart home has outgrown voice commands alone, this is the wall panel to build around — as long as you accept it’s a controller, not an entertainment device.”
Amazon Echo Show 5 Smart Display with Alexa, Glacier White
Smaller than the Echo Show 8 yet covering the same core Alexa skills, this 5.5-inch model stands out as the low-commitment entry point of the lineup. It handles video calls, streaming, and smart home controls, and its 2 MP camera can pull up feeds from compatible doorbells — useful for checking the front door without leaving bed. Where it gives ground to the Show 8 and Echo Show 15 is screen real estate and audio: a 5.5-inch display is fine for timers and weather, cramped for recipes or shows. The physical camera shutter and mic-off button are welcome at this size, since bedside devices live closest to your personal space. Some features assume you already own compatible devices or services, so budget buyers starting from zero should factor that in.
Pros:- Compact size fits nightstands, desks, and small bathrooms
- Built-in camera shutter and mic/camera-off button for physical privacy control
- Supports video calls, streaming, and smart home controls despite the small footprint
- Made with recycled fabrics and aluminum in fully recyclable packaging
Cons:- 5.5-inch screen is cramped for recipes, video, or camera feeds
- Some features require compatible devices, services, or a Prime membership for full cloud photo storage
Best for: Bedside or desk users who want Alexa basics — alarms, weather, calls — without paying for a big screen
Not ideal for: Anyone wanting a kitchen hub or primary streaming screen; the small display and modest speaker can’t carry those jobs
- Display:5.5 inches
- Camera:2 MP
- Voice Assistant:Alexa
- Color:Glacier White
- Privacy Features:Microphone and camera off button; built-in camera shutter
- Recycled Materials:100% post-consumer recycled polyester fabric; 100% recycled aluminum
- Packaging:100% recyclable
Our verdict“A sensible low-cost way to put Alexa on a nightstand, as long as you accept the small screen and light speaker.”
Amazon Echo Show 15 Full HD Smart Display with Fire TV
The Show 15 plays a completely different role than the bedside Echo Show 5: it’s a 15.6-inch Full HD wall panel meant to run the household. Customizable widgets surface calendars, to-do lists, weather, and smart home controls at a glance, and built-in Fire TV with an included remote turns it into a genuine secondary TV — something no smaller Echo Show attempts. Video calls benefit from the centered auto-framing camera with 3.3x zoom and noise reduction, which matters on a screen the whole family gathers around. Compared with the Echo Show 8, it trades desk-friendliness for visibility: it’s overkill on a nightstand but ideal mounted in a kitchen or entryway. The tradeoff is that some streaming apps behind the Fire TV layer require their own subscriptions.
Pros:- Customizable widgets turn the screen into a shared family organizer
- Built-in Fire TV with included remote supports full streaming apps
- Smart home dashboard works with both voice and touch
- Auto-framing camera with 3.3x zoom and noise reduction improves group video calls
Cons:- Large footprint requires wall-mounting or dedicated counter space
- Some streaming services accessible through Fire TV require separate subscriptions
Best for: Busy households that want a shared family dashboard for schedules, chores, and smart home control in a central spot
Not ideal for: Solo users or small apartments where a 15.6-inch panel is excessive and a Show 8 covers the same jobs
- Display:15.6-inch Full HD (1080p)
- Streaming:Built-in Fire TV
- Camera:Centered auto-framing camera with 3.3x zoom and noise reduction
- Included Accessory:Fire TV remote
- Privacy Controls:Mic/camera-off button and built-in camera shutter
- Voice Assistant:Alexa
Our verdict“The right pick if you want one screen the whole household shares for organizing and entertainment, not a personal assistant.”
Amazon Echo Show 8 Smart Display (Newest Model), 8.7-Inch HD Screen, Spatial Audio, Glacier White
This version of the Show 8 sits in the sweet spot between the compact Echo Show 5 and the wall-mounted Echo Show 15, and its headline advantage is the built-in smart home hub — the Show 5 and Show 15 in this lineup don’t offer one. That means compatible lights, locks, and sensors connect directly, which simplifies setup considerably if you’re building out an Alexa home. The AZ3 Pro chip keeps responses quick, spatial audio fills a kitchen or bedroom better than the Show 5’s small speaker, and the centered auto-framing camera with 3.3x zoom keeps you in frame during calls. On-device privacy controls for camera and mic are solid. The caveats: hub features only matter if you own compatible devices, and the newest Alexa+ experience is referenced without clear availability details.
Pros:- Built-in smart home hub connects compatible devices without extra hardware
- Spatial audio delivers noticeably fuller sound than smaller Echo Show models
- Auto-framing camera with 3.3x zoom improves video calls
- AZ3 Pro processor keeps voice responses and routines responsive
Cons:- Hub features require compatible smart home devices to be useful
- Alexa+ features are promoted but availability details aren’t provided, leaving some capability uncertain
Best for: Smart home builders who want a mid-size display that doubles as a direct hub for compatible devices
Not ideal for: Buyers with no smart home devices — the hub goes unused and a cheaper Show 5 covers the same basics
- Display:8.7-inch HD touchscreen
- Audio:Spatial audio
- Processor:AZ3 Pro chip
- Smart Home Hub:Built in
- Camera:Centered auto-framing camera with 3.3x zoom
- Color:Glacier White
- Privacy Controls:Microphone and camera disable button; on-device and in-app camera controls
- Voice Assistant:Alexa
Our verdict“The best-balanced pick for someone who wants one device that controls a smart home, makes calls, and sounds good doing it.”
How We Picked
I evaluated each display against four buyer-relevant criteria: screen size and placement fit, audio quality, smart home capability, and value relative to condition. Screen size drove the biggest ranking weight because it determines where a display realistically lives — a 5-inch screen suits a nightstand, an 8-to-11-inch screen suits a counter or desk, and a 15-to-21-inch screen demands wall mounting. Audio mattered next, since spatial audio on the Show 8 and Show 11 makes music and calls noticeably better than the smaller Show 5 speakers.
The ranking also separates duplicates within Amazon’s own lineup. Where the same hardware appears in multiple colors or in Like-New refurbished condition, I judged whether the variation offers real value (a refurb discount on a big screen) or just cosmetic choice. Finally, I weighed the Echo Hub separately from the Show line because it targets a different buyer entirely: someone building a dedicated control panel rather than an all-purpose display.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Smart Displays With Alexa
Before picking a specific model, it helps to understand what actually separates a satisfying smart display from one that gathers dust. These are the factors I weighed most heavily when ranking the 13 options.Screen Size Should Match the Room, Not Your Ambition
The most common mistake buyers make is upsizing beyond the space. A 5-inch display works on a nightstand or bathroom counter where you only glance at it; anything larger feels wasted there. The 8-to-11-inch range suits kitchens and desks, where you will actually watch recipe videos or make video calls. The 15-and-21-inch models are wall appliances — if you are not prepared to mount one, they consume surface space you will resent. Match the screen to where it will physically live before comparing any other spec.
Decide Whether You Want Entertainment or Control
Amazon’s lineup splits into two philosophies. The Show line blends entertainment, video calls, and smart home control — the Show 15 and Show 21 even include Fire TV so they double as televisions. The Echo Hub strips entertainment away entirely and focuses on being a wall-mounted control panel for cameras, thermostats, and lights. Buyers who already own a TV often overpay for Fire TV features they never open; conversely, smart home enthusiasts buying a Show may find its control interface less glanceable than a dedicated dashboard. Decide which job the device fills before choosing a line.
Audio Quality Scales With Screen Size Here
Because this roundup is entirely Amazon hardware, audio tiers are predictable: the Show 5 has the weakest speaker, fine for alarms and brief responses but thin for music. The Show 8 and Show 11 include spatial audio, which makes a genuine difference for music and calls in small-to-medium rooms. If you plan to use the display as a kitchen speaker, stepping up one size class pays off more than any other upgrade in this lineup. If it is purely an information screen, save the money.
New Versus Like-New Refurbished
Several entries here are Like-New refurbished units, and the math differs by model. On an inexpensive Show 5, a refurb discount barely moves the needle and a new unit with full peace of mind makes more sense. On the Show 15 or Echo Hub, refurbished pricing on larger or more specialized hardware can meaningfully change the value equation. Amazon’s refurbishing carries the same warranty as new, but buyers who gift devices or resell later may prefer new condition regardless. Consider how long you plan to keep the device when weighing this.
Camera and Privacy Considerations
The Show 8 and Show 11 include cameras suited to video calling, while the Echo Hub omits one — appropriate for a device often mounted in hallways. Every model here includes a physical camera shutter or mic button, but placement still matters: a camera-equipped display in a bedroom invites different habits than one in a kitchen. If nobody in the household will use video calls, paying for a camera and then covering it is wasted capability. Buyers should also check whether household members will use Alexa voice profiles, which work better on displays with better mics.
Color and Finish Are Not Purely Cosmetic
This lineup includes Graphite, Charcoal, Cloud Blue, and Glacier White variants, and the choice affects perceived fit more than buyers expect. A white or blue unit on a dark kitchen counter draws the eye; a graphite unit nearly disappears against most cabinetry. Because the hardware is otherwise identical across colors, this is the one place in the buying decision where pure preference should rule. One caution: color variants sometimes ship with different availability, so if a specific finish matters, confirm it before building your setup around that model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Echo Show 8 worth the extra cost over the Echo Show 5?
For most buyers, yes — the Show 8’s larger HD screen and spatial audio make it far better for recipe videos, video calls, and music, while the Show 5 is best treated as a secondary device for a nightstand or spare room. The camera on the Show 8 also frames video calls more comfortably. The Show 5 remains the right call if you only need alarms, timers, weather, and voice control, or if you are buying several units for different rooms on a budget. Think of the Show 5 as an Alexa speaker with a bonus screen and the Show 8 as a genuine mini media hub.
What is the difference between the Echo Hub and the Echo Show models?
The Echo Hub is a dedicated smart home control panel: an 8-inch wall-mountable screen designed around camera feeds, thermostat control, lighting scenes, and Alexa+ integration, with no camera or entertainment focus. The Show models blend those control functions with video calling, music, and — on the 15 and 21 — Fire TV streaming. If your goal is a wall dashboard by the front door or thermostat, the Hub is purpose-built and cleaner to use. If you want one device that does everything, a Show model fits better despite being less specialized.
Are the Like-New refurbished Echo displays a safe buy?
Amazon’s Like-New units are refurbished to the same inspection standard and carry the same warranty as new devices, so the risk is low in practical terms. The value case is strongest on the bigger screens — a refurbished Show 15 or Echo Hub saves real money on hardware you intend to keep for years. On a Show 5, the gap between new and refurbished pricing is small enough that new condition often makes more sense. The main reason to insist on new is gift-giving or resale plans; for personal, long-term use, refurbishment is a reasonable way to reach a larger screen.
Should I buy the Echo Show 15 or the Echo Show 21?
The deciding factor is wall space and TV ambitions. The Show 15 is the more flexible of the two — it fits kitchens, hallways, and home offices where a family calendar and Fire TV streaming are useful without dominating the wall. The Show 21 behaves more like a wall-mounted television with smart display features layered on top, making it better for a living area, workout room, or outdoor kitchen. Both run Fire TV and serve as household dashboards, so the question is purely whether you want a display or a TV-first hybrid. If you are hesitating, the 15 is the safer default.
Which Alexa smart display is best for a beginner?
The Echo Show 5 is the lowest-commitment entry point: small, simple, and inexpensive enough that a misjudged purchase is not painful, while still covering timers, weather, music, and voice control. Its limitations — modest audio and a small screen — rarely bother first-time users who have not developed habits around a bigger display yet. A beginner who already knows they want video calling and kitchen use should start at the Show 8 instead, since it avoids an immediate upgrade cycle. Avoid starting with the Echo Hub, as it assumes an existing smart home ecosystem to control.
Conclusion
Choosing among these 13 displays comes down to matching the device to its job. For best overall, the Amazon Echo Show 8 (Newest Model) delivers the most balanced mix of screen, audio, and camera for the way most households actually use a smart display. The best value pick is the Echo Show 5, which covers everyday Alexa essentials without asking much in return. For best premium, the Echo Show 21 with Fire TV offers the largest screen and a true wall-television experience for buyers committed to mounting it. Beginners should start with the Show 5 and graduate up once their habits justify it, while buyers with a specific smart home focus will find the Echo Hub the better tool despite its narrower scope. Whatever you choose, let the room — not the spec sheet — make the final call.
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