Amazon Echo Show 8 Review: The Smart Display That Does More
The Amazon Echo Show 8 is the newest model in Amazon’s smart‑display lineup, offering an 8.7‑inch HD touchscreen, spatial audio, and a 13 MP camera that automatically frames you during video calls. In this comprehensive Echo Show 8 review we’ll explore the design, performance, price, and how it compares to the Echo Show 5, plus a step‑by‑step guide on how to set up Echo Show 8 for the first time.
Amazon Echo Show 8: Design and Display
Amazon has refined the aesthetic of the Echo Show 8 with a slimmer bezel and a sleek Glacier White finish that blends into most home décor. The 8.7‑inch HD display delivers 1280 × 800 resolution, which is about 15 % larger than the previous generation, giving you more screen real‑estate for recipes, video calls, and streaming. The screen uses an anti‑glare coating, so it remains readable even in bright kitchen light.
The device is built around an AZ3 Pro chip that handles voice processing locally, reducing latency when you ask Alexa for the weather or to play music. The built‑in smart‑home hub supports Zigbee, Matter, and Bluetooth Low Energy, meaning you can pair lights, locks, and thermostats without an extra bridge.
How to set up Echo Show 8
Setting up the Echo Show 8 is straightforward. Plug the power adapter into a wall outlet, wait for the device to boot, and follow the on‑screen prompts. You’ll be asked to connect to Wi‑Fi, sign in with your Amazon account, and optionally enable Alexa+. The setup wizard also walks you through granting camera and microphone permissions, which is essential for video calls and voice commands.
During setup, you can choose to sync your photo library from Amazon Photos or your phone, turning the screen into a digital picture frame when idle. The Omnisense technology learns your routines, adjusting lighting and temperature based on presence detection, which you can fine‑tune in the Alexa app.
Audio, Camera & Video Call Quality
The Echo Show 8’s spatial audio system uses two 2‑inch drivers and a passive radiator to produce room‑filling sound. Amazon claims up to 2× bass compared to the 2023 model, and user reviews confirm crisper vocals when streaming music from Amazon Music or Spotify. The built‑in speaker also supports Dolby‑compatible streaming for movies on Prime Video or Netflix.
Does Echo Show 8 have a camera? Yes – a 13 MP camera with auto‑framing and 3.3× digital zoom. The camera automatically tracks movement, keeping you centered during calls, and includes noise‑reduction microphones for clear audio. Privacy shutters can be manually closed, and a red LED lights up whenever the camera is active.
Crystal‑clear video calls
When you start a call via Alexa or the Alexa app, the device switches to “Live View” mode, allowing you to monitor pets or a front door camera without answering. The camera’s low‑light sensor ensures you’re visible even in dim rooms, and the built‑in AI can blur the background if you prefer.
Many reviewers praise the Echo Show 8 for its reliable video‑call performance, especially compared to the Echo Show 5, which has a lower‑resolution camera and a narrower field of view. If you frequently use FaceTime‑style calls, the Echo Show 8’s camera and audio combo is a noticeable upgrade.
Smart Home Integration & Everyday Use
One of the strongest selling points of the Echo Show 8 is its ability to act as a central hub for your smart home. With built‑in Zigbee and Matter support, you can add devices directly from the screen without opening the Alexa app. For example, you can tap a light bulb icon on the display to turn a kitchen light on or off, or ask Alexa to set a “Good Night” routine that locks doors, dims lights, and adjusts the thermostat.
The Omnisense AI adds a layer of contextual awareness: the device can detect temperature changes, motion, or even recognize individual faces (if you enable visual ID). This lets you trigger automations like turning on a fan when the room gets warm, or displaying a personalized greeting when a family member walks in.
Echo Show 8 vs Echo Show 5
When comparing Echo Show 8 vs Echo Show 5, the differences are clear. The Show 8 offers a larger, brighter screen, a higher‑resolution camera, and more powerful audio. The Show 5 is cheaper, making it a good entry point for those who only need basic voice assistance. However, if you plan to watch videos, follow recipes, or use video calls regularly, the Show 8’s extra screen real‑estate and audio depth justify the higher Echo Show 8 price.
Price‑wise, the Echo Show 8 typically retails around $129.99, while the Echo Show 5 hovers near $84.99. Seasonal discounts can bring the Show 8 down to under $100, which is competitive against other smart displays like Google Nest Hub Max.
Privacy, Security & Software Updates
Amazon has added several privacy safeguards to the Echo Show 8. In addition to the physical camera shutter, the device offers a microphone mute button and a clear visual indicator when the mic is active. Voice recordings can be automatically deleted after a set period, and you can review or delete them from the Alexa app.
Software updates are pushed automatically, ensuring you receive the latest Alexa features, security patches, and new skills. The device also supports the new Alexa+ subscription, which gives you access to premium AI features like personalized recommendations and advanced natural‑language understanding, but only if you have an active Amazon Prime membership.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Amazon Echo Show 8?
The Amazon Echo Show 8 delivers a well‑rounded smart‑display experience that balances visual appeal, audio performance, and robust smart‑home integration. Its 8.7‑inch HD screen and auto‑framing camera make it a solid upgrade over the Echo Show 5, especially for families that rely on video calls or enjoy streaming media in the kitchen.
If you already own an Echo device and want a larger screen for recipes, video chats, or as a home‑automation hub, the Echo Show 8 is worth the extra cost. However, if you’re on a tight budget and only need basic voice control, the Echo Show 5 still offers solid functionality at a lower price point.
Overall, the Echo Show 8 earns a strong recommendation for anyone looking to centralize their smart home, enjoy high‑quality media, and stay connected with family through video calls.
