This Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) review breaks down Amazon’s smartest display yet — combining upgraded audio, improved Alexa responsiveness, and seamless smart home integration in one clean, minimalist package. With a faster processor, adaptive content that adjusts based on your presence, and richer sound for calls, music, or video playback, it’s more than just a smart screen — it’s a versatile home hub.
Whether you’re using it to check security cams, control lights, manage your calendar, or just stream recipes and weather while making breakfast, the 3rd Gen Echo Show 8 feels more intuitive and polished than previous versions. It’s also packed with features like video calling with auto-framing, widget support, and a new centralized smart home dashboard — making it one of the most well-rounded smart displays Amazon has dropped to date.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Display | 8″ adaptive color HD touchscreen |
| Audio | Spatial Audio, dual front-firing speakers |
| Camera | 13MP with auto-framing + cover |
| Smart Hub | Built-in (Supports Matter + Thread) |
| Voice Assistant | Alexa |
| Privacy | Mic + camera controls |
| Color Options | Charcoal, Glacier White |
| Price | ~$149.99 |
🎯 Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) Review: Key Features That Stand Out
🔊 The 3rd Gen Echo Show 8 features a redesigned speaker system with spatial audio support, delivering richer and more directional sound than previous versions. It’s widely regarded as the best-sounding Echo Show yet — especially in the mid-size 8″ category. Bass is deeper, vocals are clearer, and volume fills medium-sized rooms with ease.
🧠 This version includes a Zigbee and Matter-compatible smart home hub, meaning it can directly control a wide range of smart plugs, lights, locks, and sensors without needing a separate bridge or hub. It also supports Thread, making it more future-ready for smart home expansions.
📸 The upgraded 13-megapixel camera uses auto-framing tech to keep you centered during video calls, similar to Center Stage on Apple devices. It’s a huge step up from older models with lower-res or fixed-position cameras, and it helps create more natural, face-to-face interactions.
🛡️ Includes physical privacy controls—a mechanical camera shutter and an electronic mic/camera off button. These are important privacy features that give users visible and tactile ways to block or disable the device when not in use.
🖥️ The display uses ambient light sensors to automatically adjust brightness levels based on your surroundings. This makes the screen feel more natural in both dark and bright environments, reducing glare and boosting readability without needing manual tweaks.
📌 A Few Things Worth Knowing
🔌 The Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) requires a constant power connection to function — there’s no internal battery or portable option. That means you’ll always need to place it near an outlet, which limits mobility around the house. Unlike some tablet-style smart devices, you can’t just unplug it and carry it to another room for quick use.
🛏️ While compact compared to larger smart displays, the Echo Show 8’s sloped rear design and 8-inch screen can still take up a fair bit of space. On tight nightstands, narrow counters, or small shelves, it might feel a bit intrusive or awkward, especially compared to smaller Echo Dots or more minimal hubs.
📵 The Echo Show doesn’t support official Google apps like YouTube, Google Photos, or Google Calendar in app form. You can access some services through the built-in Silk or Firefox browser, but the experience is more clunky and less seamless than native support. YouTube playback works — but lacks full feature integration like casting or account syncing.
📦 To get the most out of this device, you’ll want to already be using Amazon services. It shines when paired with Prime Video, Alexa-powered routines, Ring cameras, and other Echo-compatible gear. If you’re deep in the Google or Apple ecosystem, some features may feel limited or redundant. It’s clearly optimized for Alexa households.
The Echo Show 8 in black blends into any space while handling music playback with ease.
With its adaptive screen and stereo sound, the Echo Show 8 handles streaming content like a pro.
🧠 Final Thoughts on the Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) Review
The Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) marks a true refinement in Amazon’s smart display lineup — not just a facelift. Its upgraded spatial audio and adaptive content make it more intuitive and responsive, while the improved 13MP smart-framing camera elevates video calls dramatically. Whether you’re checking the weather, managing your smart devices, or chatting with family, the interface feels quicker and more natural. Alexa now responds more locally and privately thanks to a built-in smart home hub and enhanced on-device processing. It’s also compatible with Matter, which makes future-proofing your smart setup a lot easier.
Visually, it holds its own in any space — the sleek curves, centered display, and adaptive brightness all feel more premium than you’d expect at this size. And the 8-inch screen is the sweet spot: big enough for video and home control without taking over your desk or nightstand. For under $150, it nails the all-in-one formula — blending music, video calls, automation, and home control into one compact, high-performing hub. If you want a smart display that pulls weight across multiple roles and looks good doing it, the 3rd Gen Echo Show 8 is a strong, future-ready pick.
Get the Echo Show 8 and enjoy better sound, smarter Alexa control, and seamless home integration.
