The Amazon Echo Show 8 has been reimagined—literally. The fourth-generation model abandons the wedge-shaped base of its predecessors for a sleek, floating design that makes the 8.7-inch screen appear to hover in midair. Underneath, a custom AZ3 Pro chip and a revamped speaker system promise faster Alexa+ responses and deeper bass, while onboard sensors detect who’s in the room and adjust the display accordingly. But with a $179.99 price tag and a critical privacy omission, this isn’t a no-brainer for everyone.
For those already embedded in the Alexa ecosystem, the Echo Show 8 delivers a compelling blend of video calling, smart home control, and media playback. Its 1080p display handles video chats smoothly, though streaming support remains limited to Prime Video and Netflix without the full Fire TV app. The optional $40 metal stand adds tilt and rotation, making it ideal for kitchens or living rooms where flexibility matters.
A Floating Design With Tradeoffs
The Echo Show 8’s most striking feature is its design—a spheroid base that cradles the screen, giving it a premium, almost futuristic look. The 8.7-inch display itself is sharper and more immersive than the previous 8-inch model, with slimmer bezels. Volume controls sit neatly on the right edge, just below a privacy button that mutes the mics and disables the camera. However, the physical shutter that once blocked the lens is gone, a glaring omission for users concerned about privacy in bedrooms or shared spaces.
Pairing the Echo Show 8 with Amazon’s optional stand transforms it into a fully articulated display, tilting up to 40 degrees and rotating a full 360 degrees. The stand’s magnetic connection feels sturdy, and the added functionality justifies its $40 cost—though the display alone remains a strong choice for those who prefer simplicity.
Audio and AI: A Step Forward, But Not Perfect
Inside, the AZ3 Pro chip powers Alexa+, Amazon’s AI-driven assistant, which now responds more quickly to wake-word commands and adapts to natural language. The speaker system has also been upgraded, replacing a passive radiator with a 2.8-inch woofer for richer bass. In testing, the difference was noticeable—background music in the kitchen now has weight, though it’s still no match for dedicated speakers.
Alexa+ itself is a mixed bag. It occasionally misunderstands commands or struggles with context (like confusing a Taylor Swift cover album for the original), but it’s improving. For now, users can toggle between Alexa+ and the classic Alexa, though the latter lacks the new processor’s optimizations. The $20 monthly fee for Alexa+ (free for Prime members) remains untested, but Amazon’s promise of free access for Prime users eventually may ease concerns.
Smart Home and Media: A Hub With Limits
The Echo Show 8 functions as a Zigbee and Matter hub, supporting a wide range of smart home devices, though it lacks Z-Wave compatibility—a notable gap in Amazon’s ecosystem. Onboard sensors use Omnisense technology to detect presence and adjust the display’s interface dynamically, scaling buttons for distance or triggering routines when someone enters a room.
Media playback is solid for Prime Video and Netflix, but third-party apps rely on the clunky Silk browser. For serious streaming, the larger Echo Show 15 or 21 would be better suited. Music support covers most major services, though YouTube Music and Qobuz remain absent.
Video Calls and Privacy Concerns
As a video calling device, the Echo Show 8 excels. The 13MP camera follows you during calls, and the 1080p display makes it ideal for remote conversations. However, the lack of a physical camera shutter raises eyebrows—especially when competing displays like Google’s Nest Hub Max offer hardware-based privacy controls.
For smart home control, the Echo Show 8 is a powerhouse, but its streaming and AI limitations may frustrate power users. If you’re already in the Alexa ecosystem and prioritize design, audio, and smart features over perfect privacy or advanced streaming, this is the best smart display Amazon offers right now.
Should You Upgrade?
The third-generation Echo Show 8 remains a capable device, particularly for those who value its privacy shutter and identical smart home hubs. The new model’s floating design and audio upgrades are compelling, but the $179.99 price (or $219.99 with the stand) may not justify the switch unless you want the latest features. For most users, the decision comes down to whether the floating design and deeper bass are worth the tradeoff in privacy and potential AI quirks.
If you’re buying new, the Echo Show 8 is the smartest choice in Amazon’s lineup—just be mindful of where you place it.
