The Alexa Echo Device Comparison Chart

Amazon Echo is a wide range of devices that feature internet connectivity, multimedia functionality, and support for the Alexa digital assistant. The first device came out in 2014 with the debut of the original Amazon Echo smart speaker. The brand has since expanded significantly with newer speaker models and entirely different form factors such as wearables and even an Amazon Echo device for cars. This quick guide breaks down each type of Amazon Echo product line in addition to comparing older Echo models to the latest versions.

New Amazon Echo Devices in 2020 and 2021

In 2020, Amazon announced new models for their Echo, Echo Dot, and Echo Show range of Alexa-enabled devices. While the more recent fourth-generation Echo and Echo Dots came out in late-2020 and are now available for purchase, the new Echo Show, the Echo Show 10, is expected for release sometime in early to mid-2021.

Current Echo Device Line-Up Comparison

Due to Amazon’s strong support for almost all of their Amazon Echo devices with frequent software updates, most of them could technically be described as current even though they aren’t the latest model. The following chart compares the latest versions of each of the main Echo products while the charts underneath compare several generations of each Echo type.

Amazon Echo Comparison

This chart breaks down all of the technical differences between the primary Amazon Echo product line. Note that the two Echo Plus models are considered to be the second and third-generation Echo models.

Amazon Echo Dot Comparison

The Echo Dot is the smaller, though still feature-packed, sibling of the main Echo line of devices. The first three Echo Dots use a hockey puck disk design, while the fourth-generation model has a spherical look. Additional Echo Dot with Clock and Echo Dot Kids Edition versions of the third and fourth generation models are also available with the same hardware as the base models but with a visible digital clock on the former and additional safety features and cute colorful designs on the latter.

Amazon Echo Show Comparison

The Show devices are Alexa Echo-enabled multimedia devices with a screen for watching content and a built-in camera and microphone for communicating with friends and family via video calls. Amazon called the first Echo Show in the second generation the second-generation Echo Show. In contrast, Amazon's second and third models added to the second generation were called the Echo Show 5 and the Echo Show 8.

Comparing Other Amazon Echo Devices

In addition to the Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, and Echo Show Alexa product lines, there are several other Echo devices that Amazon has released over the years for various use cases and niche demographics. Here’s how the Echo Flex, Echo Auto, Echo Tap, Echo Spot, and Echo Studio Alexa devices differ regarding specs and features.

Comparing the Wearable Alexa Product Line

Amazon’s virtual assistant, Alexa, isn’t just available via smart speakers and screens; it's also in a couple of Amazon Echo wearable devices such as the Echo Buds earbuds and Echo Frames smart glasses.

Vintage and Obsolete Amazon Echo Devices

Several Amazon Echo products have been officially discontinued.

Vintage Amazon Echo Wearables

Amazon discontinued the first-generation Echo Frames; the second generation is still available. The experimental Echo Loop smart ring sold out, and it’s unclear if Amazon will produce more. Either device should still function if you manage to get your hands on one.

Amazon has discontinued the production of the Amazon Echo Tap though it should still work if you manage to find one.

• Echo Frames (1st gen)
• Echo Loop
• Echo Tap

Obsolete Amazon Echo Devices

The Echo Look was a precursor to Echo Show and was an intelligent selfie camera. All Echo Look devices were remotely disabled in mid-2020 so, even if you manage to buy one, it won't function.

• Echo Look