Amazon has officially revived the Echo Spot for 2024, with the device getting a new design and features to modernize the iconic smart alarm. It joins an ever-growing list of Amazon devices built around Alexa, the most notable of which is the popular Echo Dot (5th Gen). But what exactly is the difference between these two smart devices, and which is better for your home?
From pricing and design to sound quality and more, here’s what you need to know about the Echo Spot and Echo Dot before making a purchase.
Pricing and design
The new Echo Spot costs $80, making it much more expensive than the $50 Echo Dot (5th Gen). The two share similar footprints, with the circular Dot clocking in with a diameter around 4 inches and the Echo Spot standing around 4 inches tall and 4 inches deep. The big difference is that the Echo Spot features a semicircle design with a touchscreen display. The Echo Dot, meanwhile, is controlled largely via voice commands. Both are easy on the eyes, but the overall price of the Dot makes it the better option for frugal shoppers.
Winner: Echo Dot (5th Gen)
Sound quality
The Echo Spot and Echo Dot (5th Gen) both use a 1.73-inch front-firing speaker. These aren’t going to fill a large room with crisp sound, but they’re perfectly fine for a home office or bedroom. In other words, they sound about how you’d expect for a speaker in this price range, offering something that’s neither low-quality nor ultra-premium.
Winner: Tie
Features and smart home connectivity
Because the Echo Spot has a touchscreen, it’s much easier to control and monitor than the screen-less Echo Dot (5th Gen). The 2.83-inch touchscreen is ideal for using the device as a smart alarm or keeping track of what music is playing. You can even customize its appearance to better fit your home decor.
However, the Echo Dot (5th Gen) is equipped with a Temperature Sensor — one of the few advantages it has over the Echo Spot.
Here’s a look at the shared features of the Spot and Dot:
- Support for Alexa voice commands
- Built-in microphone
- Support for Routines
- Access to apps like Spotify, Amazon Music, and Apple Music
- Tap to snooze alarms
Winner: Echo Spot
Which is better for your smart home?
The Echo Spot and Echo Dot (5th Gen) share many of the same features. But because the Echo Dot is $30 cheaper, it’s likely the better option for most shoppers. With the same speaker as the Echo Spot, support for Alexa, and a stylish design, it works incredibly well as a central hub for a connected smart home.
The Echo Spot works just as well, and there’s no denying its display makes it easier to use certain applications. That’s especially true when using it as an alarm clock, as you can quickly see the time and customize its appearance to fit your personality. So if you plan to place your device on a nightstand, the Echo Spot is an easy recommendation. But if you’re looking for something to put in your kitchen, living room, or office, the Echo Dot can save you cash while offering many of the same features.
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