For a holiday gift that can stay out on the kitchen counter long after the decorations come down, the newest Echo Show 8 combines an Alexa screen, video-call camera and smart-home hub in one device. Its larger display and spatial audio make it more useful for shared rooms than a screen meant only for quick voice requests.
Get the latest gadgets delivered free with Prime
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
- Member-only deals all year
It isn’t the right fit for every home: camera privacy depends on using the device’s controls, and there’s no headphone jack or external speaker output. Here’s what it offers and who is likely to get the most from it.
Our top pick at a glance
Echo Show 8
- ✔ Processor: AZ3 Pro with AI accelerator
- ✔ Sensors: Temperature, light, presence and visual ID
- ✔ Bluetooth: Version 5.4
A screen that earns its place in a shared room
The 8.7-inch HD touchscreen has 15% more viewing area than the previous display, with an 800 x 1340 resolution. That extra room is practical for checking information at a glance, viewing photos, or following along with Alexa features while you move around the kitchen or living room.
For a holiday setup, place it somewhere people naturally gather, with a clear view of the screen and camera. Alexa+ can show photo slideshows and offer personalized recommendations, so it can feel more like a shared household display than a device tucked away on a desk.
Better sound and a camera built for calls
One 2.8-inch woofer and two full-range drivers deliver spatial audio, with up to twice the bass of the previous model. That makes the Echo Show 8 a more capable room speaker for everyday listening, though the supplied facts don’t make it a substitute for a dedicated audio setup.
The 13 MP camera supports auto-framing and 3.3× zoom, helping keep people in view during video calls. It may suit relatives who want a simple way to make calls from a shared space, especially if the household already uses Alexa.
A practical starting point for smart-home control
The built-in hub supports Zigbee, Matter, Thread, Border Router and Amazon Sidewalk. That broad support can make the Show 8 a useful central screen for compatible smart-home devices, rather than requiring a separate hub for every setup.
Its AZ3 Pro processor is designed for fast performance, and the device also includes ambient temperature, light and presence sensors, plus visual ID through Omnisense. Alexa+ features include visual ID routines. Check that the devices and features you plan to use are compatible before wrapping it as a smart-home starter gift.
The trade-offs to consider before gifting
The Echo Show 8 is a substantial countertop device: it measures 8.2 by 5 by 5.9 inches and weighs 37 ounces. It needs a convenient place to stay plugged into the household routine, so it is less suited to someone who wants a small, portable screen.
There is no dedicated headphone jack or external speaker output. The product facts also specify no physical camera cover, so camera privacy depends on the user disabling the hardware controls when desired. That may make it a poor match for someone who wants a visible mechanical shutter or prefers not to keep a camera in a shared room.
More Details on Our Top Picks
Echo Show 8
The newest Echo Show 8 pairs an 8.7-inch HD touchscreen with spatial audio, a 13 MP auto-framing camera and a broad built-in smart-home hub. It is a strong fit for an Alexa household that will use the screen for calls, everyday viewing and compatible home devices.
Pros:
- Larger 8.7-inch HD touchscreen
- Spatial audio with enhanced bass
- 13 MP camera with auto-framing
- Built-in Zigbee, Matter and Thread hub
Cons:
- No headphone jack or external speaker output
- No physical camera cover
- Needs a permanent spot in a shared room
Best for: Alexa households wanting a shared display for calls, photos and compatible smart-home control.
Not ideal for: People who want a portable screen, external speaker connection or physical camera shutter.
Bottom line: Consider it for an Alexa-friendly home that will make regular use of a shared screen, camera and smart-home hub.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.
