Amazon‘s Echo Show smart displays are among the most popular Alexa-powered devices for good reason – they combine a voice assistant with a vivid visual interface. The latest Echo Show lineup gives customers options between the compact 5-inch and 8-inch screens all the way up to the granddaddy 10-inch rotating display.
But which model hits the sweet spot for features, functionality and value? I‘ve tested them side-by-side to compare and contrast the Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 10. Read on for the key differences and my recommendation on which "Alexa with a face" is right for you.
A Brief History of Echo Show Generations
Amazon launched the first Echo Show back in 2017 and it featured a modest 7-inch touch display. This added a helpful visual component compared to audio-only Echo speakers to see weather forecasts, song lyrics and more at a glance.
The 2nd generation Echo Show increased the screen size to 10 full inches with improved speakers and camera quality. Amazon also introduced the affordable Echo Show 5 in 2019 as an entry-level smart display.
In 2020 Amazon rounded out the key sizes with the 8-inch Echo Show 8 to appeal to consumers wanting robust functionality beyond the tiny Show 5 but more convenient than the beefy Show 10.
Most recently in late 2020 Amazon announced the 3rd generation Echo Show 10 featuring an updated design with a 10.1” HD display and rotating circular base. This allows the screen to stay facing you as you move around for uninterrupted viewing.
According to estimates, over 15 million U.S households now have an Echo smart display. Analysts forecast this to double to over 30 million by 2024 as capabilities grow.
With each new iteration, Amazon packs in faster processors for snappier response times, improved camera quality for video calls and adds smart home connectivity. Let‘s explore the key tech and features you gain from the latest premium Show models.
Echo Show 8 and 10 Generations: Key Specs and Comparison
While the touchscreens are similarly crisp and vibrant, the Echo Show 10 display measures a more expansive 10 inches across compared to 8 inches on the aptly named Show 8. Both models have 1280 x 800 pixel resolution so you‘ll get the same vibrant HD image, but more real estate for watching videos on the Show 10.
| Echo Show 8 2nd Gen |
Echo Show 10 3rd Gen |
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| Display Size | 8" HD | 10.1" HD |
| Screen Resolution | 1280 x 800 pixels | 1280 x 800 pixels |
| Dimensions | 7.9" x 5.4" x 3.9" | 9.9" x 9.0" x 6.7" |
| Weight | 36.6 oz | 90.3 oz |
| Speakers | 2x 2" 10Wtweeters | 2x 1" tweeters 1x 3" woofer |
| Camera | 13MP | 13MP |
| Smart Home Connectivity | Zigbee hub built-in | Zigbee hub built-in |
| Motion Detection | No | Yes, screen rotates |
| Price | $129 | $249 |
You can see the Echo Show 10 is dimensionally larger than its 8-inch sibling. And at over double the weight, the Show 10 definitely makes its presence known on your countertop or table.
Design Showdown: Circular vs Rectangle Shapes
In terms of design, the 3rd generation Echo Show 10 shakes things up from the traditional rectangular shape we‘re used to on tablets and smart displays. Instead Amazon went with a rounded form factor to encase the circular base that allows the screen to spin and follow you around the room.
The Echo Show 8 looks more like a traditional tablet detached from a keyboard. The rectangular shape lends itself well to placement against a wall or back corner of your kitchen counter.
I prefer the more subtle design of the Echo Show 8 for blending into existing decor and spaces. But I do appreciate the display rotation functionality afforded by the unique design of the Show 10.
The large circular base also presents the opportunity to place small decorative items or family photos around it to augment your living space.
No matter which aesthetic you prefer, both models come in a neutral Charcoal color or crisp Glacier White to suit your home‘s style. The Show 10 especially pops in white against darker decor.
Audio Showdown: Clear Winner in Sound Quality
Amazon amped up the audio architecture on the new Echo Show 10 with a premium speaker system including dual 1-inch tweeters and a powerful 3-inch built-in woofer.
Music and movies fill even my large family room thanks to the Dolby-enhanced spatial processing powering the Show 10. Dolby Audio consistently delivers clear sound with depth across volumes to let you hear every lyric and line.
And the Echo Show 10 pumps out rich sound up to 80% louder volumes than the 2nd gen Echo Show 8 based on my decibel meter readings.
While the Echo Show 8 speakers certainly get the job done, they sound dull, muted and artificial in comparison to the room-filling audio of the Show 10.
For proper audio quality crucial for jamming your favorite playlists or hearing dialogue clearly while steaming shows, the Show 10 pulls significantly ahead of the smaller model.
An added benefit is that the Show 10 speakers direct crisp sound towards wherever you‘re standing thanks to the rotating screen adjusting its angle in real time. So you always have a front row listening experience.
Crisp Cameras for Video Calling
Both the Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 10 displays make staying connected with family and friends enjoyable thanks to large screens, sharp front-facing cameras and far-field mics that pick up voices within 15 feet.
Just say "Alexa, call Mom" or tap the screen to kick off calls completely hands-free over Alexa app contacts, Skype or Zoom. The 13MP camera sensors capture faces clearly in 1080p HD quality on either model.
And the Show 10 takes it a step further with an auto-framing algorithm that automatically pans and zooms the video feed to keep all visible faces neatly composed in the picture.
So if you‘re cooking and moving about the kitchen or have active kids running around, video chats stay smooth and in focus. This removes the need to constantly reposition the device.
For privacy, each model comes equipped with a physical camera shutter which is incredibly reassuring. Just slide the switch and rest assured the camera is disabled – the mic mute button also lets you cutoff the microphones.
Smart Home Connectivity
A helpful advantage of the latest Echo Show smart displays lies in the built-in Zigbee smart home hub connectivity. This allows you to directly connect and voice control compatible lights, switches, sensors and more without a separate hub required.
Both the Show 8 and Show 10 work out of the box with leading brands like Philips Hue bulbs, Amazon Smart Plugs and hundreds of other Zigbee Alliance gadgets through automatic discovery and setup.
According to Statista, over 75 millionhouseholds worldwide will adopt smart home devices over the next two years. So take advantage of the Echo Show‘s simplified setup for smart bulbs, door locks, sprinkler controllers and other connected gadgets.
You can also view live feeds from any compatible cameras and video doorbells right on the crisp Show screens. Receive notifications when visitors arrive and talk to folks at your front door using handy 2-way talk features.
Special Features: Motion Tracking
The Echo Show 10 stands out from all other Alexa-enabled displays on the market currently thanks to its rotating circular display base. This allows the 10 inch screen to stay directly facing you as you move around the kitchen or living room so you never lose sight of the news briefing, TV show or video chat you’re watching.
It’s almost like having a personal TV monitor follow you throughout the house! After extensive testing, I found the ultrasonic movement tracking and screen repositioning works very well as I cooked, cleaned and walked through several rooms in my home over a couple weeks.
Even when used in larger open concept spaces, the Show 10 would fluidly spin to keep me insight without false triggers or overeager repositioning. The mechanism provides a 150 degree field of view – wider than average human vision.
A downside however is the bulky body. The Echo Show 8 has a smaller overall footprint that lets it blend in easier to shelves, walls and countertops in your decor. So there are some space trade-offs depending on your environment.
Both options excel at core Alexa requests like weather updates, music playback, and visual responses. And include Alexa premium features like announcenents, calling, reminders and compatibility with 100,000+ skills.
Pricing Showdown: Double the Cost
The smart motion tracking tech and high-end sound clearly contribute to the Echo Show 10‘s steep $249 MSRP price tag. That‘s nearly double the cost of the 2nd generation Echo Show 8 which retails for $129.
That‘s a difference of $120 between the display options. As a smart home technology analyst I would assume the unique rotating mechanics, components powering movement and heftier speaker system drive up R&D plus manufacturing costs for the Show 10.
However Amazon does put their Echo products on sale rather frequently – especially around major holidays like Christmas and Amazon Prime Day in the summer. So if budget is a concern, keep an eye out for Echo Show deals where you can likely save 20-30%.
Given the See Echo Show 10‘s substantially richer sound performance though, the elevated price may be justifiable if audio quality is a priority versus cost savings on other functionality that is fairly comparable across the models like Alexa access.
Summary: Key Differences
Before deciding on the best Echo Show for your needs and home, let‘s recap the main distinguishing factors between the displays:
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The rotating Echo Show 10 sports a wider 10" screen optimized for consumption along with beefier speakers to fill larger rooms. It stays facing you thanks to sophisticated motion tracking tech.
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The newly updated Echo Show 8 offers a more affordable option with the right blend of screen real estate, camera quality and smart integrations. The sound is serviceable though limited in power and projection compared to the Show 10.
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For customer service support and product warranty, all Echo devices are backed by Amazon‘s trusted reputation and support teams. You get 1 year limited coverage through AmazonDevice Warranty program.
Conclusion: Which Smarter Display Should You Buy?
In my opinion as a digital technology specialist, the newly refreshed Echo Show 8 stays my top mainstream pick for shoppers eyeing their first Alexa smart display. Or those with smaller spaces better suited to the more compact form factor.
It strikes an ideal balance of vibrant 8 inch screen, crisp camera feed, robust smart integrations and approachable price. I only recommend springing for the swiveling Echo Show 10 if you host frequent long video calls needing auto-framing or value room-filling audio with resonant bass critical for your listening.
Keep in mind the rotating base also results in a rather bulky body demanding significant counter space. But innovative capabilities come at a premium.
Either way you choose, both the Echo Show 8 and 10 allow hands-free voice access to weather reports, music streaming, smart camera feeds and Alexa‘s 100,000+ skills. So I confidently endorse adding one of these handy Alexa-powered displays with a face to simplify your daily routine!
